Episode 2: Introduction to travelling the UK by train (tips + advice to help plan your UK rail adventures)

In episode 2 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, I’m joined by my husband and co-founder of UK Travel Planning, Doug Collins.

With over 25 years of experience working on the UK rail network, Doug shares his expert insights into train travel across the UK. From the scenic East and West Coast mainlines to the romance of the Caledonian Sleeper, we chat about the joys (and occasional frustrations!) of exploring Britain by rail.

Doug also shares his top tips for planning a smooth UK train journey – plus a few favourite lines and future adventures on his wish list.

🎧 Click the player below or listen on your favourite app.

Click here to download a PDF transcript for Episode 2

Episode 2 – Show Notes

🚆 What We Cover in Episode 2

• Doug’s background working in the UK rail industry
• Why trains are one of the best ways to explore the UK
• Advantages and disadvantages of train travel in Britain
• Favourite UK train journeys:
  • East Coast Mainline
  • West Coast Mainline
  • CrossCountry services
• Doug’s tips for smoother travel
• Scenic and heritage lines (like the Dartmouth Steam Railway)
• The magic of the Caledonian Sleeper
• Doug’s future plans: Jacobite Steam Train and more
• The future of UK rail – heritage projects and line reopenings

🚉 Trains & Routes Mentioned

East Coast Mainline

• London to Edinburgh via Peterborough, York, Durham, and Newcastle

West Coast Mainline

• London to Glasgow with branches to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Edinburgh

CrossCountry Services

• Intercity: Plymouth to Edinburgh, Bournemouth to Manchester Piccadilly
• Regional: Cardiff Central to Nottingham, Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport

Dartmouth Steam Railway

• A 6.7-mile heritage railway from Paignton to Dartmouth in Devon

Caledonian Sleeper

• Overnight sleeper service between London Euston and destinations in Scotland, including Edinburgh, Fort William, and Inverness

Useful resources