Episode 176 – A Literary-Themed UK Family Adventure (Part 1)
In episode 176 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins welcomes listener Lauren Eanes to share her family’s literary-themed adventure across England. Lauren, a Lutheran pastor from Virginia, crafted a sabbatical trip for her blended family of six using their shared love of books to design an unforgettable itinerary.
From visiting sites that inspired beloved authors like Charles Dickens, Roald Dahl, A.A. Milne, Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis, to balancing sightseeing with downtime, Lauren shares the highlights and challenges of travelling the UK with teens. Tracy and Lauren also chat about planning strategies – booking train tickets, car hire logistics, using Airbnbs and meal deals to stay on budget, and why starting the trip with a private transfer set the tone for stress-free travel.
This inspiring conversation blends practical advice with heartfelt storytelling, offering ideas for anyone dreaming of a family-friendly UK adventure.
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Episode 176 – Summary
What you’ll learn in this episode
- How to plan a themed UK itinerary around family favourite books and authors
- Tips for engaging teens and tweens in both the planning and travel experience
- Ways to balance sightseeing and downtime when travelling with children
- Practical advice for using trains, booking car hire, and arranging private airport transfers
- Smart strategies for saving money with Airbnbs, meal deals, and budget-friendly dining
- The benefits of guided tours and when a self-guided approach works best
- Real-life insights into the joys and challenges of travelling as a family of six
- Why building rest days and flexibility into your itinerary keeps everyone happy
- How to make literary connections come alive in real UK destinations
UK places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
UK Places Mentioned
- Broadstairs, Kent >> Seaside town linked to Charles Dickens; family visited the Dickens House Museum.
- Ramsgate & St. Lawrence College >> Connection to the Jennings series by Anthony Buckeridge; features a blue plaque.
- Ashdown Forest >> Inspiration for Winnie the Pooh; family joined a guided Pooh Trek, played Poohsticks, and visited Pooh Corner.
- London >> Major literary and cultural sites including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Daunt Books, and a Shakespeare & Dickens walk.
- Cookham Dean >> Setting for The Wind in the Willows; family walked National Trust trails through the woods that inspired the story.
- Great Missenden >> Roald Dahl’s hometown; site of the Roald Dahl Museum and countryside walks (museum closed on their visit).
- Oxford >> Home to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien; family enjoyed a Tolkien & Lewis tour, scavenger hunts, and visits to Blackwell’s bookshop.
- Watership Down, Hampshire >> Explored the Downs and landscapes from Richard Adams’ novel.
- Bath & Westbury >> Visited Bath Abbey and the historic centre; skipped the Roman Baths by teen choice.
- Harry Potter Studio Tour, London >> Literary meets pop culture; family highlight.
Food & Drink Mentioned
- Please Sir, Broadstairs >> Dickens-themed burger restaurant claiming “the best burger you’ve ever eaten” — and Lauren’s family agrees!
- Duck & Waffle, London >> High-rise restaurant with panoramic city views; a teen favourite for brunch.
- Indian Restaurants >> Lauren’s go-to for casual meals — praised as “the best everyday dining in Britain.”
- Meal Deals >> Affordable supermarket lunch combos (sandwich, snack, and drink) ideal for families on the go.
Words & Concepts Mentioned
- Blue plaque >> Sign marking a building linked to a famous person or event.
- Pooh Sticks >> Classic Winnie the Pooh game involving floating sticks under a bridge.
- Private transfer & car hire >> Used XFA Cars for Heathrow transfers; hired a car in Slough for flexibility.
- Roundabouts >> Key UK driving feature; tackled confidently using Tripiamo’s tutorials.
- AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) >> Protected scenic landscapes in the UK.
- Self-guided trails >> National Trust and local routes for literary and scenic walks.
Related content on UK Travel Planning and London Travel Planning
Podcasts
- Episode #46 – Discovering the Magic: A Guide to Visiting Harry Potter Studios in London
- Episode #13 – Trip report: A fun-filled family adventure in London
- Episode #123 – Family Fun in London: Cathy Stephens’ Trip Report
Articles
- Literary England (Best destinations for book lovers)
- London with kids
- London with Teens: The Complete Guide to the Top Teen Activities & Attractions
