Skip to Content
Join our Facebook Group!

Episode 110 – Creating Unforgettable Family Adventures: Trip Report to the UK (& beyond) with Leanne McHarg

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated:

In episode 110 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with Leanne McHarg, a fellow Aussie from Glen Innes, New South Wales, to share an in-depth trip report of her family’s recent adventure to the UK. Leanne, a self-employed bookkeeper, travelled with her husband and three children, aged 19, 16, and 13, making it a memorable family holiday before her eldest heads off to university.

Leanne provides a detailed account of their three-week journey, which included stops in Zurich, Paris, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin.

She discusses their travel logistics, including the decision to use trains for most of their European travel, and the advantages of booking tickets early to secure the best prices.

The family’s itinerary was thoughtfully planned, taking into account school holidays and Easter, which influenced their travel dates and destinations.

The episode dives into the highlights of their trip, from visiting iconic attractions like Madame Tussauds in London, the Imperial War Museum, and a tour of Lord’s Cricket Ground, to exploring Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Leanne shares how they balanced the interests of all family members, ensuring each had a memorable experience, whether it was visiting the NBA store in London or taking a day tour to Glencoe and Loch Ness.

Leanne also offers practical tips for fellow travellers, such as the importance of using apps like Citymapper for navigation, the benefits of packing cubes, and the peace of mind provided by Apple AirTags. She emphasises the value of flexibility in travel plans and preparing each night for the following day’s activities.

This episode is packed with useful insights and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for anyone planning a family trip to the UK and Europe.

Whether you’re planning your own family adventure or just love hearing about travel experiences, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and tips.

Click the blue button below to listen:

This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to my disclosure here for more information.

Timestamps

  • 00:00:00 ” Welcome to episode 110 of the UK Travel Planning podcast
  • 00:01:08 ” Leanne McHarg says she doesn’t like the heat in Australia
  • 00:01:52 ” You, your husband and your three kids went on a family travel trip
  • 00:03:54 ” You travelled to Europe with your brother-in-law for three weeks
  • 00:08:18 ” I was searching for podcasts on Paris because we don’t speak the language
  • 00:09:55 ” You had your three kids with you on your London trip
  • 00:14:42 ” We travelled a lot around Europe by train, so it was cheaper
  • 00:18:03 ” I’ve done a whole trip by train and I just found it amazing
  • 00:21:13 ” What were your favourite experiences and places that you visited
  • 00:25:15 ” Please do use our affiliate links to help support the podcast
  • 00:27:33 ” You did some hop on, hop off bus tours in Dublin and London
  • 00:29:34 ” So where did you stay and what were your standout accommodation choices
  • 00:31:34 ” Food was our most expensive cost while we were away, Leanne says
  • 00:35:58 ” Leanne shared some tips she used when planning her London trip
  • 00:38:36 ” Doug’s train tips were a godsend for our travel by train
  • 00:42:54 ” You know, it’s definitely handy. You don’t need to worry about where your luggage is
  • 00:43:44 ” You talked about what you brought back from your trip
  • 00:45:41 ” Leanne came on the hundredth episode and she was fantastic
  • 00:46:19 ” Thank you for listening to this week’s UK Travel Planning podcast

Click here to download a PDF Transcript of Episode 110

Useful planning resources (videos, podcasts & articles)

IMG 9807
IMG 9808
IMG 9810 2
IMG 9813
IMG 9815
IMG 9820
IMG 9817
IMG 9818
IMG 9811 3
IMG 9812
IMG 9814
IMG 9816
IMG 9819
IMG 9825
IMG 9822
IMG 9823
IMG 9824
IMG 9821

Subscribe and review

If you have found our Podcast helpful please leave us a review! We really appreciate your support and it will help make our podcast visible to a greater audience.

Please subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS >>
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY >>
LISTEN TO ALL OUR PODCASTS >>

🇬🇧 Plan your trip to the UK 🇬🇧

We are here to help you plan your trip to the UK – wherever you are heading in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Our step by step guide to planning your trip and our itinerary planning challenge are great places to start. Join our free UK and London Travel Planning group on Facebook and chat with other travellers planning (or recently returned) from the UK.

Subscribe and receive our monthly news with travel tips and special offers plus podcast updates. Click here to subscribe!

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: There is no connected account for the user 17841429157452358.

🎉We did it! We passed 350,000 downloads of the UK...

28 0
Open
🎉We did it! We passed 350,000 downloads of the UK TRAVEL PLANNING PODCAST! 🎧Thank you to each and every one of you who has listened to the podcast. ❤️ And a HUGE thank you in particular to our monthly sponsors - we appreciate you so much. Thank you to all of our guests 💕 - we love chatting with you about your trips. Plus of course all our wonderful partners (who all agree to come onto the podcast - some on multiple occasions!) My next aim - 1 million! Come on team we can do it! 💪 #podcast #travelpodcast #travelpodcaster #uktravel #uktravelpodcast #uktravelplanning #uktravelplanningpodcast

In episode 127 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast,...

18 1
Open
In episode 127 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Melissa Jones, a first-time international traveller from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who shares her exciting London trip report. Melissa recounts her solo adventures in London, from iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Kensington Palace, and the Tower of London, to cultural gems such as the Victoria and Albert Museum. Discover her tips for planning an itinerary, navigating public transport, and the importance of pre-booking attractions to avoid long queues. Melissa also shares her experiences of indulging in traditional British cuisine, including sticky toffee pudding, fish and chips, and a memorable afternoon tea at Claridge’s. She offers insights into her shopping adventures, highlighting unique finds from Covent Garden’s antique market and London’s renowned department stores. Whether you’re curious about solo travel in London or eager to hear about Melissa’s favourite spots and tips, this episode is packed with inspiration for your own UK adventure. #outandaboutwithuktravelplanning #uktravelplanningpodcast #uktravelplanning #uktravel #visitbritain #travelpodcast #solotravel #tripreport #visitlondon #highclerecastle #london🇬🇧

December is one of the most magical times of the...

14 0
Open
December is one of the most magical times of the year to visit London. ✨ The city comes alive with festive spirit, offering visitors an unforgettable experience filled with twinkling lights, seasonal events, and that quintessential holiday charm. 🎅 The streets are adorned with sparkling decorations, from the iconic Oxford Street lights to the enchanting displays in Covent Garden. 🎊 London’s historic landmarks, like Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral, look especially beautiful when framed by festive illuminations or, if you’re lucky, a light dusting of frost. ❄️ For those looking for unique experiences, there’s plenty beyond the usual lists of activities. 👉 Head to Hampton Court Palace to experience an outdoor ice rink set against the stunning backdrop of Tudor architecture, or take a candlelit tour of the historic palace for a more atmospheric evening. 👉 For a quirky seasonal twist, visit the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, where special winter storytelling sessions bring maritime history to life for all ages. 👉 If you’re after something more serene, the Geffrye Museum offers a fascinating look at Christmas traditions through time, set in beautifully preserved period rooms. 👉 For foodies, indulge in a winter feast at the Pergola Paddington, an open-air rooftop dining experience made cozy with heaters, blankets, and festive menus. December in London offers endless opportunities to soak up the festive atmosphere, making it a truly magical time to visit. With so much to do, you’re sure to leave the city with a heart full of holiday spirit and memories to last a lifetime. 🎄

In episode 126 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast...

16 1
Open
In episode 126 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast unlock the secrets of London with our latest adventure, where we promise you’ll discover how to explore the best of the city without emptying your wallet. Join us as we navigate through a London three-day itinerary masterfully designed by Daryl Bennett from GoCity, revealing not just the famous landmarks like the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral but also hidden treasures such as the immersive art of Frameless and the historical gems of the Florence Nightingale Museum. In our previous conversation with Daryl (UK Travel Planning Podcast Episode #106), we uncovered strategies for maximizing the London Pass to make your journey enjoyable and cost-effective. In this episode, we test it out! Experience the ease and flexibility of the London Pass app, from the modern art delights of the Moco Museum to the historical depths of Apsley House and the majestic views from the Greenwich Meridian – Daryl’s itinerary offers something for every traveller. Whether a scenic Thames ride to Greenwich or an insightful Yeoman Warder tour at the Tower of London, our episode guarantees a comprehensive guide to making the most of your time in London with the London Pass. #outandaboutwithuktravelplanning #uktravelplanningpodcast #uktravelplanning #uktravel #visitbritain #travelpodcast #londonpass #londonitinerary #visitgreenwich #londoneye #stpaulscathedral #toweroflondon #cuttysark #mocomuseum

✨ London’s Christmas Lights ✨

Get into the...

23 1
Open
✨ London’s Christmas Lights ✨ Get into the festive spirit with some of London’s most magical Christmas light displays: 1️⃣ Covent Garden 🎄✨ 2️⃣ Burlington Arcade 🎁💎 3️⃣ Cartier, New Bond Street 💎🎀 4️⃣ Royal Arcade 🌟🎄 5️⃣ Regent Street 🎅✨ And there’s more to come! Follow for more festive London spots over the next few days 🎄🎥 #londonchristmaslights #festivelondon #christmasinlondon #outandaboutwithuktravelplanning #uktravelplanningpodcast #uktravelplanning #london