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Episode 114 – From Cotswold Villages to London Landmarks: Krista Beck’s Family Trip Report

In episode 114 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins chats with Krista Beck about her family’s unforgettable 12-night journey through the UK. 

Krista dives into their experiences in Bath, the Cotswolds, and London, sharing the joys of visiting the UK with her husband and children. Highlights include a stay in the picturesque Broadway Village, historical visits to Highclere Castle and the Tower of London, and engaging activities like air rifle lessons and miniature golf at Putt Shack. 

Krista also offers practical travel tips, such as using contactless credit cards for transportation and staying in hotels with breakfast included. Hear about their memorable meals and adventures through Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and beyond. Tracy and Krista emphasize the importance of prioritising experiences, living in the moment, and the benefits of planning yet being flexible. 

Don’t miss this episode filled with valuable insights, delightful anecdotes, and heartfelt recommendations for a perfect UK family trip! Tune in now to enrich your travel planning and get inspired for your next UK adventure.

Click the blue button below to listen:

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

Episode 114 – Show Notes

Timestamps

  • 00:00 Krista visited before this was the first trip with her family
  • 03:41 Focused on 3 areas, enjoyed local scene.
  • 08:38 Tracy travelling with daughter to Paris
  • 13:32 London’s beauty, ease of navigation, and tranquillity.
  • 16:04 Exploring London’s parks, Kensington, and city activities.
  • 20:07 Fun Easter tea, hotels offered lovely breakfast.
  • 23:34 Highclere tour “Earl and the Pharaoh” was special.
  • 26:43 Capturing memories in family pictures is invaluable.
  • 28:19 Planning multiple trips, struggling to decide.
  • 31:40 Prioritise experiences, avoid trying to see everything.

Places mentioned in this episode include

  • Broadway Village and Castle Combe: Picturesque Cotswolds villages.
  • Sudeley Castle: A historic English castle known for its beautiful gardens and as the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII.
  • Highclere Castle: Famous as the filming location of “Downton Abbey,”.
  • Putt Shack: An innovative mini-golf venue in Kensington, where the family had fun.
  • Covent Garden: A vibrant area of London with fabulous shopping and dining opportunities.
  • Pick & Cheese: A restaurant in the 7 Dials Market noted for its conveyor belt service.

Click here to download a PDF Transcript of Episode 114

Useful resources

🏨 List of accommodations mentioned in the episode (with notes from Krista)

  • All had the benefit of a pool and the option for breakfast included.  Krista booked larger rooms or suites for extra space at each location.

📍Bath – Bath Priory – Beautiful, quiet, great suite with bunk bed room for the kids, lovely garden, a bit of a walk to town.

📍Broadway (Cotswolds) – Lygon Arms – Loved it here so much, we had the Gordon Russell Suite, which was sort of in the attic and was completely charming.  

📍London – Haymarket Hotel – Boutique Hotel. Fantastic.

📸 Krista booked a family photoshoot with Domi of Scalens studio. For a 10% discount off your booking use code UKTP10 at checkout.

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🎉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, 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 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 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 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