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Episode 133 – Discovering London: 5 Unmissable Experiences for Your 2025 Adventure

In episode 133 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, join Tracy Collins as she unveils her top five must-experience adventures in London, perfect for both first-time visitors and those seeking to add something special to their next trip. From iconic landmarks to unique cultural traditions, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help you make the most of your London adventure.

Discover the magic of London’s historic sites, learn how to capture stunning views of the city from above and along the Thames, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions that make London truly unique. Tracy also shares her love for London’s diverse neighbourhoods and vibrant markets, and reveals a bonus experience you won’t want to miss.

  • Experience London’s Iconic Landmarks
  • See London from a Different Angle
  • Immerse in London’s Culture and Tradition
  • Visit London’s World-Class Museums
  • Explore London’s Unique Areas
  • Bonus Tip: Day Trips from London

Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of the Tower of London, the breathtaking views from the London Eye, or the vibrant atmosphere of Borough Market, Tracy’s recommendations ensure a memorable journey through one of the world’s most captivating cities.

Click the blue button below to listen:

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In Episode 133 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins dives into her top five favourite London experiences for 2025, providing tips and insights to help listeners plan their perfect visit.

From iconic landmarks and cultural highlights to unique viewpoints and quintessential British traditions, Tracy covers a variety of must-see destinations and activities, all while offering practical advice on making the most of each experience.

Additionally, she includes a bonus sixth experience—taking a day trip outside of London—to explore more of England’s historic charm and natural beauty.

What you’ll learn in this episode

  • The importance of visiting and touring London’s iconic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Tower of London.
  • How to see London from different angles, including the London Eye, Sky Garden, and river cruises on the Thames.
  • Experiencing London’s cultural traditions, like the Changing of the Guard and the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.
  • The joy of indulging in a traditional or themed afternoon tea and experiencing historic London pubs.
  • The variety and richness of London’s museums, many of which offer free entry.
  • The unique charm of different London neighbourhoods, including Notting Hill, Shoreditch, and Greenwich.
  • The benefits of taking day trips from London to explore nearby historical and scenic locations.

Places:

  • Westminster Abbey– A historic church and iconic London landmark.
  • Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)– The famous clock tower known for its historic bell.
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral– A notable cathedral with a rich history.
  • Tower of London– Historic castle and former royal residence.
  • Buckingham Palace– The Queen’s official London residence.
  • London Eye– A giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of London.
  • The Shard– A modern skyscraper with an observation deck.
  • Sky Garden– A public garden and observation deck with free entry.
  • Thames River– The river flowing through London, offering various cruise options.
  • Notting Hill– A picturesque neighbourhood known for its markets and colourful houses.
  • Shoreditch– A trendy area known for street art and creative culture.
  • Greenwich– Historic area famous for the Royal Observatory and maritime history.
  • V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)– A major museum of art and design.
  • Natural History Museum– Renowned museum with natural history exhibits.
  • British Museum– A museum dedicated to human history and culture.
  • HMS Belfast– A historic warship moored on the Thames.
  • Stonehenge– Prehistoric monument located outside of London.
  • Bath– Historic city known for Roman baths and Georgian architecture.
  • Oxford– Home to the prestigious University of Oxford.
  • Cambridge– Known for the University of Cambridge and picturesque scenery.
  • Windsor Castle– The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world.

Foods

  • Afternoon Tea– A traditional British meal consisting of tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
  • Humble Crumble– A popular dessert found at Borough Market.
  • Scotch Egg– A boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat and breadcrumbs, typically fried.

Words/Concepts:

  • Changing of the Guard– A ceremonial handover of duties among the Queen’s Guards.
  • Ceremony of the Keys– The traditional nightly locking up of the Tower of London.
  • Yeoman Warders– Also known as Beefeaters, they are the ceremonial guards of the Tower of London.
  • Uber Boat (Thames Clipper)– A river bus service running up and down the Thames.
  • London Pass– A tourist card offering access to multiple London attractions.(Use code UKLP5 for 5% off at checkout)
  • Episode #96 Best Day Trips from London (Part 1)
  • Episode #97Best Day Trips from London (Part 2)
  • Episode #84 Exploring London’s Walks Tours with Ground Operations Manager Charley Bennett
  • Episode #85Review of the Ceremony of the Keys and Opening Ceremony of the Tower of London
  • Episode #91A Taste of London: A Conversation with Charley Bennett from Devour Food Tours

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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