Episode 168 Trip Report Castles, Countryside + Iconic Sights

In episode 168 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Amy from Texas shares her dream first trip to England with her husband, Mark. Their two-week journey blended London’s iconic landmarks, literary pilgrimages, and the charm of the English countryside.

Highlights included Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, and quiet moments at St Dunstan in the East. In the Cotswolds, they based themselves in Bourton-on-the-Water, explored honey-coloured villages, and visited Sudeley Castle at dusk. As a devoted Jane Austen fan, Amy also fulfilled a lifelong wish by visiting Bath, Winchester, and Chawton.

A stay at Hever Castle was a standout, offering the unique experience of exploring the grounds after closing time. Along the way, Amy collected 21 tea towels, discovered a love for steak and ale pie, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

This episode is filled with inspiration and practical tips for planning your own trip to England, from castles and countryside to literary highlights and London icons.

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Episode 168 – What you’ll learn in this episode

🇬🇧 Amy from Texas shares her lifelong dream two-week adventure around England, offering inspiration and practical tips for your own UK trip
🏰 Savvy planning helped Amy and her husband see highlights like London, the Cotswolds, Bath, Oxford, Hever Castle, Highclere Castle, and several Jane Austen sites, all in one itinerary
🚗 They used a mix of transport: city stays by foot and Tube (with the help of apps like Citymapper and TFLGo), plus a rental car for countryside destinations – Amy explains why driving (and the Tripiamo driving course!) made all the difference
🛏️ Amy reviews a variety of accommodation styles, from central London hotels and cosy guesthouses in charming Cotswolds villages to a memorable night at historic Hever Castle
📚 Must-see sights for history and literature lovers: Tower of London, Sudley Castle, Chawton House, Winchester Cathedral (Jane Austen’s resting place), and more
🍰 Foodie moments range from high tea at Fortnum & Mason to sampling local shortbread, fish & chips, and steak & ale pie at classic pubs
💡 Top tips on booking ahead, staying organised with paper and digital tickets, and using local grocery stores and cafés for meal deals and handy snacks
🛍️ Souvenir shopping recommendations: from themed tea towels and postcards to regional soaps and local crafts
👍 Amy’s honest take on what went smoothly, what to expect (like 24-hour clock confusion!), and why a transfer service (like Riz at XFA cars) is a game changer for airport and station pickups
🎟️ Why using resources like the UK Travel Planning website, podcast, and itinerary consultations helped Amy design the perfect UK adventure and could help you too!

UK places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

📍 Places

London & Surrounds

London 🇬🇧: Amy stayed in Westminster and visited Westminster Abbey, Parliament, Tower of London, St Dunstan’s in the East, Dickens Museum, Kensington Palace, Victoria & Albert Museum, Fortnum & Mason
Westminster 🏛️: Central area, site of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
Tower of London 🏰: Historic fortress on the Thames
St Dunstan’s in the East 🌿: Ruined church, now a peaceful garden
Dickens Museum 📚: Celebrating Charles Dickens’ life and works
Kensington Palace 👑: Royal residence
Victoria & Albert Museum 🎨: World-class art and design
Fortnum & Mason 🍰: Iconic store famous for tea and afternoon tea
Hampton Court Palace 👑: Tudor royal palace with gardens
Windsor Castle 🦁: Royal residence in Berkshire

Oxford & Cotswolds

Oxford 🎓: Historic university city where Amy picked up her hire car
Blenheim Palace 🦋: Birthplace of Winston Churchill
Cotswolds 🌼: Scenic countryside of honey-stone villages
Bourton-on-the-Water 🏞️: Amy’s base for 3 nights
Sudeley Castle 🕯️: Historic castle near Winchcombe
Bibury 🏡: Often called England’s prettiest village
Winchcombe 🏘️: Market town in the Cotswolds
Broadway 🌸: Charming village
Lower Slaughter 🌿: Picturesque riverside village
Lacock 🎥: Historic film-location village

Historic Cities & Castles

Bath 🛁: Roman baths, Georgian architecture, Jane Austen links
Bradford-on-Avon 🏡: Riverside town near Bath
Stonehenge 🗿: Prehistoric stone circle and World Heritage Site
Highclere Castle 🎬: Filming location for Downton Abbey
Winchester ⛪: Cathedral city, Jane Austen’s resting place
Chawton 📖: Jane Austen’s House and Chawton House library
Hever Castle 🌹: Romantic castle, overnight stay
Chartwell 🖼️: Churchill’s family home
Leeds Castle 🦢: Picturesque castle set on an island

🍴 Food & Drink

Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason 🍰: Scones, cakes, sandwiches
Shortbread 🍪: Classic buttery biscuit
Fish and chips 🐟🍟: Iconic British dish
Steak and ale pie 🥧: Pub favourite
Coronation chicken sandwich 🥪: Created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation
Coronation biscuits 🍪: Special edition from Kensington Palace
Scotch eggs 🥚: Fortnum & Mason invention
Piccalilli 🟡: Tangy pickle relish
Meal deals 🛒: Supermarket lunches (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, M&S)

💡 Words & Concepts

Tube 🚇: London Underground
CityMapper & TFL Go 📱: Best London travel apps
Tripiamo 🛣️: Online driving course for UK rules
24-hour clock ⏰: Common in UK timetables

Episode 168 – England Trip Report: Castles, Countryside + Iconic Sights

Liked this episode? Have a question? Leave me a voice message

Episode 168 – What you’ll learn in this episode