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Podcast Episode 7 – Tips for first-time visitors to England

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Podcast Episode 7 – Things to know before you visit England for the first time

Do you have questions about visiting England in relation to the often unspoken social rules, expectations and etiquette? Asking for information and expectations around tipping for example is one of the most commonly asked questions in our Facebook group and by email.

In this episode of the podcast discover 14 things that are useful to know when you’re visiting England for the first time. This episode will answer a few of those questions that you have at the back of your mind and possibly surprise you with some of the quirks of being English!

Click the blue button below to listen:

Podcast Episode 7 – Show Notes

Tips for first time visitors to England

Topics covered in this episode include:

  • Travelling on the Tube in London > Keep right on escalators!
  • Understanding the geography of the UK > Understanding the difference between the UK, Great Britain, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and being English, Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish.
  • Correct pronunciation of English place names > Some places are not pronounced the way you may think which often creates some confusion!
  • Tipping > Discover expectations around tipping
  • Where to find public restrooms > We provide some suggestions about how to find the nearest WC!
  • The different regional accents you may hear > Geordie, Scouse and Cockney and more
  • Different foods to try during your visit including fish and chips of course!
  • Exploring the countryside with a guide > John England Tours was discussed for those of you looking for personalised driver guided tours in South East England
  • What to pack for UK seasons > Discussion about considerations about clothing and show choices when visiting the UK in winter etc

Places mentioned in this episode include

  • Loughborough and Leicester > Located in the Midland and Alnwick, Berwick and Cambois > located in the North East of England

A transcript of this episode is available to read – click here to download a PDF version.

Map showing Leicester under a magnifying glass.
Morris Dancers.
Fish and chips as in the image feature in the UK travel planning Podcast episode 7.

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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.

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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