The lights are up, the markets are humming, and we’re taking a quiet moment to say thank you. This festive check-in is our love letter to the UK travel community that carried us through a milestone year—every listen, share, question, and review made the journey brighter and bolder.

We share the simple joys that make a British Christmas feel special: mince pies in a cosy pub, the pop of a cracker and those wobbly paper crowns, twinkling streets in market towns, and the King’s Speech as a gentle pause in the day. Think of it as a pocket guide to seasonal atmosphere—small rituals that turn a winter trip into a memory you’ll reach for again and again.

You’ll also hear from friends who bring the UK to life on the ground. Sally Ann from North Coast Explorer Tours beams in from Scotland’s far north with stories of puffins, dolphins, red deer, rainbows, sunsets, and sometimes the northern lights, plus winter’s quieter pleasures of coastal walks and fireside evenings. Lisa at Go Cotswolds sends warm wishes and an open door for 2026, reminding us why stone villages and rolling paths never lose their magic. And from the capital, Discover Real London shares a cheerful London welcome for the year ahead. XFA Cars rounds things out with practical holiday travel cheer - stay safe, keep plans flexible, and let the festive spirit lead the way.

We’re taking a short break to enjoy the holidays, then we’re back with our final show of 2025: a lively roundup of standout moments, UK travel highlights, and a peek behind the scenes at the numbers you helped us hit. If you’re planning a winter trip, this update is a warm nudge toward the best of the season - lights, markets, and the joy of slowing down in places that reward unhurried wandering.

If this little festive postcard made you smile, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves the UK, and leave a quick review. What’s the one British holiday tradition you can’t wait to try?

📝 Show Notes - Episode 180

🎧 Listen to next:

• Episode 170 – Essential Tips for Visiting London at Christmas and New Year
• Episode 154 Winter Travel in London and the UK From Coastal Walks to Christmas Magic
• Episode 169 – Scotland Travel Tips: 15 Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy.

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
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Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

Listener Laura Norton returns to share how she turned a dream anniversary trip into reality. From Beatles must-dos in Liverpool and a week based at St Katharine Docks in London to a quick hop to Paris, a powerful D-Day tour in Normandy, and a relaxing voyage home on the Queen Mary 2, Laura breaks down what worked, what she’d tweak, and the tips that saved time and stress. If you are planning a similar UK itinerary with a France add-on, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use straight away.

What you’ll learn

• Beatles highlights in Liverpool and how to stay at George Harrison’s childhood home
• Why reserving seats on busy train days matters and how to use the Tube with contactless
• London base tips near Tower Bridge plus day trips to the Harry Potter Studio Tour and Thorpe Abbotts
• How to structure a Paris stopover and reach Normandy for a full-day D-Day tour
• Caen to Portsmouth by ferry logistics before sailing on the Queen Mary 2
• Packing lessons for rail and cruise combos and managing without guaranteed air conditioning
• A real-world medication hiccup solved in the UK and why travel insurance matters
• The value of an early consult with Tracy and Doug to refine routes and timings

⭐️ Guest - Laura Norton
📝 Show Notes - Episode 179

🎧 Listen to next:

• Episode #100 – Celebrating 100 Episodes: A Special Edition of UK Travel Planning Podcast
• Episode #29: Chat with Ken Lambert – Beatles fan + owner of George Harrison’s childhood home
• Episode #152 – Trip Report: London and Cotswolds Highlights with Kristen Gonzalez

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy.

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In Episode 178 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug take you to Liverpool, the vibrant northern city famous for music, football and maritime history.

Discover must-see Beatles landmarks, the Royal Albert Dock, St George’s Hall and more, with insider tips on where to stay, eat and explore. You will hear practical advice on getting there by train, getting around on foot and Merseyrail, and how to book unmissable Beatles experiences such as the Magical Mystery Tour. Football fans will love Doug’s Anfield stadium insights. Tune in for expert recommendations and inspiration to add Liverpool to your UK itinerary.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 178

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #29: Chat with Ken Lambert – Beatles fan + owner of George Harrison’s childhood home
• Episode #98 From Liverpool to London & Beyond – UK Trip Report with Vernetta and Therron
• Episode #128 – Explore North Wales & Beyond: Customised Cruise Shore Excursions with John Hadwin

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy.

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!