The beautiful and historic North East England offers visitors dramatic scenery, centuries of history, and friendly locals in a region filled with special places to explore.

• North East England includes the stunning Northumberland coast, Newcastle, Durham, Hadrian's Wall and Holy Island
• Alex Iles of Iles Tours brings the region's past to life through storytelling and archaeology
• Archaeological findings reveal that Hadrian's Wall wasn't just a barrier but facilitated trade and cultural exchange
• The ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria covered a vast territory from Liverpool to the Scottish borders
• Northumberland has more castles than any other English county due to 300 years of border warfare
• The North East was once a major coal-producing region, generating 19% of Britain's coal in Victorian times
• Alex offers various tour options including Roman history, Anglo-Saxon heritage, prehistoric sites and medieval castles
• Tours can be customized for different accessibility needs and interests
• The east coast of Britain is surprisingly dry but often windy – bring appropriate layers
• Summer visitors benefit from extended daylight hours with light from 5am until 10pm

Listeners of the UK Travel Planning Podcast can receive a 10% discount on Iles Tours by using the code UKTP10 when booking directly through the website www.ilestours.co.uk or via email (for tours in 2025).

⭐️ Guest - Alex Iles from Iles Tours
📝 Show Notes - Episode 147

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #156 - Trip Report: Train Journeys, Coastal Towns, + Hidden Gems with Deb Harsen
• Episode #117 - Discover Country Durham: Scenic Landscapes, Castles, and Cultural Sites with guest Michelle Gorman
• Episode #39 - Explore Northumberland with Marc of Northumberland Tours

Join us on tour in 2026 - for more info, contact us at info@uktravelplanning.com

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we personally love and recommend.
➡️ Click here to book your tour

Support the show

🎤 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!

Mary and Chris from Minnesota share insights from their fifth trip to the UK, spanning 28 days across South Wales, Cornwall, the Jurassic Coast, and East Anglia. Their adventures in a tiny Fiat 500 took them to castle ruins, stunning gardens, Roman remains, and hidden treasures while connecting with locals and experiencing the authentic Britain beyond tourist hotspots.

• Travelling for their fifth visit to the UK, Mary and Chris spent 28 days exploring areas they hadn't fully experienced before
• South Wales offered castle ruins like Coity Castle nestled in residential neighbourhoods
• Cornwall highlights included Tintagel Castle, VE Day commemorations in Plymouth, and ancient stone circles on Bodmin Moor
• The Jurassic Coast provided beautiful walks with Abbotsbury Tropical Gardens being a surprising find
• East Anglia adventures featured Cambridge punting, Norwich Cathedral, and Roman ruins at Caister-on-Sea
• London was best approached by train from their base in Virginia Water, with Black Cab tours and rock music walking tours
• Favourite food experiences included regional variations of fish and chips, Cornish pasties, and scotch eggs
• Driving on the left side in a compact Fiat 500 proved easier than expected and perfect for navigating narrow country roads
• Having a flexible itinerary with "possibilities" rather than strict schedules allowed for spontaneous discoveries
• Connections with locals in pubs and villages added depth and authentic experiences to their journey

⭐️ Guest - Merry and Chris Paxton
📝 Show Notes - Episode 162

🎧 Listen to next

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode 82 – Trip Report with Tanya Munro [Insider Tips, Memorable Moments, and Unexpected Discoveries]
• Episode 138 – Exploring London’s Iconic Sights with Discover Real London’s Black Cab Tours
• Episode 44 – Coasting Around Cornwall: Tales and Tips from our 7-Day Road Trip Adventure

Join us on tour in 2026 - for more info, contact us at info@uktravelplanning.com

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we personally love and recommend.
➡️ Click here to book your tour

Support the show

🎤 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!

We share 12 common mistakes first-time visitors make when planning a trip to London, along with alternative suggestions for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

Our practical advice is based on decades of experience visiting and living in London, as well as helping thousands plan their perfect trips.

• Overpacking your itinerary – focus on one area per day instead of racing across the city
• Booking attractions too late – secure popular experiences as soon as you confirm your dates
• Not planning meals – research restaurants near attractions to avoid wasting time when hungry
• Confusion about tipping – check if service charge is included and remember it's not expected everywhere
• Misunderstanding transport – download TfL Go or Citymapper apps to find the quickest routes
• Wearing uncomfortable shoes – prioritise comfort for London's extensive walking
• Staying too far from central London – zones 1-2 locations save time and sometimes money
• Missing lesser-known attractions – explore hidden gems like Shad Thames and St Dunstan's
• Not checking opening hours – many attractions close certain days or have limited hours
• Ignoring jet lag – keep your arrival day light and consider pre-booking your room from the night before
• Letting your guard down – stay vigilant in crowded areas and secure your belongings
• Skipping guided tours – local guides provide insights you can't get on your own

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review or share it with friends planning a trip to London. Visit our website for all the resources mentioned today.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 161

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #132 – London 2025: 12 Essential Tips for Planning Your Perfect Trip
• Episode #148 – Navigating London Safely: Essential Tips for Visitors
• Episode #105 – Top 10 London Experiences: Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Adventure

Join us on tour in 2026 - for more info, contact us at info@uktravelplanning.com

Support the show

🎤 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!