In this week's episode we walk through exactly what you need to know before visiting Highclere Castle, the iconic filming location for Downton Abbey.

We share practical planning tips from our own recent visits, covering ticket options, how to get there from London, what to expect on the day, and the small details that make the difference between a rushed visit and a memorable one. Guest Melissa Jones also joins to share her first-hand experience of a guided tour to Highclere Castle which included an afternoon tea.

In this episode, we cover:
• limited opening dates and why planning around the calendar matters
• ticket options including general entry, guided tours, special events, and afternoon tea
• how to get to Highclere Castle from London via Newbury
• taxi, driving, parking, and accessibility tips
• the no-photography policy inside the house and how to enjoy the visit anyway
• highlights of the house, gardens, and Capability Brown landscape

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Have you visited Highclere Castle, or are you planning a visit? What are you most looking forward to?

👉 Full show notes and helpful links at uktravelplanning.com/episode-187

🎧 Listen to next:

• Episode #185 – Set-Jetting in the UK: Movie and TV Locations to Visit
• Episode #127 – Solo Travel in London : Trip Report with Melissa Jones
• Episode #168– England Trip Report: Castles, Countryside + Iconic Sights

🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours.

👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks
👉 Book London food tours with Devour

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.

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This week Tracy Collins sits down with Becki from Devour Tours to explore the vibrant food scene of London. The episode tackles the myth of "beige and boring" British cuisine, offering a mouthwatering guide to the best dishes, afternoon teas, food tours, markets, and hidden gems across the city.

Tracy Collins and Becki delve into the expectations and surprises first-time visitors encounter with London food, covering everything from fresh market fare to classic Sunday roasts and opulent afternoon teas. They highlight how market culture, traditional pub snacks, and diverse international flavours can all be squeezed into a London itinerary - without overwhelming your schedule or missing out on memorable experiences.

The episode also spotlights the value of food tours for discovering local history, culture, and forging new friendships over delicious bites.

⭐️ Guest - Becki Newell from Walks and Devour Tours
📝 Show Notes - Episode 186

• Episode #147 – Explore London + Edinburgh with Walks + Devour Tours [2025 Update with Charley Sullivan]
• Episode #91 – A Taste of London: A Conversation with Charley Bennett from Devour Food Tours
• Episode #167 - Must-Do Experiences, Secret Spots + Foodie Favourites

🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours.

👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks
👉 Book London food tours with Devour

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

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

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

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

This week we explore the growing trend of set-jetting – travelling to destinations inspired by TV series, films, and books.

With major new releases, returning favourites, and big anniversaries coming up in 2026, set-jetting is only getting bigger. From Bridgerton and Outlander to Downton Abbey, Harry Potter, and classic novels like Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice, this episode looks at how what we watch and read is shaping UK travel plans.

We share places we have visited because of TV, film, and books, alongside real listener stories from the UK Travel Planning community. We also cover the practical side of planning these trips – including tickets, transport, timing, and why guided tours can often be the best option.

Whether you’re already planning a set-jetting trip or just starting to dream, this episode will help you turn inspiration into a UK itinerary that actually works.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 185

🎧 Listen to next:

• Episode #168 – England Trip Report: Castles, Countryside + Iconic Sights
• Episode #176 – A Literary-Themed UK Family Adventure (Part 1)
• Episode #127 – Solo Travel in London: Trip Report with Melissa Jones

🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours.

👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks
👉 Book London food tours with Devour

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

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

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

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️