In episode 154 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy welcomes New Zealander (and fellow podcaster at Aotearoa Adventures) Abigail Hannah for a special winter trip report. Join them as Abigail shares honest insights from her month-long journey across the UK, including festive Christmas experiences in London, coastal walks in Brighton, and cosy family time on the Isle of Wight.
They discuss practical tips for travelling during the UK winter, covering everything from packing smart, using trains and public transport, budgeting, staying connected with eSIMs and Wise cards, and making the most of Christmas markets and museums.
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Episode 154 – Show Notes
What you’ll learn in this episode
- 🎄 Discover what it’s really like to visit the UK in winter, with Abigail Hannah’s trip report featuring cosy experiences, festive sights, and practical tips from her month-long journey
- 🌊 Explore Brighton in the off-season: Enjoy stunning coastal cliff walks to Rottingdean, charming historic pubs, and a quieter seaside vibe than in summer
- 🎶 Experience the magic of a traditional British Christmas with carol services, candles, mulled wine, and local celebrations—even if you’re used to a summer Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere!
- 🌆 Be swept up by London’s Christmas spirit: Abigail shares her highlights wandering festive streets, from Piccadilly Circus to Covent Garden, and marvelling at legendary Christmas lights and decorations
- 🏛️ Make the most of rainy or dark winter days by visiting world-class free museums like the V&A, and learn why their cast courts and glass galleries are so memorable
- 🚆 Get around with ease using public transport – hear firsthand how easy it was to travel by train and bus, plus insider tips on money-saving railcards like the Two Together Pass
- 💷 Avoid overspending and extra fees: Learn how Wise cards and contactless payments made budgeting and spending in pounds easy for two international visitors
- 📱 Find out how Abigail and her husband stayed connected using a mix of local SIM cards and eSIMs, so you can be online stress-free
- 🧳 Packing pro tips: Layering with merino, sturdy boots, and prepping for drizzly grey days kept Abigail warm while travelling light after months of travel across different climates
- 🍔 Save on food with meal deals and affordable groceries—and why UK supermarket prices were a pleasant surprise compared to New Zealand
- 📅 Don’t forget: Booking ahead is essential for meals and activities, especially in busy London during the festive season
- 💡 Practical wisdom for Kiwis (and Aussies too): Key tips on navigating UK travel with a New Zealand passport, making the most of family visits, and even how to balance sightseeing with catching up with loved ones
- 🎁 Bonus: Find out which souvenirs are best to resist when you’re travelling onward, and what gifts made it into their luggage from UK Christmas markets
- 🤧 Real talk: How to handle winter bugs (hello, Christmas flu on the Isle of Wight!) and why a cosy farm Christmas still makes memories
- 🌟 Top tip: For New Zealanders heading to the UK, Abigail’s #1 must-have is a Wise card to avoid pesky fees and simplify your travel money, practical and essential!
UK places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places
- Brighton – seaside city on the south coast of England, known for its beach, coastal walks, and lively atmosphere
- Rottingdean – a village east of Brighton, features cliff walks and historic pubs
- Glenbourne Opera House – an opera house just outside Brighton, known for its performances
- London – capital city of the UK, famous for its festive atmosphere at Christmas, decorations, lights, museums, and shopping
- Piccadilly Circus – an iconic road junction and public space in London, known for its lights and activity
- St James’s Street – a street in central London, part of the Christmas lights route
- Leicester Square – a pedestrian square in the West End of London
- Trafalgar Square – a major public square known for its Christmas tree and festive activities
- St Martin’s Lane – a street in central London
- Covent Garden – a vibrant London neighbourhood with shops, restaurants, and Christmas decorations
- Wimbledon –a district in southwest London famous for its annual tennis tournament
- Milton Keynes – a large town north of London, visited during the trip
- Isle of Wight – an island off the south coast of England, known for its countryside and family farms
Foods
- Meal deals – pre-packaged grocery store meals often found at Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury’s
- Cafe at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – noted as the first museum café in the world, known for its art deco style
Words / Concepts
- National Heritage Pass (likely referring to the National Trust or English Heritage pass) – annual family pass for entry to heritage sites
- National Trust – UK conservation organisation managing historic houses, gardens, and monuments
- Rail cards – discount cards for train travel, including the “Two Together” railcard for paired travellers
- Wise card – an international banking card for travel and currency exchange
- Oyster card – an electronic ticket for London public transport
- Contactless payment – using bank cards or phones to tap and pay for transactions
- ESIM – digital SIM card used for mobile connectivity abroad
- House sitting – accommodation exchange involving looking after a residence in exchange for a free stay
- Hotspot – sharing mobile data from one device to another
- Museums – including the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum), Natural History Museum, Science Museum, British Museum, and special mention of the Florence Nightingale Museum
- St. Paul’s Cathedral – a major London landmark, suggested for future visits
- Evensong – Anglican church service, attended at St Paul’s
- The Cast Courts – galleries in the V&A museum containing casts of famous sculptures and monuments
Related content on UK Travel Planning and London Travel Planning
Podcasts
- Episode 152 – Trip Report: London and Cotswolds Highlights with Kristen Gonzalez
- Episode 71 – Unveiling the Magic: London at Christmas – Top Things to Do and See
- Episode 102 – Discovering the Charms of Brighton: Insider Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Articles
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