Latest / UK Travel Planning / London and Far North Scotland: Autumn Travel Tips

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London and Far North Scotland: Autumn Travel Tips · UK Travel Planning

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_01: What are your real chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland this autumn?
• 0:03
  SPEAKER_01: And when do London's Christmas lights actually switch on?
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_01: In part two of our autumn special, Sally Ann from North Coast Explorate Tours shares the magic of the far north of Scotland, and Charlie and Becky from Walks to Vower reveal why autumn might be the best time of all to visit London.
• 0:31
  SPEAKER_01: Hi everybody and welcome to this week's edition of the UK Travel Plan and Podcast.
• 0:36
  SPEAKER_01: Now this is part two of our autumn special.
• 0:39
  SPEAKER_01: Last week, three local experts took us through autumn in the Lake District, the Cotswolds and Devon.
• 0:45
  SPEAKER_01: So if you missed that one, don't forget to check it out.
• 0:48
  SPEAKER_01: This week we're completing the journey with two very different destinations.
• 0:53
  SPEAKER_01: First, we're heading to the very top of the country to the far north of Scotland, where Sally Ann from North Coast Explorateurs shares quieter roads, spectacular skies, and some very good news about autumn hotel prices.
• 1:05
  SPEAKER_01: And then we're finishing in London with Charlie and Becky from Walks Devour, talking autumn colour in the parks, cozy pubs, quieter landmarks, and the moment the city starts to sparkle for Christmas.
• 1:17
  SPEAKER_01: If you're finding these seasonal episodes helpful, a quick review on your favourite podcast app is a lovely way to say so, and it helps other travellers planning their UK trips to find us too.
• 1:28
  SPEAKER_01: Right, let's get into this week's episode.
• 1:32
  SPEAKER_01: So we're now heading all the way up to the far north of Scotland to chat to Salianne from North Coast Explorateurs, who's going to tell us all about what it's like to live up in the far north and explore the far north of Scotland during the autumn period.
• 1:47
  SPEAKER_01: So, Sally Ann, fantastic for you to join us again.
• 1:50
  SPEAKER_00: Well, thank you very much, Tracy.
• 1:52
  SPEAKER_00: It's always good to be able to catch up with you.
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_01: And you know, it's uh one of my favourite parts of the world, so I'm always happy to talk about uh the far north of Scotland.
• 2:01
  SPEAKER_00: Which is what we love, of course.
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_00: And of course it's our favourite part of part of the UK as well.
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_00: So, yes, quite.
• 2:08
  SPEAKER_00: Absolutely.
• 2:08
  SPEAKER_01: Absolutely.
• 2:09
  SPEAKER_01: So let's let's talk about autumn.
• 2:11
  SPEAKER_01: So, what does the far north feel like once the summer season winds down?
• 2:15
  SPEAKER_01: And what would you want a first-time visitor to know before they book an autumn trip?
• 2:19
  SPEAKER_00: Well, I guess the first thing to say is autumn is and always has been Robert's favourite time of year.
• 2:27
  SPEAKER_00: Um, even when we were south, he would say that, but especially up here, and I suppose from a visitor's point of view, it provides the ideal season for very scenic drives and cozy nights by the fire, particularly as you get into the latter days of October and into November.
• 2:49
  SPEAKER_00: Um, we don't have the trees up here like you do further south, but still you can feel autumn, you feel it in the changes in the landscape, um, the stratas of colour that you get dependent on the different heights, sort of account across the mountainous ranges.
• 3:06
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and the big, big thing for us up here in autumn are the rainbows.
• 3:11
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, because of the weather, and we get a lot of weather up here, uh, the we get a lot of rainbows too, and you chase them.
• 3:20
  SPEAKER_00: I remember a tour last year, and they just saw rainbow after rainbow after rainbow.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: And because of some of the big vistas you have, you get full rainbows.
• 3:30
  SPEAKER_00: This isn't little little partial ones, these are big rainbows.
• 3:34
  SPEAKER_00: So, yeah, I think the weather actually just enhances the whole experience in autumn, and with the clarity of air we have up here as well, then yeah, it's just a beautiful place to be.
• 3:47
  SPEAKER_01: Wonderful.
• 3:47
  SPEAKER_01: And is there anything that you would want a first-time visitor to know before the book the trip?
• 3:52
  SPEAKER_01: So, yeah, obviously, we've got beautiful rainbows and beautiful scenery.
• 3:56
  SPEAKER_01: But is there any particular kind of tip that you would see?
• 4:00
  SPEAKER_00: Well, I'd say it's an interesting time.
• 4:02
  SPEAKER_00: Obviously, the roads get quieter, not that they're really, really busy in the summer, but they definitely get quieter.
• 4:08
  SPEAKER_00: So, I would say it's a more relaxed feel about touring up here.
• 4:13
  SPEAKER_00: Um, you'll often find as you get into late October and into November the the hotels can be a lot cheaper, so actually, it can be quite a good time to come from that point of view.
• 4:25
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, not everywhere will be open as the autumn uh moves on, so you do need to be aware of that and plan appropriately.
• 4:34
  SPEAKER_00: I think you know, planning is important.
• 4:37
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but actually, generally, everybody up here is quite relaxed, you know, they've survived the summer season, they're winding down a bit, and so it's quite a relaxed atmosphere, and I think you know, from that point of view, then it it's a it's a nice time to come and visit.
• 4:53
  SPEAKER_01: Lovely.
• 4:54
  SPEAKER_01: Now, also, I guess this is a time of year that people start asking, thinking about the northern lights.
• 5:00
  SPEAKER_01: So, realistically, what are the chances in autumn of actually seeing the northern lights and what's gives someone the best shot at seeing them?
• 5:07
  SPEAKER_00: Oh, the million-dollar question always.
• 5:10
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, you are right, obviously, we do get to see the northern lights up here in the autumn, and it's it's possible for any time from September onwards, uh, as long as you've got a dark sky or darkish sky, then you have the possibility of seeing them.
• 5:25
  SPEAKER_00: But obviously, it's all down to weather conditions, so there are no guarantees, I'm afraid, but we have seen them up here in September and October.
• 5:35
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, I would say, particularly on the north and northeast coast, and also in the middle of the country, um, you can see them anywhere, but obviously on the west coast, you've got more mountains, and so that blocks a little bit of the skyline unless you're right on the coast.
• 5:53
  SPEAKER_00: But the big vistas are the ones when you particularly when you look north, then you can yeah, often see them.
• 6:01
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but something that I did want to point out about this is it's it's not just the northern lights up here, the skies are spectacular.
• 6:11
  SPEAKER_00: So, uh and even for somebody you know like myself who's who's not a stargazer particularly, you can walk outside um during the autumn time and look up at the sky and be completely overwhelmed by it.
• 6:26
  SPEAKER_00: The amount of stars, seeing the Milky Way, uh, just it's stunning, and it is obviously because we have so little light pollution up here, and you just get the benefit of that.
• 6:37
  SPEAKER_01: So you get beautiful dark skies up there, don't you?
• 6:40
  SPEAKER_01: So uh chance to see the Milky Way and stuff.
• 6:43
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, you do, and you know, you get places like I know the the Gar Vault, we've talked about them before on podcasts.
• 6:50
  SPEAKER_00: They're a very remote hotel in the middle of the flow country, in the middle of uh the country up here.
• 6:56
  SPEAKER_00: Uh they did a couple of dark skies nights last year over the winter, um, and they also got an expert in with some really good um telescopes and things, and yeah, you couldn't be in a better place to see a good sky than out there, to be honest.
• 7:11
  SPEAKER_01: Well, that sounds amazing.
• 7:12
  SPEAKER_01: So let's talk about autumn colour and the root.
• 7:15
  SPEAKER_01: Um, where would you send people for the colour and what can visitors expect to see with the deer in the autumn?
• 7:21
  SPEAKER_00: Right, so yeah, autumn colours, yeah, it's very interesting actually because clearly up here it's we don't have a lot of trees up here, so you don't get the traditional autumn colours as in lots and lots of trees, but you do still get it across the landscape and also across the sea as well.
• 7:40
  SPEAKER_00: Although what we would say is autumn colour tends to be um anything from when the heather goes, so you start to have the heather, you have it late summer into the autumn, which is just stunningly beautiful up here, then that will start to go, and then you start to get these different colours of um browns, greens.
• 8:07
  SPEAKER_00: We have quite a lot of evergreen up here as well, but it's the mix, I think, and the vastness of it that makes it so very, very special.
• 8:14
  SPEAKER_00: So, I mean, you get that um to be honest, variations of that anywhere around the north coast, depending on the landscape.
• 8:24
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and one of the other things up here that you get in the autumn are the early morning mists over the locks and the rivers, and they can be particularly spectacular, you know, particularly if you've got a sunrise coming up.
• 8:38
  SPEAKER_00: So that's something that's quite magical.
• 8:40
  SPEAKER_00: Um in terms of the rut, yes, of course, we do have plenty of deer up here, and to be honest, you you have the opportunity of seeing them anywhere around the route, although they are particularly prevalent as you go slightly inland.
• 8:58
  SPEAKER_00: Um but you can sometimes see them on the sides of the roads.
• 9:01
  SPEAKER_00: And what I one thing I would say is if you're driving up here in the autumn and you're here, you're driving at dusk or or into the evening, then you must be very, very careful on the roads because it's highly likely you might see one on the road.
• 9:15
  SPEAKER_00: Um, so please, I would say, please be very, very careful about that.
• 9:19
  SPEAKER_00: But in seeing them in all their glory, we would always say, go into the flow country.
• 9:25
  SPEAKER_00: And Robert often sees them when he's driving between these are two small places, you'd have to look them up on the map.
• 9:35
  SPEAKER_00: But one is called Kin Brace and one is called Sire, and there's a road that goes between the two, it's a small single track road.
• 9:42
  SPEAKER_00: But if you don't drive along there and see deer, at some point we'd be really surprised.
• 9:48
  SPEAKER_00: Could be on the road or it could be just in the distance, so make sure you have your binoculars with you.
• 9:52
  SPEAKER_00: But we have driven along there and I have seen them rutting, and I was blown away to actually see them in there in this vast natural landscape just doing what they do.
• 10:03
  SPEAKER_00: It was absolutely stunning.
• 10:05
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, I'd absolutely love to see that, I really would.
• 10:07
  SPEAKER_01: And actually, it that's a kind of nice segue when you're talking about driving.
• 10:11
  SPEAKER_01: Um, because obviously we're heading into we're going into autumn and then into winter, so we know that the the days are gonna shorten quite quickly up there.
• 10:18
  SPEAKER_01: It's the opposite of summer where you've got all those long, long, long, long days of beautiful daylight.
• 10:23
  SPEAKER_01: It's now you're gonna head into where it's gonna get darker.
• 10:26
  SPEAKER_01: So if someone's planning the drive-in and the days um for October, November, how would that change?
• 10:32
  SPEAKER_01: Like, what would you say to do differently?
• 10:34
  SPEAKER_01: And because I can't just ask you one question.
• 10:37
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and does the book does the book ahead advice that would normally say still hold out for the season once it starts to quiet in?
• 10:47
  SPEAKER_00: Oh, you're such a challenger, aren't you, Tracy, with all your questions?
• 10:51
  SPEAKER_00: Um, in terms of uh driving, yeah, well, you're right, we do have shorter days.
• 10:56
  SPEAKER_00: And and for people that don't understand, you know, in the middle of summer we can have basically 24 hours of daylight.
• 11:02
  SPEAKER_00: And obviously, as we head in towards late autumn and winter, that significantly shortens.
• 11:08
  SPEAKER_00: Um, so you need a little bit of planning.
• 11:11
  SPEAKER_00: You know, if you're here in the summer, you might decide to leave early in the morning and arrive somewhere late at night.
• 11:16
  SPEAKER_00: If you do that in the autumn, then you know you're going to be driving in the dark.
• 11:20
  SPEAKER_00: So your days are going to be shorter, and you need to be prepared for that.
• 11:26
  SPEAKER_00: Um, not significantly so in October.
• 11:30
  SPEAKER_00: Getting into November, yes.
• 11:31
  SPEAKER_00: I think we did a tour early November last year, and it was getting dark between maybe four or half past four.
• 11:37
  SPEAKER_00: So we were trying to end our tours around that time.
• 11:41
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but the benefit is, of course, you will have quieter roads, it will be as a result a slightly easier to drive, and you'll have uh a better choice in the the viewing spots and the solitude and the beauty of it all.
• 11:59
  SPEAKER_00: So, you know, it's it's very much balanced, and I think people that do come up here in the autumn, uh, as long as they're prepared for all eventualities, then they can have a uh a really good time, um even if they're you know they don't have as much daylight as you might do in the summer.
• 12:20
  SPEAKER_00: Um, now I've got to think, what was the second question?
• 12:23
  SPEAKER_00: Oh, you asked about booking ahead, that's right.
• 12:26
  SPEAKER_00: Um gosh, yeah, you challenge my brain cells.
• 12:31
  SPEAKER_00: Um we I guess the reality is, and and it's the way we work, we would always advise booking ahead, but obviously as the season quietens down in theory, yes, it's maybe not quite as critical as it would be in the the really key months.
• 12:49
  SPEAKER_00: And for us up here, we'd probably say May and September are actually the busiest months, generally speaking.
• 12:55
  SPEAKER_00: So as you get into October and November, yeah, it's a lot easier.
• 12:59
  SPEAKER_00: However, what I would say is you need you what you do need to double check is where is open because you get into October and particularly late October, and some of the family-run businesses, family-run BBs who've been working hard all through the season will be closed.
• 13:18
  SPEAKER_00: They will close ready for the winter.
• 13:20
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but as we found last year when we did this tour in November, the higher-priced hotels from the summer brought their prices down significantly.
• 13:33
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and so you had the benefit of a nice hotel, but playing at a much cheaper price.
• 13:40
  SPEAKER_00: And I know our guests last year thoroughly enjoyed it and were able to do exactly what I said at the beginning of the podcast.
• 13:48
  SPEAKER_00: You know, they'd finish their day, they'd go in, they'd find a nice fire, have a wee dram, um, and yeah, relax into that archetypal Scottish world.
• 13:59
  SPEAKER_00: So, yes, planning ahead.
• 14:01
  SPEAKER_00: I think you need to be aware of what's open and what's not open.
• 14:05
  SPEAKER_00: If you book everything, well, that's great.
• 14:08
  SPEAKER_00: If not, you'll you'll probably get away with it, but you will need to just have one eye on what's ahead.
• 14:14
  SPEAKER_01: Perfect.
• 14:15
  SPEAKER_01: And I'm gonna put you on the spot with the usual kind of question that I like to throw out at the end of every podcast, at the end of this segment as well.
• 14:21
  SPEAKER_01: What would be your one piece of advice for making the most of the far north in autumn?
• 14:27
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 14:28
  SPEAKER_00: Um am I allowed two pieces?
• 14:31
  SPEAKER_01: Yes, go for it, go for it, Kushika.
• 14:33
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you.
• 14:34
  SPEAKER_00: Well, I think as I've just alluded to and what I've been talking about, it it is a different feel and a different offer up here in the autumn to the summer.
• 14:43
  SPEAKER_00: And so, what we would say is be prepared to be flexible.
• 14:47
  SPEAKER_00: You know, in the autumn, really, it's not a ticking boxes exercise that you might have with your long list of places you want to see, go to, experience, benefit from in the summer.
• 14:58
  SPEAKER_00: The weather can be unpredictable, shorter daylight hours, you know, the environment might be more challenging.
• 15:05
  SPEAKER_00: You might have boggy ground as an example.
• 15:08
  SPEAKER_00: So just be flexible, just soak up, soak it all up and not worry about ticking all the boxes.
• 15:14
  SPEAKER_00: That would be number one.
• 15:15
  SPEAKER_00: And just as a supplement to that, bring the right clothing.
• 15:20
  SPEAKER_00: You know, that that's got to be it.
• 15:23
  SPEAKER_00: We say it about the whole year, but especially in autumn, if you do want to enjoy it, then you must expect some rain and showers, as I said, boggy ground, wind up here as well.
• 15:35
  SPEAKER_00: So bring a good waterproof coat.
• 15:38
  SPEAKER_00: We would suggest waterproof footwear, even if you're not planning on a hike, it's still very, very valuable, and possibly a hat and even some gloves.
• 15:47
  SPEAKER_00: I know that might put some people off, but believe me, if you're wrapped up warm, you'll then embrace it and you'll really feel everything that we've got to offer up here.
• 15:57
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, perfect.
• 15:58
  SPEAKER_01: And when you said about hat and gloves, I think about the last time I was on Orkney in May, and I had to go and get a fairy hat because it was so cold.
• 16:05
  SPEAKER_01: So there you go.
• 16:05
  SPEAKER_01: You never know what you're gonna get.
• 16:08
  SPEAKER_00: No, and we um as a result of our experiences up here over uh earlier years in our touring, we managed to to acquire some um some beanie hats, some North Coast Explorer beanie hats that we always have in our vehicle for any time of year, and they have been used by guests all over the year.
• 16:29
  SPEAKER_00: So, yes, uh it's it is very valuable.
• 16:32
  SPEAKER_00: But if you're on tour with us, then you don't need to worry because we will have hats and we have waterproof trousers and welly boots all available for you in our vehicle if you need them.
• 16:43
  SPEAKER_01: Perfect, perfect.
• 16:44
  SPEAKER_01: Thanks so much, Sally Ann, for coming on and tell us all about autumn and the far north of Scotland.
• 16:48
  SPEAKER_01: And I'll be speaking to you in a few months.
• 16:50
  SPEAKER_01: So we're going to talk about the winter season, which I'm really excited to talk about as well.
• 16:54
  SPEAKER_01: But uh thanks so much for filling us in on on uh on autumn or fall in in the far north of Scotland.
• 17:00
  SPEAKER_00: Absolutely.
• 17:01
  SPEAKER_00: Well, we hope everybody enjoys their autumn wherever they are, and uh maybe we'll see one or two of you up here as well.
• 17:09
  SPEAKER_00: So thanks, Tracy.
• 17:10
  SPEAKER_00: Enjoyed it as always.
• 17:13
  SPEAKER_01: And now the part of this special we've saved until last.
• 17:16
  SPEAKER_01: From the far north of Scotland, we're travelling the whole length of the country back down to London.
• 17:21
  SPEAKER_01: Autumn in the capital means quiet the landmarks, cozy pubs, gorgeous colour in the parks, and the first twinkle of Christmas.
• 17:27
  SPEAKER_01: And this time we're doubly spoke because we have two wonderful guests to share it all.
• 17:33
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, I am so excited to um not even know what I'm saying.
• 17:38
  SPEAKER_01: I'm so excited to welcome Charlie and Becky from Walks Devout on the podcast to talk all about autumn in London.
• 17:44
  SPEAKER_01: Now you'll recognise Becky from previous episodes in this year because she talked all about um spring and all about summer.
• 17:52
  SPEAKER_01: And now Charlie is back this episode to also um have a chat about going into the autumn season.
• 17:58
  SPEAKER_01: So we've spoiled this episode because we've got both of you on.
• 18:01
  SPEAKER_01: So welcome guys, welcome back to the podcast.
• 18:03
  SPEAKER_01: Thanks, Tracy.
• 18:05
  SPEAKER_01: Hi, great to be here.
• 18:07
  SPEAKER_01: So, first question, I'm just gonna go straight into it.
• 18:10
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and I think you're answering this question, Charlie.
• 18:13
  SPEAKER_01: So, what changes about the feel of London once the summer visitors head home and what really comes into its own in autumn?
• 18:22
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so uh autumn for me is one of my favourite, favourite seasons in the entire year.
• 18:28
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I just love it.
• 18:29
  SPEAKER_02: And for London, it's it's quite magical actually, because the entire rhythm completely shifts from summer.
• 18:36
  SPEAKER_02: You kind of get a very much more relaxed and authentic atmosphere in London, so more of a local feel.
• 18:44
  SPEAKER_02: Um, it's kind of like the locals have got their city back, if that makes sense.
• 18:49
  SPEAKER_02: Um, because through the summer, sort of you're overrun with with tourists, and it gets so busy.
• 18:56
  SPEAKER_02: I mean, even just locals struggle to get up and down the streets because it's so so packed.
• 19:01
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so the the dense crowds that we see through summer really recede, um, especially at some of the iconic sites um and all the the busy areas.
• 19:12
  SPEAKER_02: Um, it's cozy, it feels so cozy in the city.
• 19:16
  SPEAKER_02: Um, because you get the darker evenings, they're crisp, they're cooler, you've got dim lit lanterns everywhere, um, lights in the windows.
• 19:28
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I think one of my favourite things is walking down the quieter streets and having the glowing street lights and the the cosy fires that you can see through the windows of the pubs and and some of the the houses as you walk by.
• 19:42
  SPEAKER_02: Um the green spaces, I don't think people realise just how much green space is in London, but there's about 40% green space in in the city of London.
• 19:52
  SPEAKER_02: And uh just watching the trees and everything change colour from the green to the gold to the amber.
• 20:00
  SPEAKER_02: Um that's one of my favourite favourite parts.
• 20:03
  SPEAKER_02: So for me, that's what really changes is is just that vibe, that cozy craziness that we feel in summer to that cozy, warm, dimly lit, um crisp evenings and and daytimes.
• 20:19
  SPEAKER_02: Um you've got more interaction everywhere.
• 20:22
  SPEAKER_02: Um and the cruising down the Thames, I have to say, is magical in autumn and winter.
• 20:31
  SPEAKER_02: Because even though you're you're cold and freezing, just seeing all the iconic buildings lit up is especially sort of around that sort of late November, December time, it's it's magical, it really is.
• 20:46
  SPEAKER_02: So for me, that's the biggest change of of London from summer to autumn.
• 20:53
  SPEAKER_01: And it becomes very atmospheric.
• 20:55
  SPEAKER_01: I just think that kind of the the the kind of darker nights, the shorter days, the change in the weather, the whole atmosphere of London changes.
• 21:03
  SPEAKER_01: And you kind of touched on there a little bit about um autumn colour and the the leaves change.
• 21:07
  SPEAKER_01: And I know Becky, you're gonna you're gonna chat through this because I think that autumn colour in London is quite underrated.
• 21:13
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and I know there's some beautiful places to go um to get those gorgeous, gorgeous autumn leave um experiences and pictures.
• 21:22
  SPEAKER_01: So, where would you send people um and where do you think when do you think it usually looks at its best?
• 21:28
  SPEAKER_03: Oh, that's a great question, Tracy.
• 21:30
  SPEAKER_03: So I think um I think October is a really nice time to see the impact of that colour change in full force.
• 21:38
  SPEAKER_03: Also, we get sometimes what you call an Indian summer, that sort of later in the year, warmer weather where it feels a little bit balmy, but you still get that nip in the air.
• 21:50
  SPEAKER_03: Um, in terms of where to go, um, underrated and a uh a little bit uh more north from the centre of the city, uh, I really love Hampstead here.
• 22:00
  SPEAKER_03: Heath, um, because you really get to see that colour change and full force from the trees.
• 22:05
  SPEAKER_03: You also get some really nice views of the city skyline from a more elevated perspective.
• 22:11
  SPEAKER_03: So uh if you're in and around Primrose Hill, I know people were really enjoying that over the summertime, especially when we had the partial eclipse a couple of weeks ago, which was great.
• 22:22
  SPEAKER_03: But to really see that come into its own into the autumn, you can sort of stay a little bit longer so that that shorter day closes into night and you can just see the city light up around you.
• 22:33
  SPEAKER_03: It's wonderful.
• 22:34
  SPEAKER_03: Um, also, I think the the central London Royal Parks, um, if you're not so up for getting on the Northern Line and travelling up to North London, there's so many clustered in a central area in the city of Westminster.
• 22:51
  SPEAKER_03: So you've got St James's Park, uh right opposite St James's Palace and near Buckingham Palace that uh we cover on many of our tours uh in and around uh yeah, the Kensington Palace Tour, London in a Day Tour also covers that quite nicely.
• 23:08
  SPEAKER_03: And St James's Park is a small park, but it's so beautifully planted, and they will change up the planting of their flower beds seasonally.
• 23:16
  SPEAKER_03: So you'll get some wonderful autumn colours coming in that really beautifully matching, uh that they match the changing colours of the of the leaves on the trees.
• 23:25
  SPEAKER_03: Um, also, if you go to St.
• 23:27
  SPEAKER_03: James's Park at the moment or into autumn, um, you'll get to see how the pelican chicks are growing up as well.
• 23:36
  SPEAKER_03: Um, so they've had pelican chicks born there, they've hatched for the only time in their 350-year history of being there.
• 23:44
  SPEAKER_03: And um, I've been following their progress and taking our guests to follow their progress.
• 23:50
  SPEAKER_03: They are growing really quickly.
• 23:52
  SPEAKER_03: Um, so they might not quite be chicks now by the time we get to October, but you will get to see a more uh full brood of uh of pelicans there, which is fantastic.
• 24:03
  SPEAKER_03: Um also Kensington Gardens as well, um, which we cover on a new express tour, which is like a little um sort of shortened version of our Kensington Palace tour where we really focus on the gardens.
• 24:17
  SPEAKER_03: Um, and uh in October in that kind of year, if you walk down to the Italianate gardens, which is a beautiful little paved formal garden, um, it was created by um Prince Albert uh for his wife, Queen Victoria, as a present.
• 24:35
  SPEAKER_03: So there's some romance there as well.
• 24:37
  SPEAKER_03: So, you know, if you're a couple, you want to go on a nice romantic walk, you can head through those lovely tree-lined avenues to the Italian A garden.
• 24:46
  SPEAKER_03: And if you walk down to the end of it, you get this beautiful view across the water with fountains either side of you, and you just get to see this full riot of colour.
• 24:57
  SPEAKER_03: And it just fills you with that sort of, I don't know, it's a it's a great sort of spiritual feeling of being in nature, but just wondering at just how beautiful London is.
• 25:08
  SPEAKER_03: It's fantastic.
• 25:09
  SPEAKER_01: Lovely.
• 25:10
  SPEAKER_01: Actually, and Doug Doug took some beautiful pictures in Little Venice actually, uh, last September, which September, October.
• 25:16
  SPEAKER_01: They are beautiful photos.
• 25:18
  SPEAKER_01: Um, lovely looking.
• 25:19
  SPEAKER_01: The leaves were gorgeous.
• 25:21
  SPEAKER_01: Absolutely.
• 25:22
  SPEAKER_01: Absolutely.
• 25:23
  SPEAKER_01: Now, this is the season where everybody starts to head back indoors, it's starting to get darker, it's getting colder.
• 25:29
  SPEAKER_01: Um, so Charlie, a couple of questions for you on this one.
• 25:32
  SPEAKER_01: So, what's starting to happen in London with things like museums and galleries and theatre heading into autumn?
• 25:39
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and which of your tours um are at the very best at this time of year?
• 25:44
  SPEAKER_02: Yeah, so I mean, there's so much happening.
• 25:46
  SPEAKER_02: Everyone, I think it's sort of underrated that they think summer is is the month to head in where everything's happening, but it isn't, it is actually the the winter months.
• 25:56
  SPEAKER_02: So with the theatres, you you can imagine the darker afternoons, it kind of entices everyone to go in and watch more shows.
• 26:04
  SPEAKER_02: So the West End actually comes to life more throughout the autumn and winter, um, and this is due to a lot of the new shows um being opened and switching of casts.
• 26:16
  SPEAKER_02: So they normally switch up casts through October, November time um to then run for another year.
• 26:23
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so this is the best time to get in and see a brand new cast doing the show or any new shows that are coming out um in the West End.
• 26:32
  SPEAKER_02: And uh we might have a special tour next year that includes one of the oldest West End theatres.
• 26:39
  SPEAKER_02: So that's one to look out for.
• 26:41
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I'll tell you more about that after.
• 26:44
  SPEAKER_02: Um the Tower and Abbey, the two most iconic sites, these kind of they lose those crazy overwhelming lines that you have to queue up in to get in.
• 26:55
  SPEAKER_02: I mean, thankfully, with our tours, we do have the exclusive access.
• 26:59
  SPEAKER_02: Um, but there's a lot more appreciation because you can spend more time in areas, um, it's more atmospheric and definitely, definitely less busy, so you can really appreciate the the history that these iconic buildings have.
• 27:15
  SPEAKER_02: Culturally, the museums jump.
• 27:18
  SPEAKER_02: So, although they are busy through the summer, it is really the place to be through the winter.
• 27:24
  SPEAKER_02: You've got the National Gallery, you've got the new London Museum opening, you've got the British Museum, which is another potential offering for us for next year.
• 27:35
  SPEAKER_02: Um we also have, you know, the Tate Modern, um, all these places um through the autumn and winter, they start blockbusting their big blockbusters for next year.
• 27:49
  SPEAKER_02: So this is when they bring out all the big hitters um to release for for next year.
• 27:54
  SPEAKER_02: So it's a really good time to go.
• 27:57
  SPEAKER_02: Um looking at our tours, so for me, one of the most the best tours for this kind of season would be the pubs tour that we run through the City of London.
• 28:06
  SPEAKER_02: Um, you know, through the summer, people want to sit outside in the sun.
• 28:10
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so the interior of pubs are very quiet.
• 28:13
  SPEAKER_02: Um, you'll see, especially in the City of London, you can't walk down a street without having to go in the road because people are just stood outside the pubs.
• 28:22
  SPEAKER_02: It's it's a lovely atmosphere.
• 28:24
  SPEAKER_02: But the pub culture completely changes in the autumn and winter.
• 28:28
  SPEAKER_02: They want to be inside, curled up inside in front of the fire, cozy, warm.
• 28:34
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and hit with our tour, you'll hear stories of Fleet Street, Dickens, which really captures that British pub culture at its best, whilst trying traditional ales and little British pub bites in these tiny cozy corners of dimly dimly lit tavern.
• 28:53
  SPEAKER_02: So for me, the pubs tour really comes to life through the winter.
• 28:58
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I'd also say our tower tours.
• 29:01
  SPEAKER_02: So at the Tower of London, we have the opening ceremony and we have Tracy's favourite tour, the ceremony of the keys, which is the closing ceremony.
• 29:11
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so really you I mean, you can't imagine being inside that tower, just you and 20 other people, as dusk is falling um around the fortress, everything will change dramatically, and you will really get that true feeling of what it was like in there, um, being the cooler feel, um, and then watching the ceremony of the keys or the opening ceremony, it's something quite magical.
• 29:39
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I'd also say the Abbey Tour, so Westminster Abbey, we do offer quite a few different options through the winter, um, as well as private tours.
• 29:48
  SPEAKER_02: Um, on all our tours now, a majority of private options.
• 29:52
  SPEAKER_02: Um, but this is the quintessential rainy day indoor experience.
• 29:56
  SPEAKER_02: If you want to get inside on one of our tours on a rainy day, Westminster Abbey, you could spend two hours, two and a half hours in there quite happily.
• 30:04
  SPEAKER_02: And again, we offer this as a private tour so they can they can have their guide and really understand the history and the the his the background of this magical, magical place.
• 30:16
  SPEAKER_02: Um and Becky touched on it, Kensington Palace, the express tour.
• 30:20
  SPEAKER_02: It's a two and a half hour tour that really takes in the majestic gardens um and then the palace itself.
• 30:27
  SPEAKER_02: So for me, they're the real tours that come to life through through the autumn and winter.
• 30:32
  SPEAKER_01: Perfect.
• 30:32
  SPEAKER_01: And you've mentioned, as you say, like my favourite um ceremony of the keys, you know, I absolutely love that.
• 30:37
  SPEAKER_01: But I also love the taste tales and traditional ales.
• 30:40
  SPEAKER_01: I love the pop tour.
• 30:41
  SPEAKER_01: It's just so brilliant because it's not just the food.
• 30:45
  SPEAKER_01: You're also learning about the history, the culture.
• 30:47
  SPEAKER_01: It's just, it's Britain in a little tour that one is.
• 30:50
  SPEAKER_01: It's just like British culture.
• 30:53
  SPEAKER_01: Um it and I love it.
• 30:54
  SPEAKER_01: I just I thoroughly, I think I've done that maybe three times now.
• 30:57
  SPEAKER_01: And honestly, if you ask me to go on it again, I'd do it again.
• 30:59
  SPEAKER_01: I absolutely love it.
• 31:01
  SPEAKER_01: And you know what?
• 31:01
  SPEAKER_01: I actually what is even better for me on some of the is that I've been with some of our clients and some of our listeners, and and it's just amazing.
• 31:09
  SPEAKER_01: And I love that.
• 31:10
  SPEAKER_01: It just it's just fantastic because I get to share it with them as well, which is also really magical, absolutely magical.
• 31:16
  SPEAKER_01: Now I'm gonna turn to Becky now and I'm gonna ask you.
• 31:19
  SPEAKER_01: We talked about the fact we know that evenings it's gonna get darker early, it gets a little bit more of a cozy feel as we head through the autumn.
• 31:26
  SPEAKER_01: So, how do you spend an autumn evening in London, Becky?
• 31:29
  SPEAKER_01: And what would you recommend to visitors?
• 31:32
  SPEAKER_03: Um, I am a big walker, so I I love lovely long meandering walks in a variety of different places.
• 31:42
  SPEAKER_03: And I think if you're heading towards the Grand Union Canal, either in the north end or the east end of the city, um, you know, it it starts getting beautifully lit.
• 31:54
  SPEAKER_03: Um, and as Charlie's touched upon, you know, in some places there's just this quality of the light when the night is closing in and you get the lovely glow of the street lamps, um, it just feels really romantic and and lovely.
• 32:06
  SPEAKER_03: Also, because I'm a bit of a nerd, I like anywhere where there's a lovely traditional gas lamp uh glowing because it gives you that extra sort of romantic, glowy kind of feel.
• 32:17
  SPEAKER_03: Um, and you can find those in quite a few places in the city of London and the city of Westminster.
• 32:22
  SPEAKER_03: Um, so if you go a little bit off the beaten track off Fleet Street and head to the Inner and Middle Temples, uh, where legal London is, um, then you'll find these cozy, quiet little streets beautifully lit with the gas lamps.
• 32:36
  SPEAKER_03: Um, and in and around uh Buckingham Palace as well.
• 32:39
  SPEAKER_03: So in St.
• 32:40
  SPEAKER_03: James's Park, in Green Park, you will find that lovely glow as well.
• 32:44
  SPEAKER_03: Um, a cozy pub with a book is a must.
• 32:48
  SPEAKER_03: Um, finding a little quiet corner, um, preferably by a fire if there's a chill in the air.
• 32:55
  SPEAKER_03: Um and I would guess also just sometimes, you know, you get uh the benefit of being in London is you're in certain main bits of London, your your shops are going to be open later into the evening.
• 33:10
  SPEAKER_03: Um so in and around Oxford Street, Piccadilly, um, the Seven Dolls area, in and around Covent Garden and Soho, you know, you can pop into a nice cozy little bookshop.
• 33:21
  SPEAKER_03: Um, and you know, just that feeling of browsing and picking out something that you can go and take to your quiet little cozy corner and read is is really something special.
• 33:33
  SPEAKER_03: So a little bit of retail therapy, uh, a little bit of well-being with the walking and the downtime, uh, and maybe a tipple or two as well.
• 33:42
  SPEAKER_01: That sounds really good.
• 33:43
  SPEAKER_01: And um just kind of I suppose thinking about a little bit of retail therapy, kind of heading into the kind of Christmas um uh season and that that kind of festive feel around London.
• 33:54
  SPEAKER_01: Um, Charlie, uh kind of that kind of late November, we're starting to tip into that kind of Christmas whole Christmas feel around London, really from kind of the middle of November, really.
• 34:04
  SPEAKER_01: Um so when do the lights and markets you actually appear?
• 34:08
  SPEAKER_01: And is late November a good time to visit for a hinter Christmas without the December crowds?
• 34:13
  SPEAKER_01: Because we all know how busy it can get in December.
• 34:15
  SPEAKER_02: Yeah, 100%.
• 34:17
  SPEAKER_02: Yes.
• 34:17
  SPEAKER_02: December is insane in London, especially around the markets and the main streets.
• 34:22
  SPEAKER_02: Um, but late November is probably the best kept secret, is to visiting London.
• 34:27
  SPEAKER_02: Um, you get all that magnificent festive cheer, but without the crowds, um and because they can become wall to wall at some places.
• 34:37
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so we do roll out Christmas early in London.
• 34:40
  SPEAKER_02: Um so by the second week of November, all the major displays and markets are fully operational.
• 34:48
  SPEAKER_02: So you've got the likes of Oxford Street and Regent Street, which are the most famous Christmas lights to be turned on.
• 34:54
  SPEAKER_02: Um, they always happen the first week of November, and then around Covent Garden area, where they have the huge Christmas tree.
• 35:02
  SPEAKER_02: If you love Christmas trees like uh Kevin from Home Alone, then Covent Garden is the place to go.
• 35:08
  SPEAKER_02: Um, because that one is the biggest one in London, I think.
• 35:11
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and that's normally mid-November that they start, they start opening that up.
• 35:15
  SPEAKER_02: Um, markets as well, all markets will be up and running by mid-November.
• 35:20
  SPEAKER_02: So along the South Bank we have one, um, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, um, and then we have an amazing um huge Christmas fair markets, name it what you want.
• 35:33
  SPEAKER_02: We call it Winter Wonderland um that happens every single year in Hyde Park.
• 35:39
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so if you've never been to London and you want to have real, that whole full festive experience, then Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is definitely somewhere to go.
• 35:49
  SPEAKER_02: Um, but yeah, late November, you get all the all the cheer, half the crowds, as we say.
• 35:55
  SPEAKER_02: Um, because the schools haven't broken up by this point, so it's less kids as well.
• 36:01
  SPEAKER_02: Um, a lot more availability on tours um because the corporate parties haven't started booking.
• 36:08
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and one tip as well, it's better travel value.
• 36:12
  SPEAKER_02: So for if you're looking at hotels and flight rates, there's lower through the end of November than they will be come December.
• 36:21
  SPEAKER_02: Um, but the atmosphere is still just as you would find in December for Christmas, but it just starts a wee bit earlier in London.
• 36:29
  SPEAKER_01: It does, you know what?
• 36:30
  SPEAKER_01: I don't know if we should actually be sharing this, Charlie, because that's my personal favourite time of year to visit London.
• 36:36
  SPEAKER_01: I love November in London because it it's not as insane as you say it gets in December, where trying to actually see any of the Christmas lights can get a little bit more difficult because the amount of sheer amount of people that are there.
• 36:48
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 36:48
  SPEAKER_01: But you also get the lovely cozy feeling because of the late uh, you know, the darker nights.
• 36:52
  SPEAKER_01: Um, so yeah, but a lovely time of year to visit.
• 36:55
  SPEAKER_01: So thanks both of you guys for coming on and talking about autumn.
• 36:58
  SPEAKER_01: Um, you're gonna be back um beginning of December.
• 37:01
  SPEAKER_01: Um well, Charlie, you're you're gonna be back a few more times, but um you're gonna be back beginning of December, talk about winter, because we're gonna talk about winter, that kind of December, January, February time.
• 37:12
  SPEAKER_01: Uh so obviously December is very different from January, February, but we'll talk about kind of that winter season um in London and also talk about kind of how things change for Walks Devour, what tours are available as well over that that season.
• 37:25
  SPEAKER_01: Um but otherwise, thanks so much guys for joining me for this episode.
• 37:28
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you.
• 37:28
  SPEAKER_01: It's our pleasure.
• 37:29
  SPEAKER_01: It's lovely to chat again.
• 37:31
  SPEAKER_03: Thanks, Tracy.
• 37:33
  SPEAKER_03: Always fun.
• 37:35
  SPEAKER_01: So there we have it.
• 37:36
  SPEAKER_01: Autumn across the UK through the eyes of five people who know their regions better than anyone.
• 37:41
  SPEAKER_01: Thanks so much to Sally Ann from North Coast Explorer Tours and to Charlie and Becky from Walks DeBower for this week, and to Briany, Lisa, and Alex for part one.
• 37:50
  SPEAKER_01: From rainbows, dark skies, and the deer rut and the far north of Scotland to gaslit evenings and the first Christmas lights in London, there really is something special about the UK in autumn.
• 38:01
  SPEAKER_01: I'll link to this week's guest websites in the show notes at uktravelplanet.com forward slash episode 217.
• 38:08
  SPEAKER_01: If autumn is in your plans, we'd love to hear where you're heading, so do send us a message via Speakpipe and you'll find the link in the show notes.
• 38:15
  SPEAKER_01: And if you've enjoyed this two part special, please share it with someone who's planning their own UK trip.
• 38:20
  SPEAKER_01: But as always, that just leaves me to say until next week, happy UK travel planning.