Episode 166 Planning a Multi-Stop UK Adventure With Kids

In episode 166 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Lori-Ann and Nick Mancini from Florida, USA share how their daughters’ Irish dance trip inspired a 20-day family adventure through Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, and Scotland.

From train journeys and scenic hikes to exploring Edinburgh, York, London, and Bath, we dive into their highlights, lessons learned, and favourite moments.

They also share tips on planning a multi-stop UK itinerary, choosing transport and accommodation, and making travel meaningful when exploring with teens and tweens.

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Episode 166 – What you’ll learn in this episode

🇮🇪✈️ How a family trip for Irish dance competitions grew into a 20-day UK and Ireland adventure packed with castles, scenic drives, and train journeys
🗺️ Lori-Ann shares her day-by-day itinerary: from Dublin and Northern Ireland to iconic destinations like Edinburgh, York, London, Bath, the Cotswolds, and Oxford
🚗🚆 The realities of road-tripping in Ireland (including left-side driving nerves!) and making the most of the UK’s train network, plus insights into using BritRail Pass first class
🤝 The benefits of planning support: using Facebook groups, podcast resources, checklists, train guides, and one-to-one consults to create a family-friendly, smooth itinerary
🏰 Family highlights: magical hikes in Tollymore Forest, exploring at the Giant’s Causeway, York Minster, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and hidden gems in both countryside and cities
🎟️ Hands-on experiences for teens and tweens: letting kids pick activities, mixing historic sites with fun stops like the optical illusion museum, and balancing sightseeing with downtime
🍽️ Foodie finds: Sunday roast in London, gluten-free dining tips, a memorable tea at the Georgian Tea Rooms at the Dome, local pub stops, and trying classic dishes like sticky toffee pudding and haggis
🛏️ Accommodation advice: favourite stays in Ariel House (Dublin), quirky city apartments in York, and family-friendly hotels in London and Oxford, plus tips for choosing between hotels and apartments
🧳 Top planning tips: why to pack for all seasons, the benefits of flexible rail travel, how to maximise sightseeing with evening trains, and preparing teens for long journeys
💡 Takeaway for listeners: Expect unpredictable weather, embrace local transport, allow for flexibility- and don’t underestimate the power of a well-planned (but open-minded) itinerary for a meaningful UK family holiday

UK places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

Places

Dublin – capital city of Ireland, starting point of the family’s trip
Annalong – village in Northern Ireland, home of the twins’ Irish dance teacher
Doolin – Irish village, known for boat tours under the Cliffs of Moher
Galway – city on Ireland’s west coast
Edinburgh – capital city of Scotland
Holyrood – Holyrood Palace (Palace of Holyroodhouse), historic royal residence in Edinburgh
Scottish National Museum – museum in Edinburgh
York – English city with medieval walls, York Minster, and historic Shambles
The Shambles – a famous medieval street in York
York Minster – Gothic cathedral in York
House of Trembling Madness – quirky York accommodation
London – UK capital, major sightseeing destination
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – famous London museum
St. Paul’s Cathedral – a historic church in London, known for its dome and city views
Tower of London – historic London fortress, home of the Crown Jewels
Windsor – an English town with Windsor Castle
Bath – English city with ancient Roman baths and Georgian architecture
Roman Baths – immersive archaeological museum in Bath
Bath Minster – Bath Abbey, historic church in Bath
Guildhall Market – covered market in Bath
Jane Austen Museum – museum dedicated to the author, in Bath
Cotswolds – region of quintessential English villages and countryside
Stow-on-the-Wold (Stow) – Cotswold market town, famous for the “Door to Moria”
Lavender Farm (in Cotswolds) – farm with lavender fields, site of tea experience
Oxford – a university city in England, home of university tours and punting
Head of the River – riverside inn in Oxford
Silent Valley – a reservoir and area of local history in Northern Ireland
Tollymore Forest – a forest park in Northern Ireland, known for Game of Thrones filming
Isle of Man – visible from the family’s accommodation in Northern Ireland
Maker’s/Macar’s Mash Bar – restaurant in Edinburgh
Earl’s Court – tube station/neighbourhood in London
Ariel House – accommodation in Ballsbridge, Dublin
Old Shades – pub/restaurant in London
Old Star – pub in London
Marriott Residence Inn Kensington – hotel in London

Foods

Sunday roast – traditional British roast meal (roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, etc.)
Yorkshire pudding – classic British accompaniment to roast dinners
Scampi – fried langoustine tails or monkfish, different from US-style scampi
Sticky toffee pudding – traditional British dessert
Tea/afternoon tea – featured at Georgian Tea Rooms in Edinburgh and the lavender farm in the Cotswolds
Haggis – traditional Scottish dish, tried in sausage rolls

Words / Concepts

Feis/Fesh – Irish dance competition
BritRail Pass – a rail ticket for unlimited train travel in the UK
First class train travel – upgraded train experience with inclusive meals and greater comfort
Black cab – traditional London taxi, also used for guided tours (e.g., Black Cab Tours in Edinburgh)
Changing of the Guard – a ceremonial event at royal residences in London
Trooping the Colour – a royal parade celebrating the monarch’s official birthday