April 29, 2025 • 37 mins
Charlie Sullivan from Walks and Devour Tours returns to share exciting new small-group experiences in London and Edinburgh that offer exclusive access and immersive storytelling beyond typical tourist experiences.
• New Brixton food tour exploring Caribbean, African and Latin American cuisine including visiting Maureen's home for authentic jerk chicken
• Redeveloped Borough Market tour now includes Leadenhall Market and a private wine and cheese tasting
• New royal tour featuring Kensington Palace, guard change viewing and afternoon tea at the Orangerie
• Exclusive early access to Edinburgh Castle – the only tour company allowed inside before opening hours
• "Edinburgh in a Day" tour including private castle access, Royal Mile walk and Holyrood Palace visit
• Access to normally restricted areas in Edinburgh Castle including Royal Apartments and Crown Room
• Alternative Scotch Whisky Experience when Holyrood Palace closes for royal engagements
• Small group sizes and expert local guides who share compelling stories and historical context
• Practical tip for Edinburgh visitors: wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and bring layers for unpredictable weather
⭐️ Guest - Charley Bennett from Walks Tours
📝 Show Notes - Episode 147
🎧 Listen to next
- Episode #84 - Exploring London's Walks Tours
- Episode #91 - A Taste of London with Devour Tours
- Episode #132 - Top Tips for Visiting London in 2025
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
In episode 147 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast.
Join me as I chat with CharlieSullivan from Walks and Devour
Tours to get the inside scoop ontheir amazing small group
experiences in London andEdinburgh.
From delicious food tours toexpertly guided walks, charlie
shares exciting new offerings inboth cities that are perfect
for travellers who wanna gobeyond the guidebook.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Welcome to the UK Travel Planning Podcast.
Your host is the founder of theUK Travel Planning website,
tracy Collins.
In this podcast, tracy sharesdestination guides, travel tips
and itinerary ideas, as well asinterviews with a variety of
guests who share their knowledgeand experience of UK travel to
help you plan your perfect UKvacation.
(00:45):
Join us as we explore the UKfrom cosmopolitan cities to
quaint villages, from historiccastles to beautiful islands,
and from the picturesquecountryside to seaside towns.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Hi everybody and welcome to episode 147 of the UK
Travel Planner Podcast thisweek.
I'm really excited to have arepeat guest on the show Now.
Charlie was a guest on episode84 and episode 921, which I'll
check there and she was at thatpoint Charlie Bennett.
She's now Charlie Sullivan, soif you have listened to those
(01:22):
episodes and you're thinking Iknow that voice yes, it is the
wonderful Charlie Bennett fromWalks Tours and Devour Tours.
Now Charlie Sullivan now ishere to talk to us all about
updates in London and someexciting development with Walks
Tours in another wonderful UKdestination, wonderful UK
(01:46):
destination.
So I had to get Charlie on tospill the beans about what's
been happening at WALKS and alsoat Devour in London and in this
new destination.
So welcome, charlie.
Welcome back to the podcast.
Speaker 3 (01:54):
Crazy.
It's a pleasure to be back.
I'm thrilled to be able to chatagain about London and our new
region, which I'll tell you moreabout in a little bit.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
So would you like to start off with?
Just because, if people haven'tyet listened to those other two
episodes, so I will say, do goback and listen to them because
they are incredibly popular.
But if you haven't, charlie,would you like to introduce
yourself and tell us about whatyour role is?
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Sure, so my name is Charlie Sullivan, naïve Bennett.
I actually got married a fewyears ago, but we took a while
to change my name in the system.
So I am the product andoperations manager for Walks and
Devour Tours in London and I'vebeen with the company since
(02:38):
July 2022.
So I was overseeing sort of allthe guide management and
operations for a few years andthen I've now got my lovely
support team in London of a newground operations manager called
Scott, so he's now my colleaguein London here.
So I look after a lot of theproducts and operations to do
(03:02):
with all our tours in London.
And I think the nicest thingabout Take Walks and Devour is
they really offer just more thanjust sightseeing.
We try and create an immersive,story-driven experience for our
guests.
We try and connect them to theheart and soul of a destination
(03:23):
rather than just a walking tour.
So with walks, we curate smallgroup walking tours and they're
all led by very passionate, veryknowledgeable local guides,
some of which are historians,some teachers, lecturers, some
of which are historians, someteachers, lecturers.
And we try and provideexclusive access to iconic
(03:49):
landmarks in each destination.
So, whether that be VIP entry orskip the line access, and we
try and take the tourists beyondwhat they would normally see.
So we want to try, and we tryand make them experience more
(04:09):
than just waiting, which is whatyou tend to do as a normal
tourist, waiting in lines allthe time.
Devour Tours, on the other hand, it's all about discovering the
city through its food and itsculture and local stories.
So we have a very strong focuson supporting family-run local
businesses, traditionalproducers, especially in a lot
of the markets that we visit,and we try and offer not just
(04:33):
delicious tastings but a verydeeper understanding into local
life and the culinary heritageof the people that make this all
happen.
So we say that you won't onlyleave full, but you'll be more
connected to the places that youvisited.
So, altogether, we just try andincorporate small groups,
(04:54):
intimate groups, exceptionalstorytelling, unique access, a
deep respect for local cultures.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
And you do it so, so well.
I have to say, charlie Doug andI have been enjoying Davao food
tours in Spain recently, sothat will be in Madrid, in
Seville and Barcelona and havehad an absolute ball.
We've loved it and we've donesome walks tours as well, which
(05:22):
we've absolutely loved.
And to swing back to London, myfavorite food tour of all time
is the Taste Tales andTraditional Ales tour that I did
a couple of years ago and Istill rave about it, and my
friend Terry, who came on thetour with me, she tells all her
friends about it because I lovedit.
And I've done food tours inParis and obviously now recently
(05:45):
in Barcelona and Madrid stillfantastic food tours.
But I still love the TastesTales and Traditional Ales food
tour because it is just amazing.
And, of course, on top of thefood tours as well, which Doug
and I absolutely love and Iwould recommend.
If you are listening to thispodcast and you're thinking
English food yuck, seriously, no, it's not all about the food
(06:08):
and also we do have some goodfood I'm going to say that you
will also learn the history.
You'll go and learn the historyof Borough Market.
You'll go and learn about thehistory of the pubs that you are
visiting, as well as about thefood.
So there's so much to it.
And Walksters of course anybody.
If you're listening to thispodcast you, there's so much to
it.
And walks tours of courseanybody.
If you're listening to thispodcast, you know how much I
love the Ceremony of the Keys.
I've been lucky enough to dothat a couple of times.
(06:29):
I recently did the London in aDay tour with you guys.
I've done Westminster Abbey.
I have loved every single tour.
They just the tour guides arethe best.
Honestly.
They are just so, so amazingand tell wonderful stories,
which is what you want.
So I absolutely back up 100%because I love your tours and if
(06:51):
Doug was sitting here, I'd sayexactly the same.
So I want to know, because I'mgoing to be back in London later
on in the year as well veryexciting to be back, and I'm
sure all the listeners who areplanning to go to London this
year what is new this year.
Give us an overview of whatyou've got going on in London.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
Well, as you were talking about the food tours and
the pubs being one of yourfavourites, we actually have a
brand new food tour hittingLondon this year.
Exciting and it's really reallycapturing the heart and soul of
Caribbean, african and LatinAmerican flavours.
So we're heading to a littlearea in the south of London
(07:31):
called Brixton and Brixton isit's very popular, but it's very
popular with the Windrushgeneration.
So if you don't know about theWindrush generation, it kind of
it refers to the people whomigrated to the UK from the
Caribbean between I think it was1948 and 1973.
And they were named after theship, the HMT Empire Windrush.
(07:55):
Now there was a big scandal in2018 where it was seen that many
were wrongly detained, deniedrights and threatened with
deportation despite beingBritish citizens, and
unfortunately, there were somethat were deported.
So this area is very rich incultural history as well as
(08:17):
iconic food from theseparticular areas.
Now the tour itself is aroundthree and a half hours, starts
about 11am in the morning, andwe really try and take you to
see the vibrant and deliciousvarieties of flavours from all
across these regions, from WestAfrica to Gambia, to Nigeria, to
(08:39):
Latin America, and not onlythat, but I really think that
this tour calculates Devourtours as a whole, because we
really mix local perspectiveswith heartwarming stories from
the local vendors.
So it really is a tour that youmust take to learn more about
(08:59):
this culture, the Brixtonculture and the legendary food
and culture scene.
So on the tour we actually gothis is one of my favourite
parts of this tour is the veryfirst stop and we go and visit
Maureen and we actually go intoher house.
We go in through her back gatein the middle of Brixton and she
(09:20):
is there cooking on a barbecueher famous famous jerk chicken.
So to start off, you'll betrying jerk chicken with some
amazing coleslaw, and jerkchicken is so flavorful.
It's marinated in really deepsmoky spices.
So you will get the true tasteof Jamaica in one bite.
(09:41):
She is literally she's all overInstagram.
Taste of Jamaica in one bite.
She is literally she's all overInstagram.
So if you haven't already,check her out on Instagram
Maureen Brixton.
And honestly, the food is todie, for I literally I can't
stop going back.
It's just the best.
We then head to Jamaica.
(10:03):
So we head to a lovely littlefarm shop which is hidden in the
market and we try sometraditional Jamaican rum cake so
it's never too early foralcohol, even if it is in a cake
and the guide will really tellyou an inspiring story of this
(10:23):
shop and its founder.
The guide will really tell youan inspiring story of this shop
and its founder, who was a childof the Windrush generation, who
turned a childhood love forfarming into a beloved community
shop.
So you'll really understand howthis community has been brought
together through thegenerations of Windrush and a
community.
We then head to try some codfritters with Brian at Fish
(10:47):
Wings and Tings and this is verymuch a Trinidadian heritage
that we will be sampling.
And he actually he shaped hiswhole idea on his grandma's
kitchen and he shaped his life'smission to bring people
together through food.
So every single stop we'regoing to has such an amazing
(11:08):
back history and story behind it.
We then try West African cuisineof jollof rice and akra, which
are sort of crispy, fluffy beanfritters.
We then try a Brazilian sweetcalled Brigadeiro.
They're like chocolate bonbonsof heaven.
Honestly, you take one bite andyou just want to keep devouring
(11:31):
them.
They're amazing.
And then our last stop, whichis another one of my favourites,
is with William, and he willjust talk your ear off about his
whole life in Gambia.
And we will try sort of verydifferent style tapas with
empanadas and plantains andsangria, because of course, you
(11:54):
cannot end a tour without a niceglass of sangria.
And all this is just in thisone community, in this hub of
Brixton, and I'm super excitedabout this tour.
All the guides are locals, theyknow people, so you'll sort of
be walking around and they'll besaying hello to everyone as you
walk past and it really is, youknow.
(12:15):
You'll walk down the famousElectric Avenue, see murals of
likes of David Bowie that reallycelebrate the neighbourhood's
culture and history, as well aslearning about the foods and the
people as you go.
Speaker 1 (12:29):
Oh, my goodness, my mouth is watering, I have to
tell you, charlie, it soundsamazing and I think that's
what's so special about DevourTours as well.
It's like you meet the locals,you're supporting the local
community, you're supporting thelocal producers, you're
supporting the local producers,you're sharing the stories, the
history of that community, andhow else are you going to ever
(12:54):
be able to experience anythinglike that?
It's fantastic.
So can you put my name down forthat tour please later on in
the year?
100%, I definitely, definitelywant to go on that and we will
share a link in the show notes.
So if you want to go ahead andbook that tour, um, you can go
on there and and get yourselfbooked onto that tour.
Is that every day that thatone's offered, charlie?
(13:15):
It's running Tuesday, thursdaysand Saturdays at the moment and
then, as we see it improvingand the sales coming in and
people booking, then we willlook to increase that as well.
(13:35):
Traditional ales, which Iabsolutely love, and also the
Borough Market tour as well,which Doug and I have done as
well, which we really loved, andI think the appreciation of the
Borough Market tour as well.
I do say to people, becausepeople go, they all want to go
to Borough Market becausethey've seen it.
On Instagram or TikTok, thestrawberries, particularly,
comes up all the time.
I'm going to learn about thehistory about Borough Market
(13:56):
because it's fascinating.
There's so much about that areaso it's not.
You're not just going to amarket, you're going to learn
about the you know this that hewas selling the food there,
where the food comes from, butalso the history of that area is
is absolutely fantastic as well.
So you come away with not justthe information about the food.
You meet the locals you learnabout.
(14:17):
You learn so much more than youwould just by having a little
stroll around Borough Market oreven, in fact, just going to one
of those, those old pubs.
You just learn about thehistory and the culture of where
you are.
So you know it can't be beatenreally.
Speaker 3 (14:32):
And talking of Borough Market, it has actually
been redeveloped slightly forthis year.
So we are still we still visitBorough Market.
We still have some wonderful,wonderful tastings in Borough
Market.
And we then actually head overLondon Bridge and we head into
the city of London and we go toanother famous market called
(14:53):
Leidenhall Market, which is veryfamous for inspirations like
Harry Potter.
It's a beautiful Victorianmarket and we try a fabulous
French delicacy I won't give toomuch away, but it's a beautiful
little gâteau and then weactually go in a hidden little
(15:14):
gem just around the back streetsand we go to a private wine and
cheese tasting now.
So it's all brand new.
Speaker 1 (15:22):
So you can come and try that one again I'm just I
feel like I feel like I'vemissed out.
Now I'm like I'm glad I'mcoming back to london because
I'm gonna have to be able to do.
I'm gonna have to do that one.
Absolutely gonna have to dothat one is the taste tales and
traditional ales, the same as itwas when I did that as that
that is exactly the same.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
Yes, it is the same, but we are running on weekends
now as well, which is reallynice to see this year that was
perfection and I and I'm goingto shout out to Sophie is Sophie
still doing the tours?
Speaker 1 (15:49):
because I loved Sophie.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
She was amazing she is, yeah, she is, she's still
here with us.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Fantastic also Pete, who took the Borough Market
tours as well.
If Pete's still around, helloto Pete as well, because he is
indeed fantastic and um okay, solet's talk about let's turn
away from food, even though Icould probably talk about food
all day.
Let's turn away from food andtalk about development in walks
tours, actually in London,before we kind of announce the
(16:13):
new destination that I'm soexcited to talk about so am, I
don't worry.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
Um, perfect.
So we have a brand new royaltour, um, so this one is I'm
super excited about as well.
So this is our kensingtonpalace um guard change and
afternoon tea tour.
It's five and a half hours soit's a good half day tour, but
it really shows, really shows,london's royal heritage and
(16:40):
really encapsulates the history,the pageantry and the elegance
of our royal history.
It includes pre-reservedtickets at Kensington Palace
with an audio guide.
So unfortunately, guiding isn'tpossible in the palace because
the corridors are just toonarrow.
We have prime viewing spot forguard change, so the guides will
(17:02):
always ensure that you get theprime spot to watch.
We have a beautiful guidedstroll through Hyde Park and
Kensington Gardens, so stoppingat some of the best known Royal
Landmarks along the way.
And then this is my pièce derésistance, which I think is
just going to set this touralive is they actually enjoy a
(17:24):
traditional afternoon tea atKensington Palace's exquisite
Orangerie?
Lovely, so you know, theyreally get the scones, the
sandwiches, the sweet treats insuch a royal surrounding.
It's absolutely stunning, royalsurrounding.
(17:46):
It's absolutely stunning.
So, yes, this tour is going toreally set apart the royal side
of London, for sure, andKensington Gardens.
It's one of London's mostbeautiful royal parks, which I
think is very much forgotten.
You've got your St James's Park, your Hyde Park, your Regent's
Park all right close together,and then Kensington Gardens is
just on the outskirts but isvery rarely visited by tourists.
(18:09):
We'll be pausing at the DianaFountain Memorial.
This was a very serene andsymbolic tribute to Princess
Diana.
It was designed to reflect herspirit and compassion which I
think we all know she was verymuch well known for.
We head to the Albert Memorial,which is a humongous memorial to
(18:36):
Prince Albert and it was anornate monument that was
commissioned by Queen Victoriaafter his death.
We see the Royal Albert Hall,which is obviously the
world-renowned concert venuewhich has got stunning Victorian
architecture and rich musicalhistory.
We take in the KensingtonGardens itself and then head to
(19:00):
the Orangerie for the afternoontea.
The palace itself.
It's been a historical royalresidence for over 300 years, so
it started with the birthplaceand childhood of home of Queen
Victoria and then, most recentlyand most notably, was the
beloved home of Princess Dianaand her sons, william and Harry.
(19:22):
So it really offers an elegantvisit of the state rooms, the
engaging exhibitions and thetranquil gardens that surround
it.
So it really echoes thepersonal stories and public
lives of the royals who oncelived here.
So if you're really into theroyal family, this is definitely
a tour for you.
We run Monday, wednesday,friday and Sundays, so come and
(19:48):
join us.
It really is one that I'm superexcited about.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
Well, that sounds great and I like the kind of how
you've built that tour as wellaround the Kensington Gardens.
Going into Kensington Palaceand then having an afternoon tea
is amazing.
So, yeah, if you're listeningand you are a fan of the Royal
Family, this should absolutelybe a must.
I mean, I love KensingtonPalace.
It's somewhere I alwaysrecommend people to go.
If you want to learn aboutQueen Victoria, where she was
(20:14):
born, and see the toys that sheplayed with as a child, that's
where you need to go and it'samazing.
So, yeah, I with as a child,that that's where you need to go
and it's, it's amazing.
Um, so yeah, I highly recommendthat sounds great and and any
more new tours that you've gotgoing this year not at the
moment.
Speaker 3 (20:28):
There is potentially one in the pipeline, um which
could be of interest in a monthor so, um which is still a work
in progress.
We have a few otherredevelopments.
So last year we had theBuckingham Palace State Rooms
and Royal Muse as a combinedtour.
This year we have separatedthem.
So through July to September wejust have a Royal Walking Tour
(20:52):
with the State Rooms, but allseason now through now till
October, we have the BuckinghamPalace Royal Walking Tour, royal
Muse entrance and guard change.
Oh good, so that one's beensort of extended, added in a bit
of guard change and the stables, because there's a really nice
(21:12):
connection when you see all thehorses and the regalia coming
out for guard change to then goand see it up close and personal
at the Royal Muse, which isfantastic.
So that's one change there.
And then we redeveloped theChurchill tour as well.
So that includes a slightlyshorter walk around more of the
prominent areas of World War IIand Churchill and then includes
(21:36):
the entry to the war rooms withan audio guide as well.
Speaker 1 (21:40):
Brilliant.
Well, I will link to walkstours in the show notes so you
can go and check out, becauseyou've got you've got a quite
comprehensive uh list of toursnow going on in london.
You really do.
Obviously, you've got the, thevip ceremony of the keys, which
is I absolutely love.
I love the westminster abbeytour with the queen's gallery or
(22:00):
is it king King's Gallery now?
Because I was called at theQueen's Gallery the other day
and I was thinking has itchanged to the King's Gallery?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I thought I'ddone it at Westminster Abbey.
So you've got loads and loadsof tours to do so definitely
check them out via my link.
But now I'm going to jump on to.
I want to do a drum roll.
(22:21):
I don't know, I need to maybeget some sounds going in, drum
roll.
Okay, come on then, charlie,tell us about the new
destination that you are nowdoing walks tours in in the uk.
I'm so excited about this.
Speaker 3 (22:33):
So we are commencing tours in edinburgh in scotland,
this year, which is amazingwhich I am thrilled about uh,
it's amazing and obviously youknow.
Speaker 1 (22:43):
I mean I, we Doug and I always go to Edinburgh.
Every time we're back in the UKwe go back.
We've just actually spent sixweeks house sitting in Edinburgh
and we just love Edinburgh andwe know it's it's a such a
popular destination I think youdid you live there at one point
so I guided there.
Speaker 3 (22:59):
I used to guide there for about four years, um, so,
yeah, it was like my second home.
I nearly lived there.
I went flat hunting andeverything, um, and then being
closer to my family down thesoutheast of England where it
took precedence, so I I chosethere rather than Edinburgh.
Speaker 1 (23:17):
But yes, absolutely love it there oh, and it's such
a popular city and I know ifyou're listening to our podcast
right now, you're probably goingyeah, Edinburgh, London,
Edinburgh.
Those are the places I want togo visit.
Don't forget York.
I'm just going to throw that inthere.
If you're going to travel fromLondon, Edinburgh, go to York,
but tell us about the walkstours that you've just launched
in Edinburgh.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
Well, we're very, very lucky and very excited to
announce that we have managed tosecure a very private Edinburgh
Castle tour.
So we have a tour calledSecrets of Edinburgh Castle with
exclusive early access, andthis means that we are the only
tour inside the castle before itopens.
No other tour company have doneit or can do it.
(24:05):
It is just walks.
So you're really stepping intothe history of Scotland's one
most iconic landmark, you know,set on the top of this volcanic
hill, at the top of the RoyalMile.
It's a fully guided experienceand you can really enjoy the
rare solitude of uncovering thecastle's storied past, marvel at
(24:27):
the treasures and access areasthat normally off limits to any
guided groups.
So we are the only groupsallowed inside these areas,
which are the Royal Apartments,the Crown Room, the St
Margaret's Chapel and the GreatHall, to name just a few.
But I think that's what'sreally going to set this tour
(24:48):
apart is the fact that no othercompany, no other group, can do
this unless you book with us atwalks.
After the tour you get free timeinside the castles.
You can stay in the castle aslong as you want on this tour
it's an hour and a half.
It runs Monday, thursday,saturdays.
It's an early start, so 8.15 inthe morning, but my goodness,
(25:11):
it will be worth it.
To have that whole castle toyourself is something that I
would dream of, and I cannotwait to go out on that first
tour because, honestly, I don'tthink you truly understand how
busy that castle can get,honestly.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
So just to have it as solitude is amazing.
It's amazing.
It's absolutely amazing thatyou guys have got that because,
honestly, it just gets so, so,so busy.
In fact, we often in ourFacebook group we'll get people
saying we couldn't get ticketsbecause it gets sold out to get
tickets to get into edinburghcastle.
So the fact that you can go inbefore it opens before it gets
(25:50):
there's going to be a lot ofpeople in there before it's just
amazing.
It's just fantastic.
So I I'm also I'm putting myname down for that one for later
as well.
You're on the list because youknow, I also want to have this
experience.
I mean, it's amazing if you'relistening and you're heading to
Edinburgh.
Guys, seriously, this is, youknow, if you want to experience
(26:12):
Edinburgh Castle in a smallgroup with a fantastic guide and
, as Charlie said, go and seeparts of the castle that you
can't do on another group tour,then this is what you need to
book.
Honestly, it sounds brilliant.
So it's three, four days a week.
You're offering that, yes.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
Yeah, this is just the standalone castle private
castle tour, so that's threedays a week, but we also have
the private entrance.
So again, before the crowds,before the castle is open.
But it also includes Edinburghin a day tour, which includes a
(26:49):
guided walk down the Royal Milewith entrance to Holyrood Palace
.
So this tour is exactly thesame.
So it starts exactly the sametime.
You get your private tourbefore the castle opens, so,
entering the rooms that normallyyou wouldn't be allowed inside,
you'll get 30 minutes of freetime at the end of this guided
(27:11):
experience in the castle just togo and take any pictures that
you'd like to, or have a quickwander where you didn't get to.
You'll then meet your localguide so the licensed castle
guides that will take you aroundthe castle for the private tour
.
You'll then meet a local guidewho will take you down the Royal
Mile, which is this historicspine of Edinburgh, which goes
(27:34):
from the castle at the top allthe way down to Holyrood Palace
at the bottom.
We'll admire landmarks such asSt Giles Cathedral and Canongate
Kirk.
Such as St Giles Cathedral andCanongate Kirk, we'll explore
hidden closes that really willcaptivate and inspire you as
you're walking down the mile, aswell as the guide, sort of
(27:55):
sharing his stories the storiesof the cities past, the legends
and the tales that will just beuncovered as you walk down.
You'll then have access toHolyrood Palace with an audio
guide, so you can spend as muchor as little time in the palace
as you want.
But this is another fantastictour.
(28:16):
If you want a little bit morethan just the tour of the castle
and you're only here for a dayor so, join the early access in
Edinburgh in a day and youreally will see the heart of
Edinburgh in one tour.
Some days, unfortunately,holyrood Palace is closed, and
this will be due to royalengagements, because it is still
(28:37):
the home of King Charles.
So the royal family do come upand spend quality time here in
Holyrood Palace.
So there are moments throughoutthe season when it will be
closed.
When that happens, as a company, as you know, we will still run
the tour and we will offer analternative experience, and for
(28:59):
this we will be offering aScotch whisky experience and we
will be taking you to theaward-winning five-star
attraction, the Scotch WhiskeyExperience, at the top of the
Royal Mile.
So it will take you on animmersive journey through art
and science of Scotch Whiskey.
You'll have a tasting, you'llbe able to take your glass home
(29:19):
with you and it really is adestination for enthusiasts and
novices alike.
And the good thing with thetour that we're doing there is
it can accommodate families andchildren as well.
So don't worry if you think, oh, I can't do that tour because
it's whiskey.
You can because the childrenwill enjoy a nice tipple of iron
brew, which is Scotland's mostfamous soft drink, which is
(29:43):
actually one of my favouritedrinks in the world.
So it's a fabulous experience.
It's about 50 minutes and youget to take home a beautiful
whiskey glass at the end of itas well.
So you know, not only do weoffer Holyrood Palace on certain
dates, but we do remaincommitted at delivering an
exceptional and memorableexperience even if those options
(30:04):
aren't available to us.
An exceptional and memorableexperience even if those options
aren't available to us.
So that's the very private earlyaccess to Edinburgh Castle and
Edinburgh in a day tour.
This is a four hour tour,starting at 8.15, in the morning
as well.
The dates for this one arequite sporadic throughout the
season due to the entrance thatwe have at the castle and the
(30:26):
very final tour that we have inEdinburgh is our plain and
simple Edinburgh in a day.
So this still includes accessto the castle, however, it is
normal access, so the tour willstart at 9.15, so you'll enter
when the castle opens.
You'll still have a fullyguided experience inside, but
(30:47):
obviously you won't be able togo into those little, tiny
little rooms or hidden roomsthat the private access would be
able to go into.
So this will be sort of more ofan exterior tour of the castle
grounds.
We will, however, get you tothe crown jewels first, so you
can be one of the first insidethe Crown Jewels where you'll
(31:08):
have 15 minutes of free time.
Once that's finished, that'sall.
You'll have half an hour againof free time before your tour
guide will then continue thetour down the Royal Mile as per
the other tour, and again withthe same inclusions of either
Holyrorood palace or the scotchwhiskey experience.
And hollyrood, as, as we allknow, it's been a fabulous, uh
(31:32):
dramatic palace, um for thebackdrop of arthur's seat, which
is a very, very famous uhvolcanic rock in uh edinburgh um
the official residence of theBritish monarch, and it today
still remains a living royalpalace.
It's got over 900 years ofroyal and political history and
(31:53):
witnessed some of the mostpivotal of Scotland's moments.
Home to Mary, queen of Scots,or Bloody Mary as she was known
and she really.
Her life was really marred atthe palace by intrigue, betrayal
and tragedy, which you'll learna lot more about with your
audio guide.
It's hosted royal ceremonies,state occasions and historic
(32:17):
meetings which encapsulatesBritish history.
So you'll be able to visit thedecorated state apartments,
which really do blend eleganceand grandeur, as well as the
hauntingly atmospheric ruins ofHolyrood Abbey, which date back
to the 12th century, as well asthe gardens which really are
(32:39):
maintained beautifully withseasonal blooms.
So this is a fabulous tour thatyou know.
If you only have a few days inEdinburgh and you want to see
the highlights, you know youhave three tours to pick from
whether you do just the castle,the castle in the full day with
private access, or just thenormal access castle tour with
(32:59):
the Edinburgh in a day as well.
So we're absolutely thrilled tostart these tours off in
Edinburgh this year and I'mthrilled to say that I'm now the
products and operations managerfor Edinburgh, so I get to go
back to my second home as muchas possible.
So come and join us and reallyexperience Edinburgh as the
beauty and storytelling citythat it is.
Speaker 1 (33:22):
Absolutely 100%.
Beautiful city to go tobeautiful city.
To go to beautiful city tovisit and experience.
But when you do, you need tolearn the history, understand
the history of edinburgh,because it is fascinating, and
what better way to do it than ona walks tour?
It's brilliant to talk to you,charlie, and maybe I might get
to see you in edinburgh later onin the year.
I definitely will see you inlondon, for sure but uh maybe
(33:47):
you don't know.
That would be very, veryexciting and but as always, it's
so amazing to chat with you andI will put links to the walks
and the devour tours in the shownotes.
So that is for episode 147.
So uktravelplanningcom forwardslash episode 147, but for this
week week.
Thanks again, charlie, it'sbeen wonderful to chat with you.
Speaker 3 (34:08):
Thank you so much.
And if I can just say one tipfor anyone coming to Edinburgh
wear comfortable shoes.
Edinburgh is a city bestexplored on foot, no matter
where you go, but be preparedfor cobblestone streets and
steep hills.
There's plenty of walking to do.
And the other thing, last thingis pack for all weathers.
(34:30):
It is in Scotland.
It is always drake, as they say, which means foggy and rainy,
so it's very unpredictable.
So bring layers, waterproofjacket, an umbrella, even in
summer.
Speaker 1 (34:44):
And I have to say, charlie, thank you so much for
reminding me about the questionI always end the podcast with,
because all everybody out therethose listening I guess if
you're sitting in your carlistening to the episode or
you're walking the dog or you'reat the gym right now, you were
waiting for me to ask thatquestion to charlie and I didn't
.
So thank you so much, charlie,for reminding me about that.
(35:05):
And, um, I say join, join awalks tour, join a devour tour.
Honestly, you will not regretit, you will love it.
It's so much fun, you willlearn so much.
The guides are amazing.
It's just make the most of yourholiday and take these tours,
guys, they are amazing.
Speaker 3 (35:20):
Perfect.
Thank you so much, Tracey.
It's been a pleasure to talk toyou as well.
Speaker 1 (35:26):
Thank you so much, tracy.
It's been a pleasure to talk toyou as well.
Thank you for tuning in to thisweek's episode of the UK Travel
Planning Podcast.
As always, show notes can befound at uktravelplanningcom.
If you've enjoyed the show, whynot leave us feedback via text
or a review on your favouritepodcast app?
We love to hear from you, andyou never know.
You may receive a shout out ina future episode.
To hear from you, and you neverknow.
(35:49):
You may receive a shout out ina future episode.
But, as always, that justleaves me to say until next week
happy UK travel planning.
In episode 147 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast.
Join me as I chat with CharlieSullivan from Walks and Devour
Tours to get the inside scoop ontheir amazing small group
experiences in London andEdinburgh.
From delicious food tours toexpertly guided walks, charlie
shares exciting new offerings inboth cities that are perfect
for travellers who wanna gobeyond the guidebook.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Welcome to the UK Travel Planning Podcast.
Your host is the founder of theUK Travel Planning website,
tracy Collins.
In this podcast, tracy sharesdestination guides, travel tips
and itinerary ideas, as well asinterviews with a variety of
guests who share their knowledgeand experience of UK travel to
help you plan your perfect UKvacation.
(00:45):
Join us as we explore the UKfrom cosmopolitan cities to
quaint villages, from historiccastles to beautiful islands,
and from the picturesquecountryside to seaside towns.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Hi everybody and welcome to episode 147 of the UK
Travel Planner Podcast thisweek.
I'm really excited to have arepeat guest on the show Now.
Charlie was a guest on episode84 and episode 921, which I'll
check there and she was at thatpoint Charlie Bennett.
She's now Charlie Sullivan, soif you have listened to those
(01:22):
episodes and you're thinking Iknow that voice yes, it is the
wonderful Charlie Bennett fromWalks Tours and Devour Tours.
Now Charlie Sullivan now ishere to talk to us all about
updates in London and someexciting development with Walks
Tours in another wonderful UKdestination, wonderful UK
(01:46):
destination.
So I had to get Charlie on tospill the beans about what's
been happening at WALKS and alsoat Devour in London and in this
new destination.
So welcome, charlie.
Welcome back to the podcast.
Speaker 3 (01:54):
Crazy.
It's a pleasure to be back.
I'm thrilled to be able to chatagain about London and our new
region, which I'll tell you moreabout in a little bit.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
So would you like to start off with?
Just because, if people haven'tyet listened to those other two
episodes, so I will say, do goback and listen to them because
they are incredibly popular.
But if you haven't, charlie,would you like to introduce
yourself and tell us about whatyour role is?
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Sure, so my name is Charlie Sullivan, naïve Bennett.
I actually got married a fewyears ago, but we took a while
to change my name in the system.
So I am the product andoperations manager for Walks and
Devour Tours in London and I'vebeen with the company since
(02:38):
July 2022.
So I was overseeing sort of allthe guide management and
operations for a few years andthen I've now got my lovely
support team in London of a newground operations manager called
Scott, so he's now my colleaguein London here.
So I look after a lot of theproducts and operations to do
(03:02):
with all our tours in London.
And I think the nicest thingabout Take Walks and Devour is
they really offer just more thanjust sightseeing.
We try and create an immersive,story-driven experience for our
guests.
We try and connect them to theheart and soul of a destination
(03:23):
rather than just a walking tour.
So with walks, we curate smallgroup walking tours and they're
all led by very passionate, veryknowledgeable local guides,
some of which are historians,some teachers, lecturers, some
of which are historians, someteachers, lecturers.
And we try and provideexclusive access to iconic
(03:49):
landmarks in each destination.
So, whether that be VIP entry orskip the line access, and we
try and take the tourists beyondwhat they would normally see.
So we want to try, and we tryand make them experience more
(04:09):
than just waiting, which is whatyou tend to do as a normal
tourist, waiting in lines allthe time.
Devour Tours, on the other hand, it's all about discovering the
city through its food and itsculture and local stories.
So we have a very strong focuson supporting family-run local
businesses, traditionalproducers, especially in a lot
of the markets that we visit,and we try and offer not just
(04:33):
delicious tastings but a verydeeper understanding into local
life and the culinary heritageof the people that make this all
happen.
So we say that you won't onlyleave full, but you'll be more
connected to the places that youvisited.
So, altogether, we just try andincorporate small groups,
(04:54):
intimate groups, exceptionalstorytelling, unique access, a
deep respect for local cultures.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
And you do it so, so well.
I have to say, charlie Doug andI have been enjoying Davao food
tours in Spain recently, sothat will be in Madrid, in
Seville and Barcelona and havehad an absolute ball.
We've loved it and we've donesome walks tours as well, which
(05:22):
we've absolutely loved.
And to swing back to London, myfavorite food tour of all time
is the Taste Tales andTraditional Ales tour that I did
a couple of years ago and Istill rave about it, and my
friend Terry, who came on thetour with me, she tells all her
friends about it because I lovedit.
And I've done food tours inParis and obviously now recently
(05:45):
in Barcelona and Madrid stillfantastic food tours.
But I still love the TastesTales and Traditional Ales food
tour because it is just amazing.
And, of course, on top of thefood tours as well, which Doug
and I absolutely love and Iwould recommend.
If you are listening to thispodcast and you're thinking
English food yuck, seriously, no, it's not all about the food
(06:08):
and also we do have some goodfood I'm going to say that you
will also learn the history.
You'll go and learn the historyof Borough Market.
You'll go and learn about thehistory of the pubs that you are
visiting, as well as about thefood.
So there's so much to it.
And Walksters of course anybody.
If you're listening to thispodcast you, there's so much to
it.
And walks tours of courseanybody.
If you're listening to thispodcast, you know how much I
love the Ceremony of the Keys.
I've been lucky enough to dothat a couple of times.
(06:29):
I recently did the London in aDay tour with you guys.
I've done Westminster Abbey.
I have loved every single tour.
They just the tour guides arethe best.
Honestly.
They are just so, so amazingand tell wonderful stories,
which is what you want.
So I absolutely back up 100%because I love your tours and if
(06:51):
Doug was sitting here, I'd sayexactly the same.
So I want to know, because I'mgoing to be back in London later
on in the year as well veryexciting to be back, and I'm
sure all the listeners who areplanning to go to London this
year what is new this year.
Give us an overview of whatyou've got going on in London.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
Well, as you were talking about the food tours and
the pubs being one of yourfavourites, we actually have a
brand new food tour hittingLondon this year.
Exciting and it's really reallycapturing the heart and soul of
Caribbean, african and LatinAmerican flavours.
So we're heading to a littlearea in the south of London
(07:31):
called Brixton and Brixton isit's very popular, but it's very
popular with the Windrushgeneration.
So if you don't know about theWindrush generation, it kind of
it refers to the people whomigrated to the UK from the
Caribbean between I think it was1948 and 1973.
And they were named after theship, the HMT Empire Windrush.
(07:55):
Now there was a big scandal in2018 where it was seen that many
were wrongly detained, deniedrights and threatened with
deportation despite beingBritish citizens, and
unfortunately, there were somethat were deported.
So this area is very rich incultural history as well as
(08:17):
iconic food from theseparticular areas.
Now the tour itself is aroundthree and a half hours, starts
about 11am in the morning, andwe really try and take you to
see the vibrant and deliciousvarieties of flavours from all
across these regions, from WestAfrica to Gambia, to Nigeria, to
(08:39):
Latin America, and not onlythat, but I really think that
this tour calculates Devourtours as a whole, because we
really mix local perspectiveswith heartwarming stories from
the local vendors.
So it really is a tour that youmust take to learn more about
(08:59):
this culture, the Brixtonculture and the legendary food
and culture scene.
So on the tour we actually gothis is one of my favourite
parts of this tour is the veryfirst stop and we go and visit
Maureen and we actually go intoher house.
We go in through her back gatein the middle of Brixton and she
(09:20):
is there cooking on a barbecueher famous famous jerk chicken.
So to start off, you'll betrying jerk chicken with some
amazing coleslaw, and jerkchicken is so flavorful.
It's marinated in really deepsmoky spices.
So you will get the true tasteof Jamaica in one bite.
(09:41):
She is literally she's all overInstagram.
Taste of Jamaica in one bite.
She is literally she's all overInstagram.
So if you haven't already,check her out on Instagram
Maureen Brixton.
And honestly, the food is todie, for I literally I can't
stop going back.
It's just the best.
We then head to Jamaica.
(10:03):
So we head to a lovely littlefarm shop which is hidden in the
market and we try sometraditional Jamaican rum cake so
it's never too early foralcohol, even if it is in a cake
and the guide will really tellyou an inspiring story of this
(10:23):
shop and its founder.
The guide will really tell youan inspiring story of this shop
and its founder, who was a childof the Windrush generation, who
turned a childhood love forfarming into a beloved community
shop.
So you'll really understand howthis community has been brought
together through thegenerations of Windrush and a
community.
We then head to try some codfritters with Brian at Fish
(10:47):
Wings and Tings and this is verymuch a Trinidadian heritage
that we will be sampling.
And he actually he shaped hiswhole idea on his grandma's
kitchen and he shaped his life'smission to bring people
together through food.
So every single stop we'regoing to has such an amazing
(11:08):
back history and story behind it.
We then try West African cuisineof jollof rice and akra, which
are sort of crispy, fluffy beanfritters.
We then try a Brazilian sweetcalled Brigadeiro.
They're like chocolate bonbonsof heaven.
Honestly, you take one bite andyou just want to keep devouring
(11:31):
them.
They're amazing.
And then our last stop, whichis another one of my favourites,
is with William, and he willjust talk your ear off about his
whole life in Gambia.
And we will try sort of verydifferent style tapas with
empanadas and plantains andsangria, because of course, you
(11:54):
cannot end a tour without a niceglass of sangria.
And all this is just in thisone community, in this hub of
Brixton, and I'm super excitedabout this tour.
All the guides are locals, theyknow people, so you'll sort of
be walking around and they'll besaying hello to everyone as you
walk past and it really is, youknow.
(12:15):
You'll walk down the famousElectric Avenue, see murals of
likes of David Bowie that reallycelebrate the neighbourhood's
culture and history, as well aslearning about the foods and the
people as you go.
Speaker 1 (12:29):
Oh, my goodness, my mouth is watering, I have to
tell you, charlie, it soundsamazing and I think that's
what's so special about DevourTours as well.
It's like you meet the locals,you're supporting the local
community, you're supporting thelocal producers, you're
supporting the local producers,you're sharing the stories, the
history of that community, andhow else are you going to ever
(12:54):
be able to experience anythinglike that?
It's fantastic.
So can you put my name down forthat tour please later on in
the year?
100%, I definitely, definitelywant to go on that and we will
share a link in the show notes.
So if you want to go ahead andbook that tour, um, you can go
on there and and get yourselfbooked onto that tour.
Is that every day that thatone's offered, charlie?
(13:15):
It's running Tuesday, thursdaysand Saturdays at the moment and
then, as we see it improvingand the sales coming in and
people booking, then we willlook to increase that as well.
(13:35):
Traditional ales, which Iabsolutely love, and also the
Borough Market tour as well,which Doug and I have done as
well, which we really loved, andI think the appreciation of the
Borough Market tour as well.
I do say to people, becausepeople go, they all want to go
to Borough Market becausethey've seen it.
On Instagram or TikTok, thestrawberries, particularly,
comes up all the time.
I'm going to learn about thehistory about Borough Market
(13:56):
because it's fascinating.
There's so much about that areaso it's not.
You're not just going to amarket, you're going to learn
about the you know this that hewas selling the food there,
where the food comes from, butalso the history of that area is
is absolutely fantastic as well.
So you come away with not justthe information about the food.
You meet the locals you learnabout.
(14:17):
You learn so much more than youwould just by having a little
stroll around Borough Market oreven, in fact, just going to one
of those, those old pubs.
You just learn about thehistory and the culture of where
you are.
So you know it can't be beatenreally.
Speaker 3 (14:32):
And talking of Borough Market, it has actually
been redeveloped slightly forthis year.
So we are still we still visitBorough Market.
We still have some wonderful,wonderful tastings in Borough
Market.
And we then actually head overLondon Bridge and we head into
the city of London and we go toanother famous market called
(14:53):
Leidenhall Market, which is veryfamous for inspirations like
Harry Potter.
It's a beautiful Victorianmarket and we try a fabulous
French delicacy I won't give toomuch away, but it's a beautiful
little gâteau and then weactually go in a hidden little
(15:14):
gem just around the back streetsand we go to a private wine and
cheese tasting now.
So it's all brand new.
Speaker 1 (15:22):
So you can come and try that one again I'm just I
feel like I feel like I'vemissed out.
Now I'm like I'm glad I'mcoming back to london because
I'm gonna have to be able to do.
I'm gonna have to do that one.
Absolutely gonna have to dothat one is the taste tales and
traditional ales, the same as itwas when I did that as that
that is exactly the same.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
Yes, it is the same, but we are running on weekends
now as well, which is reallynice to see this year that was
perfection and I and I'm goingto shout out to Sophie is Sophie
still doing the tours?
Speaker 1 (15:49):
because I loved Sophie.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
She was amazing she is, yeah, she is, she's still
here with us.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Fantastic also Pete, who took the Borough Market
tours as well.
If Pete's still around, helloto Pete as well, because he is
indeed fantastic and um okay, solet's talk about let's turn
away from food, even though Icould probably talk about food
all day.
Let's turn away from food andtalk about development in walks
tours, actually in London,before we kind of announce the
(16:13):
new destination that I'm soexcited to talk about so am, I
don't worry.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
Um, perfect.
So we have a brand new royaltour, um, so this one is I'm
super excited about as well.
So this is our kensingtonpalace um guard change and
afternoon tea tour.
It's five and a half hours soit's a good half day tour, but
it really shows, really shows,london's royal heritage and
(16:40):
really encapsulates the history,the pageantry and the elegance
of our royal history.
It includes pre-reservedtickets at Kensington Palace
with an audio guide.
So unfortunately, guiding isn'tpossible in the palace because
the corridors are just toonarrow.
We have prime viewing spot forguard change, so the guides will
(17:02):
always ensure that you get theprime spot to watch.
We have a beautiful guidedstroll through Hyde Park and
Kensington Gardens, so stoppingat some of the best known Royal
Landmarks along the way.
And then this is my pièce derésistance, which I think is
just going to set this touralive is they actually enjoy a
(17:24):
traditional afternoon tea atKensington Palace's exquisite
Orangerie?
Lovely, so you know, theyreally get the scones, the
sandwiches, the sweet treats insuch a royal surrounding.
It's absolutely stunning, royalsurrounding.
(17:46):
It's absolutely stunning.
So, yes, this tour is going toreally set apart the royal side
of London, for sure, andKensington Gardens.
It's one of London's mostbeautiful royal parks, which I
think is very much forgotten.
You've got your St James's Park, your Hyde Park, your Regent's
Park all right close together,and then Kensington Gardens is
just on the outskirts but isvery rarely visited by tourists.
(18:09):
We'll be pausing at the DianaFountain Memorial.
This was a very serene andsymbolic tribute to Princess
Diana.
It was designed to reflect herspirit and compassion which I
think we all know she was verymuch well known for.
We head to the Albert Memorial,which is a humongous memorial to
(18:36):
Prince Albert and it was anornate monument that was
commissioned by Queen Victoriaafter his death.
We see the Royal Albert Hall,which is obviously the
world-renowned concert venuewhich has got stunning Victorian
architecture and rich musicalhistory.
We take in the KensingtonGardens itself and then head to
(19:00):
the Orangerie for the afternoontea.
The palace itself.
It's been a historical royalresidence for over 300 years, so
it started with the birthplaceand childhood of home of Queen
Victoria and then, most recentlyand most notably, was the
beloved home of Princess Dianaand her sons, william and Harry.
(19:22):
So it really offers an elegantvisit of the state rooms, the
engaging exhibitions and thetranquil gardens that surround
it.
So it really echoes thepersonal stories and public
lives of the royals who oncelived here.
So if you're really into theroyal family, this is definitely
a tour for you.
We run Monday, wednesday,friday and Sundays, so come and
(19:48):
join us.
It really is one that I'm superexcited about.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
Well, that sounds great and I like the kind of how
you've built that tour as wellaround the Kensington Gardens.
Going into Kensington Palaceand then having an afternoon tea
is amazing.
So, yeah, if you're listeningand you are a fan of the Royal
Family, this should absolutelybe a must.
I mean, I love KensingtonPalace.
It's somewhere I alwaysrecommend people to go.
If you want to learn aboutQueen Victoria, where she was
(20:14):
born, and see the toys that sheplayed with as a child, that's
where you need to go and it'samazing.
So, yeah, I with as a child,that that's where you need to go
and it's, it's amazing.
Um, so yeah, I highly recommendthat sounds great and and any
more new tours that you've gotgoing this year not at the
moment.
Speaker 3 (20:28):
There is potentially one in the pipeline, um which
could be of interest in a monthor so, um which is still a work
in progress.
We have a few otherredevelopments.
So last year we had theBuckingham Palace State Rooms
and Royal Muse as a combinedtour.
This year we have separatedthem.
So through July to September wejust have a Royal Walking Tour
(20:52):
with the State Rooms, but allseason now through now till
October, we have the BuckinghamPalace Royal Walking Tour, royal
Muse entrance and guard change.
Oh good, so that one's beensort of extended, added in a bit
of guard change and the stables, because there's a really nice
(21:12):
connection when you see all thehorses and the regalia coming
out for guard change to then goand see it up close and personal
at the Royal Muse, which isfantastic.
So that's one change there.
And then we redeveloped theChurchill tour as well.
So that includes a slightlyshorter walk around more of the
prominent areas of World War IIand Churchill and then includes
(21:36):
the entry to the war rooms withan audio guide as well.
Speaker 1 (21:40):
Brilliant.
Well, I will link to walkstours in the show notes so you
can go and check out, becauseyou've got you've got a quite
comprehensive uh list of toursnow going on in london.
You really do.
Obviously, you've got the, thevip ceremony of the keys, which
is I absolutely love.
I love the westminster abbeytour with the queen's gallery or
(22:00):
is it king King's Gallery now?
Because I was called at theQueen's Gallery the other day
and I was thinking has itchanged to the King's Gallery?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I thought I'ddone it at Westminster Abbey.
So you've got loads and loadsof tours to do so definitely
check them out via my link.
But now I'm going to jump on to.
I want to do a drum roll.
(22:21):
I don't know, I need to maybeget some sounds going in, drum
roll.
Okay, come on then, charlie,tell us about the new
destination that you are nowdoing walks tours in in the uk.
I'm so excited about this.
Speaker 3 (22:33):
So we are commencing tours in edinburgh in scotland,
this year, which is amazingwhich I am thrilled about uh,
it's amazing and obviously youknow.
Speaker 1 (22:43):
I mean I, we Doug and I always go to Edinburgh.
Every time we're back in the UKwe go back.
We've just actually spent sixweeks house sitting in Edinburgh
and we just love Edinburgh andwe know it's it's a such a
popular destination I think youdid you live there at one point
so I guided there.
Speaker 3 (22:59):
I used to guide there for about four years, um, so,
yeah, it was like my second home.
I nearly lived there.
I went flat hunting andeverything, um, and then being
closer to my family down thesoutheast of England where it
took precedence, so I I chosethere rather than Edinburgh.
Speaker 1 (23:17):
But yes, absolutely love it there oh, and it's such
a popular city and I know ifyou're listening to our podcast
right now, you're probably goingyeah, Edinburgh, London,
Edinburgh.
Those are the places I want togo visit.
Don't forget York.
I'm just going to throw that inthere.
If you're going to travel fromLondon, Edinburgh, go to York,
but tell us about the walkstours that you've just launched
in Edinburgh.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
Well, we're very, very lucky and very excited to
announce that we have managed tosecure a very private Edinburgh
Castle tour.
So we have a tour calledSecrets of Edinburgh Castle with
exclusive early access, andthis means that we are the only
tour inside the castle before itopens.
No other tour company have doneit or can do it.
(24:05):
It is just walks.
So you're really stepping intothe history of Scotland's one
most iconic landmark, you know,set on the top of this volcanic
hill, at the top of the RoyalMile.
It's a fully guided experienceand you can really enjoy the
rare solitude of uncovering thecastle's storied past, marvel at
(24:27):
the treasures and access areasthat normally off limits to any
guided groups.
So we are the only groupsallowed inside these areas,
which are the Royal Apartments,the Crown Room, the St
Margaret's Chapel and the GreatHall, to name just a few.
But I think that's what'sreally going to set this tour
(24:48):
apart is the fact that no othercompany, no other group, can do
this unless you book with us atwalks.
After the tour you get free timeinside the castles.
You can stay in the castle aslong as you want on this tour
it's an hour and a half.
It runs Monday, thursday,saturdays.
It's an early start, so 8.15 inthe morning, but my goodness,
(25:11):
it will be worth it.
To have that whole castle toyourself is something that I
would dream of, and I cannotwait to go out on that first
tour because, honestly, I don'tthink you truly understand how
busy that castle can get,honestly.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
So just to have it as solitude is amazing.
It's amazing.
It's absolutely amazing thatyou guys have got that because,
honestly, it just gets so, so,so busy.
In fact, we often in ourFacebook group we'll get people
saying we couldn't get ticketsbecause it gets sold out to get
tickets to get into edinburghcastle.
So the fact that you can go inbefore it opens before it gets
(25:50):
there's going to be a lot ofpeople in there before it's just
amazing.
It's just fantastic.
So I I'm also I'm putting myname down for that one for later
as well.
You're on the list because youknow, I also want to have this
experience.
I mean, it's amazing if you'relistening and you're heading to
Edinburgh.
Guys, seriously, this is, youknow, if you want to experience
(26:12):
Edinburgh Castle in a smallgroup with a fantastic guide and
, as Charlie said, go and seeparts of the castle that you
can't do on another group tour,then this is what you need to
book.
Honestly, it sounds brilliant.
So it's three, four days a week.
You're offering that, yes.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
Yeah, this is just the standalone castle private
castle tour, so that's threedays a week, but we also have
the private entrance.
So again, before the crowds,before the castle is open.
But it also includes Edinburghin a day tour, which includes a
(26:49):
guided walk down the Royal Milewith entrance to Holyrood Palace
.
So this tour is exactly thesame.
So it starts exactly the sametime.
You get your private tourbefore the castle opens, so,
entering the rooms that normallyyou wouldn't be allowed inside,
you'll get 30 minutes of freetime at the end of this guided
(27:11):
experience in the castle just togo and take any pictures that
you'd like to, or have a quickwander where you didn't get to.
You'll then meet your localguide so the licensed castle
guides that will take you aroundthe castle for the private tour
.
You'll then meet a local guidewho will take you down the Royal
Mile, which is this historicspine of Edinburgh, which goes
(27:34):
from the castle at the top allthe way down to Holyrood Palace
at the bottom.
We'll admire landmarks such asSt Giles Cathedral and Canongate
Kirk.
Such as St Giles Cathedral andCanongate Kirk, we'll explore
hidden closes that really willcaptivate and inspire you as
you're walking down the mile, aswell as the guide, sort of
(27:55):
sharing his stories the storiesof the cities past, the legends
and the tales that will just beuncovered as you walk down.
You'll then have access toHolyrood Palace with an audio
guide, so you can spend as muchor as little time in the palace
as you want.
But this is another fantastictour.
(28:16):
If you want a little bit morethan just the tour of the castle
and you're only here for a dayor so, join the early access in
Edinburgh in a day and youreally will see the heart of
Edinburgh in one tour.
Some days, unfortunately,holyrood Palace is closed, and
this will be due to royalengagements, because it is still
(28:37):
the home of King Charles.
So the royal family do come upand spend quality time here in
Holyrood Palace.
So there are moments throughoutthe season when it will be
closed.
When that happens, as a company, as you know, we will still run
the tour and we will offer analternative experience, and for
(28:59):
this we will be offering aScotch whisky experience and we
will be taking you to theaward-winning five-star
attraction, the Scotch WhiskeyExperience, at the top of the
Royal Mile.
So it will take you on animmersive journey through art
and science of Scotch Whiskey.
You'll have a tasting, you'llbe able to take your glass home
(29:19):
with you and it really is adestination for enthusiasts and
novices alike.
And the good thing with thetour that we're doing there is
it can accommodate families andchildren as well.
So don't worry if you think, oh, I can't do that tour because
it's whiskey.
You can because the childrenwill enjoy a nice tipple of iron
brew, which is Scotland's mostfamous soft drink, which is
(29:43):
actually one of my favouritedrinks in the world.
So it's a fabulous experience.
It's about 50 minutes and youget to take home a beautiful
whiskey glass at the end of itas well.
So you know, not only do weoffer Holyrood Palace on certain
dates, but we do remaincommitted at delivering an
exceptional and memorableexperience even if those options
(30:04):
aren't available to us.
An exceptional and memorableexperience even if those options
aren't available to us.
So that's the very private earlyaccess to Edinburgh Castle and
Edinburgh in a day tour.
This is a four hour tour,starting at 8.15, in the morning
as well.
The dates for this one arequite sporadic throughout the
season due to the entrance thatwe have at the castle and the
(30:26):
very final tour that we have inEdinburgh is our plain and
simple Edinburgh in a day.
So this still includes accessto the castle, however, it is
normal access, so the tour willstart at 9.15, so you'll enter
when the castle opens.
You'll still have a fullyguided experience inside, but
(30:47):
obviously you won't be able togo into those little, tiny
little rooms or hidden roomsthat the private access would be
able to go into.
So this will be sort of more ofan exterior tour of the castle
grounds.
We will, however, get you tothe crown jewels first, so you
can be one of the first insidethe Crown Jewels where you'll
(31:08):
have 15 minutes of free time.
Once that's finished, that'sall.
You'll have half an hour againof free time before your tour
guide will then continue thetour down the Royal Mile as per
the other tour, and again withthe same inclusions of either
Holyrorood palace or the scotchwhiskey experience.
And hollyrood, as, as we allknow, it's been a fabulous, uh
(31:32):
dramatic palace, um for thebackdrop of arthur's seat, which
is a very, very famous uhvolcanic rock in uh edinburgh um
the official residence of theBritish monarch, and it today
still remains a living royalpalace.
It's got over 900 years ofroyal and political history and
(31:53):
witnessed some of the mostpivotal of Scotland's moments.
Home to Mary, queen of Scots,or Bloody Mary as she was known
and she really.
Her life was really marred atthe palace by intrigue, betrayal
and tragedy, which you'll learna lot more about with your
audio guide.
It's hosted royal ceremonies,state occasions and historic
(32:17):
meetings which encapsulatesBritish history.
So you'll be able to visit thedecorated state apartments,
which really do blend eleganceand grandeur, as well as the
hauntingly atmospheric ruins ofHolyrood Abbey, which date back
to the 12th century, as well asthe gardens which really are
(32:39):
maintained beautifully withseasonal blooms.
So this is a fabulous tour thatyou know.
If you only have a few days inEdinburgh and you want to see
the highlights, you know youhave three tours to pick from
whether you do just the castle,the castle in the full day with
private access, or just thenormal access castle tour with
(32:59):
the Edinburgh in a day as well.
So we're absolutely thrilled tostart these tours off in
Edinburgh this year and I'mthrilled to say that I'm now the
products and operations managerfor Edinburgh, so I get to go
back to my second home as muchas possible.
So come and join us and reallyexperience Edinburgh as the
beauty and storytelling citythat it is.
Speaker 1 (33:22):
Absolutely 100%.
Beautiful city to go tobeautiful city.
To go to beautiful city tovisit and experience.
But when you do, you need tolearn the history, understand
the history of edinburgh,because it is fascinating, and
what better way to do it than ona walks tour?
It's brilliant to talk to you,charlie, and maybe I might get
to see you in edinburgh later onin the year.
I definitely will see you inlondon, for sure but uh maybe
(33:47):
you don't know.
That would be very, veryexciting and but as always, it's
so amazing to chat with you andI will put links to the walks
and the devour tours in the shownotes.
So that is for episode 147.
So uktravelplanningcom forwardslash episode 147, but for this
week week.
Thanks again, charlie, it'sbeen wonderful to chat with you.
Speaker 3 (34:08):
Thank you so much.
And if I can just say one tipfor anyone coming to Edinburgh
wear comfortable shoes.
Edinburgh is a city bestexplored on foot, no matter
where you go, but be preparedfor cobblestone streets and
steep hills.
There's plenty of walking to do.
And the other thing, last thingis pack for all weathers.
(34:30):
It is in Scotland.
It is always drake, as they say, which means foggy and rainy,
so it's very unpredictable.
So bring layers, waterproofjacket, an umbrella, even in
summer.
Speaker 1 (34:44):
And I have to say, charlie, thank you so much for
reminding me about the questionI always end the podcast with,
because all everybody out therethose listening I guess if
you're sitting in your carlistening to the episode or
you're walking the dog or you'reat the gym right now, you were
waiting for me to ask thatquestion to charlie and I didn't
.
So thank you so much, charlie,for reminding me about that.
(35:05):
And, um, I say join, join awalks tour, join a devour tour.
Honestly, you will not regretit, you will love it.
It's so much fun, you willlearn so much.
The guides are amazing.
It's just make the most of yourholiday and take these tours,
guys, they are amazing.
Speaker 3 (35:20):
Perfect.
Thank you so much, Tracey.
It's been a pleasure to talk toyou as well.
Speaker 1 (35:26):
Thank you so much, tracy.
It's been a pleasure to talk toyou as well.
Thank you for tuning in to thisweek's episode of the UK Travel
Planning Podcast.
As always, show notes can befound at uktravelplanningcom.
If you've enjoyed the show, whynot leave us feedback via text
or a review on your favouritepodcast app?
We love to hear from you, andyou never know.
You may receive a shout out ina future episode.
To hear from you, and you neverknow.
(35:49):
You may receive a shout out ina future episode.
But, as always, that justleaves me to say until next week
happy UK travel planning.
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