A Local's Guide to England's Best-Kept Secrets

This isn't just London—it's England, and there's so much more beyond the royal stereotypes. On this episode of Unpacked—part of Afar's ongoing Off the Tourist Trail series—join host Aislyn Greene as she explores hidden England with travel journalist Lottie Gross.

From rebellious Bristol to underground cave networks, discover the layers of England that even locals often miss. Lottie shares her insider knowledge on experiencing authentic English culture, avoiding tourist traps, and finding magic in shoulder seasons.

In this episode, you'll learn

• Why Bristol is the rebellious alternative to London you need to visit
• Underground adventures in the Peak District's historic Blue John mines
• The best neighborhoods in London (the ones that locals love)
• When to visit England for fewer crowds and better prices
• Essential etiquette tips for respecting English communities

Don't miss these moments [08:45] The Cotswolds photography problem that's driving locals crazy [16:30] Why Bristol tore down Edward Colston's statue—and what it means [24:15] Taking a boat through underground caves to a "bottomless pit" [31:20] The purple heather moors and heritage railways of North Yorkshire
[42:35] Winter seal pups and life-changing venison curry in Norfolk

Meet this week's guest

• Lottie Gross, travel journalist and England expert who explores her home country's hidden gems

Resources —For more tips from Lottie about where to go, where to say, and what to eat, read her England Off the Beaten Path story on afar.com —Follow Lottie's ongoing UK adventures on Instagram —Read about South Oxfordshire in Afar's 2025 Where to Go list

—Dog lovers, be sure to check out Lottie's books, Dog-Friendly Weekends and Dog Days Out

—Check out our Iceland Off the Tourist Trail episode

—Read the transcript of the episode.

Where to StaySoho Farmhouse (Oxfordshire) The Grand hotel (North Yorkshire)

What to do Bristol's Banksy street art tours with Where the WallSS Great Britain ship museum (Bristol) North York Moors heritage railway (Pickering to Whitby) Speedwell Cavern boat tours (Peak District) Borough Market and Maltby Street Market (London) Holkham Beach for winter seal watching (Norfolk) Whitby's annual Goth weekend

Stay Connected

• Sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. 

• Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices