Great Escapes with Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner

Dan heads to The Wave in Bristol to see if he can finally conquer surfing, discovering what it takes to catch a wave and hearing the remarkable story behind one of the UK's most innovative surfing destinations.
The next morning, Isy and Dan are up before dawn hoping to take to the skies in a hot air balloon with Ian Martin, choreographer and director of the Nightglow event at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
But as every balloonist knows, the weather has the final say.
Although their flight is grounded, they get a behind-the-scenes insight into the skill and teamwork involved, learning how to pilot a balloon and even climbing inside one on the ground.
We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.
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Former England international David Flatman joins Isy and Dan in the studio to talk about his career at the highest level, the fierce rivalry between England and Wales and the unforgettable intensity of playing in front of a Welsh crowd.
Then it's off to Cardiff, where Welsh international Ben Thomas puts Isy and Dan through their paces, teaching them how to kick a rugby ball like a pro – with Flatman on hand in the studio to offer some hilarious additional commentary on their efforts.
The episode reaches new heights as Isy and Dan scale the roof of the huge Principality Stadium, taking in astonishing views across Cardiff and its castle before braving the zip wire – for the first time in 30 years.
Do they have what it takes to impress two international rugby players? And will they have the nerve to take that final leap?
We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.
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Following our Line To Legend Special, our friends at Great Western Railway have released a new Trackanory series which brings myths and legends to life.
Sit down, relax and enjoy as kid's TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson reads The Giants of Avon Gorge, the story of how two brothers accidentally carve the spectacular Avon Gorge while competing for the heart of a giantess.
If you like it check out the other episodes in the Trackanory series:
youtube.com/watch?v=-ZvQDicHbfo&t=11s
youtube.com/watch?v=m3F-rkDBIC8&t=115s
Or buy the book at: gwrsouvenirs.co.uk
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Some stories belong to the past. Others are tied to places, waiting to be discovered.
In this special episode of Great Escapes, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner set off on a journey through myth, memory and the landscapes that have inspired some of Britain’s most enduring legends.
They begin with GWR’s The Line to Legend Land book, joined by mythologist Graham Loveluck-Edwards, exploring what myths really are, why they persist, and how they become woven into the places we travel through.
From there, they head to London Paddington station to see the striking new statues inspired by the book, and meet world-renowned author Michael Morpurgo, who reflects on the power of storytelling and why certain legends endure.
Then, it’s west to Cornwall on the Night Riviera Sleeper, in search of one of the most haunting tales of all – the Mermaid of Zennor.
Dan heads into the surf at St Ives to meet a real-life mermaid, donning a tail and taking a dip in the cold, choppy Cornish sea. Meanwhile, Isy meets local musician Will Keating, learning a traditional Cornish song and discovering how music helps carry stories through generations.
Our intrepid travellers round off the journey aboard the Pullman, where they even try their hand at cooking dinner at 125mph.
In this episode, Isy and Dan explore how stories shape the places we visit, and what happens when you go looking for them.
We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas is on the horizon, and this week Great Escapes heads to Cheltenham to meet the people who make the season feel magical.
In this special Christmas episode, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner explore Cheltenham at its most festive, from glowing Regency streets to countryside grottoes and backstage theatre bustle.
Just outside town at Cotswold Farm Park, Dan meets a real-life Santa Claus – and when we say real, we mean it. Their conversation dives deep into the details of the role: how elves operate, the rules of the job and the practicalities of delivering presents to the entire world in one night.
Meanwhile, Isy heads backstage at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre to meet the cast of this year’s pantomime, Robin Hood and his Merry Men. She discovers the graft behind the glitter, the stamina required to keep the energy up night after night, and why panto remains one of Christmas’s great shared traditions. There’s even time for her to attempt a musical number, with some very interesting percussion.
Later, Isy and Dan regroup on Cheltenham High Street over coffee and doughnuts, swapping stories and soaking up the town’s festive atmosphere. Along the way, they share listener Christmas travel tales – from a strange encounter with Santa in Aberdeen to a moment of unexpected kindness that turned a breakdown into a Christmas memory to treasure.
Warm, funny and reflective, this episode celebrates Christmas not just as a season, but as something people choose to believe in – whether on a farm, on a stage or on a quiet street lit with fairy lights.
We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.