Routes

Hilary Whitehall joins Jenni on this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER to share the snacks, hacks and holiday habits that keep her family moving.

Expect a rainy honeymoon story that ends in indoor badminton and a Scrabble match so competitive it nearly caused an early divorce, plus a packing list that always includes Marmite, English teabags and a squashable hat that's travelled the world with her.

Hilary also opens up about the trip to Australia that finally lived up to years of anticipation, and shares a string of hard-won staycation hacks, from motorway service station strategy to the dangers of accepting live seafood as a parting gift. It's a warm, funny rundown of the small rituals that make travelling with a family that little bit easier.

lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/

Hilary Whitehall, wife of Michael and mother to Jack, joins Jenni on this episode of Routes from LNER to talk travel, tours and the family holidays that never quite go to plan.

Hilary looks back on decades of family trips, from camping holidays in Devon and the New Forest to touring spa towns and theatres up and down the country with her podcast. She shares the story of flying out to keep Jack company while he was filming abroad, including one especially hot hike to the Hollywood sign and an unplanned trip to a sweat lodge that proved more intense than expected.

There's also a longstanding camper van ambition Michael refuses to indulge, some strong opinions on train bacon baps, and a warm reflection on finally getting the whole family under one roof for a holiday after years apart.

It's a funny, affectionate conversation about the chaos, characters and closeness that come with travelling as a family.

lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/

Food critic Jay Rayner joins Jenni on this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER to talk about the music that keeps him focused, the food that keeps him curious, and the places that first taught him to enjoy his own company.

From a formative solo backpacking trip in his teenage years to the family holidays that shaped his love of travel, it's a warm look back at the journeys that stuck with him. Jay also opens up about his routine for staying productive on the move: a particular soundtrack, a favourite spot on the train, and a few tricks for balancing focus with being recognised along the way.

Add in some firm opinions on station food and a genuine love of cooking for a crowd while on holiday, and it's a thoughtful, good humoured conversation about the small rituals that make travel, and life, a bit more enjoyable.

lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/

Restaurant critic, author and Kitchen Cabinet host Jay Rayner joins Jenni on Routes from LNER as they travel to Newcastle, trading stories about food, trains and life on the road. Jay explains how decades of criss-crossing the country by rail earned him a surprising nickname on set, and looks back on the eccentric childhood holidays that shaped his love of travel.

He revisits a legendary summer spent Interrailing across Europe, and shares the personal rules he lives by as one of Britain's most read restaurant critics... including why he always turns down a freebie.

Plus: the secret to a stress-free dinner party, a picnic that caused an unlikely stir online, cooking with a Hollywood star, and the philosophy that's guided his search for great food across the country.

lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/

Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton joins Jenni on this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER to talk about the music that keeps her moving, the food that keeps her fuelled, and the mindset that keeps her calm on the road.

From a lifelong love affair with one very special destination to the packing habits of a self-confessed "overactive venture scout," it's a warm, wide-ranging chat about what travel really means to her. Victoria opens up about how her tastes shift depending on the moment, one playlist for pushing hard, another for switching off completely, and the small rituals and essentials she never leaves home without, honed over years of life on the move.

She also reflects on the restlessness that keeps her chasing the next adventure rather than sitting still, and why, wherever she ends up, she's learned not to sweat the delays. It's a relaxed, honest conversation about finding balance between drive and downtime, on and off the track.

lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/