Isy and Dan head to the City of Dreaming Spires for a day out that is quintessentially Oxford, beginning at one of the oldest libraries in Europe.

First opened to scholars in 1602, the Bodleian Library is home to millions of books and centuries of history. Librarian Lucy takes Isy and Dan behind the scenes to discover the extraordinary scale of its buildings and collections, before they attempt the traditional Bodleian Oath in its original Latin.

Isy and Dan swap books for boats when they take to the River Isis. Their guide Finn shows them how it’s done on a relaxing punt along the river, before Isy and Dan take control themselves – with far less relaxing results.

Along the way, they discover what makes Oxford such a great place to explore and round things off with some more ideas for a fun-filled day in the City of Dreaming Spires.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Isy and Dan head to the City of Dreaming Spires for a day out that is quintessentially Oxford, beginning at one of the oldest libraries in Europe.
First opened to scholars in 1602, the Bodleian Library is home to millions of books and centuries of history. Librarian Lucy takes Isy and Dan behind the scenes to discover the extraordinary scale of its buildings and collections, before they attempt the traditional Bodleian Oath in its original Latin.
Isy and Dan swap books for boats when they take to the River Isis. Their guide Finn shows them how it&rsquo;s done on a relaxing punt along the river, before Isy and Dan take control themselves &ndash; with far less relaxing results.
Along the way, they discover what makes Oxford such a great place to explore and round things off with some more ideas for a fun-filled day in the City of Dreaming Spires.
We&rsquo;re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Oxford: Punts, Pages and Dreaming Spires 

What makes the perfect British beach holiday? Isy and Dan head to Torquay on the English Riviera to find out, discovering why a classic seaside break doesn't have to mean boarding a plane.

Joined by seaside historian Kathryn Ferry, they explore the traditions that have kept generations of families returning to Britain’s coast before rolling delicious raspberry and white chocolate fudge at Roly’s and rediscovering a childhood holiday favourite.

Their day ends at Babbacombe Model Village, where they wander through a miniature world of tiny streets, famous landmarks and an exact replica of Stonehenge that's perfectly aligned with the sun, just like the real thing.

Can Torquay still deliver the perfect seaside escape? And what makes a British beach holiday so special in the first place?

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

What makes the perfect British beach holiday? Isy and Dan head to Torquay on the English Riviera to find out, discovering why a classic seaside break doesn't have to mean boarding a plane.
Joined by seaside historian Kathryn Ferry, they explore the traditions that have kept generations of families returning to Britain&rsquo;s coast before rolling delicious raspberry and white chocolate fudge at Roly&rsquo;s and rediscovering a childhood holiday favourite.
Their day ends at Babbacombe Model Village, where they wander through a miniature world of tiny streets, famous landmarks and an exact replica of Stonehenge that's perfectly aligned with the sun, just like the real thing.
Can Torquay still deliver the perfect seaside escape? And what makes a British beach holiday so special in the first place?
We&rsquo;re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Torquay: In Search of the Perfect Beach Holiday

It's time for Isy and Dan's biggest challenge yet as they step into the colourful, chaotic world of professional wrestling.

At London's iconic Clapham Grand, Riot Cabaret stars Spike Trivet and Session Moth Martina introduce them to the art of wrestling, teaching them the moves, the characters and the showmanship that bring the spectacle to life. From choosing their wrestling personas and ring gear to learning the ropes, Isy and Dan quickly discover there's far more skill, precision and trust involved than they ever imagined.

But the training is only the beginning. Before the night is over, they'll make a special guest appearance in front of a live Riot Cabaret audience.

Will they leave with their dignity intact? Or will they discover their inner wrestling superstar?

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

It's time for Isy and Dan's biggest challenge yet as they step into the colourful, chaotic world of professional wrestling.
At London's iconic Clapham Grand, Riot Cabaret stars Spike Trivet and Session Moth Martina introduce them to the art of wrestling, teaching them the moves, the characters and the showmanship that bring the spectacle to life. From choosing their wrestling personas and ring gear to learning the ropes, Isy and Dan quickly discover there's far more skill, precision and trust involved than they ever imagined.
But the training is only the beginning. Before the night is over, they'll make a special guest appearance in front of a live Riot Cabaret audience.
Will they leave with their dignity intact? Or will they discover their inner wrestling superstar?
We&rsquo;re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Wrestling: Heels, Heroes and Headlocks

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.

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&rsquo;re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Bristol: Surfing, Balloons and Big Ideas

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.

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 &ndash; 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 &ndash; 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&rsquo;re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Rugby Rivalry: Cardiff Showdown

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

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&nbsp;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:&nbsp; <a href="https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ldwJC21XzHMnYziBijU5U3Fh?domain=youtube.com">youtube.com/watch?v=-ZvQDicHbfo&amp;t=11s</a> <a href="https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Q25UC4Y2EfXLVKHVt7U4vJfP?domain=youtube.com">youtube.com/watch?v=m3F-rkDBIC8&amp;t=115s</a>
Or buy the book at:&nbsp;<a href="https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/5XbaC51MJHBqJLF8uNUkJVRa?domain=gwrsouvenirs.co.uk/">gwrsouvenirs.co.uk</a>

BONUS EPISODE: Trackanory brings myths and legends to life

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.

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.

The Line to Legend Land Special

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.

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.

Christmas Special: Meeting Santa & Life in Panto

In this episode of Great Escapes, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner travel across Devon and Cornwall to explore two iconic landmarks – one perched high above the moors, the other steeped in shadowy smuggler lore. From rose-pruning and brass-polishing at Castle Drogo to ghost stories and literary inspiration at Jamaica Inn, it’s a day of drama, history and proper hands-on adventure.

Isy starts at Castle Drogo, the last castle ever built in England – perched high above the Teign Gorge with epic views over Dartmoor. She joins the gardening team to prune roses ahead of winter, before taking on a surprisingly satisfying indoor job: polishing one of the 300 brass jelly moulds in the castle’s collection. It’s proper hands-on work with plenty of elbow grease – and a brilliant insight into the care and craft that keeps this extraordinary place alive.

Meanwhile, Dan heads out onto the windswept wilds of Bodmin Moor to visit the legendary Jamaica Inn. He hears spooky tales of ghostly goings-on, uncovers the real smuggling history behind the place, and learns how Daphne du Maurier discovered the inn while out riding – an encounter that sparked the idea for her novel Jamaica Inn. He even gets to see the very room where she wrote the book.

Together, their adventures reveal the twin spirit of the South West: dramatic landscapes, deep-rooted stories and places that stay with you long after you’ve gone. Whether you love ghost lore, grand architecture or a good moorland ramble, this is a journey into the heart of what makes Devon and Cornwall magical.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

In this episode of Great Escapes, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner travel across Devon and Cornwall to explore two iconic landmarks – one perched high above the moors, the other steeped in shadowy smuggler lore. From rose-pruning and brass-polishing at Castle Drogo to ghost stories and literary inspiration at Jamaica Inn, it’s a day of drama, history and proper hands-on adventure.

Isy starts at Castle Drogo, the last castle ever built in England – perched high above the Teign Gorge with epic views over Dartmoor. She joins the gardening team to prune roses ahead of winter, before taking on a surprisingly satisfying indoor job: polishing one of the 300 brass jelly moulds in the castle’s collection. It’s proper hands-on work with plenty of elbow grease – and a brilliant insight into the care and craft that keeps this extraordinary place alive.

Meanwhile, Dan heads out onto the windswept wilds of Bodmin Moor to visit the legendary Jamaica Inn. He hears spooky tales of ghostly goings-on, uncovers the real smuggling history behind the place, and learns how Daphne du Maurier discovered the inn while out riding – an encounter that sparked the idea for her novel Jamaica Inn. He even gets to see the very room where she wrote the book.

Together, their adventures reveal the twin spirit of the South West: dramatic landscapes, deep-rooted stories and places that stay with you long after you’ve gone. Whether you love ghost lore, grand architecture or a good moorland ramble, this is a journey into the heart of what makes Devon and Cornwall magical.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Haunted South West: Jamaica Inn Tales & Castle Drogo Secrets

In this episode of Great Escapes, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner head to Exmouth – a classic Devon seaside town bursting with charm, creativity and seriously good fish and chips.

Isy spends the day behind the counter at The Proper Fish & Chip Co., learning the ropes from Danny, a man with over 30 years’ experience in the art of perfect fish and chips. She takes her turn at the fryer, quickly discovering just how much skill goes into a truly great chippy. And the best part? She gets to taste her handiwork – and it might just be some of the best fish and chips she’s ever had.

Meanwhile, Dan heads to Arty Boat, a cosy creative café where visitors can grab a brew and paint their own wooden ornaments. What starts as a simple activity soon becomes an unexpectedly joyful escape, as he finds himself painting a wooden duck in the likeness of his comedy alter ego, Angelos Epithemiou. It’s creative, mindful, unpretentious fun, and a reminder of how good it feels to slow down and make something with your hands.

Together, these two stories reveal the real heart of Exmouth: a town where community spirit, seaside tradition and everyday creativity come together – and where even a portion of chips or a painted duck can turn into a great escape.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

In this episode of Great Escapes, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner head to Exmouth – a classic Devon seaside town bursting with charm, creativity and seriously good fish and chips.

Isy spends the day behind the counter at The Proper Fish &amp; Chip Co., learning the ropes from Danny, a man with over 30 years’ experience in the art of perfect fish and chips. She takes her turn at the fryer, quickly discovering just how much skill goes into a truly great chippy. And the best part? She gets to taste her handiwork – and it might just be some of the best fish and chips she’s ever had.

Meanwhile, Dan heads to Arty Boat, a cosy creative café where visitors can grab a brew and paint their own wooden ornaments. What starts as a simple activity soon becomes an unexpectedly joyful escape, as he finds himself painting a wooden duck in the likeness of his comedy alter ego, Angelos Epithemiou. It’s creative, mindful, unpretentious fun, and a reminder of how good it feels to slow down and make something with your hands.

Together, these two stories reveal the real heart of Exmouth: a town where community spirit, seaside tradition and everyday creativity come together – and where even a portion of chips or a painted duck can turn into a great escape.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Isy in the Chippie as Dan goes Quackers

Great Escapes is the travel-comedy podcast that sends Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner across the South West and Wales to discover brilliant places, meet fascinating locals and throw themselves into experiences they might never normally try.

Join our endlessly curious adventurers as they surf inland waves, train with a Welsh rugby international, discover what makes the perfect British seaside holiday and even step into the wrestling ring with a London truck driver. Along the way, they meet the people who bring each destination to life and hear the stories that make every place unique.

It’s part travelogue, part comedy and all discovery. Tune in for unforgettable adventures, big laughs and plenty of surprises.

We’re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Great Escapes is the travel-comedy podcast that sends Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner across the South West and Wales to discover brilliant places, meet fascinating locals and throw themselves into experiences they might never normally try.
Join our endlessly curious adventurers as they surf inland waves, train with a Welsh rugby international, discover what makes the perfect British seaside holiday and even step into the wrestling ring with a London truck driver. Along the way, they meet the people who bring each destination to life and hear the stories that make every place unique.
It&rsquo;s part travelogue, part comedy and all discovery. Tune in for unforgettable adventures, big laughs and plenty of surprises.
We&rsquo;re pleased to be supported by Great Western Railway. Adventures start here.

Great Escapes with Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner

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