Great Escapes with Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner
Great Escapes is a podcast that explores fascinating stories, delicious food, and quirky destinations across the UK. Hosts Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner travel to towns and cities, meeting locals, sampling regional delights, and trying activities like wild swimming and Cornish wrestling. The show blends travelogue, comedy, and discovery, offering big laughs and unexpected detours. It is supported by Great Western Railway.
Episodes
Torquay: In Search of the Perfect Beach Holiday
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 Ro
Wrestling: Heels, Heroes and Headlocks
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 gea
Bristol: Surfing, Balloons and Big Ideas
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 Internati
Rugby Rivalry: Cardiff Showdown
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
BONUS EPISODE: Trackanory brings myths and legends to life
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 Line to Legend Land Special
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 real
Christmas Special: Meeting Santa & Life in Panto
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
Haunted South West: Jamaica Inn Tales & Castle Drogo Secrets
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 D
Isy in the Chippie as Dan goes Quackers
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 disco
The Freeminer and The Pottery Queen
Beneath the Forest of Dean lies history, colour and creativity – from centuries-old mines to a home filled with art and light. In this episode of Great Escapes, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner head deep into the Forest of Dean – a landscape of legends, light and remarkable contrasts. Dan ventures underground at Clearwell Caves, swapping daylight for headtorches and hard hats to experience the life of t
Wild Swims & Gentle Giants: Adventures in Pembrokeshire
In this episode of Great Escapes, Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner head to Pembrokeshire – a place of wild seas, big skies and quietly brilliant people. Dan takes the plunge with Sian Richardson, founder of the Bluetits Chill Swimmers, for a bracing dip in the Irish Sea. What starts as a mad idea soon turns blissful – proof that a communal winter swim can clear the mind, lift the spirits and make you fo
Frights and Fizz: A Very Halloween Lock-In
Join Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner as they roam the weird and wonderful corners of the UK, meeting the characters, unearthing the oddities and celebrating the glorious quirks that make every place special. In each episode, they go their separate ways, try something new and reunite at the end to compare notes. Great Escapes is about more than just travel – it’s about saying yes to the unexpected, disc
Great Escapes with Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner
Great Escapes is the podcast that sets off in search of fascinating stories, delicious food, and the quirkiest customs the UK has to offer. Join Isy Suttie and Dan Skinner – two intrepid (and not always willing) travellers – as they explore towns and cities, meet unforgettable characters, try regional delicacies, and get roped into activities no one properly agreed to. Camping under the stars? Wil
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