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Routes

Routes

LNER 53 episodes Nov 10, 2026

Season 3 of Routes is coming this summer - join Jenni Falconer and some well-known faces and explore what travel means to them. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to listen to now with guests including Mel B, Sam Heughan, James Martin, Self Esteem, Stephen Mangan, Craig David, Suzi Ruffell, Tom Grennan and many more! From wild adventures to chill getaways, join Jenni for laid-back, meaningful and humorous conversations. We’ll save you a seat!

Episodes

Simon Calder: Hitchhiking, Hostels and a Lifetime of Travel
Simon Calder: Hitchhiking, Hostels and a Lifetime of Travel Nov 10, 2026 41:45 Travel journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder joins Jenni on this episode of Routes from LNER to talk about a lifetime of exploring, and why he thinks we’re living in the golden age of travel. On the train from London King’s Cross to Aberdeen, he explains why he can name something memorable about every station along the way.Simon looks back on his first trip to France on a £4 school trip in 1969,
The Quiet Coach: Yorkshire Tea, Platform Picnics and California Bakeries with Tommy Banks
The Quiet Coach: Yorkshire Tea, Platform Picnics and California Bakeries with Tommy Banks Nov 3, 2026 12:38 Chef Tommy Banks joins Jenni on this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER to share the snacks, tracks and hacks that keep him going between York and London.Expect a full breakdown of his platform picnic of choice (think olives, charcuterie and a good wedge of brie), the York station deli he's been trying to open for years, and a brother whose sommelier standards mean wine only travels with its
Tommy Banks: Michelin Stars, Wine Trips and a Life Rooted in York
Tommy Banks: Michelin Stars, Wine Trips and a Life Rooted in York Oct 27, 2026 38:10 Chef, farmer and Great British Menu judge Tommy Banks joins Jenni on this episode of Routes from LNER to talk food, family and the winding road that led him to two Michelin stars.Tommy opens up about the illness at 18 that ended his cricket ambitions and redirected all his drive into cooking, the early days at The Black Swan when he'd rope in family and friends to fill the restaurant when a well-k
The Quiet Coach: Crisps, Melancholy Playlists and Packing Light with Jim Chapman
The Quiet Coach: Crisps, Melancholy Playlists and Packing Light with Jim Chapman Oct 20, 2026 12:32 Jim Chapman joins Jenni on this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER to share the snacks, tracks and hacks that get him through a travel day.Expect an honest confession about crisps and cheating on the diet, a playlist built entirely around music that hurts a little, and a podcast habit that swings between true crime and dinosaurs. There’s a firm commitment to packing light, a clever click and
Jim Chapman: YouTube, Fatherhood and a Life of Adventure
Jim Chapman: YouTube, Fatherhood and a Life of Adventure Oct 13, 2026 39:06 From a childhood that never took him beyond the Isle of Man to a life spent chasing adventure across the globe, Jim Chapman has made a point of saying yes to every opportunity. In this episode of Routes from LNER, one of the original YouTubers joins Jenni on the train to Aberdeen to talk about travelling with his young family, the places that have shaped him, and why he wants his children to see t
The Quiet Coach: Rainy Honeymoons, Live Crabs and Motorway Hacks with Hilary Whitehall
The Quiet Coach: Rainy Honeymoons, Live Crabs and Motorway Hacks with Hilary Whitehall Oct 6, 2026 23:24 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 wit
Hilary Whitehall: Theatre Tours, Sweat Lodges and Visiting Jack on Set
Hilary Whitehall: Theatre Tours, Sweat Lodges and Visiting Jack on Set Sep 29, 2026 49:58 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 comp
The Quiet Coach: Fish Markets, Train Journeys and a Critic's Eye with Jay Rayner
The Quiet Coach: Fish Markets, Train Journeys and a Critic's Eye with Jay Rayner Sep 22, 2026 09:59 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 Rayner: Fine Dining, Rail Journeys and a Secret Jazz Life
Jay Rayner: Fine Dining, Rail Journeys and a Secret Jazz Life Sep 15, 2026 40:50 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 sp
The Quiet Coach: Wildlife, DJ Dreams and Finding Calm with Victoria Pendleton
The Quiet Coach: Wildlife, DJ Dreams and Finding Calm with Victoria Pendleton Sep 8, 2026 07:55 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
Victoria Pendleton: Cycling, Cheltenham and Conquering Fear
Victoria Pendleton: Cycling, Cheltenham and Conquering Fear Sep 1, 2026 39:42 Double Olympic gold medallist and nine-time world champion cyclist Victoria Pendleton joins Jenni on Routes from LNER to talk about a life built on chasing new challenges. Victoria traces her journey from touring the UK on the back of her dad's tandem to racing across five continents, and reflects on the surprising imposter syndrome that shadowed her right up to becoming world champion.She opens u
The Quiet Coach: Canada Dreams, Passport Panic & Pringles with Alfie Watts
The Quiet Coach: Canada Dreams, Passport Panic & Pringles with Alfie Watts Aug 25, 2026 11:55 Race Across the World winner and self-confessed adventurer Alfie Watts joins Jenni on this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER to share the snacks, tracks and hacks that fuel his life on the move.Expect a firm stance on the age-old Pringles-versus-Haribo debate, a very specific idea of what his 100th country needs to be, and the truth behind a passport story that isn't quite what it first seem

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