Think you know the Lake District? Think again. Join us on an epic audio journey as we peel back the layers of Cumbria to reveal a side you probably never expected—one bursting with art, heritage, and culture. When most people picture the Lake District, they see shimmering lakes, rugged fells, and charming country inns. And yes, all that is spectacular—but what if we told you this region is so much more than scenic hikes and boat trips?

Beyond the well-trodden trails, Cumbria has long been a magnet for creatives, from poets and painters to musicians and makers.

And it’s not just about Wordsworth and his daffodils—Cumbria’s cultural scene is alive and kicking.

Artists, musicians, and theatre-makers have put down roots here, turning former textile mills into buzzing creative hubs and filling historic venues with new concepts and fresh exhibits.

We’re stepping off the tourist trail to explore a different side of Cumbria. Think ancient abbeys, maritime museums that tell the region’s shipbuilding past, and grand houses that played a key role in the early Quaker movement.

There’s even an auto museum packed with classic cars and unexpected stories and vintage treasures.

So, if you thought the Lake District was all about hiking boots and boat trips, get ready to see it in a whole new way.

Thanks to Cumbria Tourism for supporting this episode of Travel Goals. The Let’s Go Culture project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Westmorland & Furness Council. #UKSPF

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Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones [nicknamed Pip Jones]. I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster, and Lonely Planet author.

If you love to travel, check out my travel website and subscribe to my travel newsletter to get travel guides and new episodes of the Travel Goals podcast delivered straight to your inbox.

Connect with us on social media: Travel Goals on Instagram | Travel Goals on Facebook

Travel Goals is produced and owned by South Girl Production Music and Podcasting Ltd.

Email us to discuss working together or with any questions about the podcast.

Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Boston is a city shaped by water. From its earliest Indigenous inhabitants, to its dramatic role in the American Revolution, the city’s history is written in its harbours, rivers, and shorelines. But Boston’s connection to the water isn’t just about the past—it’s alive and thriving today.

Join host Portia Jones and producer Luke as they explore Boston’s famous harbour and its transformation from a strategic trading port to a thriving waterfront destination.

Whale tails break the surface in the waters of Stellwagen Bank, an ocean sanctuary teeming with marine life. Kayaks glide past the city skyline, offering a fresh perspective on familiar landmarks. Amphibious vehicles splash into the Charles River on a journey that blurs the line between road and water.

From the buzzing harbour to Boston’s best waterfront activities, we’ll take you beyond the usual sights and into the heart of Boston’s relationship with the sea. Along the way, you’ll hear from locals who bring these waters to life through conservation, adventure, or the stories of Boston’s past

Thanks to Meet Boston and TTM World for supporting and collaborating with the Travel Goals podcast. Tune in to discover a side of Boston you’ve never seen before.

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Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones [nicknamed Pip Jones]. I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster, and Lonely Planet author.

If you love to travel, check out my travel website and subscribe to my travel newsletter to get travel guides and new episodes of the Travel Goals podcast delivered straight to your inbox.

Connect with us on social media: Travel Goals on Instagram | Travel Goals on Facebook

Travel Goals is produced and owned by South Girl Production Music and Podcasting Ltd.

Email us to discuss working together or with any questions about the podcast.

Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Ready to uncover one of Wales' best-kept secrets? We’re heading to the myth-filled, magical landscapes of Neath Port Talbot – the dramatic heart of Wales. In this underrated region, local legends and ghostly tales are as abundant as the picturesque valleys and cascading waterfalls. This episode is your backstage pass to the heart of Welsh myth and magic, from haunted castles and historic abbeys to Welsh folklore.

Join us as we wander through Margam Castle, a Tudor Gothic Mansion rumoured to be one of the UK’s most haunted spots. Feel the chill of ghostly encounters and hear the eerie tales of a long-lost gamekeeper as we explore its shadowy corners.

We'll also follow in the footsteps of Hollywood legend Richard Burton in his hometown of Pontrhydyfen – a mountain village wrapped in epic views and industrial history, with ancient bridges and a welcoming chapel with a surprising connection to Burton.

We’ll share some of Wales’ best-kept legends, from mischievous water horses emerging from waterfalls to the otherworldly changelings that haunt its forests. Adventure lovers will find plenty to enjoy here, with a surf-ready beach, hiking paths, and even thrilling mountain biking, all with the wild beauty of Wales as your backdrop.

Neath Port Talbot may not be on everyone’s itinerary, but this underrated gem is a must-see for anyone craving an authentic Welsh experience. Thanks to our partners, the Dramatic Heart of Wales, for bringing this episode to life. Buckle up for a journey that’s equal parts haunting and awe-inspiring—hit play and explore Wales beyond the guidebooks!

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Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones [nicknamed Pip Jones]. I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster, and Lonely Planet author.

If you love to travel, check out my travel website and subscribe to my travel newsletter to get travel guides and new episodes of the Travel Goals podcast delivered straight to your inbox.

Connect with us on social media: Travel Goals on Instagram | Travel Goals on Facebook

Travel Goals is produced and owned by South Girl Production Music and Podcasting Ltd.

Email us to discuss working together or with any questions about the podcast.

Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.