Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Yes, it’s another rail strike day in England. I’m at London Waterloo, normally the busiest rail station in the UK. Train drivers belonging to the Aslef union are walking out for the 15th day in a long and bitter dispute over pay and working arrangement. Meanwhile in Manchester, the prime minister is set to announce cancellations from Manchester to Birmingham – not just of all trains today, but of all high-speed in the future, as Rishi Sunak axes the important parts of HS2.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday.

In this episode, Simon Calder shares his observations and insights on the High-Speed 2 (HS2) project from his usual spot at Euston station. Reflecting on the project's 14-year history and recent developments, Calder discusses the impacts, both realised and potential, of this major transport endeavour. As he unpacks the decisions, delays, and deviations of HS2, the episode also touches on impending rail strikes, providing listeners with a holistic understanding of current UK rail challenges.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday.

In this episode, Simon Calder takes listeners on a journey from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Along the way, he encounters trail markers, rustic refuges, and navigates occasional misdirections. From tales of majestic mountains to moments of uncertainty, explore the wonders and challenges of the Pyrenees with him.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday.

Join me, Simon Calder, as I navigate the rail disruptions causing upheaval across England. Dive deep into the ongoing tussle between the Aslef union and the government over pay cuts. It's more than just train delays; grasp the underlying politics, frustrations, and aspirations for a resolution.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday.

Another day, another spectacular library. This one is the hulk at the heart of Le Havre, the French port just 100 miles south of Portsmouth. It is part of a cultural centre known as Le Volcan – The Volcano – designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, who also built the UN HQ in New York and largely designed the city of Brasilia. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday.

Join me, Simon Goer, as I wander through Helsinki's Central Library, a modern marvel blending culture and innovation. It's more than just books; imagine playing a Fender Stratocaster, diving into 3D printing, and embracing creativity. Step inside with me and see a library in a whole new light.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday.

With 30% of Gatwick's air-traffic controllers falling ill, we're seeing unprecedented disruptions. In this episode, I'll walk you through the emerging cancellations, unexpected diversions, and what you as a passenger need to know.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered every Friday.

I’ve been given a preview of the Scottish Galleries at the National in Edinburgh, Scotland’s leading art museum. From Saturday 30 September, you will be able to enjoy a wealth of Scottish art in spectacular new surroundings, as I heard from Dr Tricia Allerston, co-director of the Scottish National Gallery project.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday.

Compulsory car-sharing has been officially scrapped by the prime minister. The announcement took many in transport circles by surprise, since the only place in the known world where the practice has ever been mandatory is communist Cuba; there were no proposals to adopt it in the UK. But at least a practice that is environmentally and economically advantageous is now being talked about.Speaking of economically advantageous, this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.