Last Updated on 29 April 2025 by Colette
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are no strangers to family road trips. These are usually accompanied by a Spotify playlist or a comfortable silence from the back of the car whilst the kids are watching a film or listening to something on their headphones. But what about if you want something to listen to together? Something that might spark a conversation or just make you laugh? Podcasts are a great way of reducing screen time on a long road trip!
With podcasts, there’s always something new to listen to making them the perfect way to pass the time on a family road trip! I always save up new episodes of my favourite podcasts when I know I’ve got a trip coming up – it gives me something to look forward to.
The UK has an incredibly diverse range of podcasts that cater to audiences of all ages. Whether you’re looking for educational content, storytelling, or family-friendly entertainment, here are some UK-based podcasts that the whole family can enjoy.
Before introducing any podcast to your family, it’s obviously a good idea to listen to a few episodes first to ensure that the content aligns with your preferences and values.
BBC Earth Podcast
Explore the wonders of the natural world with the BBC Earth Podcast. This family-friendly podcast releases new episodes weekly and features fascinating stories about wildlife, science, and the environment told by global speakers, experts and campaigners making it an educational and entertaining choice for all ages.
Each episode of the BBC Earth podcast is around half an hour long.
Storynory – Audio Stories for Kids
If you’re looking for a stories podcast, Storynory offers a collection of classic and original stories for children. From short stories and classic fairy tales to myths, fables and folk tales, each episode is narrated with engaging voices and sound effects – you might find this podcast handy if you’re looking for bedtime stories on the go!
Episodes of Storynory range from 5 minutes to half an hour long and you can just pick and choose which stories you fancy rather than needing to listen to episodes in order. I used to use this podcast in my classroom when it first launched.
CBeebies Radio
If you’re looking for a podcast for younger kids, CBeebies Radio is perfect. With super short episodes, CBeebies Radio is a BBC Sounds podcast designed for pre-schoolers. It includes storytelling, songs, and interactive content that encourages learning and creativity in a fun and playful way.
Episodes of Cbeebies Radio are released daily with up to 30 episodes available to listen to at any one time.
The Children’s Book Podcast
The Children’s Book Podcast features interviews with authors, illustrators, and anyone else involved with the creation of children’s literature. Hosted by a teacher and school librarian, each episode of The Children’s Book Podcasts aims to connect kids and listeners of all ages with powerful, impactful, and lasting stories, and the people who tell them.
The Children’s Book Podcast is like your very own book club and is a great resource for discovering new books and insights into the world of children’s publishing. With a back catalogue of around 300 episodes at around 30 minutes each, this one will keep you going for a while!
David Walliams Marvellous Musical Podcast
Join comedian and author David Walliams as he explores the world of classical music in a fun and entertaining way. This podcast combines humour, storytelling, and music to engage listeners of all ages.
There’s only 11 episodes of this podcast and they are several years old so don’t expect any new ones!
Maddie’s Sound Explorers
Maddie Moate (who you probably know best for presenting “Maddie’s Do You Know” on CBeebies) takes young listeners on a journey of discovery through the world of sound. With a focus on science and nature, this podcast encourages curiosity and exploration through engaging stories and activities.
There’s just 16 episodes of this podcast – despite it winning the award for BEST FAMILY PODCAST at the 2021 British Podcast Awards.
No Such Thing as a Fish
While not specifically designed for children, “No Such Thing as a Fish” is a trivia podcast hosted by the researchers behind the TV show QI. It’s a fun and informative listen that older kids and teens might enjoy.
No Such Thing as a Fish is Ben’s most listened to podcast – he’s been listening for a few years now and regularly tells us about the fun facts he’s picked up – mostly useless but always entertaining.
There’s nearly 600 episodes waiting for you and they’re all in the region of about an hour long so that should cover a few summer road trips!
The Story Pirates Podcast
The Story Pirates is an award winning podcast which takes children’s stories and turn them into hilarious and creative sketches with the help of celebrity guests and talented comedians. It’s a unique blend of storytelling, comedy, and music that encourages kids to let their imaginations run wild.
There’s a hefy back catalogue of over 300 episodes of this fun podcast, with episodes lasting between 30 – 60 minutes so dive in!
If you have any recommendations for family podcasts that need adding to this list – let me know!
If you’re planning to listening to a podcast on your next road trip, I do recommend downloading them first – you can stream most podcasts from the Spotify app, apple podcasts or Amazon music but my personal preference is the Pocketcast app which allows me to download podcasts ahead of time to save data and also helps me to keep track of my favourite podcasts with subscriptions so all those fresh weekly episodes are ready and waiting when I need them!
Have a read of these posts next:
The best apps for getting outdoors with kids
Driving to the south of France with kids
Tips for reducing travel stress with children
How we manage screen time on holiday
If you have enjoyed this post and found it helpful, here are a few ways you can say thanks and support We’re going on an adventure:
Click here to buy me a virtual coffee – it’s like a little tip jar but with caffeine!
I’d love for you to tag me in any photos of your adventures on Social Media if one of my posts has inspired you to visit
Click here to leave We’re going on an adventure a Google Review
Share this post with your friends – you’ll be helping me and them!
Follow We’re going on an adventure on Facebook or Instagram
