Podcast Pilgrimages: Visiting Cities Where Famous Shows Are Made — From Ant and Dec to Indie Pods

Walk Where You Listen: The Rise of Podcast Pilgrimages in 2026

Want to experience the podcasts you love in real life — without awkward fan moments or missing the last train? If you’re planning a trip to see studios, filming spots, or the pub where your favourite host records, this guide turns tourism anxiety into a practical itinerary. Podcast tourism has exploded since 2023; by 2026 it’s a mainstream slice of entertainment travel, with broadcasters launching new channels, studio tours expanding, and local businesses leaning into fan-driven experiences. This article gives you the logistics, etiquette, and up-to-date strategies to visit the places behind the shows — including the new Ant and Dec podcast developments — while staying respectful, safe, and unforgettable.

Why Podcast Tourism Matters Now (Late 2025–2026)

Podcasting moved from niche to neighbourhood fixture after a series of late-2024 and 2025 experiments: broadcasters added studio subscription tiers, indie creators launched ticketed live tours, and AR/VR experiences turned old recording booths into interactive exhibits. In January 2026, mainstream TV presenters Ant and Dec officially entered the space with Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, launching their Belta Box digital channel alongside short-form clips and podcast-first content — a clear sign that major media names are treating podcasting as a site-specific experience as much as a distribution channel.

That shift has three travel implications:

• More studio access: networks and independent studios are packaging tours and live recordings to monetize fandom.
• Local economies win: pubs, cafés, and tour operators near studio zones add themed menus and guided walks.
• New rules: hosts and teams are formalizing meet-and-greet options and audience behavior guidelines.

Podcast Cities to Prioritise in 2026

Some cities have become hubs for podcast studio tours and fan meetups. If you’re planning a pilgrimage, start with these:

• London: Broadcasting House, Soho studios and independent podcast hubs; biggest variety of live tapings and media tours.
• New York City: Major production houses, public radio tapings, and rooftop panels tied to network podcasts.
• Los Angeles: Entertainment production centers with combined TV/podcast studio access and celebrity-hosted live shows.
• Manchester/Salford (UK): MediaCityUK and regional production spaces that host national shows and tourist-friendly studio tours.
• Bristol & Dublin: Strong indie scenes — cosy studios, pub-based recording sessions, and community-led walking tours.
• Sydney & Melbourne: Growing Southern Hemisphere hubs with live festivals and themed pub nights.

Spotlight: Ant and Dec’s 2026 Move

In early 2026 Ant and Dec expanded into podcasting with Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, hosted on their Belta Box platform across YouTube and social channels as well as audio platforms. For fans, this creates typical opportunities and constraints: expect occasional live recordings, Q&A episodes, and branded events — but also higher demand and formal ticketing. If visiting locations tied to Ant and Dec (their hometowns, launch venues, or televised studio sites), always check official channels for authorised events rather than relying on hearsay.

Planning Your Podcast Pilgrimage: Practical, Step‑by‑Step

Below is an actionable playbook to plan a safe, respectful, and memorable visit to the places behind your favourite shows.

1. Research and validate — confirmation beats assumptions

• Start with the show’s official channels: website, hosts’ social handles, and platform listings (Apple Podcasts, Spotify). Hosts and production companies post tour and live-show info there first.
• Contact studios directly. Many studios post scheduled tours or open-house days; others offer private tours for small groups or press.
• Look for venue types: public radio studios, private production houses, club rooms, or pubs where episodes are recorded. Each has different access rules.

2. Book early — and expect formal ticketing

Since late 2024, paid studio access rose significantly. Live tapings rarely accept walk-ins by 2026. Action steps:

• Subscribe to show newsletters — early announcements, pre-sales and meet-and-greet slots are common; pre-sales and resale controls are changing with new anti-scalper tech like the trends covered in anti-scalper and ticketing models.
• Book tickets for live recordings and studio tours as soon as dates are released.
• Use official outlets for resale/transfer if you can’t attend. Avoid scalpers and unauthorised resellers.

3. Layer local experiences — pubs, panels, and pop-ups

Many podcasts pair recordings with local nightlife: a pub quiz after a True-Crime live show, an indie music showcase following a music podcast taping, or a themed menu at a café next to a studio. To capture the cultural side:

• Map nearby pubs and cafés and check whether they host official events or fan nights.
• Reserve a table for post-show meetups and support small businesses producing themed items — consider venues that run themed menus or food collaborations.
• Respect venue rules: if the café is recording live, avoid loud phone calls or intrusive photography during sessions.

Studio Etiquette & Fan Manners — How to Visit Without Being ‘That Person’

Meeting hosts is part of the draw, but 2026 audiences are more conscious of privacy and boundaries. Follow this compact etiquette checklist:

Before the Visit

• Check policies: Studios often list rules: no photos during recording, no personal items near microphones, mask preferences in post-pandemic contexts.
• Know the format: Is it a live Q&A, a closed recording, or a meet-and-greet? Your behaviour should match.
• Bring essentials: Tickets, ID, a charged phone (but keep it off during recordings), and small cash for local vendors.

During the Tapings

• Respect the space: Keep conversation low during recordings. Hosts and guests need concentration and producers depend on an audience that follows cues.
• Follow crowd prompts: Applause cues, laugh signs, or seating directions — follow them to help the production flow.
• Don’t interrupt: Hosts appreciate engaged audiences but not interruptions. Save complex questions for official Q&A segments or social channels.

Meeting Hosts — Do’s and Don’ts

• Do: Keep greetings brief. Introduce yourself, say one specific sentence about how the show impacted you, and ask if they have time for a photo.
• Don’t: Ask for free airtime, personal contact details, or press them about private matters. Even friendly chats should respect boundaries.
• If you’re offered a selfie: Ask how they prefer to be photographed (landscape vs portrait), don’t suggest poses, and thank them quickly.
• Bring small, appropriate gifts only: A handwritten note or token from your city is OK; bulky or expensive gifts can be awkward for a host to accept publicly.

Special Cases: Pubs, Local Bars, and the ‘Where It Was Recorded’ Experience

Pubs are the hearth of many British and Irish recordings. By 2026 some hosts prefer pubs for ambience; others simply meet fans there after tapings. Use these tips to plan a pub-based visit:

• Confirm the booking: Many pubs pre-book space for recordings and post-show meetups; check the pub’s events calendar.
• Be mindful of regulars: If a pub doubles as a local hangout, keep the host’s visit brief and support the venue by buying food or drinks.
• Avoid ambushes: Don’t track a host from studio to pub looking for an impromptu encounter — it often backfires and can be invasive.

Case Study: A Two-Day ‘Podcast Pilgrimage’ in London (Template Itinerary)

Use this template and adapt for your city and shows. It assumes a weekend visit focused on two shows and local culture.

Day 1 — Studio Tour & Neighbourhood Walk

1. Morning: Arrive and do a guided studio tour (pre-booked) at a major production house or public radio studio. Ask about backstage restrictions and recommended local spots for post-tour photos.
2. Lunch: Eat at a nearby café that hosts indie podcast recordings; many publish monthly events with live audiences.
3. Afternoon: Self-guided walk of broadcast landmarks (Broadway, Soho lanes, iconic broadcast buildings). Use an app or map to mark cafés or street spots featured in episodes.
4. Evening: Attend a live taping with post-show audience Q&A or meet-and-greet (tickets bought in advance).

Day 2 — Pub Night & Fan Meetups

1. Morning: Brunch at a gastropub associated with your show — look for themed menus or memorabilia.
2. Afternoon: Visit a small venue for an indie podcast panel or workshop. Smaller shows often host walk-up signups and local indie music showcases.
3. Evening: Pub meetup hosted by the show or a fan community — moderate your expectations, be kind to staff, and plan transport home in advance.

Advanced Strategies for Serious Podcast Travellers (2026)

Want to go beyond casual visits? These advanced strategies optimise cost, access, and authenticity.

• Join creator networks: Many podcasts run membership tiers that include priority access to live events and exclusive tours.
• Volunteer: Productions sometimes need in-audience volunteers or assistants; it’s a way to get closer access while giving back — see a field approach to micro-touring in this micro-tour report.
• Time your visit: Plan pilgrimages around festival seasons (podcast festivals grew 30–40% in late 2024–2025) or local media events for a richer schedule — micro-hub and night-market approaches are useful background reading (microcinema night markets).
• Mix AR/VR: Since 2025, several studios offer augmented reality experiences that recreate famous booths or annotated studio tours — buy these tickets as a contingency if live tours sell out (see experimental AR/VR toolkits and deployment notes in the community).
• Plan transport and lodging smartly: Stay within walking distance of a studio or major venue; parking and late-night transport can be limited in studio districts.

Safety, Privacy and Legal Notes

As podcast tourism grows, so does the need to mind legality and safety.

• Filming rules: Many studios prohibit non-authorised photography or recording. Even outside, private property may limit your right to film. Ask before you post.
• Data protection: Don’t attempt to gather personal contact information from hosts or crew; that crosses a legal and ethical line.
• Respect local laws: In some cities, gatherings and street activity require permits. Look for official fan events to avoid issues.

Budgeting and Value: How Much Will It Cost?

Costs vary widely by city and show. Here’s a quick pricing framework based on 2025–2026 trends:

• Free options: Public festivals, open house days, and community shows — great for budget travellers.
• Standard tickets: Live tapings and studio tours typically range $10–$50 depending on location; watch ticketing policy and anti-scalper measures like those outlined in fan-centric ticketing coverage.
• Premium access: Meet-and-greet packages, backstage tours, and paid studio experiences often range $75–$300+
• Festival & travel packages: Multi-day events with workshops and meals may run $300–$1,200 depending on inclusions.

Local Food & Culture: Make It More Than a Photo Op

Podcast-centric travel is also about neighbourhood identity. Use these tips to turn the pilgrimage into a cultural day out:

• Try venues popular with hosts: many pin favourites on their episode notes or social stories.
• Ask producers for local recommendations — they often have off-the-record tips for pre- or post-show dining.
• Buy local merch — stickers, zines, and vinyl launched by indie podcasters help fund future seasons and create memories. Learn how boutique sellers use live commerce to move merch in real-time (live social commerce APIs).

Fan Etiquette Checklist — Quick Reference

• Confirm event rules before you go.
• Keep greetings short: one specific sentence beats a long speech.
• Don’t film where production restricts it.
• Support local venues financially.
• Respect privacy and personal boundaries.

“Podcast tourism is not about getting closer to fame — it’s about connecting with the places and people that shaped stories you love. Travel thoughtfully.”

Call to Action

Ready to plan your podcast pilgrimage? Start by picking one show and signing up for its newsletter — then map nearby studios, pubs, and live events using the checklist above. If you want a curated itinerary for a specific city or show (including Ant and Dec’s launch events), tell us which podcast you’re targeting and we’ll build a travel-ready plan with bookings, local eats, and fan etiquette tailored to your trip.

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