Weekend Trips from London to Europe (by Rail, Plane or Car)
The great advantage of living in London is the variety of flight routes, high-speed railways, and major roads within easy reach. This means it’s simple and fast to get away for the day, for that weekend getaway or a budget break to almost anywhere in Europe. However, the choice of destinations can be overwhelming… so we’ve put together a shortlist of places to visit including world-famed sights, historical locations and some enchanting backwaters where you can spend a couple of days enjoying the best European experiences on your super little holiday.
Whether you’re travelling by plane, catching a train or doing a road trip, here are some inspirational ideas for weekend trips from London to Europe by rail, plane or car.
Weekend Trips from London to Europe by Plane
A Romantic Weekend in Venice (Italy)
Being a romantic, Venice is one of my favourite escapes, the ideal weekend trip from London to a European destination. A 2-day Venice itinerary is enough to brighten up anyone’s spirit, imagine… a couple of days of idyllic bliss, gliding down the canals on a Gondola, viewing Gothic temples and priceless works of art, enjoying an espresso on a terrace in St Mark’s Piazza, a trip over to the islands, sipping an Aperol Spritz at sunset, and dining on fresh seafood by the waterfront on a star-studded evening. Plus Venice is easy to reach from London for a weekend away or midweek break!
Spend your first day in Venice sightseeing, just wandering down the footpaths beside the canals and you’ll come to the main sites such as St Mark’s Square, where you can visit the extraordinary Cathedral, climb the bell tower for views of the lagoon, and turn the corner by the Dodge’s Palace to see the famous little Bridge of Sighs. Head along to the Grand Canal which is lined with grand Medieval mansions, some now luxurious hotels or cultural and art museums.
Cross monumental Rialto Bridge to the morning fish market where generations of local fishermen have been selling their catches for a thousand years. The ancient churches are too many to mention, each with its own history and unique treasures. Discover the labyrinth of waterways, the elegant piazzas, countless ristorantes and typical tiny bars. Enjoy your Gondola ride past the old Venetian houses that front the quiet backwaters and out into St Marks Bay.
On your second day take a vaporetto to Venice Lagoon Islands The public waterbus leaves from several points of Venice for the short ride over to Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands.
- From Murano you can see the spires of Venice on the skyline, it’s only 20 minutes away. Murano is famous for its handblown glasswork designed in the traditional ‘factories’. It’s a busy island, like a ‘mini Venice’ with its own Grand Canal and merchants’ villas where the elite and noblemen of Italy took their holidays back in the middleages.
- Burano is the iconic isle of instagram fame with colourful dwellings, cute canals and souvenir shops displaying lace, carnival masks and glass beads.
- Torcello is the rural isle, less visited by daytrippers, but even more beautiful in a peaceful way – imagine fields and vineyards, a walk beside the main canal to a nucleus of ancient holy buildings including the Basilica. It’s a cool place to spend a couple of hours or so before getting the waterbus back into Venice to witness the sunset
How to get to Venice from london
The quickest and cheapest way to get from London to Venice is by plane.
By air: There are direct flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick to Venice Marco Polo, and from Stansted to Venice Treviso. Flight time 2 hours.
Alternatively fly to Bologna International airport. Get the airport bus into Bologna central railway station, then an express directly to Venice Santa Lucia Terminal (add a couple of hours onto your travelling time each way). This is an ideal option if you are visiting Italy for a bit longer and want to combine Venice with 2 days in Bologna, a visit to Florence or a tour of Tuscany.
By rail: Travel by fast train from London St Pancras to Paris and connect to Venice. Upwards of 13 hours, so if you prefer overland travel book night trains if you are only going for a weekend.
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2 Days Seeing the Sites of Rome (Italy)
I’d happily fly to Rome just for the food, aside from its amazing history, bursting culture and abundance of night life. Food in Italy is incredible! Each Italian city has dishes it’s famous for and in Rome it’s renowned for its Suppli, similar to Arancini, which are these gorgeous rice balls with cheese rolled in breadcrumbs.
A must visit of course is the famous Colosseum! It is possible to do most of the key sites in Rome in two days if you’re a quick walker. From its ancient Roman ruins to some of the oldest Catholic churches, there’s plenty of archaeological sites and historical buildings, plenty to see.
Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo is situated close to The Victor Emmanuel II monument, both are interesting architecturally and historically. The Museo, or Museum in English, has an array of paintings, sculptures and memorabilia to keep you occupied for hours. Another must-see is Trevi Fountain, go along in the evening when it is beautifully lit up!
On the second day, you can take a beautiful stroll across the river to The Vatican City which actually means you’ve visited two countries, since The Vatican is legally separate from the rest of Italy.
Climbing up St Peter’s Basilica gives you a stunning view across The Vatican Gardens and Rome. Although there are lots of stairs to climb, it’s really worth the effort! Just make sure to pack a long skirt, or loose trousers, and light jacket as you’ll need to dress modestly entering the Basilica.
How to get to Rome from London
By air: The faster way to get from London to Rome is by air from Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted to Rome-Ciampino or Fiumicino airports, and then get a shuttle bus into the city centre (7 miles or 18 miles repectively). The flight takes 2 hours 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for a weekend getaway from London!
Regular flights are run by affordable providers such as Ryanair and Vueling. If you’re flexible on your dates or looking to get away ASAP, I’ve seen fares as low as £12 for a return in 2021! Making it less than a train ticket to another city in the UK! Typically, you’ll find flights for between £30-£60 for a return.
Suggested by Danni from Danni in The Desert
*Tip
Our Costa Blanca Guide and Canary Island Guide make useful reading if you are planning to visit Spain, apart from the stunning beaches and landscapes, we’ve included some fascinating history, the main places to visit, national parks, sports activities, the best walking routes and much more! Finally, you’ll find essential travel information on how to get over there and local transport.
A weekend break to Barcelona (Spain)
Barcelona is the perfect European getaway from London. This bustling Spanish city and capital of the Catalunya region is situated only a short 2-hour flight from most London airports. Barcelona has something for every taste, from unique architecture, incredible viewpoints, one of the best football clubs in the entire world, to great dining and lively nightlife.
A must see in Barcelona is the city’s biggest pride – Sagrada Familia. Designed by the 19th-century Catalan architect, Antonio Gaudi, the mesmerising church of Sagrada Familia is like nothing you’ve never seen before. It’s taking over 150 years to finish building this grand masterpiece, and the funding comes entirely from the donation and visitors. Other places designed by Gaudi include Park Guell and Casa Mila.
After visiting Gaudi’s work, head to the lively La Rambla – the city’s main pedestrianised street which connects Plaza Catalunya with the port. La Rambla is teeming with life; you can find flower vendors, street artists, Spanish tapas bars and souvenir vendors. If you need some retail therapy, head to the Gothic Quarters, where amongst charming narrow alleys, you can find many independent designers and boutique shopping.
For some incredible viewpoints of the entire city, get a cablecar to Montjuic, visit Park Guell or Tibidabo Hill, home to an impressive church with a giant statue of Jesus Christ and a fairground. Go on a Ferris wheel to get an even better view of Barcelona!
If you’re spending 2 days in Barcelona, you’ll have time to relax on the beach or a walks along the seafront promenades. The closest beach to the city centre is Barceloneta. Rent a sun lounger or spend the rest of your day in one of the fancy beach bars.
How to get to Barcelona from London
Various airlines fly to Barcelona from London. Here are some examples – British Airways and Iberia from Heathrow, Ryanair from Stansted and Vueling from Gatwick. Flights take 2 hours. If you are planning a day trip, I recommend flying with British Airways as they have the most flights in a day to choose from.
Suggested by Mal from Raw Mal Roams
A short break in San Sebastian (Spain)
You won’t be able to see all of San Sebastian’s highlights in 48 hours but it is still enough time to cover the main attractions. To save some time, you could rent a car when you arrive although luckily San Sebastian isn’t a large city so you could get around on foot.
First, stop off to see the ‘Parte Vieja’), the old town of San Sebastian where most attractions are. Here you should pay a visit to the City Hall, which is an old building from the 19th century with many bullet holes from the Spanish civil war. The nearby Plaza de la Constitución is a great spot to take some nice pictures and having a coffee in one of the surrounding cafes.
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Coro is an impressive old church which you can’t miss when you’re walking the small streets of the old town. It is strikingly beautiful and certainly a must visit. While you’re still in the old town, you should stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants and pubs to try some world-famous tapas.
One of San Sebastian’s main attractions is the Castillo de La Mota which is an ancient fortress overlooking the city. At the top, there is a large statue of Jesus Christ, San Sebastian’s most famous landmark! There is also a small restaurant where you can have a cold beer and some fresh olives with the best panoramic view of the city.
Finally, you should go to Playa de la Concha which is the nearby ‘shell-shaped’ beach and walk along the magnificent promenade. If you’re here in summertime, you can spend a day on the sheltered sands and swim in the warm sea.
How to get to San Sebastian from London
By air: The fastest way to get from London to San Sebastian is on a direct flight from Gatwick or Stansted to Biarritz, France (1 hour 55min.) then the airport shuttle bus to San Sebastian (47 kms). Or take a direct flight from London Gatwick to Bilbao (2 hours), and then the airport shuttle to San Sebastian (105 km). Alternatively, fly from Heathrow or Gatwick with a connecting flight in Madrid.
Suggest by Victoria from Guide Your Travel
Combine your visit to San Sebastian with other destinations in the Basque Country, and don’t forget to see Vitoria-Gasteiz while you’re there!
A Weekend Trip to Prague (Czech Republic)
Prague is a great choice for a weekend trip from London. It’s inexpensive, tasty, and has a lot to see. The Czech Republic attracts with its medieval architecture, well-known beer, and mystical lore. It is easy to spend a week, but the main sights can be seen in Prague for 2 or a maximum of 3 days.
The best place to start your Prague itinerary on your own is at Prague Castle. Prague Castle is something like the Tower of London. The fortress consists of temples, palaces, administrative buildings, and fortifications. There is also a residence of the President of the Czech Republic. There is no charge for entering the grounds so you can walk around and view the complex from the outside for free. However, you’ll need to purchase tickets to see inside the different buildings. Walking around Prague Castle will take you at least half a day.
In the afternoon you can visit the Waldstein Palace, the largest palace in Prague. The Senate of the Czech Republic sits there. If the Senate is not in session, you can see the inside of the castle for free. Later, you can climb Petřín Hill.
On your second day in Prague, spend the morning strolling through the old city and its main attractions: from Wenceslas Square to the district of Malá Strana. You can see the Powder Tower, the Týn Church, Old Town Square, City Hall, Charles Bridge, and St. Nicholas Cathedral. Although you can admire all the sights from the outside for free, you’ll need to a purchase ticket for the Powder Tower to climb up inside to the observation decks.
In the afternoon, I suggest you spend the day at Vysehrad. It is another Prague fortress, the former residence of Bohemian rulers. In contrast to Prague Castle, there are almost no tourists here. You can enjoy panoramic views of the city and observe the life of the locals. Entrance to the area is free of charge, however there are individual buildings inside that you have to pay to enter, if you want to see inside.
To save time, it is best to book a hotel in the centre of Prague. But you can save money and stay a little farther from the centre. Prague has a well-developed public transport system and you can get to the centre by streetcar or bus in 10-15 minutes. If you are limited on time, you should hire a personal guide. It might be a little expensive, but you will save time and see a lot more.
How to get to Prague from London
By air: Direct flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton to Prague take approx. 1 hour 45 minutes. Get a bus or the metro into Prague city centre (30 minutes).
Suggested by Marat from Marat Stepanoff Photograpghy
Weekend Trips from London to Europe by Train or Car
2 Days of Family Fun in Disneyland Paris (France)
Are you thinking about taking a day trip from London? Disneyland Paris is the perfect location. Disneyland Paris has two parks: Parc Disney and Walt Disney Studios (if you only have one day you might want to get a park hopper pass which allows you to visit both of these theme parks on the same day).
Disneyland rides are world famous but some are exclusive to Disneyland Paris and can only be found here, these include: Crush’s Coaster, Phantom Manor (similar to Haunted Mansion), Ratatouille (coming to Epcot soon), RC Racer as well as others in Toy Story Land, and the Studio Tram Tour. These attractions are what make Disneyland Paris so fun!
In the Disney Village there are a wide variety of shows to enjoy too. Disney Jr. and the Disney Performing Arts Programme offer live entertainment. Also located at the Disney Village are selfie spots! There are lots of opportunities to take photos with your favourite characters.
Eating is a part of travel and Disneyland Paris has several eateries to choose from. Make sure to get your reservations to some of the most popular restaurants such as Walt’s – An American Restaurant and Agrabah Cafe. You can also enjoy the theme park snacks available throughout the park. The chocolate dipped Mickey shaped meringue and the chocolate chip cookie filled with nutella are amazing!
Disneyland Paris is a popular overnight trip from London and the perfect place to enjoy a weekend away with the whole family. There are eight onsite resorts, budget hotels as well as the luxury Disneyland Hotel which is within walking distance of the park’s entrance. There are also a few other hotel accommodations nearby.
How to get to Disneyland Paris from London
By air: Fly from London Heathrow or Gatwick into Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, and then take the Disney Express Bus directly to the resort. Flight time 1 hour 10 minutes;
By rail: Another option is the direct high-speed Eurostar Train from London St Pancras, that takes a little over 2.5 hours. There is a railway station located directly in front of Disneyland Paris;
By road: It take approx. 6 hours to drive to Paris via the Channel Tunnel (300 miles).
*While Disneyland Paris is closed due to the covid pandemia, the direct Eurostar service and the Disney Bus Service have been temporarily suspended.
Suggested by Lisa Manderino from Planning Away
2 day trip from London to Épernay in the Champagne region (France)
At only three hours from Calais, the historic town of Épernay in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France is a great destination for a two-day trip from London. Considered the capital of the Champagne wine region, Épernay is home to many world-famous champagne houses, such as Moët and Chandon and Mercier, and makes an excellent base for exploring the Route Touristique du Champagne and vineyards. Enjoy a weekend break tasting champagne, touring the wine cellars, enjoying fine cuisine and exploring the vineyards.
Épernay is an ideal location to stay in, with a wide range of apartment rentals and hotels to choose from within walking distance of the champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne, as well as the restaurants and facilities of the town centre.
Make sure to book a cellar tour at one of the champagne houses, one of the unique experiences of visiting Épernay, where underneath Avenue de Champagne, there are 110 kilometres of subterranean cellars storing over 200 million bottles of champagne.
Épernay is also centrally located for exploring the Route Touristique du Champagne and visiting the champagne houses of nearby villages such as Bouzy, Dizy and Verzenay. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover small champagne houses that have been family-run for generations and learn more about the process of growing and producing champagne directly from local producers.
How to get to Épernay from London
There are several ways to get to Épernay from London, which on average is a 6 hour journey.
By road: The fastest direct way by car (5 hours 30 minutes) is to take the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle at Folkestone, which is a 35 minute journey to the transport hub of Calais, France.
Another option by car, which takes about 6 hours 30 minutes, is to take a ferry boat from Dover to Calais.
By rail: To travel by train, take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord then change stations to take the train from Paris Gare l’Est to Épernay. The Eurostar train journey takes an average 5 hours 30 minutes.
Suggested by Cindy from Piccolo Explorer
A Long Weekend in Normandy (France)
Normandy is a quick and easy trip from London and highly recommended for anyone interested in historic sites- particularly those of World War 1 and 2. There’s so much to see that it’s definitely worth staying for a couple of days or a long weekend.
Some of the most popular places to visit in the area include Omaha, Juno and the other beaches which were part of the Normandy Invasions (commonly known as Operation Overlord). Around that area, you’ll find numerous cemeteries, museums and battlefields. Don’t miss the artificial harbours at Arromanches-les-Bains or the eye-opening Caen Memorial museum.
Of course, if you like your history a little older, don’t miss the breathtaking Mont St Michel. This UNESCO World Heritage site is still an important pilgrimage destination but also open to the public to walk to when the tides allow.
Even older still is the Bayeux Tapestry (cunningly located in the town of Bayeux), which dates all the way back to the 11th century. This 70m long tapestry tells the story of the conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror.
By far the best way to explore this area is on a France motorhome trip. Having the flexibility to stay in your van allows you to explore a little longer or arrive at a site before the other tourists descend. If that’s not possible, choose your hotels wisely – there are some hidden gems off the beaten path who are very welcoming to tourists, whether you stay for a night or a week.
How to get to Normandy from London
By road: It’s possible to drive from London to the Normandy coast in just over 5 hours if you go via the Channel Tunnel.
Suggested by Kat from Wandering Bird
Visit the pretty village of Volendam (Holland)
While Amsterdam is beautiful there are lots of gorgeous places in Holland that are well worth visiting too. Not far away, Volendam is a lovely example, a pretty village which makes a great weekend break from London. Imagine a picture-perfect scene of windmills and brightly painted green and orange houses reflecting on the backwater canals that are so typical of the Netherlands.
With plenty of things to do, Volendam is the ideal place to stay for a weekend. If you’re over there in the summertime, spend a relaxing day or two on the beach. Conveniently located 2 minutes from the main street, you can pop over for an ice-cream or cool drink at any time.
If spending the day at the beach is not your thing, you must check out Henri Willig Cheese and Clog Factory. The factory is fascinating and is a chance to see how cheese and clogs are made in the traditional way. The little gift shop sells typical clog souvenirs and local cheeses, great buys to take home.
If you are visiting in winter, you’ll want to try a fresh warm, gooey Stroopwaffle to warm up. Visit one of the local cafes to watch the Stroopwafels being made right in front of you and eat one walking along the street before your return journey to London.
How to get to Volendam from London
Either fly to Amsterdam or get the Eurostar train from Kings Cross station, and then travel on to Volendam by road.
Volendam is only 20 minutes away from Amsterdam, a short drive northwards by car. If you prefer, catch the local bus from Amsterdam central station which takes about 45 minutes to reach the centre of Volendam. Ask at the bus station and they can help you find the correct bus, if you mention to your driver where you are going, they will tell you when to get off.
Suggested by Fiona from Travelling Thirties
An overnight stay in Maastricht (Holland)
Maastricht is a beautiful, historical city in the south of the Netherlands, at the border with Belgium. It has a totally different feel compared to the other Dutch cities. It’s a fashionable, chic city while also being Burgundian. Citizens are elegantly dressed, and you will see them shopping for haute couture or sitting down at one of the many terraces in the city. Maastricht appeals to all tastes whether you’re a fashionista, history buff, museum geek or terrace hopper.
If you’re arriving on the morning train, explore the Wyck area of the city first. In this neighbourhood you’ll see the Centre Céramique, which houses a library, archeological museum and hosts events. It’s located near the banks of River Maas, providing beautiful riverside views. Strolling through Wyck you’ll find a great choice of restaurants and shopping outlets.
Cross the St. Servaasbrug (the oldest bridge in the Netherlands) to explore historical downtown, the oldest city gate in the Netherlands and the Vestingwerken fortifications. While you’re here, sit down at Buvette ’t Piepenhoes, one of many excellent restaurants in Maastricht, for some kruisbessen schuim (gooseberry pie), a local delicacy.
A historical tour of Maastricht can be self-guided or taken with a tourist guide. There’s plenty to learn about the city’s history, since settlement dates back to 2000 years ago, and as Maastricht already gained city rights before 1204.
If you’d like to visit a museum, Maastricht has plenty to offer on that front as well. There’s Maastricht Underground, where you visit the limestone caves chopped out at the St. Pietersberg, or the Bonnefantenmuseum, a museum for the visual arts, with permanent and temporary exhibitions.
How to get to Maastricht from London
By road: Maastricht is 6 hours (500 km) from London by car. Cross the Canal at Dover to Calais, then drive via Oostende and Brussels to Maastricht.
By rail: By train it takes almost 4 hours on the Eurostar (from London St. Pancras to Brussels South, then to Liege-Guillemins, and from there to Maastricht).
Suggested by Cosette from Kars Travels
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Great weekend trips for London. My favorite is of course Maastricht, but I also love all the others. Just haven’t been to Epernay yet.
Maastricht looks fascinating! It’s also conveniently located if you want to visit Holland and then go on to Belguim.