Although the UK is an excellent, fun-filled place to spend the Easter holidays, with the rest of Europe only a 35-minute journey away with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, why not take advantage of the bank holiday weekend and treat the kids (and yourself) to a new adventure this Easter?
From spending days on the beach in the spring sunshine with all the family and the dog, to getting lost exploring Europe’s cultural hotspots, which offer a vast array of things to see and do; a trip across the Channel is certain to make for the ultimate Easter fun.
Le Shuttle is, without doubt, the quickest way to the continent, with the crossing taking a mere 35 minutes, and to help you on your way more quickly, you’re also closer to the motorway when you arrive compared to the ferry terminals. Better still, splash out on a Flexiplus upgrade and you can just turn up, avoid queuing and hop straight on board the next train, et voilà! Be sure to stretch your legs and pick up some refreshments in the Flexiplus lounge ahead of your journey on either side of the Channel for the full VIP treatment.
To get you inspired for your Easter getaway in Europe, here are some of the best places to visit and things to do during your Easter break:
South of France in Spring
As the spring sunshine begins to warm up Southern France, a trip to the beach is a great way to celebrate your Easter break. With blossom trees in full bloom, and a pleasant warmth to the breeze, a trip to the following places in the South of France makes for the perfect Easter activity.
Le Petit Paradis
Le Petit Paradis is a leisure park for children, naturally very shaded, located in Vendargues at the gates of Montpellier. Since 1998, the park has strived to make children happy and has become a mythical and unmissable place: ‘a real family memory factory’.
Le Col Vert campsite
Just one of the fabulous campsites in the South of France, Col Vert is less of a campsite and more of a holiday village. With scenic pitches, a lake, pine forest, and ocean views, you are spoiled for views here. Plus, the kids club is excellent, so the little ones will be kept busy while the adults enjoy the relaxing spa.
Portiragnes Beach
For a remote, stunning, and dog-friendly retreat, be sure to head over to the sandy dunes of Portiragnes beach, which is located close to the town of Béziers, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. Surrounded by plenty of wild plants, and fronted by gorgeous, clear water, a splash around with your kids and four-legged friend is the best way to kick-start your Easter holiday.
City Break in Zurich
Often overlooked, the Swiss city of Zurich is a brilliant place to take the whole family during the Easter holidays. Not only are there plenty of fascinating museums to explore, there’s also lots of beautiful scenery and captivating architecture to admire.
Technorama Science Centre
If you and your kids love science, a great place to visit is the Technorama Science Centre, which is jam-packed with captivating interactive exhibits. Learn all about light in the museum’s laser demonstration, or get up close to a lightning bolt, which is a part of the Magneticity collection.
Kaeng Krachan
Alternatively, take advantage of the spring weather and head over to the city’s zoo. Visit the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park, named after the national park in Thailand, and watch these majestic creatures feed and interact. As well as the elephants, you can also study tigers, get up close with reptiles, and be sure to look up to see exotic birds flying through the trees.
Zürcher Spielzeugmuseum
Don’t be fooled by the size of this compact museum, as this collection of European toys from the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. From trains, dolls, and their costumes, to antique games, wooden toys, and children’s books, you’ll be enchanted.
Family Friendly in Brussels
Just a short 2-hour drive from the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle terminal at Calais following the A16 and E40, there are plenty of things to see and do in Brussels. From comics to chocolate, science to public parks, there’s something to enjoy around every corner of the city.
Comic Strip Centre
The ultimate in comics, the is filled with as many Belgian cartoon characters’ stories as you can think of, including favourites such as Tintin and the Smurfs. Settle in with the little ones (or big, comics are for all) and lose yourself in the reading room with comics in French, Dutch or English.
Museum of Natural Sciences
Musée des Sciences Naturelles lets you explore plant and animal life. Opened in 1846, today the highlights include the entire skeleton of a giant whale in the hall, as well as the room reserved for dinosaurs, which includes the famous iguanodons of Bernissart.
Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate
You cannot visit Belgium, at Easter, without sampling some of its chocolate. The secret is that Belgian chocolates are made with 100% cocoa butter and no vegetable oil, giving them a far creamier texture. Choco Story, the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate, will teach you even more facts as you uncover the history dating back to Aztec and Mayan civilisations that brought chocolate into its popular forms today. The children will love the demonstrations, and everyone can enjoy the gift shop!
- Book your getaway with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from as little as:
- £50 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) each way for a Day Trip & Overnight ticket
- £79 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) each way for a Short Stay Saver ticket (valid for 5 calendar days)
- £97 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a Standard ticket (for any duration). One way
- £249 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a Flexiplus ticket, turn up any time and get on the next available train, and access to the club lounge (for any duration). One way
- Take your pet from just £22 each way
For more information please visit www.eurotunnel.com
