Traverse the mountains for an Italian escapade of lakes and cities.
Travelling to Italy by land from the UK is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the journey and provide their children with an unforgettable geography lesson. The Treno Gottardo, a refurbished 19th-century railway line, offers the most stunning route that meanders through snow-capped mountains in the Ticino valley between Basel and Locarno, Switzerland’s warmest town, on Lake Maggiore, and skirts Lake Lucerne.
Basel, just seven hours away from London via Paris, is reachable in a day, although Mulhouse, an Alsace town with captivating street art and an ornate central square, is a good stopover option. Once in Locarno, local Italian trains and ferries provide several ways to explore the lakes. Savoring Aperol spritz or devouring spaghetti on an Italian lakeshore feels like a world away from the UK. Those with more time can take advantage of Italy’s excellent rail service and travel to Milan, Verona, or even Venice. From Milan, the high-speed Frecciarossa service takes less than seven hours to reach Paris.
For this journey, Rail Europe suggests purchasing a one-month Interrail pass, costing £260 for one adult (children under 11 can travel for free, although there are supplements on Eurostar and some high-speed trains).
Sleeper train camping adventure in the Scottish Highlands.
While wild camping is struggling to survive in England, it remains prevalent in Scotland’s remote glens and heather-filled highlands, offering a genuine adventure for older children. For those who may be hesitant about packing the correct equipment and hiking with their whole family up into the hills, Wild Roots Guiding’s Anna Danby can help. Her three-day guided wild camping and hiking trip (starting from £950 for a family of four, which includes food, drinks, accommodation, guiding, and equipment) traverses Glen Nevis from Fort William to Corrour, which are two stations served by the Caledonian Sleeper service from London.
The sleeper train is a significant part of the adventure, with interconnected cabins providing real beds and privacy for families. Anna meets families in Fort William to discuss the route, organize gear (which she can provide as much or as little as needed), and distribute homemade cakes.
From Fort William, the hike heads south through Glen Nevis, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Britain. The Nevis Gorge and the Steall waterfall, which drops 120 meters and flows into the Steall Meadows, are among the highlights. Walking deeper into the glen ensures fewer day-trippers. Covering roughly five miles each day, families will have ample time for wild swims. After two nights of wild camping, Corrour Station House offers comfortable beds and locally sourced cuisine before the return journey home.
Experience the perfect blend of city and sea in the Netherlands.
Starting in 2020, Eurostar has been operating a direct service twice daily from London to Amsterdam via Rotterdam, with a travel time of less than four hours. Although famous for city breaks, the Netherlands also boasts vast sandy beaches that are perfect for families. From Amsterdam, it only takes a 25-minute train ride to reach Bloemendaal aan Zee, a beach lined with dunes and referred to as the Dutch Ibiza.
Moving up the coast, among car-free walking and cycling trails in the Zuid-Kennemerland national park, Camping de Lakens is a peaceful haven for families, with pre-erected furnished tents (starting from €360 for three nights), fitness courses, water sports, and an adventure playground.
