3 Achievable Road Trips Around Europe from the UK
A road trip around Europe from the UK is an exciting adventure, with endless road trip opportunities once you cross the Channel. But with so many options, choosing the right road trip for the time you have can be overwhelming. Whether you have a week or a month, these European road trips are perfect destinations.
Table of Contents
Preparing for your road trip around Europe
All of these road trips depart from the UK and involve either taking Le Shuttle or the ferry to Calais or alternatively catching the ferry to Spain. When it comes to deciding the best ferry operator and route for your journey it’s best to simply compare prices and consider how much driving you want to do. Direct Ferries is a good option to compare prices.
Be sure to check you have the right documentation for both yourself and your vehicle and do so with plenty of time! We cover all of this in our blog below.
👉 How to plan a European road trip
Switzerland: A scenic adventure through one of the most stunning countries in Europe 🇨🇭
Start your road trip through Switzerland by catching the ferry or Le Shuttle from Dover to Calais. From Calais, it’s a 6.5-hour drive to Basel, Switzerland. You can choose to take your time and stop at a couple of places in France along the way, or head straight to your destination to begin your adventure in stunning Switzerland.
While in Switzerland, be sure to experience the breathtaking Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. Explore Zurich, Switzerland's bustling financial hub, and take a dip in one of the stunning alpine lakes, like Lake Zug or Lake Lucerne.
The adventure really begins when you reach the Bernese Alps, where you'll find incredible mountains to hike, such as First Mountain in Grindelwald, and turquoise lakes like Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. For the adrenaline-seekers, try paragliding over the picturesque Interlaken or take the cable car up to Jungfraujoch, the ‘Top of Europe’.
Switzerland is a great country for a road trip from the UK because most people speak great English, it’s clean and the nature is absolutely breathtaking so it won’t disappoint. If you like mountains, hiking and being out in nature, Switzerland is an amazing choice.
However, keep in mind that Switzerland can be expensive due to its high cost of living and if you’re planning to stay at campsites then the cost might be more than you are used to in other countries, averaging around €40 a night.
Need some tips for travelling on a budget, check out our blog below.
👉 How to travel Europe on a budget
Experience Switzerland with the ultimate road trip planned for you!
No need to spend time researching and planning when you can access the ultimate road trip route in our Switzerland guide.
Price: £13.99
Shop nowPortugal: Nature, Beaches, and Vineyards 🇵🇹
This road trip around Portugal from the UK starts with a ferry ride to Santander in Spain, followed by a roughly 6-hour drive to Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north of Portugal.
This gem is often overlooked by tourists who are keen to get to the Algarve, so it’s a perfect spot for those looking for wild beauty and tranquility. With stunning waterfalls, wild swimming spots, and hiking trails, this area offers a real taste of Portugal’s National parks.
Once you’ve explored the national park, head down the coast to enjoy the country's famous beaches. Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra are worth a stop on your journey down through Portugal if you’re looking for a city stop. If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Tuscany, you’ll love the Douro Valley with rolling hills and vineyards, so make a stop here to taste some of Portugal’s sweet red wine. 🍷
Before you beeline for the Algarve, spend some time on the West coast exploring the wild beaches such as Nazarè for epic waves, if you time it right you might see people surfing the giant waves. Other beautiful beaches include Praia da Ursa, Praia Galé-Fontainhas, and Praia do Malhão.
Once you make it to the renowned Algarve, you have the option of the wild beaches of Sagres , popular for surging, such as Praia da Cordoama and Praia da Mareta. Alternatively head to the turquoise waters of the popular holiday beaches around Lagos such as Praia Dona Ana. There are loads of coastal walks to choose from and one of the best is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
A road trip through Portugal route offers a bit of everything: national parks, charming cities, pristine beaches, and even world-renowned wine. If you have the option, this road trip would be best either side of the peak summer season as the temperatures are slightly cooler and there are fewer crowds.
Belgium & The Netherlands: Culture, Architecture, and City Views 🇧🇪🇳🇱
Start your road trip in Belgium by catching the ferry to Calais. Begin your journey in Bruges, a charming, colorful city known for its waffles and Belgian beer. From there, head to Ghent, where you can soak up the lively atmosphere and admire the stunning architecture, or even take a scenic river cruise. Spend a day exploring Brussels before crossing into the Netherlands.
Your Dutch adventure begins in Rotterdam, a vibrant city with plenty to offer. Then, make your way to Haarlem, one of our favourite spots in the Netherlands, with its abundance of independent shops and picturesque canal views. If you're visiting in the spring, don't miss Keukenhof, where you can admire the tulips, and take a stroll along Zandvoort Beach, which is especially beautiful at sunset.
If you’ve never been to Amsterdam, be sure to stop by, but remember that there are plenty of other enchanting Dutch cities to explore. Close to Amsterdam is the quintessential Dutch village of Zaanse Schans, where you can see the iconic windmills and even explore inside. If you still have time, visit Amersfoort or Utrecht and for a unique location check out The Pyramid of Austerlitz.
This trip is perfect for those who enjoy sightseeing and city hopping, rather than hiking in nature. It's also an ideal choice for travel outside the peak seasons, particularly in spring, when the weather is perfect for exploring without the crowds.
Pack your bags!
A road trip around Europe from the UK is an unforgettable experience, with something for every traveler, whether you're craving a dip in the Swiss alpine lakes, the rugged beauty of Portugal’s coast, or the culture of Belgium and the Netherlands. The best part? Each of these trips is manageable from the UK, whether you’re gone for a week or a month. So pack your bags and hit the road! 🧳
Check out our free downloadable packing list if you need help preparing
