Tivoli Christmas Market Complete Guide 2025: Copenhagen Trip Tips 

Christmas in Copenhagen is famous for twinkling lights, cosy hygge vibes, and some of the best Christmas markets in Europe — but nothing compares to the Tivoli Christmas Market.  

Tivoli Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of fairy lights, Nordic decorations, wooden market stalls, festive food, and rides for all ages. 

If you’re planning a festive city break, here’s my complete guide to visiting Tivoli Gardens at Christmas - including costs, stalls, food prices, ride passes, opening times, and tips to make the most of your trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting our work and happy planning!  

✈️ Manchester to Copenhagen – Our Flight Experience

We flew from Manchester to Copenhagen on a Saturday morning flight ( 7:15am departure) 

Time on aircraft: 2 hours 

Time in the air: 1 hour 30 minutes 

Scheduled landing: 10:00am 

Despite Europe-wide delays due to the new biometric immigration system, security was very fast. We were out of arrivals by 10:30am - not bad for a weekend in December and certainly better than we anticipated. 

🚇 Getting from Copenhagen Airport to Tivoli Gardens

Getting into the city is incredibly easy and one of the reasons people love Christmas breaks in Copenhagen. 

 

Metro from Copenhagen Airport 

You can buy metro tickets in the airport for 30 DKK (£3.50) per adult. Just follow the signs after bag collection for trains and the metro. The machines are located within the metro terminal. You can switch the language on the to English to make it easier. Danish people are incredibly friendly and will help you if you are stuck.

To get to Tivoli Gardens using the metro from the airport we took:

M2 (yellow line) from the airport to Kongens Nytorv.

We then switched to the blue line towards København Syd (M4). Riding it 3 stops and getting off at København H (Copenhagen Central Station).

From there, Tivoli Gardens is directly across the road. 

Alternative option - Train

You can also take the train directly from Copenhagen Airport to Central Station, which is faster and avoids changing lines. 

How to get from Copenhagen airport to Tivoli Gardens by metro - metro map of Copengahen underground
Copenhagen Metro Map

🎄 Tivoli Christmas Market Opening Times

Our visit was on a Saturday, when Tivoli was open: 

 11:00am – 12:00 midnight 

 Other December opening hours normally follow: 

 Sunday–Thursday: 11:00–22:00 

Friday–Saturday: 11:00–23:00 or 00:00 

 (Always check the official Tivoli website for the year’s exact dates.) 

When do Tivoli’s Christmas Markets open?

The Tivoli Christmas season usually runs mid-November to early January, reopening on Christmas Day but closed on December 24. 

For 2025, you'll find Tivoli Gardens celebrating Christmas between November 14th 2025 & January 4th 2026.

🎁 What You’ll Find at the Tivoli Christmas Market

Tivoli features around 60+ traditional Christmas stalls set among snowy decorations and sparkling lights. 

Types of stalls

Expect a mix of: 

  • Scandinavian Christmas ornaments 
  • Candles & handcrafted decorations 
  • Knitwear, hats & wool accessories 
  • Leather goods 
  • Handmade ceramics 
  • Wooden toys 
  • Local crafts 
  • Gourmet delicacies 
  • Souvenirs 
  • Winter treats like gløgg & æbleskiver 

If you’re used to standard European markets, Tivoli feels more curated, more premium, and much more atmospheric. 

🍽️ What Food Is Available at Tivoli Christmas Market?

Copenhagen is known for great food and the Tivoli food stalls don’t disappoint. Expect typical Danish Christmas market food like: 

  • Gløgg (mulled wine with almonds & raisins) 
  • Æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls) 
  • Brændte mandler (caramelised almonds) 
  • Flæskesteg sandwiches (crispy Danish pork) 
  • Sausages, bratwurst, currywurst 
  • Churros 
  • Hot chocolate 
  • Gingerbread 
  • Fresh pastries 

What we Paid for Food

  • 144 DKK for 2 loaded hot dogs + 1 bottled water (£17) 
  • 60 DKK for HUGE churros with chocolate sauce & ice cream (£7) 

Being Copenhagen, we expected to spend £££'s, but we didn't find it to be overly expensive. The prices are inline with other Christmas Markets we've visited in Europe.

Other Quick Bite Food Options at Tivoli Gardens

  • Loaded fries 
  • Toasted sandwiches 
  • Crepes 
  • Belgian waffles 
  • Pasta boxes 
  • Bao buns 
  • Warm pretzels 
  • Cinnamon pastries 

Sit-down restaurants at Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli has plenty of indoor dining too, including: 

  • Italian restaurants 
  • Danish cafes 
  • Steakhouse-style restaurants 
  • Chinese & Asian cuisine 
  • American-style diners 
  • Bakeries & coffee houses 

 Prices are higher than the markets, but perfect if visiting Copenhagen in winter and want to warm up indoors. 

Tivoli Gardens Tickets

We chose the unlimited ride and gardens pass after weighing up the two options. We got these via Get Your Guide as they allow you to buy now and pay nearer the time, plus include free cancellation. They're always our go to for excursions as they give great flexibility. You can save 5% with our exclusive code BUILDABREAK5 when you purchase tickets via their app.

After booking we were given a QR code, which was scanned at the gates to allow entry. The queue to get in was huge, but it moved very quickly.

If you have a ride ticket, you'll then need to find one of the wristband machines within the park. Scan your QR code again, and it will dispense a wristband to you - all very easy.

🎢 What’s the Difference Between a Gardens Pass and Ride Pass?

Garden Entrance Ticket

  • Christmas Market 
  •  Decorations & displays 
  •  Light shows 
  • Shops, food stalls & restaurants
  • Ice Rink (although there is a cost for skate hire)

 It does NOT include rides, but if you purchase this ticket you can pay for rides individually (see more info on this below).  

Powered by GetYourGuide

Unlimited Ride Pass & Gardens Ticket

  • Park entrance 
  • Unlimited rides all day 
  • Access to all ride zones 
  • Christmas Market 
  •  Decorations & displays 
  •  Light shows 
  • Shops, food stalls & restaurants
  • Ice Rink (although there is a cost for skate hire)
Powered by GetYourGuide

Which Ticket is Best?

If you want to experience Tivoli properly at Christmas, especially with kids, the ride pass is worth it. You can purchase a gardens only ticket, but rides will cost you up to 90 DKK (£10.50)  per ride, if you choose to pay-as-you-go.

A gardens only ticket costs around £23pp, where as a ticket with rides included is £44-£47pp. So it's definitely worth paying the extra and having the flexibility to do as many rides as you wish. You only have to do two big rides to make it worth your while.

🎠 Tivoli Rides at Christmas

Weather permitting, many of Tivoli’s iconic rides stay open in winter. 

Rides for big kids / thrill seekers

  • Aquila — Min. height 120 cm. Tivoli

  • Fatamorgana – Wild Ride — Min. height 140 cm. Tivoli

  • The Golden Tower — Min. height 132 cm. Tivoli

  • The Demon — Min. height 132 cm. Tivoli

  • The Star Flyer (Himmelskibet / Star Flyer) — Min. height 140 cm (or 120–140 cm if accompanied by a paying 14+ companion).

  • The Monsoon — Min. height 140 cm.

  • Tik Tak — Min. height 140 cm.

Inbetween Ages and Rides for Little One's

  • The Roller Coaster (Rutschebanen / The Roller Coaster) — Min. height 120 cm (no height required if accompanied by a paying 14+).

  • The Star Tower — Min. height 105 cm.

  • The Temple Tower — Min. height 120 cm.

  • The Panda — Min. height 90 cm (no min if accompanied by a paying 14+).

  • The Ferris Wheel / The Ferries Wheel — For everyone

  • The Bumper Cars — For everyone

  • The Elf Train — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Little Dragon — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Camel Trail — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Classic Carousel — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Forest Carousel — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Flying Trunk — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Fun House — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Galley Ships — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Dragon Boats — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Music Carousel — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Mine — For the little ones / no min. height listed.

  • The Milky Way Express, Villa Vendetta (scary house — age guidance listed on page

The ice rink at Tivoli Gardens Christmas Markets
Tivoli Gardens at Christmas - Lights in the trees

✨ What Makes Tivoli Gardens at Christmas So Special?

Tivoli is unlike any other Christmas market in Copenhagen. 

 

Here’s why it’s magical: 

  • Thousands of fairy lights 
  • Christmas trees everywhere (around 1000 in the gardens!)
  • A giant decorated lake area 
  • Rides glowing in winter darkness (definitely make sure you stay to see the rides all lit up)
  • Snow-dusted market stalls 
  • Amazing Food  (both market style
  • Santa’s village 
  • Music, performances & parades 
  • A cosy Danish “hygge” atmosphere 
  • It easily competes with the best Christmas markets in Europe, especially for families. 

💷 What Our Tivoli Trip Cost

Total: £176 per person 

Breakdown: 

  • Flights: £70pp 
  • Tivoli Gardens + Unlimited Ride Pass: £47pp 
  • Metro to/from airport: £7pp 
  • Hotel (1 night): £52pp 

We stayed The Annex Copenhagen which was perfect for our one night stay. Very reasonable for such a central hotel in one of the world's most expensive cities. The hotel is located just a few minutes walk from Copenhagen central station and Tivoli Gardens. Note: this is a self-check in hotel, however it is located within the Absalon Hotel, so has a lovely restaurant and bar onsite.

The rooms were very clean, however I must point out they have shared bathrooms. I must admit at first this put me off, but for the price range, this seems quite common in Copenhagen and location was very important to us. However, the bathrooms were beautiful and there were 3 shower rooms and 3 toilets on our small corridor so it wasn't an issue. 

Tivoli gardens hotel at Christmas
Tivoli Gardens rides for little ones - the vintage carousel for little kids

Is 1 Day Enough at Tivoli Gardens?

In my opinion yes. Even on a busy Saturday we didn't find the ride queues too long. For the big thrills, the longest queues seemed to be around 30 minutes maximum.

On Friday and Saturday's,, the park is open for 13 hours. That's definitely enough time to explore the markets and to enjoy all the rides too.

⭐ Is the Tivoli Christmas Market Worth It?

 Yes - massively!

If you’re choosing between Copenhagen’s free markets (Nyhavn, Højbro Plads, HC Andersen) and paying for Tivoli, Tivoli is the one you absolutely shouldn’t miss. 

It’s not just a market! It’s lights, rides, music, food, atmosphere, and pure Christmas magic. 

For an easy, festive winter trip from the UK, Tivoli Gardens at Christmas is one of the best experiences in Scandinavia. 

Budapest 2-Day Itinerary: Family-Friendly Weekend Guide

Last year, I took my daughter on an Extreme Day Trip to Disneyland Paris for her 12th Birthday instead of doing a party. She loved it so much that she requested another trip for her 13th — and who am I to say no to a travel-loving teen? 

After searching SkyScanner, we came across super-cheap flights to Budapest, a city neither of us had ever visited but one that had been on my list for years.

I spent hours researching and quickly discovered that Budapest is packed with history, incredible views, and lots of fun things to do for teens. 

 

all about me a travel blogger on Italy and Calabria

This guide shares exactly how we spent 48 hours in Budapest, perfect for: 

✔ first-timers 
✔ budget travellers 
✔ families visiting Budapest with kids or teens 
✔ anyone planning a Budapest weekend getaway or 2-day Budapest itinerary 

 

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting our work and happy planning!  

 

Quick Budapest 2-Day Itinerary Overview

Day 1 (Arrival Day) 

  • Fly into Budapest 
  • Private taxi transfer to Pest 
  • Dinner + explore the city 
  • Ferris Wheel of Budapest 
  • Visit the famous McDonald’s Party Nights (DJ + light show) 

 

Day 2 (Full Day of Exploring) 

  • River embankment walk on Pest side 
  • Shoes on the Danube Bank 
  • Budapest Parliament 
  • City Park + Chimney Cakes 

 

Day 3 (Departure Morning) 

  • Coffee, quick sightseeing, or slow morning before heading to the airport 

How Much Does a Weekend in Budapest Cost?

Budapest is incredibly budget-friendly, even for a special occasion like my daughter’s 13th birthday. 

Here’s a breakdown of what we spent:

  • Return Flights from Manchester: £41.34pp (hand luggage only booked via SkyScanner 
  • Accommodation: £44pp for 2 nights in a central Pest apartment near Nyugati Station (based on two sharing). You can see where we stayed here 
  • Transfers: £20 for a pre-booked private taxi from the airport and £24.89 for a Bolt on the way back.

 

👉 Total Basic Costs: £110.23pp 
Amazing value for a 2-night European city break — and definitely cheaper than throwing a birthday party! 

We flew Saturday afternoon and returned Monday lunchtime. 

Budapest Parliament at night lit up, photo taken from a cruise on the River Danube in January

Day 1 – Arriving in Budapest + Evening Itinerary

We landed in Budapest around 6.45pm and headed straight to our pre-booked private transfer through Booking.com (£20). Communication was seamless, and our driver met us right outside the terminal.

You can take the public bus for around £4.60pp, but after a long travel day, the taxi was worth it. 

Travel time from the airport to central Budapest: around 35 minutes. 

We arrived at our accommodation at 7.35pm.

Where We Stayed

We chose Pest, the flat, lively side of the city. It’s perfect for a short 2-day Budapest itinerary because everything is walkable and well-connected. 

Ferris Wheel of Budapest (Great for Night Views)

Just a 15-minute walk from our apartment, this was our first stop. At £10.50 per ticket, it’s a great budget-friendly activity with amazing nighttime views. 

  • 3 rotations 
  • 10–15 minutes 
  • Tickets available online or at the wheel 
  • VIP option available with Prosecco 

A lovely way to start our trip! 

McDonald's Party Nights at Nyugati Station

This was on my daughter’s absolute must-do list after seeing it on TikTok - and it didn’t disappoint. 

Every Friday and Saturday, from 10pm–4am, this McDonald’s becomes a mini nightclub with:

🎧 Live DJ 
✨ Light show 
🍟 Cheap meals (we paid under £9 for 2 Large Meals) 

It can be tough to get a seat during party hours, but the atmosphere is worth the visit. Despite rumours it was ending in 2024, it was still going strong when we visited in January 2025. 

McDonalds Budapest dj and light show party nights

Day 2 – Budapest Sightseeing With Teens (Segway Tour, City Park & Night Cruise)

This was our only full day, so we packed it with activities - starting with a 90-minute Segway Tour, which turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip. 

Budapest Segway Tour

As we were the only ones booked for that time slot, we ended up with a private tour. We chose the Buda Castle route, which is ideal as the uphill walk can be tiring. 

Our guide gave us plenty of history and time for photos along the way. We visited: 

  • Pauline Monastery 
  • Fisherman’s Bastion 
  • Buda Castle 
  • Queen Elizabeth Bridge 

Cost: £88 for 1 adult + 1 teen 

Find the tour we did here

Budapest Segway Tour Review

Walking Along the Danube (Pest Side)

After the tour, we spent the afternoon strolling along the riverbank - one of the best free things to do in Budapest. 

We visited: 

  • Shoes on the Danube Bank (a moving memorial) 
  • Hungarian Parliament Building (spectacular up close) Cakes which were delicious. 

Attempted Lunch at Zoo Café

We took a Bolt taxi to this quirky café which is very popular with families. You can  dine with rabbits, tortoises, toucans, and even snakes.

Unfortunately, they were fully booked for the next 5 days. If you want to visit, book well in advance!

City Park + Chimney Cakes

Our Bolt driver re-routed us to City Park, which turned out to be a great backup plan. It was a crisp winter afternoon - perfect for walking around the park and trying fresh Chimney Cakes from a café kiosk. 

The park also has Europe’s largest outdoor ice rink, which looks magical, though we didn’t brave it! 

Night Cruise on the Danube (A Highlight!)

After a short rest back at the apartment, we headed out for our night river cruise - one of the best ways to see Budapest in 48 hours. 

  • £10.49pp 
  • Includes a welcome drink 
  • Incredible views of the Parliament building 
  • Outdoor seating for the best photos 
  • Indoor seating available for warmth 
  • Bar + toilets on board 

This was the perfect end to our trip. 

Why Budapest Is Perfect for a Budget Weekend Break

Budapest is one of the most affordable European city breaks we’ve done and very budget-friendly.

  • Bolt taxis: usually £4–£7 
  • Beer/wine: around £3 
  • Meals: £5–£15 
  • Metro: around 61p per journey 
  • Activities: far cheaper than other major European cities 

It also felt very safe, even walking around at night. 

Is Budapest Walkable?

Yes, especially the flat streets of Pest. For longer distances or tired feet, Bolt is a great alternative. They also have a great metro system, one of the oldest in Europe, along with lots of trams too with tickets at just 66p!

Things We’d Do Next Time

  • Ice Skating: The rink in City Park looked magical. I'm not sure how many there are in total but when I put it in to Google Maps, I saw over 20 Ice Rinks listed in Budapest! 

 

  • Thermal Baths: This was something else we considered but didn't manage to fit into this trip- Themes Szechenyl is definitely on our list to visit next time. 

 

  • Funicular: A scenic ride up Castle Hill. We skipped this as we were on the segway tour, but the funnical in Budapest looks a great way to travel up to the top of Buda Castle. 

 

  • Art Galleries: There’s so much art to explore in this city including interactive ones for kids. 
things to do in Budapest at night

Optional Extras: Easy Day Trips From Budapest

If you're visiting for longer than 48 hours: 

  • Szentendre (pretty riverside town) 
  • Visegrád (castles + views) 
  • Gödöllő Palace 
  • Lake Balaton 

FAQs – 48 Hours in Budapest

Is 2 days enough for Budapest?

Yes! You can see many of the city’s top highlights in a well-planned 2-day Budapest itinerary. 

What is the best way to see Budapest in 48 hours?

A mix of walking, a Segway or bike tour, and a Danube cruise gives you the perfect overview. 

Which side of Budapest is best to stay in for a weekend?

Pest — it’s flatter, easier to walk, and close to shops, restaurants, and attractions. 

Is Budapest good for families?

Yes — it’s safe, affordable, and full of family-friendly attractions. 

What should I not miss in 2 days?

  • Buda Castle 
  • Parliament 
  • Fisherman’s Bastion 
  • Danube riverfront 
  • Night cruise 

Our 2-Day Budapest Itinerary

Budapest is the perfect city for a short European break - affordable, full of character, and ideal for both adults and kids.

Whether you're planning a Budapest weekend break, a family trip, or your first time visiting the city, this 2-night itinerary hits all the highlights without feeling rushed. 

We loved every minute of our trip and can’t wait to return. 

Currency: Budapest uses Hungarian Forint (HUF), not Euros.

Weather in January: Cold but crisp. Wrap up with gloves, a hat, and a scarf.

How Long to Spend in Budapest: A weekend is perfect, but three days would let you see even more.

 

10 things to do in Paris with teens

Europe’s Largest Indoor Waterpark Break – February Half Term 2026: From £187pp!

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👉 Lodges for families of six are also available and work out only slightly more expensive per person.

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❗️ Please remember: We’re a travel platform sharing great finds, not a travel agent. We do not take requests for alternative dates/airports or provide personal travel quotes 😀

⚠️ All prices and availability are correct at the time of posting but may change or be withdrawn at any time. Always check all details carefully with the travel provider before booking, as we are not responsible for any changes, omissions, or errors. Any booking or contract is made directly between you and the travel supplier. We may receive an affiliate commission if you choose to book.

Getting There

Getting from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to the resort is easy! 

Take a regional train towards Brand Tropical Island (around 50–55 minutes) 

Hop on the free Tropical Islands shuttle bus from Brand station directly to the resort reception (coordinated with train times). 

Prefer door-to-door? 🚕 Taxis and private transfers from BER take around 30 minutes (not included in price). 

❤️ Why Families Love It

💦 Europe’s largest indoor waterpark – complete with beach, slides & lazy river 

💆‍♀️ Huge sauna & spa zones for adults 

🕛 Late opening hours = more splash time 

🌴 Amazing year-round tropical temperatures 

Our Latest Price Finds

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🔗 Flights
🔗 Woodland Home Stay

 

 

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🔗 Flights
🔗 Woodland Home Stay

 

 

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Rome Travel Deals - Camp Stay & City Days from £622 PER FAMILY!

Italy Travel Deals

Looking for cheap family holidays to Italy or a budget-friendly Eurocamp-style break near Rome this summer?

☀️ Camping Village Fabulous is the perfect family base - and we’ve personally stayed here twice, so we can confirm it’s every bit as fun as it looks! (Don’t forget to check our guide and full review here!) 

Set between Rome and the coast, this site has everything families love: 

💦 Pools & splash zones 
🎤 Nightly entertainment 
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⚽ Sports activities & playgrounds galore 

Getting into Rome city centre couldn’t be easier - the local bus picks up at the end of the road and connects to the metro, where it’s just €1.50 for a combined bus + train ticket straight to the Colosseum (and under 10s travel free!). 🏛️ 

These cheap Rome family holidays include flights and accommodation for a family of 4 from just £622 this June! 👇 

If you're new here, Build a Break does not sell holidays or provide quotes and is not a travel agent. We share deals we find online to help you save money on travel.

Prices were correct at the time of posting but are subject to change and availability. Always check luggage policies, transfers, and final total price before booking. Build a Break is not responsible for any errors, omissions or the fulfillment of any travel arrangements.

This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book through my links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my content!

🌙 4 Night Stays in Rome

All prices based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing (up to 16 years). There is also accommodation which sleep 6 available for larger families.

📍 Liverpool — £636 per family of 4 

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🏡 2 Bedroom Bungalow £256 total 

 

📍 Bristol — £732 per family of 4 

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🏡 2 Bedroom Bungalow £296 total 

 

Why We Love It!

Camping Village Fabulous is the ideal family base near Rome — combining poolside fun with easy access to the city. Spend your mornings exploring the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, then unwind by the pool with pizza, Aperol, and evening entertainment. 🍕🍹 

🌙 5 Night Stays in Rome

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🏡  2 Bedroom Bungalow £330 total 

 

📍 London Luton — £678 per family of 4 

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🏡  2 Bedroom Bungalow £358 total 

 

📍 London Gatwick — £722 per family of 4 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 £181pp based on 4 sharing 
📅 Thurs 11th – Tues 16th June 
✈️ Flights to Rome £98pp 
🏡  2 Bedroom Bungalow £330 total 

 

Perfect for: 

✅ Cheap Eurocamp-style breaks 
✅ Rome on a budget 
✅ Italy travel deals this summer 

Bernina Express: A Complete Guide for 2026

Ultimate Guide to the Bernina Express 2026

The Bernina Express is widely considered one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. Stretching from the alpine landscapes of Chur and St. Moritz in Switzerland to the charming Italian town of Tirano.

This panoramic route crosses glaciers, sparkling turquoise lakes, dramatic viaducts and sweeping valleys - all while giving you front-row seats to some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery. Best of all it's not expensive as you may think!

About the Author

Written by Sarah Kenny, travel creator and European rail specialist with a community of over 350,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest. 

Sarah’s viral Bernina Express videos have reached over 100 million views, helping travellers around the world plan their own Swiss adventures. 

She also holds a Swiss Travel System Gold Diploma, certified by the Swiss Travel System Excellence Program - recognising her expertise in Switzerland’s rail network, panoramic routes, and scenic train travel. 

Bernina Express travelling over the Landwasser viaduct in Switzerland in snow in Winter

In this Ultimate Guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip: a detailed explanation of the route, the best time of year to travel, the difference between first and second class, how to book, how to ride with kids, itineraries from Switzerland and Italy, what to expect inside the train, and dozens of expert tips that will help you enjoy the journey. 

If you are planning a trip for 2026, this guide covers all the newest updates, including ticket prices, seat reservations, winter services, December schedules, onward journeys to Milan, and tips for families, couples, photographers, and first-time visitors. 

What Is the Bernina Express? (Quick Overview for First-Timers)

The Bernina Express is a panoramic sightseeing train operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). It travels along two UNESCO World Heritage railway routes, the Albula Line and the Bernina Line, connecting northern Switzerland with northern Italy. 

Unlike many mountain trains, the Bernina Express requires no cogwheel sections, despite reaching a peak altitude of 2,253 metres at Ospizio Bernina. It climbs naturally thanks to an ingenious track design based on spiral tunnels, loops, viaducts, and carefully engineered gradients. 

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.  This help us to keep bringing you great content and ideas.

Why the Bernina Express Is So Special

Travellers love it because it offers: 

  • Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows 
  • UNESCO World Heritage scenery 
  • Snow, glaciers, lakes, and mountains in one journey 
  • Historic viaducts, including the iconic Landwasser viaduct 
  • Spectacular photography from your seat 
  • A direct connection between Switzerland and Italy 
  • Beautiful views at every moment 

It is considered one of the top train journeys on Earth, ranking alongside the Glacier Express, the Jacobite in Scotland, and the Trans-Alpine in New Zealand. 

Bernina Express Panoramic Carriage with alpine views and snow

Bernina Express Journey Time

  • Chur → Tirano: approx. 4 hours 13 minutes 
  • St. Moritz → Tirano: approx. 2 hours 20 minutes 

Both routes are stunning. The Chur route is longer and includes the Albula line, which many experts consider one of the most impressive parts of the journey. 

Where the Bernina Express Starts and Ends

The Bernina Express runs between: 

Switzerland → Italy 

  • Chur, Switzerland 
  • St. Moritz, Switzerland 

to 

  • Tirano, Italy 
Bernina Express Route Map

Direction Options

You can travel north → south or south → north, depending on your itinerary. 

Which Starting Point Should You Choose?

✔ Start in Chur if you want everything 

Chur to Tirano includes the dramatic Albula Valley, the Landwasser Viaduct, the engineering spiral tunnels, and iconic viewpoints such as Filisur. This is the full UNESCO section. 

✔ Start in St. Moritz if you want a shorter journey

The two-hour journey from St. Moritz to Tirano still includes the Bernina Pass, Alp Grüm, Lake Bianco, and the Brusio Circular Viaduct, all highlights, but skips the Albula section. 

✔ For families:

Chur → Tirano tends to be more entertaining for kids because the big scenery happens earlier and more frequently. 

Which Direction Has the Best Views?

Both directions are excellent, but: 

  • Chur → Tirano: sit on the RIGHT side 
  • Tirano → Chur: sit on the LEFT side 

This gives the best views of the Landwasser Viaduct, the Albula Valley, and Lake Bianco. 

Bernina Express passing Ospizio Bernina at 2253 metres
Bernina Express Panoramic Carriage

The Bernina Express Route: Complete Breakdown + Route Map

Below is a detailed explanation of the full route, starting in Chur and ending in Tirano. 

Chur

Switzerland’s oldest city, known for its medieval streets, lively cafés, and proximity to hiking routes. Chur is easily accessible via Zurich. 

Albula Valley

As the train climbs into the Albula region, you pass through forests, alpine villages, and narrow mountain valleys carved by rivers. 

Landwasser Viaduct

The iconic six-arched stone viaduct appears suddenly as the train curves into view. After crossing it, the train disappears directly into a cliffside tunnel. This is one of the most photographed railway structures in the world. 

Filisur

A traditional Graubünden village with wooden chalets and direct views of the viaduct. 

Bergün & Preda Spiral Sections

A masterpiece of railway engineering. The train climbs using a series of spiral tunnels and looping turns, all without a cogwheel mechanism

Pontresina

Famous for its wildlife, pine forests, and views of the Piz Bernina mountain. 

Bernina Pass

As the train climbs past the treeline, the scenery becomes dramatic and open. Snow is common here even in May. 

Ospizio Bernina (2,253 m)

The highest point of the journey. Expect a mix of tundra, alpine lakes, snowfields, and huge dramatic skies. 

Lake Bianco

A milky turquoise glacial lake surrounded by rock and ice. On sunny days, the reflection is breathtaking. 

Alp Grüm

A favourite stop for photographers. It overlooks the Palü glacier and the Poschiavo Valley. 

Poschiavo

The landscape turns Mediterranean, with vineyards, colourful houses, and palm trees. 

Brusio Circular Viaduct

A full circular stone viaduct that allows the train to descend smoothly into the Italian valley. One of the most unique sections of the journey. 

Tirano

A small Italian town with a beautiful basilica, gelato shops, pizzerias, and the River Adda flowing nearby. 

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Best Time of Year to Ride the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express operates all year, and each season offers something different. 

Winter (December – February)

Winter is absolutely magical. 

  • Heavy snow around the Bernina Pass 
  • Frozen lakes 
  • Christmas lights in towns 
  • Clear views due to crisp air 
  • Fewer crowds than summer 

Bernina Express in December

If you want guaranteed snow and a festive feel, December is the perfect month. You may also catch Christmas markets in Chur, Zurich, St. Moritz, and Tirano. 

Spring (March – May)

A mix of snow and meltwater. 

  • Valleys turning green 
  • Waterfalls everywhere 
  • Crisp mountain tops 
  • Shoulder-season pricing 

Summer (June – August)

Summer has postcard-perfect visibility and incredibly bright colours. 

  • Best lake reflections 
  • Longest days 
  • Most frequent services 
  • Also the busiest season 

Book seats 4–8 weeks in advance. 

Autumn (September – October)

An underrated gem. 

  • Golden larch trees 
  • Quieter trains 
  • Cool but stable weather
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The Bernina Express With Kids

The Bernina Express is one of Europe’s best family-friendly scenic train rides. Children love the changing landscapes, tunnels, bridges, and snowfields. 

Why It’s Great for Families

  • Spacious seating 
  • Huge windows 
  • Toilets in every carriage 
  • Easy access for prams 
  • Kids under 6 travel free 
  • Children 6–16 receive large discounts 
  • Smooth, quiet ride 

We've personally taken our 4 children aboard the Bernina Express from Chur to Switzerland. You can read about our full itinerary which took us from Zurich to Milan here. 

Best Direction for Kids

Chur → Tirano is ideal because the scenery escalates faster and keeps children engaged. 

Tips for Parents

  • Bring snacks - there’s a limited service on board
  • Wear layers - the train can get hot
  • Download shows offline for slow sections. 
  • Let kids stand and look out the window - safe and allowed. 
  • Plan a pizza stop in Tirano (kids love this reward!). 
  • Don’t forget to bring a hat and gloves for when you reach Ospizio Bernina (2,253 m). The train stops for around 15 minutes at the highest point and during the winter months there’s snow on the ground to play with. 

First Class vs Second Class: Which Should You Choose?

A common question is whether first class is worth the upgrade. 

Second Class on the Bernina Express

Second class is surprisingly spacious and has wide panoramic windows. Most families choose it because it offers excellent value. Personally, this the carriage we choose to ride in.

First Class on the Bernina Express

The key benefits of first class are: 

  • Fewer people 
  • More quiet 
  • Extra-wide seating 
  • Slightly bigger windows 
  • More room for bags 

Are the Views Different?

No, the views are the same. 

Both classes sit in the same panoramic coaches. You won’t miss scenery by choosing second class. 

Which Side is Best to Sit on the Bernina Express?

  • Chur → Tirano: right-hand side 
  • Tirano → Chur: left-hand side 

Choose a window seat if possible. 

Bernina Express Prices, Reservations, Swiss Travel Pass & How to Book

To ride the Bernina Express, you need two things: 

  1. A ticket
  2. A mandatory seat reservation

Ticket Prices for the Bernina Express 2026

Typical ticket prices for the Bernina Express in 2026

  • CHF 25-65 (depending on start and end station) for 2nd Class. CHF 42.60-113 for 1st Class
  • Children under 6: free 
  • Children 6-16: 50% off 

Seat Reservation Prices for the Bernina Express 2026

Reservations cost: 

  • CHF 28–36 
  • Higher in peak summer season 
  • Lower in winter 

The seat reservation price for the short route of St.Moritz - Tirano/Tirano-St.Moritz is CHF 28 all year round.

The longer route between Chur and Tirano varies from CHF 32 to CHF 36, depending on the time of year.

Guided Tours on the Bernina Express

There are many companies offering tours from Milan, to the Bernina Express. Many refer to these as 'red train' tours. This is not the same as the panoramic carriages available on the Bernina. These are tours on board a regional train, travelling along the same route, which is cheaper.

One tour, we recommend and many of our readers have booked in the past is this one. They offer luxury return coaching from Milan to St Moritz/Tirano and seats in a 2nd class panoramic carriage. These tours are great value for money, especially as basing yourself in Milan can be far cheaper than Chur.

If you book via the Get Your Guide app, you can also save 5% with the code BUILDABREAK5

Do You Need a Reservation?

Yes, seat reservations are mandatory on all Bernina Express trains in the panoramic carriages. 

There are standard carriages which are attached to the Bernina Express. Seats in these do not need to be reserved.  

Booking Options

  • RhB website 
  • SBB app 
  • Trainline (international travellers) 
  • At stations in Switzerland 

How Early Should You Book?

  • Summer: 4–8 weeks in advance 
  • Winter: 1–2 weeks is usually fine 

Can You Use the Swiss Travel Pass?

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass fully covers the ticket, but you must still pay for seat reservations. Check out our guide to see if purchasing a Swiss Pass is worth it.

Bernina Express vs the Regional Bernina Train

Not everyone knows this, but a regular regional train runs on the same tracks as the Bernina Express.

Regional Train Advantages

  • Cheaper as no seat reservation fee, however the ticket price is the same as 2nd class on the Bernina Express (so around CHF 36 cheaper).
  • Windows open - perfect for photography 
  • You can hop on/hop off 
  • No reservations needed 
  • Less crowded 

Bernina Express Advantages

  • Panoramic windows 
  • Clean, modern coaches 
  • Slower speeds for better views 
  • Commentary (on some trains) 

Which is Better?

If you want the full “iconic” experience: choose the Bernina Express. 
If you want photos without reflections: choose the regional train. 

The main arguments revolve around cost and photography. However, in each Bernina Carriage there is a window on the doors that opens which allows you to take glare-free photos. For us, the cost difference was not significant enough, to not experience a luxury train on this bucketlist route.

Many travellers combine both - take the Bernina Express in one direction and the regional train back. 

To explore more on the 'red train' vs the Bernina Express click here

Accessibility, Luggage, Dogs & Bikes

Wheelchair Access

There are accessible coaches on many services. Book assistance ahead if needed. 

Luggage Rules

  • No formal limits 
  • Suitcases fit under seats or on overhead shelves 
  • Large suitcases fit behind the last row of seats 

Dogs

Dogs are allowed with a paid dog ticket and must travel on a lead. 

Bikes

Bicycles are not allowed on the Bernina Express, only the regional trains. 

Onward Travel After the Bernina Express (to Milan, Lake Como & Zurich)

Tirano to Milan

The onward journey to Milan is extremely easy. 

  • Winter: direct regional trains 
  • Summer: Bernina Express bus + train 
  • Total travel time: 2–2.5 hours 

Tirano to Lake Como

  • Train to Varenna 
  • Ferry onward to Bellagio, Menaggio, or Como 

Tirano → Rome / Venice / Florence

Take the train to Milan and switch to a high-speed Frecciarossa service. 

Closest Airport to the Bernina Express

  • Zurich Airport — best for starting in Chur 
  • Milan Linate Airport — closest to Tirano 
  • Milan Malpensa Airport — best for long-haul 
  • Milan Bergamo — cheapest budget flights 

Bernina Express Sample Itineraries

One-Day Bernina Express Trip From Milan

  • Train Milan → Tirano (2.5 hours) 
  • Bernina Express to St. Moritz 
  • Explore St. Moritz 
  • Return via regional train → Tirano → Milan 

Weekend Trip: Chur → Bernina Express → Lake Como

  • Arrive Zurich → Chur 
  • Bernina Express to Tirano 
  • Train to Varenna (Lake Como) 
  • Explore Lake Como 
  • Return to Milan or Zurich 

Bernina Express Christmas Weekend (December Only)

  • Zurich → Chur Christmas markets 
  • Snowy Bernina Express ride 
  • Pizza + gelato in Tirano 
  • Train to Milan for lights & shopping 

Top 20 Bernina Express Tips

  • These are the small details that make a big difference. 
  • Sit on the right side from Chur → Tirano 
  • Book early in summer 
  • Bring snacks — no food onboard 
  • Avoid midday trains in July/August (hottest) 
  • Wear layers — the sun warms the cabins 
  • Keep your camera close 
  • For photos without glare, shade the window 
  • Combine Bernina Express + regional train 
  • In winter, expect snow on the pass 
  • In summer, book window seats early 
  • Don’t rush in Tirano — stay for lunch 
  • St. Moritz is worth exploring 
  • Use the SBB app for live updates 
  • The train is punctual — arrive early 
  • Avoid huge luggage 
  • Children love the spiral tunnels 
  • December is quieter than August 
  • Dogs must have a lead + dog ticket 
  • Lakes look best in morning light 
  • You don’t need to worry about motion sickness 

Continue Reading

Extreme Day Trips to Amsterdam — Barbie: The Dream Experience from £98pp

Extreme Day Trips for Kids- Barbie Dream House Experience

This Christmas, gift an experience rather than another toy ! How about a day in Amsterdam at Barbie: The Dream Experience, this is pure magic for little (and big) fans.

With flights from nine UK & Irish airports, and prices from just £76 for flights + Dreamhouse ticket, these extreme day trips are designed to give you the most time in Amsterdam for your day out. I’m obsessed! 

Why go?

Step into life-sized recreations, explore 12 interactive zones, travel through 6 decades of Barbie history, visit the DreamHouse™, take a trip to space, hit the slopes, and finish with a themed treat at the café. It’s a full-on, joyful, photo-ready experience. Plus, you'll have free time in Amsterdam, the ultimate Extreme Day Trip for kids, and the most amazing Christmas gift.

What’s included at the Barbie Experience:

Ticket for Barbie: The Dream Experience 

Access to all 12 interactive zones 

Entry to the Barbie-themed café 

Access to exclusive merchandise at the Barbie Shop 

Use of lockers 

Further Details & Logisitics

Ticket prices for the Barbie Experience: Adults £22.06 (ages 11+), Children £16.76 (3-10yrs)  - use code BUILDABREAK5 for an extra 5% off (you need to download and redeem for via the Get Your Guide App for this discount).

Barbie Experience Location: Meeuwenlaan 88-B, 1021 JK Amsterdam. 

Suggested route from Schiphol Airport: Take the Intercity train to Amsterdam Centraal (around 15 minutes), then Metro 52 (Noordlijn) to Noorderpark — short walk to the venue. 

Things to do in Amsterdam with KIds

The experience lasts around 1.5 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore a little bit of Amsterdam. Here are some low-cost suggestions, which don't need to be scheduled in, leaving you some flexibility.

Dam Square: lively, great for people-watching and street performers, my kids loved it here

Canal strolls & dancing houses: a perfect photo spot without taking up much time. 

Vondelpark: playgrounds and wide open space for kids to run off energy. 

 

Tasty foods to try while you’re in Amsterdam:

Stroopwafels:  best warm from a market stall. 

Poffertjes : mini Dutch pancakes (kid-favourite). 

Frites with mayo: classic street food that’s simple and tasty. 

Duinrell to Amsterdam with kids things to do with kids in Amsterdam Photo of kids by Amsterdam Canal
Is Duinrell Worth it? Our Review of Amsterdam with Kids

❗️ Please remember: We’re a travel platform sharing great finds, not a travel agent. We do not take requests for alternative dates/airports or provide personal travel quotes 😀

⚠️ All prices and availability are correct at the time of posting but may change or be withdrawn at any time. Always check all details carefully with the travel provider before booking, as we are not responsible for any changes, omissions, or errors. Any booking or contract is made directly between you and the travel supplier.

This post may contain affiliate links – we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to maintain our webiste, to keep bringing you the best trip inspiration and price finds.

Extreme Day Trip Flights & Booking Links

All totals below use the standard Dream Experience adult ticket price plus an adult airfare. For under 11's the total price will be around £17.50 cheaper than stated due to no Air Passenger Duty on the outbound flight, plus the cheaper Barbie Experience ticket.

For ages 11-16 years, the price should be £12.50 cheaper. The discounted air passenger duty does not apply on the Dublin flights.

Don't forget to use the code BUILDABREAK5 for an extra 5% off tickets when booking via the Get Your Guide App.

 

 

 

 

Extreme Day Trip to Iceland: Reykjavik & Sky Lagoon in 1 Day

Thinking about an 'Extreme Day Trip' to Iceland? It might sound crazy, but we did it – and it was absolutely worth it!

Reykjavik Hallgrimskirkja Church – Iceland Day Trip
Iceland Day Trip – Visiting Sky Lagoon

Is a One Day Trip to Iceland Really Possible? Here’s How to Turn It Into an Extreme Day Trip

My 15 year old daughter wanted a spa day as part of her 16th birthday present, so we took things to the next level with a Extreme Day Trip to Iceland.

If you’re short on time but want to experience Iceland’s magic, here’s exactly how we did a one day trip to Reykjavik and the incredible Sky Lagoon.

We break down our timings, costs, and handy tips to make your own adventure as smooth as possible.

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting our work and happy planning! 

Is it possible to do an Extreme Day Trip to Iceland? Can you visit Iceland in just one day from the UK?

Our Iceland Extreme Day Trip Timings

Flight: Manchester 7:10 AM → Keflavik 9:55 AM (EasyJet) 

Transfers: Flybus 10:50 AM → Reykjavik center 

Reykjavik highlights: Hallgrimskirkja, Rainbow Street & street murals 

Sky Lagoon: 2pm slot with 7-step ritual 

Left the Sky Lagoon: 4:30pm

Bus back to the airport: 6:00pm

Return flight: Keflavik 9:05pm → Manchester 11:30pm

Total cost per person: Approx £250 

 

Flights from Manchester to Iceland

We flew out of Manchester Airport with easyJet at 7:10am and landed earlier than expected at 9:55am at Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Iceland.

With no checked baggage (just a backpack each), we were quickly through security with zero queues and were outside the airport within minutes.

Tips: 

Getting from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik

We had pre-booked the Flybus with Get Your Guide, which offered:

  • Free cancellation
  • Payment just 2 days before
  • No need to queue at the airport

All we had to do was show the driver our voucher, and it meant we didn't need to queue in arrivals to purchase a ticket. Tickets are valid for any departure from the airport. 

We got on the bus at 10.20am and it departed at 10.50am, taking 40 minutes to then reach the centre of Reykjavik.  

 

 

Q: Where to find the Flybus:

A: Just outside arrivals at Keflavik Airport.

 

Q: How long does The Flybus take?

A: Around 40 minutes to Reykjavik.

 

Q: Do you need to book the Flybus in advance?

A: Not necessarily – tickets can be bought at the airport and are valid for any departure time on your selected day.

 

Click Here for FlyBus Tickets we bought. 

Important Tip for Solo Parents

If you’re travelling solo with a child, Icelandic immigration officials may ask for a letter of authority from the other parent- they did with us, and many other parents from our flight. We didn’t have one but got through – however, it’s better to be prepared!

Exploring Reykjavik

We had a few hours before our Sky Lagoon slot, so we explored the city. 

Hallgrimskirkja – Reykjavik’s Iconic Church

A 10-minute walk (800m) from BSI Bus Terminal took us to Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik’s iconic church.

Its stunning modernist design and towering height make it the city’s most famous landmark.

You can go to the top for breathtaking views (we skipped this due to time), which costs ISK 1000 for adults and ISK 100 for children ages 7-16 years.

Hallgrimskirkja – The Famous Reykjavik Church
Hallgrimskirkja Reykjavik Iceland extreme day trip

Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street & Street Art

From Hallgrimskirkja, we walked 4 more minutes to the famous Rainbow Street Skólavörðustígur. The street is lined with cafés, boutiques, and street art – perfect for a quick wander and photo stop. We got some lunch here and also a few souvenirs.

Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street- things to do in iceland
Reykjavik Rainbow Street murals Iceland day trip

After soaking up the sights, we grabbed lunch before heading back to BSI Bus Terminal.

Keep an eye out for Reykjavik’s quirky houses and street murals – they’re dotted everywhere and make the city feel like an open-air art gallery.

walking around Reykjavik murals and interesting street art Iceland in one day
walking around Reykjavik murals and interesting art Iceland day trip from the UK

Getting to the Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik

We pre-booked the Sky Lagoon- including transfers via Get Your Guide. We went for the package which included our own private changing room, unlimited amounts of towels, shampoo and conditioner, a private shower and hairdryer too. This was the most expensive package, but saved us taking lots of things on our trip.

You can also chose a cheaper package which includes transfers, but with shared changing facilities. 

Tickets without transfers are also available for those who've hired a car here. 

We booked this back in December as it does sell out, however, with Get Your Guide, we didn't need to pay for it until 2 days before the visit. 

The bus left BSI Bus Terminal at 2pm and took us straight to Sky Lagoon – a geothermal infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The journey to the Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik takes around 20 minutes (although more like 30 mins on the way back as it drops off at hotels). 

Buses leave on the hour from BSI terminal and return on the half hour- you don't need to specify a return time and you can stay at the Sky Lagoon as long as you wish. 

Tip: Book early – slots sell out fast. We recommend 1 PM instead of 2 PM for more time. 

 

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Powered by GetYourGuide

Sky Lagoon Experience

Sky Lagoon was honestly incredible. Floating in the steaming geothermal waters while looking out at the Atlantic was pure magic.

The 7-step ritual includes: 

  1. Sauna
  2. Steam room 
  3. Cold plunge 
  4. Body scrub 
  5. Refreshing Icelandic drink
  6. Mist room 
  7. Relax in infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic 

We originally booked for 2pm, but in hindsight, we’d go for 1pm to allow more time.

At 4:30pm, we reluctantly left and caught the return bus back to BSI Bus Terminal, arriving just before 5pm.

sky lagoon Reykjavik 7 steps ritual package Sky Lagoon geothermal spa Reykjavik Iceland
sky lagoon review Spa Day Extreme Day Trips from the UK

Why it’s unforgettable: Floating in geothermal waters while looking at the ocean is magical. 

Tip: Allow 2–2.5 hours for the full experience. 

Return to Keflavik Airport

Before heading back to the airport, we grabbed food at BSI Bus Terminal. The bus terminal is small, so really easy to find your bus. Plus, there's an information counter with staff that speak English. They can advise on any queries over logistics and other tours you may find of interest.

Inside the bus terminal, you'll also find clean toilets (around £1.15pp to access) and a café. We got a huge pizza slice for around £6 each.

At 6pm, we took our pre-booked FlyBus back to Keflavik Airport, arriving with plenty of time to check in.

Keflavik Airport Prices & The Northern Lights from the Plane!

Keflavik Airport has plenty of food options, and surprisingly, prices weren’t as bad as expected, despite Iceland's expensive reputation. We got two of the famous Icelandic Hot Dogs for around £5 each. We also got 2 bottled soft drinks and 2 bars of chocolate for £6 in total, which I actually think is cheaper than Manchester Airport!

Our 9:05 PM flight home departed on time, but the real highlight?

We saw the Northern Lights from the plane!

The display lasted a full two hours – an unforgettable end to our Icelandic adventure.

Top Tip: Book seats on the left-hand side for the best chance of seeing them.

We landed back in Manchester at 11:30 PM, absolutely exhausted but buzzing from an incredible day.

Northern Lights from plane Iceland extreme day trip
aurora from plane Iceland one day trip

Cost Breakdown of Our One Day Trip to Iceland

For less than £250 each, we experienced Iceland’s capital, its famous landmarks, a luxury spa, and even the Northern Lights – all in one day!

  • Return Flights from Manchester to Iceland: £58
  • Return Airport transfers £32.09pp (for 1 ad & 1 teen ticket)
  • Sky Lagoon tickets with transfers £122.54pp
read our guide on extreme day trips from the UK
how to do an extreme day trip to disneyland paris see how we spent one day at Disneyland

Was it Worth Doing an Extreme Day Trip to Iceland?

✅ YES! It was a whirlwind, but every moment was incredible. If you’re up for an extreme day trip, Reykjavik is surprisingly doable from Manchester.

Would we do it again?

Absolutely – but next time, we’d:

Book Sky Lagoon earlier (1pm instead of 2pm).

Stay overnight to see more of Iceland.

Next time, if we did another Extreme Day Trip to Iceland, we would probably try the Blue Lagoon instead. This is nearer to the airport than the Sky Lagoon. If you're debating going, and not sure which to pick, read our guide on Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon Guide, where we weigh up the advantages (and disadvantages) of each spa.

If spa's aren't your thing but you're still looking to try a one day trip to Iceland, check out our 10 budget-friendly things to do in Iceland guide

If you’re tempted to try this yourself, go for it – it’s one epic travel story you’ll never forget!

Watch the Video of our Extreme Day Trip to Iceland

watch the video on facebook iceland extreme day trip how to

Christmas Extreme Day Trips from Manchester Airport

Looking for an epic ‘Extreme Day Trip’ from Manchester Airport this December without breaking the bank? 

We’ve rounded up some of the best extreme day trips you can take this winter.

With return trips starting at just £40 per person, you can explore magical destinations throughout the month - be quick as prices will rise. 

Think of these as an affordable Christmas break- a whirlwind adventure that fits into a single day. From sunrise flights to late-night returns, these trips let you explore more for less.

We've included weekend dates too and there's some incredible winter destinations available.

Want the full list? Read the full article and start planning your next extreme day trip from Manchester!

Scroll further down and you’ll find our full guide to planning your next Extreme Day Trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and to keep the website going. 

All prices are checked and correct at time of posting this article but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to copy over details- please double check all dates and times before booking. 

Our Best Extreme Day Trips from Manchester this Christmas!

December Extreme Day Trips from Manchester Airport

Mon 1st Dec- Rome

£99 per person

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Tues 2nd Dec-Belfast

£66 per person

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Wed 3rd Dec- Lisbon

£76 per person

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an extreme day trip to Disneyland paris paris with teens one day trip to paris
an extreme day trip to Iceland with teens one day trip to Iceland sky lagoon, iceland 1 day itinerary

Fri 5th Dec- Barcelona

£115 per person

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Sat 6th Dec- Milan

£78 per person

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Sun 7th Dec- Madrid

£70 per person

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Mon 8th Dec- Rome

£89 per person

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Tues 9th Dec- Paris

£118 per person

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Wed 10th Dec- Geneva

£120 per person

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Thurs 11th Dec - Reykjavik

£144 per person

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Fri 12th Dec- Belfast

£63 per person

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Disneyland Paris at Christmas one day trip to disneyland paris one day itinerary disneyland paris
read our guide on extreme day trips from the UK

Sat 13th Dec - Milan

£108 per person

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Mon 15th Dec- Rome

£86 per person

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Tues 16th Dec- Paris

£128 per person

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Wed 17th Dec - Dublin

£92 per person

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Fri 19th Dec- Belfast

£58 per person

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Sat 20th Dec- Cork

£40 per person

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Shop ryanair & EasyJet Compatible Backpacks

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ryanair compatible cabin bags backpacks easyjet

Sun 21st Dec- Belfast

£104 per person

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Mon 22nd Dec- Venice

£74 per person

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Build a Break Ltd provides information only and is not liable for bookings, payments, or any issues arising. Please ensure you read all terms and conditions with suppliers before proceeding.

Levi, Lapland, December Deals From the UK - From Just £178pp!

If you’ve been dreaming of a magical Lapland Break  this Christmas, now’s your chance. ✨  

We’ve found three incredible Levi deals this December with prices from JUST £178 PER PERSON! - all perfectly timed to enjoy the festive season without the high prices. Whether you’re planning a quick snowy escape or a longer stay, there’s an option for everyone.  Our DIY price finds give you the opportunity to plan your own itinerary and save £££'s!

🏔 Why Choose Levi?

Levi is a true winter wonderland - one of Finland’s most magical Lapland resorts. Stay right in the heart of town. The accommodation we’ve selected is just a 1-minute walk to the slopes. 

The 2 night stays are at Unna Mannu Suites - an accommodation we've personally stayed at, and highly recommend! The 4 night break from London, is with their sister hotel. Both great places to stay, right in the heart of the action, requiring no car.

You’ll be surrounded by cosy restaurants, cafés, and shops - and for picky eaters, there’s even a Subway, Burger King  and pizza takeaways nearby! 🍔 

It’s also only 17 minutes from Kittilä Airport, making Levi one of the easiest Lapland destinations to reach. 

There’s lots to do in Levi including all the usual activities you'd expect in Lapland, plus swimming, saunas and a bowling alley. 

🧣 Planning Your Trip

We’ve covered everything you need to know about Levi in our blog. We saved £4000 by DIY' ing our own break to Lapland. We've packed it with tips, what to do, getting around, plus much more. Get it below.

👉 Lapland on a Budget – Levi 

Don't forget to check out our other guides too!

🧤 What to Wear in Lapland Guide 

💡 10 Money-Saving Tips for Your Lapland Trip 

Because magical memories don’t have to come with a magical price tag! 🎅🏼❄️ 

Levi on a budget plan a DIY trip to Lapland
Levi Slopes
Where to eat in Levi
Levi Christmas Markets at Night
Northern lights in Levi Lapland on a budget Lapland on a Budget Levi

Levi, Lapland Deals

Disclaimer: Build a Break does not sell holidays or provide quotes and is not a travel agent. We share deals we find online to help you save money on travel. Prices were correct at the time of posting but are subject to change and availability. Always check luggage policies, transfers, and final total price before booking. Build a Break is not responsible for any errors, omissions or the fulfillment of any travel arrangements.

This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book through my links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my content!

📍from Manchester – 2nd to 4th December from £181pp

🌙 2 Nights 

✈️ Flights – £101pp → Click Here 

🏨 Accommodation – £332 for up to 2 people, £461 for up to 6 people→ View here 

💰Total prices from Manchester  

Solo Price £433

Family of 2: £535 (£267pp) 

Family of 3: £764 (£255pp) 

Family of 4: £865 (£217pp) 

Family of 5: £966 (£194pp) 

Family of 6: £1067 (£178pp

📍Manchester 7th – 11th Dec from £288pp

🌙 4 Nights 

✈️ Flights £164pp Click Here

🏨 Accommodation  £496 for up to 4 people click here

💰Total prices from Manchester  

Solo trip price £660

Family of 2 price: £824 (£412pp) 

Family of 3 price: £988 (£330pp) 

Family of 4 price: £1152 (£288pp) 

📍London Gatwick 2nd – 4th Dec 2025 from £182pp

🌙 2 Nights  

✈️ Flights £122pp Click Here

🏨 🏨 Accommodation – £332 for up to 2 people, £461 for up to 6 people→ View here 

💰Total prices from London Gatwick  

 Solo trip price with flights £455

Family of 2 price with flights £578 (£289pp) 

Family of 3 price with flights £830 (£277pp) 

Family of 4 price with flights £949 (£238pp) 

Family of 5 price with flights £1071 (£268pp) 

Family of 6 price with flights £1193 (£199pp) 

12 Amazing Waterpark Hotels & Resorts in Europe

When it comes to family holidays, nothing beats the combination of a relaxing resort and a thrilling waterpark on your doorstep. 

Europe is home to some of the world’s best waterpark hotels and resorts, offering epic slides, lazy rivers, tropical domes, and even magical theming.

Many are also fully indoor, making them perfect for a year-round break. 

If you’re planning a summer break, or even a winter escape, these destinations are guaranteed to make a splash!

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and guides.

What Makes a Waterpark Hotel the Best?

When researching the top waterpark hotels in Europe, we look for much more than just a couple of slides. The best resorts combine huge indoor and outdoor water areas, year-round facilities, family-friendly accommodation, theming, dining options, and easy access to nearby attractions. 

Many also offer spa zones, lazy rivers, wave pools, and thrill slides for older kids and teens. These factors all help determine whether a waterpark hotel deserves a place on our “best in Europe” list. 

Best Waterpark Hotels in Europe at a Glance

If you’re searching for the very best waterpark hotels in Europe, here’s a quick overview of the resorts that consistently rank highest for families. These hotels and holiday parks offer huge indoor waterparks, tropical domes, beachfront slides, and themed accommodation. 

Whether you’re looking for the best indoor waterpark in Europe, the biggest waterpark resort, or a 5-star waterpark hotel, the options below give you a mix of luxury, value, and year-round sunshine. 

Here they are (in no particular order). 12 incredible waterpark hotels in Europe you don’t want to miss!

1. Union Lido – Italy

Union Lido is one of the most popular Italy family resorts with a waterpark, located on the Venetian Riviera just outside Venice.

This award-winning site features two on-site waterparks – Aqua Park Laguna and Aqua Park Marino – complete with wave pools, lazy rivers, kids’ splash zones, and thrilling slides.

Accommodation ranges from luxury mobile homes to stylish glamping tents, making it a perfect mix of comfort and fun. Plus, being so close to Venice, it’s easy to combine a beach and waterpark holiday with a city break. 

best waterparks in Italy union lido slides and pools ariel view of campsite from above
union lido water slides and pools
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2. Splash Landings Hotel, Alton Towers – UK

Looking for a UK break with plenty of splash-filled fun? The Alton Towers Splash Landings Hotel is a Caribbean-themed resort that gives guests direct access to the Alton Towers Waterpark.

Families can enjoy the Master Blaster water coaster, lazy rivers, bubbling lagoons, and interactive play areas.

Perfect for a weekend break, this is one of the best UK waterpark hotels for families who want to combine a theme park visit with year-round water fun. 

Get more Info

3. Duinrell Holiday Park – Netherlands

Duinrell Tikibad outdoor swimming pool slides
duinrell water park in Holland water parks tikibad

Duinrell is a family favourite for those looking for a Netherlands waterpark holiday. Just outside The Hague, this resort combines a theme park with the famous Tikibad Waterpark – one of Europe’s largest indoor waterparks.  

Expect adrenaline-pumping slides, a giant wave pool, and a summer outdoor splash zone. Add in cycling routes, woodland walks, and easy day trips to Amsterdam, and it’s no wonder Duinrell is one of the most popular waterpark resorts in the Netherlands. 

To read our review of our trip- click here

Click here for this Resort

4. Efteling Hotel & Resorts – Netherlands

Efteling is the ultimate fairytale theme park in Europe, and staying at the Efteling Hotel or one of its holiday villages means full immersion in the magic.

Alongside rides and storybook attractions, families can enjoy water-based fun like the Piraña River Rapids.

While not a traditional waterpark, it’s ideal for families searching for a Netherlands theme park with water rides as part of a magical break. 

See Where to Stay
efteling theme park water rides
efteling theme park entrance
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5. Lalandia – Denmark

Lalandia Aqua Dome
legoland billund

Located next to LEGOLAND® Billund, Lalandia Aquadome is Scandinavia’s largest indoor waterpark. Families visiting Denmark often choose Lalandia because it combines LEGOLAND holidays with a waterpark resort.  

Inside the Aquadome, you’ll find giant slides, wave pools, a children’s play area, and even year-round tropical temperatures. It’s a perfect destination for a full-on adventure holiday. 

See Lalandia Resort

6. Tropical Islands Resort – Germany

Tropical islands Berlin travel deals from UK

If you’re looking for something truly unique, Tropical Islands Resort near Berlin is a must.

Known as Europe’s largest indoor waterpark resort, it’s built inside a converted airship hangar and features sandy beaches, lagoons, rainforest zones, and high-speed slides.

Guests can stay in themed rooms, lodges, or even camp inside the dome, making this one of the most memorable family waterpark holidays in Germany. 

More Info on Tropical Islands
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7. Villages Nature Paris – France

best cheap places to stay at Disneyland Paris

For families visiting Disneyland Paris, Villages Nature Paris is an eco-friendly resort with one of Europe’s biggest indoor waterparks, the Aqualagon.

Powered by geothermal energy, it has heated outdoor lagoons, twisting slides, and plenty of space for little ones.

It’s the perfect option for those searching for a Disneyland Paris waterpark hotel to extend their trip with a few extra days of fun and relaxation. 

See Villages Nature

8. Aquaworld Resort – Budapest, Hungary

Budapest AquaWorld Resort in Hungary

Aquaworld is one of Central Europe’s most impressive family resorts, home to Aquaworld Budapest indoor waterpark.

With 17 pools, surf simulators, whirlpools, and countless slides, it’s a brilliant choice for families who want to combine sightseeing with water fun.

Staying at the Aquaworld Resort gives you unlimited access, making it ideal for a Budapest family holiday with a waterpark included. 

See this Resort

9. Europa-Park & Rulantica

europapark water park europa park theme park germany top 10 water parks in europe

Europa-Park is Germany’s biggest theme park, and its sister attraction Rulantica waterpark makes it one of the best family destinations in Europe.  

This Nordic-themed waterpark resort in Germany features giant slides, wave rivers, and indoor/outdoor pools, all set in a beautifully immersive environment.  

Families can stay in one of Europa-Park’s themed hotels for the ultimate stay-and-play experience. 

See Hotels Near Europa Park

10. Gardaland - Italy

legoland water park gardaland italy

Located on the shores of Lake Garda, Gardaland Resort is one of Italy’s top family attractions, and now it’s home to Europe’s first LEGOLAND® Waterpark.  

Designed especially for children, this colourful splash-filled world features LEGO®-themed slides, interactive water play areas, and even a lazy river where you can float on LEGO® bricks.  

Families can combine a day at Gardaland’s theme park with waterpark fun, making it one of the best family holidays in Italy with a waterpark right in the heart of beautiful Lake Garda. 

gardaland italy top waterparks in europe to visit
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11. Siam Park - Tenerife

Siam Park in Tenerife is widely regarded as the best waterpark in the world, and it consistently wins awards for its incredible mix of record-breaking slides, family-friendly attractions and stunning Thai theming. From the 28-metre Tower of Power to the giant wave pool and lazy river, it’s easy to see why families travel across Europe just to visit. 

While not a hotel itself, many nearby resorts package Siam Park tickets with stays, making it perfect for families searching for the best waterpark resorts in Europe with serious thrill factor. 

See Hotels Near Siam Park
12 of the best waterpark hotels indoor and outdoor in europe Siam Park best water park in Europe
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12. AquaShow Park Hotel – Portugal

AquaShow Park Hotel is one of Portugal’s most popular waterpark hotels and a favourite for families looking for a sunshine break with huge slides on the doorstep. The on-site AquaShow Waterpark features a massive wave pool, roller-coaster-style water coaster, kids’ splash areas and plenty of family slides. 

Because the hotel is directly connected to the park, guests get easy access and great value - ideal for those looking for an affordable waterpark holiday in Portugal with guaranteed fun. 

See Aquashow Hotel
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Best Indoor Waterparks in Europe

Europe is home to several world-class indoor waterparks, perfect for winter sunshine breaks or year-round family holidays. 

Resorts like Tropical Islands in Germany, Lalandia in Denmark, and Aquaworld in Hungary are often named among the best indoor waterparks in Europe thanks to their huge slides, high-speed flumes, wave pools, and warm tropical temperatures that make them ideal no matter the weather. 

These indoor resorts are particularly popular with families looking for short breaks outside the summer months, as they offer consistent temperatures, spa facilities, and hours of entertainment under one roof. 

Best Waterpark Resorts in Europe (Comparison)

Best for Teens: Tropical Islands, Germany – enormous slides and fast-paced attractions 

Best for Younger Kids: LEGOLAND® Waterpark at Gardaland, Italy 

Best Indoor Waterpark: Aquaworld Budapest or Lalandia Billund 

Best for Thrill Seekers: Duinrell’s Tikibad, Netherlands 

Best Eco-Friendly Resort: Villages Nature Paris 

Best for a City + Waterpark Break: Aquaworld Resort Budapest 

Best Beach + Waterpark Combination: Union Lido, Italy 

Biggest Indoor Waterpark in Europe: Tropical Islands Resort in Germany

Overall Best Waterpark in Europe: Siam Park

How to Choose the Best Waterpark Hotel in Europe

When comparing Europe’s top waterpark resorts, think about what matters most to your family. Do you need indoor pools for winter travel? Do you prefer big tropical domes or outdoor slides? Are you looking for the best value waterpark hotel or a luxury 5-star resort with spa facilities? 

Consider location too. Some of the best waterparks in Europe are close to theme parks, beaches, or major cities, making them ideal for multi-destination holidays. Checking opening dates is also essential, especially outside the summer season, as some outdoor parks run on reduced hours. 

Don't Miss These top 12!

From magical villages to futuristic domes, Europe’s waterpark hotels and resorts offer something for every family. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend or a longer break, these destinations guarantee unforgettable memories filled with slides, splashes, and smiles.  

If you’re looking for the ultimate family waterpark holiday in Europe, these 12 resorts should be at the very top of your list. 

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Budapest With Kids, Teens & Young Adults: 10 Best Things to Do

Budapest is an incredible destination for families, full of fun, and adventure for kids of all ages!

When some cheap flights popped up for Budapest, I wasn’t sure if it would be suitable for my daughter’s 13th Birthday trip or not.

After much research, I discovered that there is an incredible amount of things to do for kids in Budapest, and surprisingly teenagers too. You can see our personal two night itinerary here.

Whether you’re exploring with little ones in a pram, tweens who love interactive experiences, or teens looking for something cool and unique, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.

Things to do in Budapest with kids, tweens and teens

If you’re wondering, is Budapest worth visiting with kids? The answer is a resounding yes! From historic attractions to modern entertainment, the city offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

We had an amazing trip this January spending 2 nights, but there is so much to see and do that you could easily extend your stay. Personally I’d recommend 3 nights in Budapest if you want enough time to see all the attractions and activities.

In terms of cost, Budapest is a very budget-friendly destination, so entrance costs and tickets are very reasonable compared to other European cities.

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.  This help us to keep bringing you great content and ideas.

Quick list: Best Things to do in Budapest with kids

Thermal baths 

Night river cruise 

Segway tours 

Ice skating 

Children’s railway 

Zoo 

Cinema Mystica 

City Park 

Big Wheel 

Interactive cafés 

 

Continue Reading for More Ideas

The Best Things to do in Budapest with Kids, Tweens, Teens and Young Adults in 2025

1. Splash & Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

One of Budapest’s most famous attractions, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, is not just for adults! The outdoor pools are warm all year round, making them perfect for kids and teens to enjoy-even in winter.

There’s also a whirlpool and plenty of space for splashing. If you’re traveling with little ones, the indoor pools may be more suitable as they have milder temperatures.

💡 Tip: Visit in the morning when it’s quieter if you have younger kids and pre-book tickets online to avoid the large queues.

Find more details & tickets here

Széchenyi Thermal Bath for kids
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
things to do with kids in budapest visit a spa
2. Experience the McDonald’s Immersive Light Show in Budapest

Yes, you read that right-McDonald’s in Budapest is unlike any other!

This immersive light show at one of the city’s McDonald’s locations is a must-see.

With a live DJ every Friday and Saturday from 10 PM to 4 AM, it’s an exciting stop for tweens and teens looking for something different. 

Tip: Get there early as it does get very busy as you can imagine.  McDonalds in Budapest is very cheap at under £5 for a a large extra value meal, making it a great budget activity. 

You can find this McDonalds at Budapest, Terez krt.55, 1062, Hungary (Inside Nyugati Train Station)

McDonalds Budapest dj and light show party nights
McDonalds Party every Fri & Sat Night
Screenshot_20250204_110004_Gallery

3. Take a Night Cruise on the Danube

Seeing Budapest at night from the River Danube is an absolute highlight. The city’s landmarks, like the Parliament Building and Buda Castle, light up beautifully. Many cruises offer family-friendly options, with snacks and drinks on board.

We took a cruise which included a free welcome drink- they have non-alcoholic options for kids, as well as wine for adults. You can find the cruise we did here

Tip: Opt for an early evening cruise if you have younger children or go for a later one with older kids who can stay up. In winter, evening cruises start around 5pm and it’s dark enough to see all the sights lit up at this time, so you don’t miss out.

Budapest: Our 2 Night Itinerary as First-Timers with Kids
night time cruise in Budapest with kids

4. Ride a Segway Around the City

For families with tweens and teens, a Segway tour is a fantastic way to explore Budapest! It’s a fun alternative to walking, and you’ll cover much more ground in a short space of time.

Segways are very easy to get to grips with quickly, and something we’d definitely do again in another city.

You can find the tour we did here

Tip: The minimum age for Segway tours is usually 8 years old. If traveling with younger kids, consider a family-friendly walking or ebike tour  instead.

budapest segway tour for teens
segway tours in budapest

5. Go Ice Skating in Budapest

If you’re visiting Budapest in winter, ice skating is a magical experience. The City Park Ice Rink is one of the most beautiful outdoor rinks in Europe, set against the backdrop of Vajdahunyad Castle. It’s perfect for kids of all ages!

Tip: Rental skates are available, but bring warm gloves as it gets chilly!

For prices and opening times click here 

Ice skating in city park budapest

6. Ride the Big Wheel of Budapest

The Ferris Wheel of Budpaest, a giant Ferris wheel in the city centre, gives you breath-taking views over the city.

It’s a hit with younger kids who love the ride and tweens and teens who want to snap great photos for social media.

Tip: Ride at sunset for the best views!

For opening times & tickets Click Here

Big wheel in Budapest tickets
Big wheel in Budapest Cost

7. Explore City Park

City Park (Városliget) is one of the best areas to stay in Budapest with kids because it’s home to so many attractions! You’ll find playgrounds, the zoo, the ice rink (in winter), and Vajdahunyad Castle all in one place.

💡 Tip: Pack a picnic and spend a relaxed afternoon here.

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City Park

8. Ride the Budapest Children’s Railway

One of the most unique things to do in Budapest with kids is the Children’s Railway—a train operated almost entirely by children! This scenic ride through the Buda Hills is a must-do for families.

Tip: Pair it with a visit to Normafa, a great spot for hiking and outdoor fun.

Find more info here

childrens railway budapest

9. Visit Budapest Zoo

One of the oldest zoos in the world, Budapest Zoo is home to over 1,000 species, including elephants, giraffes, and polar bears. It’s located in City Park, making it easy to combine with other activities.

Tip: Look out for animal feeding times for an interactive experience!

Find more info here 

budapest zoo

10. Visit Cinema Mystica

Make your way to Cinema Mystica and get ready to enter a universe of light, sound, arts, and magic as you wander through 10 different rooms and view 23 installations. Discover magical creatures, 3D-printed sculptures, projection-mapped spaces, digital artworks, and more.

Click here for more info and tickets 

the light museum budapest for kids

Cool & Unusual Places to Eat with Kids in Budapest

Budapest is home to some quirky, family-friendly restaurants that kids, tweens and teens will love, so we couldn’t not include them here.

 Here are a few of the best:

The MAGIC

A Harry Potter-inspired café serving magical drinks and themed food. Perfect for little wizards!

where to eat in Budapest with kids and teens
where to eat in Budapest with kids and teens the magic

Click here for reservations & menus

Zoo Café

Enjoy coffee while petting real animals like rabbits, lizards, and even an owl!

zoo cafe
zoo cafe 2

Click here for reservations & menus

Spoon the Boat Restaurant

A floating restaurant on the Danube with stunning views and a great kids’ menu.

Click here for reservations & menus

Places to eat in Budapest with teens
spoon 1

Getting Around Budapest with a Pram or Buggy

Budapest is fairly pram-friendly, but some areas (like Buda Castle) have steep hills and cobblestones. The metro is not always accessible, but buses and trams are better options for families with strollers.

I would recommend basing yourself in the ‘Pest’ side of the city, which is mostly flat with wide pavements.

How Many Days to Spend in Budapest with Kids?

We did two days in Budapest, and while it was amazing, we could have easily stayed longer! Three to four days would allow you to explore at a more relaxed pace.

Things to Do in Budapest for Young Adults (18–25 Years)

McDonald’s Immersive Light Show (DJ Nights) 

 One of the most unique young-adult attractions in Europe - laser shows, DJs, and a full party vibe every Friday and Saturday night. It’s budget-friendly, totally unexpected, and perfect for older teens and young adults looking for something cool and different. You can find it here: Terez krt.55, 1062, Hungary (Inside Nyugati Train Station)

 

Night Cruise on the Danube 

Young adults love this one for the photos, the lights, and the vibe. Evening cruises include drinks, music and stunning views of the Parliament and Buda Castle - ideal for couples, groups, and older teens. Check out this unlimited prosecco and beer cruise here 

 

Széchenyi Thermal Bath 

Yes young adults LOVE this! Affordable spa entry, warm outdoor pools, steam rooms and the famous whirlpool. Go early for quieter pools, or later for the lively atmosphere.  Get more info here

 

Segway Tour of Budapest 

A fun, fast-paced way for teens and young adults to explore without long walks. The perfect activity for city-break travellers who want to see more in less time. See the tour we did here

 

Cinema Mystica – Immersive Light Museum 

 A favourite with teens and young adults thanks to the glowing rooms, neon worlds and interactive photo spots. Perfect for content creators and those who love alternative art. Find tickets here

 

Ice Skating at City Park (Winter Only) 

 This is an iconic Budapest experience - and honestly one of the most Instagrammable winter activities in Europe. Young adults love the atmosphere, music and neon-lit rink. 

 

Fisherman’s Bastion at Sunrise 

 A classic young adult bucket-list moment. Arrive early for atmospheric photos, empty archways, and incredible city views. 

 

 Budapest’s Ruin Bars (Adults 18+) 

For young adults over 18, the ruin bar district is a must - a mix of art, antiques, neon, and quirky bars you won’t see anywhere else.

Is Budapest Good for Young Adults, Teens and Kids?

Absolutely! Budapest is one of Europe’s best-value cities for young adults and teenagers - offering nightlife, immersive experiences, thermal spas, river cruises, quirky cafés, and Instagrammable views at every turn. Whether your teens love adrenaline activities, photography spots, nightlife vibes, or cool immersive art, Budapest delivers plenty of fun, safe and affordable things to do. 

Check Out Our other Teen & Young Adult Travel Guides

10 things to do in Paris with teens

8 Things to do in London with Kids This Christmas 2025

Ah, Christmas in London! The city transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland, packed full of family-friendly festive events, Christmas days out and magical things to do in London with kids. 

If you’re searching for the best Christmas events in London for families in 2025, you’re in the right place! From dazzling Christmas lights seen from an open-top bus to ice skating under the stars, this guide brings you the top kid-friendly Christmas activities in London that parents love too. 

Whether you’re planning a festive day trip, a weekend in the city or looking for ideas for where to take the kids in London at Christmas, here are eight brilliant Christmas events guaranteed to make magical memories. 

Things to do in London this Christmas with kids

Just a friendly heads-up, this may contain affiliate links which doesn't effect the price you pay, but helps us maintain this site and bring you great deals.

10 Things to this Christmas in London for Kids

1. Harry Potter- 'Hogwarts in the Snow' at Warner Bros. Studios with Bus from London

festive things to do in London with kids
festive things to do in London with kids
festive things to do in London with kids
  • From 15th Nov '25-18th Jan '26
  • Open Daily Times Vary
  • Ad. £135, 5+ £130, 3-4 YRS £45
  • From Central London SW1W 9TP
  • Nearest Underground: Victoria

Between 16th November and 19th January, you can experience a very ‘Harry Christmas’ at the Studio Tour during Hogwarts in the Snow, the most magical time of year, when iconic Harry Potter sets are dressed for the festive season in a blanket of filmmaking snow.

Enter the Great Hall, bedecked in the gold decorations from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, you’ll find a mouth-watering banquet of roast potatoes, peas, turkeys, and puddings aflame set up as it was to celebrate the end-of-term feast at Hogwarts.

Christmas trees will tower over you in the Great Hall topped by authentic flying witches and inviting fireplaces will be adorned with festive holly, mistletoe, and wreaths.

The Hogwarts in the Snow experience is included within the general entry ticket for the Warner Bros. Studos Tour.  

Transport from central London is also included in the tour price.

Images Copyright of Warner Brothers

Click here for More Info

2. Christmas at LEGOLAND® Resort Windsor

legoland christmas
christmas in london with kids 2024
  • 23rd Nov 25' - 3rd Jan 26'
  • See Calendar via link
  • From £32pp
  • Windsor SL4 4AY.
  • Nearest Station: Windsor & Eton

Enjoy a festive family day out, whilst building lifetime memories with your little elves.   

Start your day by snapping an (s)elfie in front of the giant DUPLO® Christmas Tree - the perfect spot to capture a family photo for the Christmas card. 

If your little elves love discovery, then visit Miniland, where there will be lots of festive scenes hidden – don’t forget to write down your findings in your very own Jolly Journal!

Don’t miss the live entertainment, Christmas singalongs, characters to meet, plus a selection of awesome rides and attractions to enjoy. 

The Christmas experiences are included in the normal admission ticket from 23rd November.

Opening times for Legoland are various weekends in November and early December, then it is open daily from 15th December. 

Please note tickets to meet Santa are at an additional cost. 

Images Copyright of LEGOLAND® Resort Windsor.  

Click here for More Info
hotels in london

3. Christmas Lights by Night Open-Top Bus Tour

Things to do in London this Christmas with kids
Christmas London Lights Tour
8 Christmas Events in London Families will Love!
  • From 11th Nov 2025
  • Various times each evening
  • From £22
  • London Eye/Green Park/Victoria
  • Nearest Station: Waterloo

Catch a sparkling glimpse of Christmassy London with an open-top bus tour. See some of its most famous neighborhoods and landmarks, all done up for the festive season.

Make it a memorable Christmas with a festive tour of London’s top attractions. 

A top of  an open double-decker bus, you’ll have the best seats in the house for savouring panoramic views of the glowing streets. 

Watch the city light up when the sun goes down, and see how London does Christmas. Set off from the illuminated London Eye, and onto the iconic Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Marvel at the exquisite displays on Regent Street and Oxford Circus. 

See one of the tallest Christmas trees in the city at Trafalgar Square and pass by Buckingham Palace. Cruise through the winding streets of London and feel dazzled by the merry décor. Learn some jolly facts about each location with your live tour guide.

Images Copyright of Get Your Guide 

Click here for more info

4. Ice Skating at Hyde Park

christmas london kids 2024

Glide into the festive season on the UK’s largest open-air ice rink. Trade in your shoes for skates and enjoy the fan-favourite attraction, set under a canopy of twinkly lights and around the charming Victorian bandstand in Hyde Park. 

  • 14th Nov 25' - 1st Jan 26'
  • Daily 10am-10pm
  • Hyde Park
  • From £8.50
  • Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner

Ice skating is the perfect festive activity to kick off your experience at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland whether you’re there for first dates, play dates or with your best mates.

Each ice skating session will last 45 minutes.

Skates are included in the ticket price and available in minimum children’s size 8, maximum adult’s size 13 (Limited supply of skate size 14/15 available).

This activity is also wheelchair accessible.

Images Copyright of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

 

Click here for more Info

5. Christmas at Kew Gardens

Christmas things to do in London with kids
  • 14 Nov 25' - 4 Jan 26'
  • 4.20pm-10:00pm
  • From £27.50 for non-members
  • Kew Gardens
  • Nearest Tube: Kew Gardens

As one of the UK’s leading and most acclaimed illuminated trails, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year. 

It’s a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. 

Images Copyright of Kew Gardens 

Click here for more info

6. Christmas at the London Transport Museum

Things happening in London this Christmas for Kids
  • 27th Nov 24' - 23 Dec 25'
  • Various Times
  • From £1
  • Convent Gdn Plaza, WC2E 7BB
  • Nearest Tube: Convent Garden

Children will love climbing aboard the Routemaster-inspired sleigh in the twinkling winter wonderland to flash the headlights, ring the bell and set the Christmas cheer-o-meter!

They are also running a range of exciting family activities right through to the New Year. 

Cosy up for Christmas stories in the den, get creative with holiday crafts inspired by wintery posters from their collection, and weave through the galleries following a story trail. 

All festive family activities are included for free with your tickets - and kids go free!

Images Copyright of London Transport Museum.

Click here for more info

7. Visit a Traditional Pantomine

Things to do in London this Christmas with kids visit a pantomime
  • 6 Dec 25'- 11 Jan 26'
  • Various Times
  • From £39.50
  • Argyll St, W1F 7TF
  • Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus

Don’t miss the London Palladium's pantomine for Christmas 2025 -Sleeping Beauty.

Expect laughs, music, special effect and some big names in the line up.

Featuring Catherine Tate and Julian Clary, this will sell out.

Click here for more info

8. The Snowman™ Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

  • 22 Nov 25'- 4 Jan 26'
  • Various Times
  • From £34
  • Aldwych, WC2B 4DD 
  • Nearest Tube: Covent Garden

Step aboard the magical Snowman™ Afternoon Tea Bus and enjoy a festive sightseeing tour of London inspired by Raymond Briggs’ classic tale. This cosy one-hour experience blends an indulgent Christmas afternoon tea with the sparkle of London’s festive lights. 

Guests can tuck into Snowman™-themed treats, including cupcakes, finger sandwiches, traditional scones and Snowball truffles, all while sipping hot chocolate, tea, or a deluxe marshmallow-topped upgrade. 

Choose a departure from the London Eye or Aldwych and enjoy views of Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Regent Street’s iconic angels. Christmas carols and music from The Snowman™ play softly throughout, making it an enchanting choice for families, especially younger children. 

Make a full day of it and book tickets for 'The Snowman Live' from just £20. You can find theatre tickets here

Click here for more info
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That's a Wrap!

As the festive season sparkles into full swing, London becomes the ultimate playground for families, packed with Christmas events, shows, lights trails and things to do with kids in London at Christmas. 

Whether you’re hunting for family-friendly Christmas days out, wondering what’s on in London for kids between Christmas and New Year, or simply want to soak up the festive atmosphere, there’s something for every age and budget. 

From open-top bus light tours to pantomimes, ice skating, and magical winter trails, these Christmas London activities for kids will help you plan an unforgettable festive trip. So wrap up warm, grab the hot chocolate, and get ready to make Christmas 2025 in London extra special! 

24 Christmas Extreme Day Trips from London Airport

Christmas Markets Extreme Day Trips from London

Looking for an epic ‘Extreme Day Trip’ from London this Christmas without breaking the bank? 

We’ve rounded up some of the best extreme days out you can take this Christmas.

What's more, they're all on a Saturday or Sunday, requiring no annual leave!

Christmas Markets Extreme Day Trips from London Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Heathrow

Think of it as an affordable Christmas break- a whirlwind adventure that fits into a single day. From sunrise flights to late-night returns, these trips let you explore more for less.

With cheap flights from London and smart booking tricks, you can pack in a full travel experience without an overnight stay.

Want the full list? Read the full article and start planning your next extreme day trip from London!

Scroll further down and you’ll find our full guide to planning your next Extreme Day Trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and to keep the website going. 

All prices are checked and correct at time of posting this article but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to copy over details- please double check all dates and times before booking. 

Our Best Extreme Day Trips from London this winter!

Sat 6th Dec

️ London Stansted  
🇩🇪 FRANKFURT  

£52 per person

See The Flights

Sat 6th Dec

️ London Stansted  
🇩🇪 BADEN-BADEN

£57 per person

See the Flights

Sat 6th Dec

️ London Stansted 
🇩🇪 BERLIN

£108 per person

See the Flights

Sat 6th Dec

London Stansted  
🇱🇺 LUXEMBOURG

£44 per person

See the Flights
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Sat 6th Dec

London Stansted  
🇵🇱 GDANSK

£58 per person

See the Flights

 

Sat 6th Dec

London Stansted
TIRANA

£43 per person

See the Flights

Sat 6th Dec

London Stansted  
🇮🇹 MILAN  

£36 per person

See the Flights

Sun 7th Dec

London Gatwick 
🇮🇹 MILAN

£49 per person

See the Flights

Sun 7th Dec

London Stansted

  🇩🇪 FRANKFURT

£100 per person

See the Flights

Sun 7th Dec

London Stansted  

🇩🇪 NUREMBERG

£80 per person

See the Flights

Sun 7th Dec

London Stansted

Kaunas, Lithuania

£35 per person

See the Flights

Sun 7th Dec

London Gatwick 

🇨🇭 ZURICH  

£112 per person

See the flights
Disneyland Paris at Christmas one day trip to disneyland paris one day itinerary disneyland paris
read our guide on extreme day trips from the UK

Sat 13th Dec

️ London Stansted  

🇩🇪 FRANKFURT  

£86 per person

See the Flights

Sat 13th Dec

London Stansted  

🇩🇪 GDANSK 

£76 per person

See the flights

Sat 13th Dec

London Stansted  

🇩🇪 BADEN BADEN 

£59 per person

See the Flights

Sat 13th Dec

London Stansted  

LUXENBOURG

£57 per person

See the flights

Sat 13th Dec

London Stansted  

🇩🇰 COPENHAGEN  

£106 per person

See The Flights

Sat 13th Dec

️ London Gatwick  

🇫🇷 PARIS 

£105 per person

See the Flights

Sun 14th Dec

London Stansted

🇮🇹 MILAN 

£40 per person

See the Flights

Sun 14th Dec

️ London Gatwick 

🇮🇹 VENICE 

£83 per person

See the flights

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📆 Sun 14th Dec - Frankfurt

London Stansted 

🇩🇪 FRANKFURT 

£107 per person

See The Flights

📆 Sun 14th Dec - Barcelona

London Gatwick

BARCELONA

£87 per person

See the flights

📆 Sun 14th Dec - Venice

London Gatwick

VENICE

£85 per person

See the flights

📆 Sun 14th Dec - Gdansk

London Stansted

GDANSK

£99 per person

See the flights

Build a Break Ltd provides information only and is not liable for bookings, payments, or any issues arising. Please ensure you read all terms and conditions with suppliers before proceeding.

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Bernina Express 2nd Class vs Regional Train: Which Is Better From Chur to Tirano?

Bernina Express 2nd Class vs Regional Train: Which Is Better From Chur to Tirano?

Riding the Bernina railway from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, is one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys. But one question we always get asked, "is it worth extra to ride the Bernina Express as opposed to the regional red train?"

Both trains travel along the same stunning UNESCO World Heritage route through the Alps, crossing dramatic viaducts, tunnels, and high mountain passes. However there are some major differences.

 

Bernina Express Route Map

 

In this post, we’ll break down the differences between 2nd class Bernina Express carriages and the regional/local trains, including costs, comfort, photography, and flexibility, so you can decide which option is right for you.

 

What Is the Bernina Express (2nd Class)?

 

The Bernina Express is a tourist-focused panoramic train designed for travellers seeking a smooth, scenic experience. Here’s what 2nd class offers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bernina Express Panoramic Carriage
Bernina Express Panoramic Carriage

Overall, the Bernina Express is ideal if you want a structured, premium scenic experience without worrying about train changes.

 

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What Is the Regional Red Train?

The regional or “Red” trains are the local services used by residents, but they also follow much of the same Bernina route.

Key features:

 

 

 

 

 

'The Red Train' Carriage

Regional trains are perfect if you value flexibility, lower cost, or want to explore intermediate stops, but they may feel less “special” than the Express.

 

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature Bernina Express 2nd Class Regional / Red Train
View / Windows Panoramic with roll-down doors for glare-free photography Standard; windows openable for photos
Seat reservation Mandatory (CHF 36 supplement) Not required
Total cost (Chur → Tirano) ~CHF 102 ~CHF 66
Stops / journey flow Limited stops, continuous ride Stops at all stations; may require changes
Frequency Few departures per day Hourly or near-hourly
Photography Roll-down windows reduce glare Openable windows, flexible photo opportunities
Ambience Tourist / scenic experience Local / basic but still scenic

 

Bernina Express 2nd Class – Pros & Cons

 

Pros:

 

Bernina Express: Our Train Trip from Switzerland to Italy
Bernina Express

 

Cons:

 

Regional Train – Pros & Cons

 

Pros:

 

Cons:

 

The Red Regional Train

 

Photography: Which Train Gives Better Views?

While the Bernina Express is marketed as a panoramic scenic train, many travellers overlook the glare issue from sealed 1st class windows. In contrast, 2nd class carriages have roll-down windows at the doors, which allow glare-free photographs - a big bonus if capturing the mountains and viaducts is a priority.

 

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Regional trains can also be excellent for photos, particularly on carriages where windows open or on less crowded trains where you can move around freely.

 

Cost & Travel Style Comparison

 

 

The Express is a premium experience at a modest extra cost, while the regional train offers budget-friendly flexibility.

 

 

So, Which Should You Choose?

 

Choose the Bernina Express if you want a smooth, immersive scenic ride, guaranteed seating, and panoramic windows for photography. Perfect for those on a fixed schedule or who value comfort and continuity.

Choose the regional train if you want flexible timing, cheaper fares, and the ability to stop along the way. Great for travellers who don’t mind a slightly longer journey or hopping trains to explore villages.

Please note: The Bernina Express does stop for 20 minutes at the peak, to allow you to get out and stretch your legs, along with the chance to take some amazing photos.

 

Bernina Express Route
The Summit- Bernina Express

 

Pro tip: Some travellers ride the Bernina Express in one direction and return via regional trains to enjoy both experiences.

Both trains travel the same breathtaking route from Chur to Tirano, so you really can’t go wrong. Your choice depends on budget, schedule, and how you want to experience the journey.

For us personally, the price difference isn't significant enough to opt for the regional train over the Bernina Express. For most people, a trip on this route, is one they'll never do again, so is worth paying the extra 36 CHF (£34/$45).

 

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10 Halloween Events in London Families will Love!

Hey there, little goblins and ghouls! As the leaves turn golden and the air gets a bit crisper, London transforms into a mystical playground for families seeking thrills during Halloween in London 2025! 

This October Half Term, get ready to dive into a bewitching blend of laughter, chills, and magical moments that your little monsters will cherish forever. Whether you're on the hunt for adrenaline-pumping Halloween events in London or charming activities tucked away in the city's nooks, we’ve got you covered with a treasure trove of family-friendly fun. 

Grab your London Halloween tickets and prepare to embark on a hair-raising adventure featuring everything from spooky storytelling to spine-tingling attractions designed to make your Halloween in London unforgettable. 

Things to do in London for Halloween with kids 2025 Halloween events 2025 London

Dust off your costumes, gather your mini witches and wizards, and join us as we explore the best things to do for Halloween in London 2025 with kids! Your ultimate guide to delightfully frightful family fun awaits, filled with enchanting experiences and bone-rattling excitement.

Who knows? You might even catch a glimpse of a ghost or two along the way! Let's get this Halloween party started! 

Screenshot_20240923_140140_Canva

10 Things to this Halloween in London for Kids

1. Harry Potter- The Dark Arts at Warner Bros. Studios

Things to do for Halloween in London
Things to do for Halloween in London Harry Potter Studios Dark Arts
Halloween at Harry Potter Studios London
  • From 12th Sept-9th Nov 2025
  • Open Daily 9.30am-8pm
  • Children £130 & Adults £135
  • From Central London SW1W 9SZ
  • Nearest Underground: Victoria

Between 12th September and 9th November, Harry Potter Studios transforms in to a spookier setting as they dim the lights and set the stage especially for Hallowe’en.

'Dark Arts' will takeover the Great Hall ceiling decorated with over 100 floating pumpkins as well as a Hallowe’en feast of lollipops and red apples dressed along the tables. 

Follow the Dark Mark trail, try your wand combat moves against Death Eaters in a live duel as they storm the Studio Tour, all before walking down a darker Platform 9 ¾ and a spookier Diagon Alley.

The Dark Arts experience is included within the general entry ticket for the Warner Bros. Studos Tour.  

Transport from central London is also included in the tour price.

Images Copyright of Warner Brothers & Get Your Guide 

Click here for More Info

2. Brick or Treat- LEGOLAND® resort windsor

London Halloween Tickets 2025 what do for halloween in london
Halloween events in London
London Halloween Tickets 2025
  • From 4th Oct- 1st Nov 2025
  • Daily 10am-5pm (6pm W/E)
  • From £34pp
  • Winkfield Road, Windsor SL4 4AY.
  • Nearest Station: Windsor & Eton Central

The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is once again hosting BRICK OR TREAT - where the LEGO® Monsters are taking over and throwing a Monster Party to celebrate their favourite time of the year!

Join LEGOLAND® for an unforgettable celebration with the return of the fangtastic Monster Street, the thrilling Monster Jam Show at the Heartlake City Harbour, and a special invitation from Lord Vampyre himself to explore the Haunted House Monster Party – get ready for the most frightfully fun ride of your life! 

The Halloween experiences are included in the normal admission ticket between the 4th October-1st Nov 2025. 

Images Copyright of LEGOLAND® Resort Windsor.  

Click here for More Info

3. Howl'o'Ween!- Chessington World of Adventures

Halloween in London for Families
Halloween in London for Families
Halloween in London for Families
  • 4-5, 11-12, 18 Oct - 2 Nov 2025
  • Sat 10am-6pm/Sun 10am-5pm
  • From £32pp
  • Surrey KT9 2NE
  • Nearest Station: Chessington South Station

Celebrate the spookiest time of the year with Halloween fun for families of all ages. 

Things are getting spooky once again with spellbinding Halloween entertainment, the return of Enchanted Hollow – Trick or Treat*, theme park rides at dusk and Halloween fancy dress competitions.

Whether you’re planning an Autumnal weekend day out or during October Half Term school holidays you’ll have an unforgettable wild adventure. Enjoy everything Howl’o’ween has to offer.

Separate Ticket Required 

Images Copyright of Chessington World of Adventures.  

Click here for more info

4. 50 Years of Scares- London Dungeon

London Halloween
London Halloween Tickets 2024
Things to do for Halloween in London
  • 18th Oct-3rd Nov 2025
  • Daily 11am-5pm
  • Children £29.50, Adults £35
  • Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB
  • Nearest Underground: Waterloo

This Halloween, the London Dungeon is brewing up a devilishly good time as they celebrate 50 Years of Scares!

The London Dungeon invites daring souls to step into our Victorian Medium’s shadowy parlour for an unprecedented séance experience like never before.

For half a century, the Dungeon has been London's spine-chilling hot spot, and this October, they're raising the scare factor to new heights. 

Join them for a chilling blend of terrifying thrills, and eerie encounters. It's their birthday, but you’ll be the one receiving the fright of your life!

Halloween awaits... have you got what it takes?

Images Copyright of London Dungeons

Click here for more info
hotels in london

5. Witches and History Bankside Walking Tour

unique things to do for Halloween in London
unique things to do for Halloween in London
  • All Year Round
  • Various Times
  • Adults £18 & Children £16
  • The Southwark Viewpoint, SE1 9DF
  • Nearest Underground: Waterloo
Halloween witches London

Join your characterful witch guide and hear the true historical tales of suspected London witches across the ages. 

Witness fascinating pieces of London history along the way too; hear secrets of Southwark Cathedral, The Golden Hinde, The Globe Theatre, Millennium Bridge and so very much more await on this character led walking tour.

Images Copyright of Get Your Guide

Click here for more info

6. Comedy Horror Ghost Tour on a Bus

Things to do in October Half term in London
Things to do in October Half term in London
Things to do in October Half term in London
  • All Year Round
  • Various Times Per Day
  • Adults £28 & Children £19
  • Northumberland Ave, WC2N 5BY,
  • Nearest Underground: Charing Cross

All aboard the omnibus for a ride around the dark side of London. Rising from the ashes of a factory fire, the Necrobus is here to creep you out.

On-board actors and technical trickery are combined to create the scariest tour in town. A creepy conductor provides the commentary for this sinister sightseeing show, revealing haunted palaces, unmarked burial grounds, and old skeletons in the capital’s closet.

Images Copyright of Get Your Guide 

Click here for more info

7. Belgravia Pumpkin Trail

Things to do in London this Halloween Belgravia Pumpkin Trail
Things to do in Belgravia for Halloween
  • Check the Site for Dates
  • Check Site for Event Times
  • Free
  • Belgravia
  • Nearest Underground: Victoria

Belgravia is being transformed into a spooky enclave for Halloween with a slew of blood-curdling activities, from spine-chilling biscuit decorating to pumpkin-spice lattes, autumn cupcakes to Instagrammable displays.

Just a short stroll from Victoria, Sloane Square and Knightsbridge tube stations, beautiful Belgravia is in the heart of central London. Here’s our roundup of the spookiest things to do for Halloween in Belgravia.

Images Copyright of Belgravia London.

Click here for more info

8. Hair-Raising Halloween at Hyde Park

Half term London
Half term London
Halloween Events in London for Families this October Half Term 2025
  • 29th-31st October 2025
  • 11.30am-3.30pm
  • Free
  • Hyde Park, NW1
  • Nearest Underground: Marble Arch

Join in with a host of free activities available this Halloween at Hyde Park. 

Available between 11-3.30pm, with last entry at 3pm, you can take part in a host of free creepy crawly Autumn and Halloween-themed activities including:

  • Investigating ‘feely boxes’ in the Witches' Den
  • Exploring a hair-raising nature trail, discovering fascinating facts along the way
  • Learning about the bats in The Royal Parks
  • Listening to a spooky story!
 

Reserve your place online today!

Images Copyright of Royal Parks 

Click here for more info

9. Halloween at Kew

halloween at kew gardens london 2025
Screenshot 2025 08 27 at 17 40 48 Halloween at Kew Kew
Screenshot 2025 08 27 at 17 41 27 Halloween at Kew Kew
  • 17 October - 2 November 2025
  • Times Vary
  • £19.50-£22.50 depending on date
  • Entrances at Elizabeth Gate and Brentford Gate only
  • Nearest Underground: Kew Bridge

Discover a thrilling after dark Halloween trail full of hidden surprises.

This October, Kew Gardens will transform once more into a ghostly, glowing adventure, brought to you by the producers of Christmas at Kew. 

As night falls over the Gardens, explore one of London’s best Halloween events with this eerie illuminated trail.

Watch out for tricks in the forgotten fairground and beware the monsters lurking in Frankenstein’s laboratory. As you wind through the haunted woods, be careful of giant spiders waiting in creepy cobwebs, ghastly ghouls and wicked witches.

Images Copyright of Kew Gardens

Click here for more info

9. Discover the Spooky Side of London Zoo

london zoo penguins and pumpkins halloween 2025 events for kids
london zoo halloween 2025 in london
Screenshot 2025 08 27 at 18 03 05 Boo at the Zoo Halloween Family Fun London Zoo
  • 19 October - 3 November 2025
  • Times Vary
  • As little as £3 for those on Universal Credit
  • Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY.
  • Nearest Underground: Camden Town

Enjoy a family Halloween adventure at Boo at the Zoo this October half term.

  • Extinct Species Graveyard: Stop by the eerie graveyard of animal species that are no longer with us and learn how to prevent extinctions from happening in the future.
  • Pumpkin Patch: Explore our pumpkin patch, where you can choose your own pumpkin while capturing memories at our various photo opportunity points. Why not stay and get creative by painting your own spooky pumpkin.
  • And much more too!

 

Images Copyright of London Zoo

Click here for more info

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12 of The Best Extreme Day Trips from Bristol Airport

Looking epic ‘Extreme Day Trips’ from Bristol Airport without breaking the bank? 

We've still rounded up 12 of the best extreme day trips from Bristol airport you can take this June, all for under £100 per person! 

 

bristol extreme day trips travel guide days our from Bristol

With cheap flights from Bristol and smart booking tricks, you can pack in a full travel experience without an overnight stay.

Think of it as an affordable mini break- a whirlwind adventure that fits into a single day. From sunrise flights to late-night returns, these trips let you explore more for less.

Want the full list? Read the full article and start planning your next extreme day trip!

Don't forget to take a look at our guide to planning your next Extreme Day Trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and to keep the website going. 

All prices are checked and correct at time of posting this article but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to copy over details- please double check all dates and times before booking. 

Our Best Extreme Day Trips from Bristol Airport this June

2nd June- Dublin

(Monday)

Outbound: 7:40am- 8:45am

Inbound: 8:00pm-9:05pm 

£80 per person

More Info

3rd June- Krakow

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 5:55am- 9:20am

Inbound: 9:30pm-11:10pm 

£74 per person

More Info

4th June-Alicante


(Wednesday)

Outbound: 8:05am- 11:35am

Inbound: 9:00pm-10:35pm 

£98 per person

More Info

5th June- Copenhagen

(Thursday)

Outbound: 8:55am- 11:50am

Inbound: 9:50pm-10:55pm 

£79 per person

More Info
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an extreme day trip to Iceland with teens one day trip to Iceland sky lagoon, iceland 1 day itinerary

7th June- Dublin

(Saturday)

Outbound: 7:00am- 8:05am

Inbound: 10:30pm-11:35pm 

£29 per person

More Info

10th June- Nice

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 6:30am- 9:35am

Inbound: 11:05pm-12:10am 

£95 per person

More Info

11th June- Palma


(Wednesday)

Outbound: 7:30am- 10:55am

Inbound: 8:20pm-9:50pm 

£69 per person

More Info

12th June- Copenhagen

(Thursday )

Outbound: 8:55am- 11:50am

Inbound: 9:50pm-10:55pm 

£69 per person

More Info

Explore Things to do in Dublin

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14th June- Dublin

(Saturday)

Outbound: 7:00am- 8:05am

Inbound: 10:30pm-11:35pm 

£46 per person

More Info

16th June- Madrid

(Monday)

Outbound: 8:05am- 11:20am

Inbound: 9:45pm-11:00pm 

£76 per person

More Info

17th June- Lanzarote

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 6:05am- 10:05am

Inbound: 9:25pm-1:10am 

£91 per person

More Info

23rd June-Paris

(Monday)

Outbound: 7:15am- 9:35am

Inbound: 10:00pm-10:20pm 

£94 per person

More Info
Disneyland Paris at Christmas one day trip to disneyland paris one day itinerary disneyland paris
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12 of The Best Extreme Day Trips from Leeds Bradford Airport

Looking for an epic ‘Extreme Day Trip’ from Leeds Bradford Airport this June, without breaking the bank? 

We’ve rounded up a selection of the best extreme day trips you can take in June, all for under £100 per person! 

Leeds Bradford extreme day trips day trips from leeds bradford airport

With cheap flights from Leeds Bradford and smart booking tricks, you can pack in a full travel experience without an overnight stay.

Think of it as an affordable mini- break- a whirlwind adventure that fits into a single day. From sunrise flights to late-night returns, these trips let you explore more for less.

Want the full list? Read the full article and start planning your next extreme day trip!

Don't forget to check out our full guide to planning your next Extreme Day Trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and to keep the website going. 

All prices are checked and correct at time of posting this article but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to copy over details- please double check all dates and times before booking. 

Our Best Extreme Day Trips from Leeds Bradford Airport this June

1st June- Dublin

(Sunday)

Outbound: 8:55am- 9:55am

Inbound: 7:15pm-8:15pm 

£45 per person

More Info

5th June- Belfast

(Thursday)

Outbound: 8:30am- 9:40am

Inbound: 8:30pm-9:25pm 

£67 per person

More Info
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7th June- Gdansk

(Saturday)

Outbound: 8:00am- 11:10am

Inbound: 7:55pm-9:15pm 

£74 per person

More Info

8th June- Dublin

(Sunday)

Outbound: 8:55am- 9:55am

Inbound: 7:15pm-8:15pm 

£53 per person

More Info
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14th June- Gdansk

(Saturday)

Outbound: 8:00am- 11:10am

Inbound: 7:55pm-9:15pm 

£87 per person

More Info

15th June- Dublin

(Sunday)

Outbound: 8:55am- 9:55am

Inbound: 7:15pm-8:15pm 

£59 per person

More Info

16th June- Palma

(Monday)

Outbound: 8:15am- 11:55am

Inbound: 10:05pm-11:55pm 

£84 per person

More Info

19th June- Dublin

(Thursday)

Outbound: 7:45am- 8:45am

Inbound: 8:50pm-9:50pm 

£28 per person

More Info

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21st June- Gdansk

(Saturday)

Outbound: 8:00am- 11:10am

Inbound: 7:55pm-9:15pm 

£53 per person

More Info

24th June- Malaga

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 8:15am- 12:15pm

Inbound: 9:15pm-11:15pm 

£85 per person

More Info

28th June- Gdansk

(Saturday)

Outbound: 8:00am- 11:10am

Inbound: 7:55pm-9:15pm 

£58 per person

More Info

28th June- Dublin

(Saturday)

Outbound: 7:35am- 8:35am

Inbound: 9:55pm-10:55pm 

£48 per person

More Info
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Extreme day trips from Leeds Bradford Airport, Extreme Day Trips from Leeds Airport, How to take an extreme day trip from Leeds, How to take an extreme day trip from Bradford, Cheap flights from Leeds, Cheap flights from Leeds Bradford.  

The Best Extreme Day Trips from Birmingham & East Midlands

Looking for an epic ‘Extreme Day Trip’ from Birmingham or East Midlands Airport, without breaking the bank? 

We’ve rounded up a selection of best extreme day trips you can take this June, all for under £100 per person! 

extreme day trips from birmingham and East Midlands day our extreme trip cheap flights easter april

With cheap flights from Birmingham & East Midlands airports and smart booking tricks, you can pack in a full travel experience without an overnight stay.

Think of it as an affordable mini break- a whirlwind adventure that fits into a single day. From sunrise flights to late-night returns, these trips let you explore more for less.

Want the full list? Read the full article and start planning your next extreme day trip!

Don't forget to check out our full guide to planning your next Extreme Day Trip, packed with top tips.

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and to keep the website going. 

All prices are checked and correct at time of posting this article but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to copy over details- please double check all dates and times before booking. 

Our Best Extreme Day Trips from Birmingham & East Midlands this June!

3rd June- Dublin
From Birmingham

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 5:55am- 7:00am

Inbound: 10:55pm-11:55pm 

£26 per person

More Info

3rd June- Malaga
From East Midlands

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 9:40am- 1:35pm

Inbound: 10:25pm-12.15am 

£85 per person

More Info

5th June- Barcelona
From East Midlands

(Thursday)

Outbound: 5:50am- 9:05am

Inbound: 11:20pm-12:45am 

£97 per person

More Info

10th June- Alicante
From East Midlands

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 9:40am- 1:35pm

Inbound: 10:25pm-12:15am 

£94 per person

More Info
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10th June- Malaga
From Birmingham

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 10:10am- 2:00pm

Inbound: 10:20pm-12:15am 

£69 per person

More Info

10th June-Dusseldorf
from Birmingham

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 7:45am- 10:00am

Inbound: 6:50pm-7:15pm 

£97 per person

More Info

13th June- Palma
From East Midlands

(Friday)

Outbound: 5:45am- 9:10am

Inbound: 10:55pm-12:30am 

£56 per person

More Info

23rd June- Malaga
From East Midlands

(Monday)

Outbound: 7:50am- 11:45am

Inbound: 9:40pm-11:30pm 

£83 per person

More Info
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24th June- Alicante
From East Midlands

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 8:45am- 12:25pm

Inbound: 9:05pm-10:45pm 

£91 per person

More Info

24th June- Malaga
From East Midlands

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 9:40am- 1:35pm

Inbound: 10:25pm-12:15am 

£92 per person

More Info

24th June- Dublin
From East Midlands

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 8:00am- 9:05am

Inbound: 6:00pm-7:05pm 

£32 per person

More Info

25th June- Alicante
From East Midlands

(Wednesday)

Outbound: 7:00am- 10:40am

Inbound: 9:10pm-10:50pm 

£78 per person

More Info
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26th June- Barcelona
From East Midlands

(Thursday)

Outbound: 5:50am- 9:05am

Inbound: 11:20pm-12:45am 

£53 per person

More Info

26th June- Dublin
From East Midlands

(Thursday)

Outbound: 6:00am- 7:05am

Inbound: 11:50pm-12:55am 

£28 per person

More Info
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Is Duinrell Worth it? Our Review of Amsterdam with Kids

As a family of six, over recent years we've become big fans of European Campsite holidays.

Not only are they great value, but they are often near cities, and provide endless entertainment for kids and teens. 

As parents we enjoy sitting out on the deck at night with a wine, knowing the kids are safe, and having a great time too.

Many of the sites are possible to reach without driving, which is a major plus point for us. We live in the north of England and flights are often more cost effective than driving.

all about me a travel blogger on Italy and Calabria

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Is Duinrell Worth It?

If you’re planning a family trip to the Netherlands, you’ve probably come across Duinrell Holiday Park. But one question keeps popping up- is Duinrell worth it? Short answer: yes. But let me show you exactly why.

This guide to Duinrell Holiday Park covers everything you need to know before you go. From the epic indoor and outdoor pools to the onsite theme park and charming local town, here’s my honest Duinrell review. But first we'll start with some practical details.

Is Duinrell Worth it? Our Review of Amsterdam with Kids

Where is Duinrell?

Duinrell is located in Wassenaar, a small town near The Hague in the Netherlands. The site is around a 40 minute drive from Amsterdam.

How to Get to Duinrell

Duinrell by Car

From the UK, you can take the overnight ferry from Harwich or Newcastle to the Hook of Holland.  There are regularly offers from around £69pp and this includes your cabin for the night, and space on board for your car.

From the ferry port, Duinrell is just a 40 minute drive (35km).

Duinrell by Plane

Alternatively for those wishing to visit Duinrell without a car, you can fly to Amsterdam Schiphol airport and then take a taxi, or private transfer to Duinrell.

Duinrell is a 25 min drive from the airport (34km). A bolt taxi will cost you around €88 each way. 

We would recommend taking taxi rather than public transport, especially with luggage. There's quite a few changes via bus and train to reach Duinrell from the airport. 

If you do want to take public transport to the site, then take a train to Leiden, then hop on a short local bus (Bus 43 or 44) that drops you right at Duinrell’s entrance. 

eurocamp duinrell review frog ride at theme park

Duinrell Tikibad Waterpark

One of Duinrell’s biggest draws is the Tikibad waterpark- the largest indoor waterpark in the Benelux area. It’s packed with 21 slides slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and splash zones for little ones. The indoor pool is a lifesaver on rainy days or when you just want to chill in warm water.

There’s also a fab outdoor pool, open in the warmer months, with a beach-style layout, sunbeds, and shallow splash areas. You could easily spend entire days here, especially if your kids are water babies. The outdoor pool is only open to park guests. 

On our trip we preferred the outdoor pools, as the weather was fabulous and it seemed a shame being stuck inside (plus they were cheaper).

It's worth noting that all children under 120cm must wear swim aids, whether they can swim or not. Children over 120cm must hold a swimming certificate or be able to demonstrate they can confidently swim. The lifeguards will check, and you will be sent back to reception to purchase  suitable arm bands or a vest if needed. 

Access to Tikibad depends on how you book. If you book direct with Duinrell, you get free pool access. If you book through Eurocamp, you’ll need to pay a discounted fee to swim, so remember to work this in to your holiday budget. 

The cost of swimming for camping guests is currently €8.50pp for the inside pools and €5 for the outdoor. If you're staying a week, and have children who want to swim daily, this can add up,. Remember to compare Eurocamp vs Duinrell direct prices before deciding who to book with.

For us, having to pay to access the pools seemed unusual in comparison to other campsites we've visited, where swimming is always included. However, the Tikibad is on another level to other sites,  so it seemed justified.

Duinrell Tikibad outdoor swimming pool slides

Free Theme Park Access for All Guests

Another huge bonus of staying here? The theme park is right inside the holiday park, and all guests get free access- even those staying with Eurocamp.

The park has over 40 attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and gentle options for younger children. It’s not as polished as Disney or Efteling, but it has a real charm, and there’s something brilliant about being able to walk back to your caravan for lunch or a nap and head back in later.

The theme park is literally next to the accommodation, so no having to leave the site to get to it. We were lucky in that our caravan was right next to the entrance. 

For families with kids of mixed ages, the flexibility is a dream. No queues to get in, no stress over getting your money’s worth- you’re already in and can ride an unlimited amount of time!

We made so much use of this, and let me tell you, when it was really hot we quite often nipped out to ride the log flume just to cool down!

Duinrell is the perfect Eurocamp for teens as well as smaller kids, as there are thrill rides and pools with amazing slides, that will appeal to older ones.

Is Duinrell Worth it? Our Review of Amsterdam with Kids
Duinrell theme park amusement park rides kids amsterdam campsite

Static Caravan Style Accommodation with Self-Catering Decks

Accommodation is mostly static caravan style, although there are lodges and glamping options too. You’ll find well-equipped kitchens, living areas, comfy bedrooms, and plenty of storage.

What we really loved were the decked terraces with BBQ provided- perfect for winding down with a drink once the kids are in bed. They give you that peaceful holiday moment where you can enjoy being outside, without needing a babysitter or staying cooped up indoors.

It’s relaxed, family-focused, and gives you all the flexibility of self-catering. You can eat when you want, cook what your kids actually like, and avoid expensive meals out every night.

Eating out Duinrell eating scaled

Town Within Walking Distance – And That Ice Cream Shop!

Just a 10 minute walk from Duinrell is Wassenaar, a lovely Dutch town with everything you need. There are bakeries, supermarkets, bike shops, pancake houses and some cute boutiques.

There is also an award-winning ice cream shop that’s popular with locals and visitors alike- every night the queue is literally down the street! There’s nothing better than a post-dinner stroll into town for an ice cream and a wander around.

It’s safe, quiet, and family-friendly—great for those moments when you want a break from the busy park.

ice cream shop near duinrell amsterdam
Wassenaar ice cream shop scaled

Where to Eat at Duinrell

Eating on site at Duinrell is convenient but limited. Most takeaway options are fast food-style- think burgers, sausages, and chips. There’s a small supermarker onsite for basics, but we found it easier (and cheaper) to walk into Wassenaar, where you’ll find larger supermarkets with everything you need for self-catering.

The town also has plenty of restaurants and takeaways. We grabbed a Chinese takeaway on our last night and honestly wished we’d discovered it sooner- the food was great and a welcome break from the limited choices in the park. 

If you’re staying for more than a couple of nights, I’d definitely recommend heading into town for meals or stocking up at the bigger stores.

play parks at duinrell
play parks at duinrell

What Else is There to Do at Duinrell?

Duinrell is a bit different to other holiday parks we’ve visited. There’s no traditional entertainment team or kids’ club programme, so organised activities are more limited. 

You won’t find the usual schedule of crafts, or daytime games run by staff. That said, the theme park and Tikibad more than make up for it—there’s so much to do that we didn’t feel like we were missing out.

Kids can still enjoy bike and go-kart hire, brilliant play parks, a sports bar with bowling, and a mini disco in the evenings, but it’s definitely more of a do-your-own-thing kind of place.

Things for kids at Duinrell scaled

Exploring Duinrell Without a Car

You can walk into Wassenaar, rent bikes to explore the nearby dunes and beaches, or use the Dutch public transport system to get further afield. 

The Netherlands is super bike-friendly, with flat paths and good signage. Most places also accept contactless cards on transport, so you don’t need to faff about with tickets and coins.

There are even beach shuttles in the summer months. We loved the freedom of not driving- it made the trip feel more relaxed.

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How to Get to Amsterdam from Duinrell?

Fancy a city day? Amsterdam is around an hour away. Take the local bus from Duinrell to Leiden Centraal, then hop on a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Trains run frequently and are clean, fast, and easy. You can explore the canals, museums, or do a spot of shopping before heading back in time for dinner on your caravan deck. No need for parking or traffic jams.

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Things to do in Amsterdam with Kids

Amsterdam is packed with family-friendly fun. Take a canal cruise for a relaxed way to see the city, or let the kids run wild at Vondelpark’s playgrounds.

Visit NEMO Science Museum for hands-on experiments or the ARTIS Zoo to see animals up close. The city’s small size makes it easy to explore, with plenty of pancake houses and street snacks to keep everyone happy along the way.

Duinrell to Amsterdam with kids things to do with kids in Amsterdam Photo of kids by Amsterdam Canal

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Best Extreme Day Trips from Liverpool Airport This Summer

Looking for epic ‘Extreme Day Trips’ from Liverpool Airport without breaking the bank? 

We've rounded up some of the best extreme day trips you can take in May from Liverpool, this June and July! But be quick, as prices tend to increase the closer it gets to departure.

To get the best price, use a mobile phone rather than a desktop to access the links.

 If you're able to travel to other airports, check our finds from Edinburgh airport, Glasgow or even Manchester for even more choice of destination and dates.

 

Extreme Days Trips from Liverpool this summer

With cheap flights from Liverpool and smart booking tricks, you can pack in a full travel experience without an overnight stay.

Think of it as an affordable break- a whirlwind adventure that fits into a single day. From sunrise flights to late-night returns, these trips let you explore more for less.

Want the full list? Read the full article and start planning your next extreme day trip!

Scroll further down and you’ll find our full guide to planning your next Extreme Day Trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and to keep the website going. 

All prices are checked and correct at time of posting this article but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to copy over details- please double check all dates and times before booking. 

Our Best Extreme Day Trips from Liverpool Airport this Summer

1st June-Dublin

(Sunday)

Outbound: 8:15am- 9:10am

Inbound: 8:30pm-9:25pm 

£28 per person

More Info

2nd June- Alicante

(Monday)

Outbound: 9:50am- 91:35pm

Inbound: 9:25pm-11:15pm 

£118 per person

More Info

11th June- Malaga

(Wednesday)

Outbound: 5:55am- 9:50am

Inbound: 10:25pm-12:30am 

£83 per person

More Info

26th June- Malaga

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 9:10am- 1:05pm

Inbound: 10:35pm-12:30am 

£83 per person

More Info
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6th July- Dublin

(Sunday)

Outbound: 8:15am-9:10am

Inbound: 9:50pm-10:45pm 

£47 per person

More Info

8th July- Malaga

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 9:55am- 1:50pm

Inbound: 11:00pm-12:55am 

£63 per person

More Info

15th July- Palma

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 6:00am- 9:35am

Inbound: 9:50am-11:35am 

£87 per person

More Info

21st July- Dublin

(Monday)

Outbound: 8:10am- 9:05am

Inbound: 7:15pm-8:10pm 

£49 per person

More Info

Explore Things to do in Dublin

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12 of the Best Extreme Day Trips from Newcastle Airport

Looking for epic ‘Extreme Day Trips’ from Newcastle Airport without breaking the bank? 

We've rounded up 12 of the best extreme day trips you can take in May from Newcastle, all for under £100 per person! But be quick, as prices tend to increase the closer it gets to departure.

Unfortunately, there isn't a great deal of choice from Newcastle- just Dublin, Belfast and Alicante at the moment . If you're able to travel, check our finds from Edinburgh airport, Glasgow or even Manchester.

 

Extreme Day Trips for Newcastle airport May 2025

With cheap flights from Newcastle and smart booking tricks, you can pack in a full travel experience without an overnight stay.

Think of it as an affordable break- a whirlwind adventure that fits into a single day. From sunrise flights to late-night returns, these trips let you explore more for less.

Want the full list? Read the full article and start planning your next extreme day trip!

Scroll further down and you’ll find our full guide to planning your next Extreme Day Trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and to keep the website going. 

All prices are checked and correct at time of posting this article but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to copy over details- please double check all dates and times before booking. 

Our Best Extreme Day Trips from Newcastle Airport this May

6th May-Alicante

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 9:55am- 1:50pm

Inbound: 8:40pm-10:40pm 

£65 per person

More Info

7th May- Dublin

(Wednesday)

Outbound: 7:20am- 8:25am

Inbound: 10:45pm-11:55pm 

£32 per person

More Info

12th May- Dublin

(Monday)

Outbound: 8:15am- 9:20am

Inbound: 9:40pm-10:50pm 

£44 per person

More Info

13th May- Alicante

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 9:55am- 1:50pm

Inbound: 8:40pm-10:40pm 

£57 per person

More Info
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14th May- Dublin

(Wednesday)

Outbound: 7:20am- 8:25am

Inbound: 10:45pm-11:55pm 

£32 per person

More Info

17th May- Dublin

(Saturday)

Outbound: 10:35am- 11:40am

Inbound: 8:00pm-9:10pm 

£33 per person

More Info

19th May- Belfast

(Monday)

Outbound: 8:30am- 9:25am

Inbound: 8:45pm-9:40pm 

£71 per person

More Info

21st May- Dublin

(Wednesday)

Outbound: 7:20am- 8:25am

Inbound: 10:45pm-11:55pm 

£30 per person

More Info

24th May- Dublin

(Saturday)

Outbound: 10:35am-11:40am

Inbound: 8:00pm-9:10pm 

£74 per person

More Info

26th May- Dublin

(Bank Hol Monday)

Outbound: 8:15am- 9:20am

Inbound: 9:40pm-10:50pm 

£75 per person

More Info

28th May- Dublin

(Wednesday)

Outbound: 7:20am-8:25am

Inbound: 10:45pm-11:55pm 

£47 per person

More Info

31st May- Dublin

(Saturday)

Outbound: 10:35am- 11:40am

Inbound: 8:00pm-9:10pm 

£80 per person

More Info

Explore Things to do in Dublin

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The Best Extreme Day Trips from Glasgow Airport

Looking for epic ‘Extreme Day Trips’ from Glasgow Airport this Spring, without breaking the bank? 

We've rounded up 6 of the best extreme day trips you can take in April and May from Glasgow, all for under £100 per person! But be quick, as prices tend to increase the closer it gets to departure.

Unfortunately, there isn't a great deal of choice from Glasgow. If you're able to travel, check our finds from Edinburgh airport or even Manchester.

 

glasgow extreme day trips

With cheap flights from Glasgow and smart booking tricks, you can pack in a full travel experience without an overnight stay.

Think of it as an affordable break- a whirlwind adventure that fits into a single day. From sunrise flights to late-night returns, these trips let you explore more for less.

Want the full list? Read the full article and start planning your next extreme day trip!

Scroll further down and you’ll find our full guide to planning your next Extreme Day Trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and to keep the website going. 

All prices are checked and correct at time of posting this article but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to copy over details- please double check all dates and times before booking. 

Our Best Extreme Day Trips from Glasgow Airport this April & May

29th April-Malaga

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 8:35am- 12:50pm

Inbound: 9:15pm-11:35pm 

£97 per person

More Info

30th april- Dublin

(Wednesday)

Outbound: 8:25am- 9:25am

Inbound: 5:20pm-6:30pm 

£30 per person

More Info

2nd May- Dublin

(Friday)

Outbound: 7:55am- 8:55am

Inbound: 9:10pm-10:20pm 

£54 per person

More Info

4th May- Alicante

(Super Sunday)

Outbound: 8:20am- 12:20pm

Inbound: 8:50pm-10:55pm 

£96 per person

More Info

5th May- Belfast

(Bank Hol Monday)

Outbound: 7:55am- 8:40am

Inbound: 10:00pm-10:45pm 

£66 per person

More Info

6th May- Malaga

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 8:35am- 12:50pm

Inbound: 9:15pm-11:35pm 

£88 per person

More Info
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12 of The Best Extreme Day Trips from Edinburgh Airport

Looking for epic ‘Extreme Day Trips’ from Edinburgh Airport this May, without breaking the bank? 

We've rounded up 12 of the best extreme day trips you can take in May from Edinburgh, all for under £100 per person! But be quick, as prices tend to increase the closer it gets to departure.

 

Edinburgh extreme day trips

With cheap flights from Edinburgh and smart booking tricks, you can pack in a full travel experience without an overnight stay.

Think of it as an affordable break- a whirlwind adventure that fits into a single day. From sunrise flights to late-night returns, these trips let you explore more for less.

Want the full list? Read the full article and start planning your next extreme day trip!

Scroll further down and you’ll find our full guide to planning your next Extreme Day Trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and to keep the website going. 

All prices are checked and correct at time of posting this article but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to copy over details- please double check all dates and times before booking. 

Our Best Extreme Day Trips from Edinburgh Airport this May

1st May- Milan

(Thursday)

Outbound: 10:10am- 1:40pm

Inbound: 9:40pm-11.15pm 

£72 per person

More Info

2nd May-Belfast

(Friday)

Outbound: 8:20am- 9:15am

Inbound: 8:50pm-9:45pm 

£90 per person

More Info

6th May- Dusseldorf

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 7:00am- 9:35am

Inbound: 10:25pm-11:05am 

£52 per person

More Info

8th May- Milan

(Thursday)

Outbound: 10:10am- 1:40pm

Inbound: 9:40pm-11:15pm 

£70 per person

More Info
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9th May- Barcelona

(Friday)

Outbound: 6:50am- 10:35am

Inbound: 9:30pm-11:25pm 

£93 per person

More Info

10th May- Barcelona

(Saturday)

Outbound: 8:10am- 12:00pm

Inbound: 9:30pm-11:25pm 

£74 per person

More Info

12th May- Barcelona

(Monday)

Outbound: 7:30am- 11:155am

Inbound: 8:55pm-11:50pm 

£89 per person

More Info

13th may- Berlin

(Tuesday )

Outbound: 6:00am- 9:05am

Inbound: 9:40pm-10:50pm 

£73 per person

More Info

Explore Things to do in Dublin

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19th May- Venice

(Monday)

Outbound: 7:05am- 10:45am

Inbound: 9:55pm-11:45pm 

£76 per person

More Info

20th May- Dusseldorf

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 7:00am- 9:35am

Inbound: 10:25pm-11:05pm 

£52 per person

More Info

24th May- Dublin

(Saturday)

Outbound: 8:20am-9:25am

Inbound: 10:05pm-11:10pm 

£52 per person

More Info

27th May-Dussledorf

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 7:00am- 9:35am

Inbound: 10:25pm-11:05am 

£52 per person

More Info

24th May- Dublin

(Saturday)

Outbound: 8:20am-9:25am

Inbound: 10:05pm-11:10pm 

£53 per person

More Info

27th May-Dussledorf

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 7:00am- 9:35am

Inbound: 10:25pm-11:05am 

£50 per person

More Info
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18 of The Best Extreme Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland

Looking for an epic ‘Extreme Day Trip’ from Dublin Airport this Easter, without breaking the bank? 

We’ve rounded up 18 of the best extreme day trips you can take in April from Ireland, all for under 100 € per person! 

Plus, there are lots of weekend and school holiday dates, making it a great option if a full holiday is out of budget

Extreme Day trips for Dublin Ireland

With cheap flights from Dublin and smart booking tricks, you can pack in a full travel experience without an overnight stay.

Think of it as an affordable Easter break- a whirlwind adventure that fits into a single day. From sunrise flights to late-night returns, these trips let you explore more for less.

Want the full list? Read the full article and start planning your next extreme day trip!

Scroll further down and you’ll find our full guide to planning your next Extreme Day Trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and to keep the website going. 

All prices are checked and correct at time of posting this article but are subject to change. Whilst every care is taken to copy over details- please double check all dates and times before booking. 

Our Best Extreme Day Trips from Dublin Airport this April

1st April- Amsterdam
The Netherlands

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 6:50am- 9:35am

Inbound: 9:00pm-9:45pm 

39 € per person

More Info

1st April- Valletta
Malta

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 7:10am- 11:55am

Inbound: 9:35pm-12:30am 

40 € per person

More Info

1st April- Faro
Portugal

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 6:00am- 8:55am 

Inbound: 9:25pm-12:25am 

40 € per person

More Info

1st April- Porto
Portugal

(Sunday)

Outbound: 9:25am- 11:50am

Inbound: 10:25pm-12:50am 

69 € per person

More Info
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2nd April- Malaga
Spain

(Wednesday)

Outbound: 6:55am- 11:10am

Inbound: 9:15pm-11:20pm 

52 € per person

More Info

3rd April- Krakow
Poland

(Thursday)

Outbound: 7:55am- 11:45am

Inbound: 9:35pm-11:35pm 

77 € per person

More Info

4th April- Reus
Spain

(Friday)

Outbound: 6:55am- 10:25am

Inbound: 9:20pm-10:55pm 

92 € per person

More Info

5th April- Faro
Portugal

(Saturday)

Outbound: 6:50am- 9:45am

Inbound: 10:00pm-1:00am

51 € per person

More Info

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6th April- Valencia
Spain

(Sunday)

Outbound: 7:45am- 11:20am

Inbound: 8:10pm-10:00pm 

42 € per person

More Info

7th April- Amsterdam
The Netherlands

(Monday)

Outbound: 7:05am- 9:50am

Inbound: 9:30pm-10:15pm 

44 € per person

More Info

8th April- Valletta
Malta

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 7:10am- 11:55am

Inbound: 9:35pm-12:30am 

70 € per person

More Info

9th April- Amsterdam

(Wednesday)

Outbound: 7:05am- 9:50am

Inbound: 9:20pm-10:05pm 

45 € per person

More Info
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15th April- Brussels
Belgium

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 6:45am- 9:25am

Inbound: 10:20pm-11:00pm 

52 € per person

More Info

16th April- Faro
Portugal

(Wednesday)

Outbound: 5:45am-8:40am

Inbound: 9:55pm-12:55am 

87 € per person

More Info

23rd April- Brussels
Belgium

(Wednesday)

Outbound: 6:20am- 9:00am

Inbound: 9:30pm-10:10pm 

78 € per person

More Info

24th April- Frankfurt
Germany

(Thursday)

Outbound: 7:00am-10:15am

Inbound: 11:25pm-12:25am 

85 € per person

More Info
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28th April- Brussels
Belgium

(Monday)

Outbound: 6:30am- 9:00am

Inbound: 10:25pm-11:05pm 

60 € per person

More Info

29th April- Berlin
Germany

(Tuesday)

Outbound: 6:40am-10:00am

Inbound: 9:40pm-11:00pm 

89 € per person

More Info
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The Ultimate Guide to Extreme Day Trips

Extreme day trips are becoming increasingly popular, allowing travellers to visit a new country in under 24 hours without the hassle and cost of overnight stays.

Whether you’re testing out a destination before a longer trip, want to travel with minimal time off work, or are just looking for an exciting adventure on a budget, extreme day trips are a fantastic way to see more of the world for less!

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What is an Extreme Day Trip?

An extreme day trip typically involves flying out early in the morning, spending the day exploring a new destination, and flying back late at night- ensuring you’re tucked up in your own bed the same night.

Some travellers stretch this to an overnight stay, but anything under 24 hours door-to-door fits the definition.

The rising cost of accommodation and travel has made extreme day trips an appealing way to explore new places without breaking the bank.

They’re also perfect for those who want a quick trip, a special experience for a birthday or celebration, or a way to test out a city before committing to a longer holiday.

Extreme Day Trips Abroad

Many European cities are accessible from the UK in just a couple of hours, making them perfect for extreme day trips. Some of the best options include:

Dublin or Belfast– Frequent flights and short distances from the airport to the city, with no language barrier, make these ideal first-time extreme day trip destinations.

Paris, France – Fly into Charles de Gaulle or Orly for easy access to the city. Avoid Beauvais (BVA) as it’s further out.

Amsterdam, Netherlands – A quick 1-hour flight and an easy train ride into the city.

Brussels, Belgium – If you land at Zaventem (BRU), you’ll be in the city in 20 minutes. Avoid Charleroi (CRL) as it’s further out.

Geneva, Switzerland – Stunning scenery, chocolate, and a compact city centre make it ideal for a short visit.

Extreme Day Trip Guide UK how to find fights what to pack for an extreme day trip, where to go on an extreme day trip The Ultimate Guide to Extreme Day Trips

Extreme Day Trip Destination Inspiration

Great destinations include (but are certainly not limited to):

Dublin – Just over an hour’s flight, with plenty of return options.

Paris – Frequent flights mean a full day in the city is possible. We have done two extreme day trips to Disneyland Paris. You can find our first one here

Amsterdam – Less than a 90-minute flight, plus quick transport links.

Alicante- a very popular one that appears quite frequently for less than £50 return

Marrakech- a bit harder to do, due to the flight duration and time spent getting through customs in Morocco, but possible.

Iceland- One of the hardest to find, but one of the best destinations. We have managed to do a trip here and combine it with a spa day at the Sky Lagoon. You can read about this here

Milan- One of the easiest to do, given that there are multiple flights per day and three airports in Milan. This can be combined with a trip to the incredible Lake Como.

Pisa- with Pisa city centre being under 15 minutes from the airport and Pisa, itself being quite small to explore, a day trip here is very easy.

Rovaniemi, Lapland- Usually only possible from Stansted, but take your EDT to the next level with a snowmobiling trip, husky or reindeer ride and a visit to Santa. You may even get to experience the northern lights on the flight home! Get our complete guide to Santa Claus Village here 

Geneva- Again, one of the most popular to take. Combine this one with an onward transfer to Annecy or Chamonix or stay in Switzerland and stroll along the Lac Leman in Montreux. Read about our trip to Chamonix & Mont Blanc here 

Rome- Sometimes hard to find flights far enough apart to allow you enough time in the city, but they do come up. Allow 1 hour either side for the transfer from either of Rome's airports. We have been to Rome with our kids twice, and although not a day trip, we have plenty of tips here 

Bucharest- an extremely popular one with Extreme Day Trippers wanting to experience a spa day

The UK airports with the most Extreme Day Trip options are Manchester, London Luton & London Stansted although, there should be at least 1-2 options from most regional airports. 

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Extreme Day Trips for Kids & Teens

Looking for a fun adventure with the kids? Consider:

Disneyland Paris - Fly in early, spend the day at the park, and fly home at night.

Dublin Zoo - Easy to reach from the airport and a fun family day out.

Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens - One of the world’s oldest theme parks.

Bucharest- Enjoy a spa day in Romania!

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Extreme Day Trips for Couples

Want a romantic escape? Try:

Venice - Wander the canals and enjoy a long lunch.

Paris - Perfect for a quick city break with a short flight from the UK 

Bruges - A fairy tale town with amazing chocolate shops.

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How to Find an Extreme Day Trip

The best way to find deals is:

Use Skyscanner – it's a fantastic tool for finding the cheapest flight combinations.

Search “Everywhere” and enter in the date you wish to travel, entering the same date for the return. Skyscanner will then give you destinations in price order. Filter to direct flights only. See the example below

how to find an extreme day trip using skyscanner

Be flexible- we are literally open to any destination when we begin our search. 

Pay close attention to the arrival and departure times. Allow time to exit the airport and take a transfer to the city centre. Also, allow around 3 hours before your return flight, to make your way back to the airport and go through security. The best flights will have an arrival time before lunch, with a departure in the late evening (9pm onwards), to allow you maximum time at your destination.  

Look 5-6 weeks in advance for the best prices.

Check multiple airlines - Sometimes booking outbound and return separately saves money, but be aware of potential risks if one leg is changed.

Avoid airports far from the city centre – Paris (BVA), Brussels (CRL), and Oslo (TORP) often have cheap flights but require much longer transfers.

Follow our Facebook page and sign up for our newsletter for inspiration and deals!

How Much Does an Extreme Day Trip Cost?

You can often find flights from just £28 return. Other costs to factor in:

Airport transfers – Plan ahead to avoid expensive last-minute options. Public transport tends to be much cheaper than a taxi or private transfers. Many airports in Europe, have trains or buses directly from arrivals to the city centre.

Food – A Boots meal deal (£5) is a great budget-friendly option and a firm favourite of any extreme day tripper! Get one at departures and this will at least cover your lunch.

Airport Parking- this can be expensive, and often end up more than the actual flight. To avoid this, try and get someone to drop and pick you up, or use public transport to get to the airport. 

Travel Insurance- if you have an annual policy, make sure it covers trips <24 hours. Use compare the market to find suitable insurance for 1 day from around £5pp.

best extreme day trips from Manchester April Easter

What to Take on an Extreme Day Trip

Packing light is key! My personal packing list for an extreme day trip includes:

20 of the best Extreme Day trips from Manchester

 

  • Backpack (avoid checked baggage fees).
  • Refillable water bottle.
  • Power bank for your phone (I usually take at least 2 to be on the safe side)
  • Sunglasses and mini sun cream for warmer destinations
  • Hat & Gloves for the colder ones
  • An umbrella, no matter the destination
  • Spare credit card and currency card (Monzo or Revolut).
  • Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant in case you get delayed).
  • Basic Medicines (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Plasters)
  • Don't forget your passport!

Do You Need Currency for an Extreme Day Trip?

I never carry cash! I always use my Monzo card abroad. However, if you do need cash, withdraw a small amount at your destination rather than exchanging before you go.

My Top Tips for An EDT!

  1. Check airport locations – Some “cheap” airports are far from the city, eating into your time.

 

  1. Pack light – A small backpack saves time and baggage fees.

 

  1. Use Monzo/Revolut with no fees/charges – No need for currency exchanges; just withdraw cash if needed.

 

  1. Always have a power bank – You don’t want to be stranded with a dead phone

 

  1. Plan your transport – Know how you’re getting from the airport to the city before you land.

 

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Extreme Day Trips 2025

Looking ahead, extreme day trips are only set to grow in popularity as more people seek affordable ways to travel. Airlines continue to offer ultra-low fares, making it easier than ever to plan last-minute adventures.

Extreme day trips are an exciting, budget-friendly way to travel. With a bit of planning, you can see new cities, experience new cultures, and be back in your own bed that night. Ready for your next adventure? Let us know your dream extreme day trip in the comments!

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Dublin: 8 Fun & Family Friendly Things to Do with Kids

If you’re planning a family trip, you might be asking: Is Dublin worth it with kids? The answer is a resounding yes!

From hands-on museums to sprawling parks, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. 

But what area in Dublin is best for families? or is Ireland a fun trip with kids? 

With a very short flight from the UK (perfect for little ones),  Ireland's capital offers a wide range of activities that are perfect for families.

 So let's look at Dublin’s top family-friendly activities.

8 things to do in Dublin for Kids

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting our work and happy planning!  

1. Explore Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park

One of the most popular things to do in Dublin with kids is a visit to Dublin Zoo, located in the expansive Phoenix Park. This zoo is home to over 400 animals and offers interactive exhibits that kids will love. Spend the day learning about wildlife conservation and spotting giraffes, tigers, and red pandas.

Phoenix Park itself is a fantastic spot for a family picnic or a game of frisbee, with plenty of open space for little ones to run around.

Tip: Check out the playground near the entrance of the park for even more kid-friendly fun.

For Skip-the-line Dublin Zoo tickets with transfers click here 

dublin zoo
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2. Step Back in Time at Dublinia Viking Museum

Introduce your kids to Dublin’s Viking and medieval history at Dublinia. 

This engaging museum brings history to life with interactive displays, costumes, and fun activities. 

Kids can try their hand at medieval games, learn about Viking ships, and even climb to the top of St. Michael’s Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Perfect for: Families looking to add an educational twist to their Dublin adventure.

Dublinia Viking Museum
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3. Wander Through St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin

Wondering what area in Dublin is best for families? St. Stephen’s Green in the city centre is a beautiful, family-friendly park. 

The playground is ideal for younger children, and the swan-filled lake is a highlight for all ages. 

Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a picnic, or let the kids burn off some energy while you relax.

Bonus: During the warmer months, the park often hosts events and performances, adding an extra layer of entertainment.

St Stephens green park dublin for kids
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4. Discover EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum

Looking for a mix of culture and fun? EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum is an interactive experience that tells the story of Irish emigration.

With touchscreens, games, and immersive exhibits, it’s one of the few museums that will keep kids engaged throughout.

Why kids love it: The museum’s high-tech displays make learning about history exciting and accessible for all ages.

epic irish museum for kids
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5. Explore Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is a must-visit when exploring things to do in Dublin with kids. 

Take a family-friendly tour of the historic site, including the beautifully preserved State Apartments, medieval under crofts, and the Chester Beatty Library.

Kids will love imagining life in the castle centuries ago while you enjoy the stunning architecture and vibrant gardens.

Tip: Look for special events and exhibitions often held at the castle for a deeper dive into Irish history.

dublin castle with kids
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6. Discover the Magic of Temple Bar

While Temple Bar is known for its lively nightlife, it’s also a great daytime spot for families.

Stroll along the cobbled streets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere filled with street performers and colourful art.

Stop by the Temple Bar Food Market on weekends for tasty treats, and don’t miss the cultural gems like the Irish Film Institute, which occasionally hosts family-friendly screenings.

Inside the Temple Bar itself, you'll find live music all day long and mine loved it! Children are allowed in the bar until 9pm, however, to air on the side of caution, I'd recommend a weekday afternoon. 

Why it’s worth it: Temple Bar’s energy and creativity make it a fun place for kids to experience Dublin’s unique charm.

20230221_155934 scaled

7. Hop On and Off the Big Bus Dublin Tour

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For an easy way to see the city, hop aboard the Big Bus Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. 

This open-top bus is a hit with kids who love the high vantage point, and it’s a great way for families to navigate the city without tiring little legs.

The tour stops at major attractions like St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin Zoo, and the Guinness Storehouse. 

You can hop off for a closer look or simply enjoy the commentary from the comfort of your seat.

Bonus: The Big Bus Tour often includes a free walking tour or entry to additional attractions, adding more value to your trip.

8. Visit the National Wax Museum

The National Wax Museum offers a mix of fun, education, and a little quirkiness. 

With zones dedicated to Irish history, famous characters, and interactive science exhibits, there’s something for everyone. 

Younger kids will enjoy spotting their favourite superheroes, while older ones might be intrigued by the Chamber of Horrors (parental discretion advised).

Why it’s great for families: The museum’s variety ensures kids stay engaged while learning about Irish culture and history in a unique way.

DSC06323 Avec accentuation Bruit 1024x683 1

FAQs for Families Visiting Dublin

Is Dublin worth it with kids?

Absolutely! Dublin offers a perfect mix of cultural attractions, green spaces, and interactive activities to keep children entertained. 

Our kids still say it's one of the best places they've ever visited and surprisingly their favourite place was the Temple Bar!

Is Ireland a fun trip with kids?

Yes! Beyond Dublin, Ireland boasts stunning countryside, castles, and coastline, making it an excellent destination for family adventures.

What is the Dublin Go-City Pass

The Dublin 'Go City' Pass, is an Explorer pass for Dublin that entitles you to entry for over 40 tours and activities. You can buy a 3, 4, 5 or 7-attraction Explorer Pass. 

The pass costs £28.13 for children age 5-15 years, £61.23 for adults (16yrs+), whilst under 5's are free. 

The completely digital Explorer Pass is valid for use over 60 days, giving you plenty of time to discover the city at your own pace. 

Some of the attractions include 

• Big Bus Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 

• Guinness Storehouse 

• Jameson Distillery Bow Street Tour 

• Saint Patrick's Cathedral 

• Christ Church Cathedral 

• Dublin Castle 

• Dublinia 

• EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum 

• Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour 

• National Wax Museum 

• Dublin Zoo 

• The Irish Rock n Roll Museum Experience 

• Game of Thrones Studio Tour 

• The Little Museum of Dublin 

• Walking Food Tours - Food on Foot 

• And more! 

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What area in Dublin is best for families?

The city centre, particularly around St. Stephen’s Green and Temple Bar, is ideal for families. Many attractions are within walking distance, and the area is full of family-friendly dining options.

On our last visit we chose to stay at Leonardo Dublin Christchurch, which we found to be the perfect location for exploring the city centre, with easy access from the airport. 

When it comes to things to do in Dublin with kids, the city offers an abundance of family-friendly experiences. 

Whether you’re exploring Phoenix Park, diving into history at Dublinia, or marvelling at animals in the zoo, Dublin is a destination that truly caters to families. 

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How to do One Day at Disneyland Paris this Christmas

We decided to treat my daughter, Violet, to a special day at Disneyland Paris for her 9th birthday. I’d previously taken my older daughter on a similar day trip in January, and what you do for one, you have to do for all! Come with us and see our one day itinerary for Disneyland Paris. 

Disneyland Paris in a day

 

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting my work and happy planning!

In January, we took the first flight out of Manchester and the last flight back. It was a wonderful experience, but since we live two hours away from Manchester Airport, we had to stay the night before in Manchester. 

This time, we opted for a different approach. We took a late afternoon flight on Friday, planning to spend the night near Disneyland Paris instead. 

cheapest way to get to Disneyland Paris

It was working out the same cost as 1 night in a Travelodge in Manchester, so made no difference to the overall cost. 

This way, we could start our day fresh and early and avoid the risk of losing time in the parks, in the eventuality of a flight delay. 

getting to Disneyland Paris

We found great flights out of Manchester for just £33 each return. From landing in Paris, to arriving at the park gates, it took only 2 hours and 10 minutes! Security at Charles De Gaulle was quick, the flight lasted just over an hour, and we managed to catch the TGV train with minimal waiting.

The high-speed train took us directly from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Marne-la-Vallée station in only 9 minutes. We booked the train tickets on our way to the station using the Trainline app, paying £28.91 for one adult and one child.

I'd recommend only purchasing your ticket when you are nearly at the train station. It's quite a walk from some terminals and of course, you don't know exactly when you will land and be through security. TGV tickets can only be used on that specific train and are non-refundable. 

Taxi's are around €60 and private transfers from €75- both taking around 1 hour to reach Disneyland Paris. 

how to get from Paris airport to Disneyland Paris

The TGV therefore, was both much faster and cheaper.

Marne-la-Vallée station is located right next to Disneyland Paris park gates. 

Our flight left Manchester at 3 pm, and by 6:10 pm (adjusting for the 1 hour time difference), we were at the Disneyland Paris gates. If we had known we’d arrive that early, we might have bought a 2-day park pass. But since the parks closed at 8 pm that night, we decided against it as we would have been cutting it fine.

Hotel at Disneyland Paris

Instead, we explored Disney Village and used the time we had to visit some of the shops. We had a meal at Five Guys, which cost €23.25 for the two of us. I always recommend Five Guys as it's a very similar price point to quick service restaurants inside the parks,  however, it feels much better quality. 

After dinner, we took a taxi to our hotel, the Best Western, just a 12-minute ride from the parks. 

Now a word of warning. You will struggle to get a taxi from outside the parks  1 hour, either side of the parks closing time. We tried numerous times to get an Uber but they kept cancelling the bookings as they couldn't meet demand.

There are taxi's outside Disney, however, they all wanted €35 for journeys which should cost around €8-€12 and would only accept cash- that tells you everything you need to know! Disneyland Paris and the train station really should be clamping down as I think 80% weren't even real taxis. 

where to stay for cheap at Disneyland Paris

We usually stay at the Adagio in Val d’Europe or the Explorers Hotel, but these were both £150 for the night we wanted. The Best Western was only £66 and as we'd barely be there, it seemed a better option. 

It turned out to be an excellent choice, with a spacious room featuring a double bed and bunk beds. The rooms were clean and hotel looked like it has recently been refurbished or was new. 

We had a very comfortable nights stay and would highly recommend this option. Although, it may be better suited to those visiting with a car, as there is no shuttle bus to the parks. 

Click here for the Hotel

Disneyland Paris Park Tickets

For disclosure, we were gifted the park tickets by Get Your Guide, which made our Christmas day trip to Disneyland Paris truly special. 

After booking we received the tickets instantly and were able to add them to our Disneyland Paris app, allowing us to easily scan in and out of the parks and monitor ride wait times all at once. Alternatively, you can keep just scan the tickets from your Get Your Guide account. 

if you're considering doing Disneyland Paris in a day or even Disneyland Paris in one day at Christmas, Get Your Guide offers a wide range of ticket options, from 1-day, 1-park passes to multi-day tickets- as well as the Magic Shuttle bus tickets, private transfers, and various other activities in Paris.

The tickets for a 1 day/2 park entry for 1 adult and 1 child on the date we visited would have cost £185.08. Prices vary depending on the date booked, but start at £46pp. 

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Getting to Disneyland Paris

The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel for €25. We would have normally just ate at the parks, but my daughter was so excited for the day ahead, that we were up at 4am and therefore really hungry by around 7am.

The buffet had plenty to offer, including pastries, pancakes, toast, cereals, cheese, meats, and even hot options like sausage, bacon, and scrambled eggs. It was more than enough to fuel us for the day and meant we could hit the ground running once we got to parks.

We checked out and ordered an Uber from the hotel lobby, which arrived immediately, taking us back to Disneyland Paris in 12 minutes for €15.35. 

We went through bag check at 8:55 am and were at the Disneyland Park entrance for 9am.

The park opening was at 9.30am, so we had a little wait, but they opened the park for normal ticket holders at 9.20am which was great.

The park opens for Disneyland hotel guests and annual pass holders at 8.30am, so whilst we were waiting I was able to check some of the ride times for the ones that were already operating. 

Disneyland Paris in one day at Christmas

Park Opening

We headed straight to Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, which had only a 10-minute wait. This was Violet's one must-do ride, and frequently the wait for it, is around 1 hour so we wanted to get it completed whilst it was quiet. 

Tip: Make sure to download the Disneyland Paris app before your visit—it’s a lifesaver for checking wait times and planning your route.

buzz lightyears Laser Blast ride wait time

After Buzz, we then headed up to Fantasyland where all the ride times were currently showing as 5-10 minutes. 

We managed to do Dumbo The Flying Elephant, It's a Small World, Mad Hatter's Tea Cups and Le Carrousel de Lancelot all by 10.40am. After a quick stop at the toilets and to refill our water bottles, we hopped on Casey Junior, the last ride we wanted to do in Fantasyland, which opened at 11am.

We then spent some time at the castle, visiting the dragon beneath it (a hidden gem!) and snapping photos. Violet wanted to shop for Star Wars merchandise, so we made our way to Discoveryland to the Star Traders shop to find her some Grogu goodies using her birthday money.

Lunch and Studio Park Adventures

By 11:40 am, we decided to switch over to Walt Disney Studios Park. The food stalls outside the Ratatouille ride looked tempting and we were peckish by then, so we grabbed two Nutella crepes for €10. The Ratatouille ride had a long wait time, so we chose to do the single rider option, getting on in just 10 minutes.

The Studios Park felt much more crowded than the main park, probably due to construction work going on and many areas being unavailable.

We still managed to enjoy several rides with short wait times. We went on Cars Road Trip, Cars Quatre Roues Rallye, Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, and the Parachute Drop, which we lucky to walk straight onto just as it reopened after a technical issue.

Disneyland Paris Studios
What to do in Disneyland Paris Studios

After ticking off everything we wanted to do in the Studios Park, we decided to head back to Disneyland Park around 2 pm. We skipped the shows this time in the Studios, as we’ve seen them before and they’re better suited for younger kids or Marvel fans (which Violet isn’t).

Afternoon Magic and Parade

With the sun shining, we took more photo of all the beautiful Christmas decorations lining Main Street and the incredible huge Christmas tree. 

one day at Disneyland Paris at Christmas time
Disneyland Paris at Christmas time
Disneyland Paris at Christmas time

We treated ourselves to ice cream and a Mickey beignet for €9- we weren't hungry but who can resist the snacks at Disneyland Paris though?!

We then decided we needed actually eat something savoury, so we stopped at Casa de Coco in Frontierland- a Mexican style restaurant based on the 'Coco' movie. Violet just wanted some of the zig zag fries, while I enjoyed a delicious beef burrito, one of the best things I’ve ever eaten at Disneyland Paris. The total bill with a large soft drink came to €16.89.

 

Disneyland Paris snacks Mickey Beignet with tickets for disneyland paris from getyourguide

We decided to try the Premier Access service for Big Thunder Mountain (basically the new fast pass system at Disneyland Paris). It cost €16 each, but it was totally worth it-especially as it was Violet’s first roller coaster! We were on the ride in under 5 minutes.

christmas decorations disneyland paris 2024

By 4:30 pm, we made our way back to Main Street to secure a spot for the parade. Even 40 minutes early, Main Street was packed with guests. The parade started at 5:20 pm and reached where we stood by 5:40 pm. 

Watching the magical floats with snow falling was a truly enchanting experience and one I'll never forget- just so magical.

Christmas at Disneyland Paris Disneyland Paris Christmas Parade
Mickey's dazzling Christmas Parade Disneyland Paris

Heading Home

After a bit of last-minute shopping on Main Street, we slowly made our way to the train station around 6:20 pm. We had pre-booked our TGV tickets back to the airport for 6:50 pm. The flight departed on time and we were tucked up in bed at 12.30am. 

The whole day was filled with magical moments, and it was the perfect way to celebrate Violet’s birthday. With a bit of careful planning, we made the most out of our short but sweet trip to Disneyland Paris.

Our aim with the day trips is never to do it all. There was a couple of Christmas shows we would have liked to have seen,  but with it being a Saturday, crowd numbers were high and seats for shows were gone 1 hour before. We didn't feel the wait was worth it, with only having a day in the parks. We chose to include our favourite rides, see the parade and eat some Disney snacks and we completed everything we set out to do.  

Of course, we also didn't get to see the fireworks but in all our trips, we seen them around 20 times at least, so it wasn't a great forfeit. 

10 budget travel tips for Disneyland Paris
extreme day trip to disneyland paris

Is it worth going to Disneyland Paris for one day?

If you're thinking of planning a Disneyland Paris day trip from the UK and wondering, “Is it worth going to Disneyland Paris for one day?”, the answer is definitely yes! 

You won't get everything done in a day and to be honest this is our 16th visit and each time we tick off a new ride or attraction that we haven't done before. Pick out your favourite rides and make a plan to visit those first before the park gets busy. After 5pm ride wait times also decrease. We managed to include both Disneyland Park and Disney Studio's, but you could choose to just focus on the one. Make full use of the Disneyland Paris app to see ride times before making your next move and be flexible. 

read our guide on extreme day trips from the UK
an extreme day trip to Iceland with teens one day trip to Iceland sky lagoon, iceland 1 day itinerary

How much does it cost to go to Disneyland Paris for one day?

For those curious, we spent £33pp for the flights, £34pp for the hotel, then £30pp for the TGV high-speed train to/from CDG airport. Tickets for the date we visited would have been £92 each so a total of £189pp- this would have been cheaper if we'd opted for just a 1 park ticket instead of 2 and not visited on a weekend. 

Disneyland Paris tickets are usually cheapest between January to March and you'll often find fewer visitors in the parks then too. 

If you live near an airport, you can also eliminate the cost of the hotel too and go there and back in a day like we did in January. 

How much can you do at Disneyland Paris in one day?

Despite it being a weekend and Christmas season we were really pleased in what we managed to do in just one day at Disneyland Paris.

We rode 12 rides- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Small World, Mad Hatters Tea Cups, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Casey Junior, The Carousel, Ratoutille, Parachute Drop, Slinky Dog, Cars Road Trip, Cars Quatre Rallye and Thunder Mountain. 

We also did a few walk through attractions, stopped for food three times, visited a few shops and took time out to enjoy the decorations then the main parade. If we'd have skipped the parade, we probably could have managed at least another 5 rides. 

Ryanair & EasyJet Compatible Backpacks

ryanair compatible cabin bags backpacks easyjet
ryanair compatible cabin bags backpacks easyjet
rides for babies and toddlers at Disneyland Paris
whats new at Disneyland Paris in 2025

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Low Cost Travel Bucket List Experiences for Kids in Europe

Now our focus may be travelling on a budget and saving money, this doesn't mean that we don't like to experience the 'finer things' in life. From the outside, our travel videos certainly don't give the impression that we are watching the pennies!

We like to think of ourselves more as mid-range travellers, 'Boujee on a Budget'- ticking off bucket list experiences for less and usually with our kids in tow. 

Being savvy with what we book and how, means that we get to travel twice as frequently. I mean who doesn't want that!

For instance, we travelled on the Bernina Express, a tour that some travel companies charge in to the thousands for, when in fact the train ride in a panoramic carriage costs just £77 ($100). Did it feel budget? Not at all? We made our own itinerary to suit our needs and got to experience the exact same train for a fraction of the price.

all about me a travel blogger on Italy and Calabria

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting my work and happy planning!

European Bucket List Experiences

So you may be wondering what sort of bucket list activities with kids can do in Europe that aren't too expensive? Maybe you have a 'big' birthday or special anniversary coming up that you'd like celebrate in style, without breaking the bank. It is very possible to tick off your own bucket list whilst keeping the kids entertained too!

With many cheap flights to Europe that can be paired with mid range hotels, it's now more possible than ever to have a once in a life time holiday for less than a traditional package deal in the sun. Add in some reasonably priced activities and you're on to a winner. 

We've put together a list of 10 Low Cost Experiences in Europe, all for under €100 per person. 

The best bit is, that the activities we have chosen, most allow you to book and pay just a few days before the activity AND allow you to cancel right up to the day before, giving you flexibility and chance to spread the cost. Others are free!

So let's check out some of our favourite travel bucket list ideas with kids!

1. Take a Gondola Ride in Venice

gondola ride in venice with kids
how much is a private gondola ride in Venice

The cost of a private gondola ride in Venice is €80 before 7pm, so if there is a few of you to split the price then the price is very reasonable.  

As a family of six, it cost us just €14 per person. Something that had been on my bucket list for some time and my kids were in awe!

The maximum number of people allowed in a private gondola is 6.

After 7pm, the price increases to €120. The fares are set by city and the ride should last around 30 minutes 

Definitely well worth the money in my opinion!

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2. Go to the Top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

climb to the top of the eiffel tower paris

To see our blog on 10 things to do with Teens, Tweens and Kids in Paris click here 

No trip to Paris is complete without climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower (well when I say climb, I mean at least taking the lift!).

Tickets are nearly always sold out so it's advisable to book well in advance. 

You can choose between visiting the viewing platform on the 2nd floor or going all the way to the summit (weather dependent). 

Prices start at around €34pp. 

To get a view of the Eiffel Tower against the Parisian skyline, we recommend visiting Montparnasse Tower which is just €18. You can find tickets here

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3. See in the Northern Lights in Iceland

With 2024/25 being a peak time to see the northern lights, now has never been a better time to go on an organised tour and get it ticked off your bucket list! 

Other great places to spot the northern lights include Finland, Norway and Sweden. The further north though the better. For the best view avoid cities like Oslo and Helsinki which are further south, where you are less likely to see the northern lights. 

bucket list experiences with kids northern lights hunting in Iceland
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4. Take the Bernina Express Panoramic train from Switzerland to Italy

Bernina Express Panoramic Carriage

Travel from Switzerland to Italy in a panoramic train, costing around £77/$100 per person for the journey and seat reservation. 

The journey begins in Chur, Switzerland ends in Tirano, Italy, 4.5 hours later. 

On our trip, we sat in a 2nd class carriage, giving us an amazing view. 

You can take this train as part of a guided tour from Milan- see below. Many of our readers have taken this option and highly rated it. 

To read about our itinerary and get more info on this train click here

Bernina Express Panoramic Carriage
Bernina Express: Our Train Trip from Switzerland to Italy
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5. Visit the Colosseum in Rome

Immerse yourself in the echoes of gladiatorial battles and imagine the cheers of ancient spectators as you explore this iconic amphitheatre.

Rome is an amazing place to go if you're looking to tick off some bucket list items- many of which are very reasonably priced. We recommend doing a combined tour of the Colosseum with Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. You can then also include the 'Spanish Steps' and the Trevvi Fountain in your itinerary- both of which are free to visit.

Bucket list things to do with kids- visit the colosseum in Rome
Low Cost Travel Bucket List Experiences for Kids in Europe
Inside the colosseum floor in rome

To read our blog on trips to Rome with kids whilst on a budget click here 

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6. Visit Lapland- Meet Santa, Huskies, Reindeers

Now this is a big one, as it's more like 3 bucket list items in one! The most popular things to do in Lapland for children are to meet the 'real Santa' in the North Pole,  take a husky sleigh and reindeer ride. All of these can be done surprisingly for very little! 

Of course, there are many more unreal experiences to be had here too, including snowmobiling, ice fishing and playing in the snow to name a few.

Taking kids to tick off your travel buck list
bucket list experiences for kids on a budget

It's possible to meet Santa in Santa Claus Village (the main place in Finnish Lapland for activities) for FREE! If you'd like a photo or video there is an extra cost for this, but the meet itself is free. 

Again in the same place, you can get a short reindeer or husky ride form just €25 per person. To see our guide on 12 Things to do in Lapland for £25 and under click here 

bucket list experiences for children
bucket list experiences for children
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7. Go Horse Back Riding in Spain

Horseback riding for kids in Spain is a bucket-list experience that combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Spain is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from the rolling hills of Andalusia to the scenic beaches of Costa del Sol.

Spain's rich equestrian tradition dates back centuries and you can enjoy a traditional ride through the mountains from just €40.

If you have kids who love horse riding this is a must!

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8. Visit Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris needs no introduction I'm sure! The only Disney theme park in Europe, it's compact enough to explore in 2-3 days, yet is still brimming with that Disney magic we all know and love. 

Not a traditional bucket list item- but I know it's on many kids (and adults lists), so we've decided to include it here, being massive fans ourselves. 

A day ticket for entrance to either the main park or the Studios (now re-named Disney Adventure World), costs around €56pp depending on the season. 

See Our Disneyland Paris Blogs
bucket list disneyland paris
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9. Explore the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland

The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. Kids can climb the hexagonal rocks, explore the coastal paths, and learn about the local legend of the giant Finn McCool who supposedly built the causeway.

travel bucket list for kids the giants causeway belfast

Access to the causeway itself is free if you skip the visitor center and park nearby.

There are lots of tours available from Belfast for a small charge.

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10. See the home of Lego in Denmark

As the birthplace of LEGO, Legoland Billund is a dream come true for kids who love the iconic bricks. It offers a variety of attractions, including themed rides, Miniland (with miniature replicas of famous landmarks), and interactive play areas. 

Not only that but Billund is also home to 'Lego House' which is interactive museum offering a hands-on experience where kids and adults can unleash their creativity. 

The house features over 25 million LEGO bricks spread across various themed zones, including areas for building, experimenting, and storytelling. 

Highlights include the Tree of Creativity, the Masterpiece Gallery showcasing incredible LEGO creations, and an impressive rooftop playground. 

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Kids Travel Bucket List

As you can see, it's perfectly possible to be able to experience 'bucket-list' holidays for less, when you are willing to put your own trips together. 

There are many bucket list experiences suitable for kids in Europe and we could easily list 50- hopefully if time allows we will re-visit this blog and update it with another 10. 

To find the cheapest flights and hotels don't forget to check out our holiday page! 

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10 Fun Things to Do in Paris for Teens That They'll Love!

Planning a trip to Paris with your teenagers? You might be wondering, “What is fun for teens in Paris?” or “Is Paris worth visiting with teens?” The answer is a resounding yes! 

10 Fun Things to Do in Paris with Teens: A Complete Guide

Paris offers a great mix of culture, history, and fun activities that can keep even the most hard-to-please teenagers entertained. As a parent with 2 teens and 1 tween, and with 15 trips to Paris under my belt, here you'll find our top suggestions.

Whether you're considering visiting Paris for just a day trip or a long weekend, our guide on the best things to in Paris with teens is packed with plenty of ideas. 

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1. Ascend the Eiffel Tower: An Unmissable Experience

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Teens will love the thrill of climbing to the top (or taking the lift) for panoramic views of the city. 

To make it even more fun, visit at night when the tower sparkles with thousands of lights. It’s not just a photo opportunity but an unforgettable experience for teens.

Tip: Book your tickets in advance to skip the lines!

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2. Explore the Louvre: Art Meets Fun

While art museums might not sound like fun for teens, the Louvre is an exception. Home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of other world-famous works, this vast museum offers interactive tours and scavenger hunts tailored for teenagers. 

Teens can discover cool artefacts, ancient Egyptian relics, and jaw-dropping sculptures while exploring one of the world’s most iconic museums.

Pro tip: Download a treasure hunt app or follow the Louvre’s teen-friendly itineraries to make the visit more engaging. 

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3. Cruise Along the Seine: Sightseeing with a Twist

A Seine river cruise is a great way to see many of Paris’s landmarks in one go, without the tired feet! Teens will appreciate the relaxing boat ride as they pass by famous sites like Notre-Dame, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower. 

If you choose a night cruise, you'll also get to see the city illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere that even teens will find captivating.

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4. Visit Disneyland Paris: Thrills and Magic

For families wondering “What is fun for teens in Paris?”, Disneyland Paris is the perfect answer. With thrilling rides, live shows, and beloved characters, it offers a mix of adventure and entertainment. 

Teens can enjoy adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like Space Mountain or the Avengers Assemble: Flight Force. It’s the perfect break from sightseeing, providing endless fun things to do in Paris with teenagers.

Tip: Stay for the fireworks and parade to add a magical end to the day!

See our blogs on Disneyland Paris tips and tricks here

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5. Discover Street Art in Le Marais: A Trendy Adventure

Le Marais is one of Paris’s trendiest districts, known for its eclectic mix of fashion, culture, and street art. Teens with an interest in urban culture will love exploring the colourful murals and graffiti art that adorn the area. There are even street art tours available that highlight some of the best works by local and international artists.

Bonus: Le Marais is also home to some of the coolest boutiques and vintage shops—perfect for fashion-forward teens.

6. Get Spooked at the Catacombs: A Dark History Lesson

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If your teens love a bit of mystery or horror, the Catacombs of Paris will be a hit. 

This underground ossuary holds the remains of over six million people, arranged in eerie patterns. Walking through the dark, winding tunnels is both fascinating and spine-tingling, offering a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Parisian history. 

It’s definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Paris with teens.

Note: The Catacombs can be a bit claustrophobic, so be sure your teens are up for the experience!

catercoombs

7. Climb to the Top of Arc de Triomphe: A Different Perspective

Teens who love a good view (and Instagrammable photographs) will enjoy climbing the Arc de Triomphe. From the top, you’ll have a stunning 360-degree view of Paris, including the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. The climb isn’t too difficult, and the reward at the top is well worth the effort.

Don’t forget to snap a family photo with the Paris skyline as your backdrop!

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8. Wander Through the Jardin du Luxembourg: A Relaxing Break

For families looking for more laid-back things to do in Paris with teens, a stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg is ideal. 

Teens can rent a boat to sail across the central pond, play tennis, or simply relax in the beautiful gardens. It’s also a great spot for a family picnic, allowing everyone to recharge before the next adventure.

Bonus: Keep an eye out for the puppet shows that sometimes take place in the gardens!

9. Take a Cooking Class: Learn to Make French Macaron's

Who says teens can’t enjoy a bit of culinary culture? Paris offers numerous cooking classes tailored for families where you can learn to make classic French pastries like croissants or macarons. 

Teens who love cooking (or just eating) will enjoy this hands-on experience, and they’ll get to savour their creations afterward.

Pro tip: Book a class in advance, as these experiences are popular and fill up quickly!

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10. Experience Virtual Reality at FlyView Paris: A Modern Twist

One of the most innovative and fun things to do in Paris with teenagers is FlyView Paris, a virtual reality experience that allows you to “fly” over the city’s landmarks. 

Teens will love the sensation of soaring over the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and more, all while learning about the city’s history in an immersive way. 

It’s a great combination of education and fun, wrapped in cutting-edge technology.

paris things to do for teens
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Final Thoughts: Is Paris Worth Visiting with Teens?

Absolutely! From iconic attractions to hidden gems, Paris offers a wealth of activities that cater to teens’ diverse interests. 

Whether your teenagers are into history, art, fashion, or adventure, there’s something in the City of Light to captivate them. 

This guide to visiting Paris with teens covers a mix of the traditional and the modern, ensuring that your family will have an unforgettable experience.

Teenager girl River Seine

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10 Unique Afternoon Teas in London for Kids & Teenagers

From the best afternoon tea for kids London has to offer, to the best afternoon tea for teenagers looking for a touch of glam, this article is your golden ticket to a world of sugary delights. 

We’re about to whisk you away on an adventure filled with some of the most unique and enchanting afternoon tea experiences that London has to offer!

Imagine sipping pink strawberry lemonade while nibbling on fanciful cakes aboard a delightful Afternoon Tea bus, or indulging in an extravagant children’s afternoon tea in a setting inspired by beloved authors!

unique afternoon tea experiences in London

And let’s not forget those special insta-worthy afternoon teas perfect for those stylish tweens and teens who love to capture their experiences in a snap! 

Join us as we dive into 10 of the most quirky afternoon teas on offer in the nation's capital, all sure to create sweet memories and tantalising taste buds. Ready to elevate your afternoon plans? Let’s go!

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1. london Afternoon Tea- The Dilly

10 Unique Afternoon Teas in London for Kids & Teenagers
best afternoon tea for kids london
best afternoon tea for kids london
  • Served Daily from 12:30pm- 4pm
  • Children £39 & Adults £49
  • THE DILLY 21 PICCADILLY LONDON W1J 0BH
  • Nearest Underground: Piccadilly Circus

This children's London themed afternoon tea includes kid-friendly sandwiches, themed pastries, a home-made chocolate scone and special drink selection. 

Served on the Terrace at The Dilly, experience this quaint British tradition with views across Piccadilly. 

Vegetarian option available. 

Images Copyright of The Dilly

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2. Peter Pan Afternoon Tea- Aqua Shard

Peter Pan Afternoon Tea for Kids & Teens London
family friendly afternoon tea london
Disney Inspired Afternoon Teas for Kids in London
  • Served Daily from 12pm- 3.15pm
  • Children £55 & Adults £70
  • LEVEL 31, THE SHARD, 31 ST. THOMAS ST, SE1 9RY
  • Nearest Underground: London Bridge

Images Copyright of the Aqua Shard.

Includes a selection of savoury items such as finger sandwiches with a creative twist, and an ‘Enormous Mushroom Chimney’ – mushroom-shaped bread inspired by the mushroom stools ‘of charming colour’ in Neverland.

Quintessentially British warm scones are hidden within a special treasure chest, accompanied by sweet apricot marmalade as well as coconut clotted cream.

All served with the incredible views from The Shard. 

Vegan, Vegetarian & Pescatarian Menu's also available. 

Click here for More Info

3. Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea- One Aldwych Hotel

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, London
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, London
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, London
  • Wed-Fri from 12pm- 3pm
  • Weekends from 12pm- 4.30pm
  • Children £50 & Adults £70
  • 1 ALDWYCH, WC2B 4BZ
  • Nearest Underground: Convent Garden

This family friendly afternoon tea, London consists of exciting fizzy lifting drinks, snozzberry jam, chocolate swudge milkshake mixed by waterfall – indulge your inner child and adventure into the magical, mouth-watering world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with this enchanting afternoon tea inspired by Roald Dahl’s iconic book.

Images Copyright of One Aldwych

 

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4. Be Our Guest: The Enchanted Rose afternoon tea- The Waldorf

Beauty and the Beauty Tea afternoon tea for kids London
Beauty and the Beauty Tea afternoon tea for kids London
Beauty and the Beauty Tea afternoon tea for kids London
  • Wed-Fri from 12pm- 3pm
  • Weekends from 12pm- 4.30pm
  • From £59pp
  • ALDWYCH, WC2B 4DD
  • Nearest Underground: Holborn

A Beauty and the Beast inspired afternoon tea, thoughtfully curated by Executive Chef Luke Rayment-Blakey to celebrate the delicate marriage of bold flavours and delicate techniques, playfully incorporating some of the much-loved scenes and characters with a Waldorf twist.

Images Copyright of The Waldorf.

 

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5. Peppa pig Kids Afternoon Tea London Bus Tour

afternoon tea for small children in London
little kids afternoon tea in London
small kids afternoon tea in London
  • Thurs-Sun Various Times
  • Adults £70 & Children £60
  • Somerset House, Waterloo Bridge, London WC2R 2AB
  • Nearest Underground: Temple

See the best of London as you ride aboard an iconic double-decker Routemaster bus with a kid friendly afternoon tea.  .

Enjoy a Peppa Pig afternoon-themed tea experience with traditional British treats and unlimited hot drinks. 

Listen to a Peppa Pig audio guide full of fun games and sing-a-long songs the whole family will love.

Images Copyright of Get Your Guide

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6. Harry Potter Afternoon Tea & Walking Tour

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea London
kids afternoon tea london offers
kids afternoon tea london offers
  • Thurs-Sun Various Times
  • Adults £98 & Children £64
  • King's Cross Station,
  • Nearest Underground: King's Cross

Explore various Harry Potter locations and buildings that inspired J.K. Rowling’s books on a London walking tour. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Wands & Wizard Exploratorium.

Meet your fun Potter-head guide and a small group of fellow fans at iconic King’s Cross Station, home to Platform 9 ¾, before setting off on your magical city tour.

After your walking tour, you’ll be given tickets for a truly spellbinding experience in The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium, where all kinds of magical treats, sweets, cake, and tea await you. 

Images Copyright of Get Your Guide

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7. The Twits Afternoon Tea at County Hall

unique afternoon teas in London The Twits
unique afternoon teas in London The Twits
unique afternoon teas in London The Twits
  • Mon-Sun 12pm-5pm
  • Adults £65 & Children £45
  • LONDON COUNTY HALL, WESTMINSTER BRIDGE RD, SE1 7PB
  • Nearest Underground: Waterloo

New for 2024, this Twits themed afternoon tea is perfect for any Roald Dahl fan!

Muggle-Wump brownies, Jam Roly-Poly sponge and our Trick or Twit scones - indulge your inner child and enter into the story of The Twits with our deliciously themed Afternoon Tea inspired by Roald Dahl's iconic book.

Images Copyright of County Hall

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8. Seasonal Afternoon Tea at Peggy Porchen

afternoon tea experiences for teens in London
afternoon tea experiences iin London for teens in London
Things to do in October Half term in London
  • Daily 12pm-5.15pm
  • Adults £52 & Children £26
  • 116 EBURY STREET, BELGRAVIA, SW1W 9QQ
  • Nearest Underground: Sloane Square

Probably more one for the tweens and teens, this Insta-worthy (and Insta-famous) bakery located in Belgravia is sure to win you some brownie points!

This autumn, take a seat at London’s most iconic pink café and celebrate the season over the bewitching ritual of afternoon tea. From spiced pumpkin, caramelised toffee apple and perfectly picked blackberries, nature’s larder presides over the grace and flavour of Peggy’s latest menu- there's lots of savoury treats too.

Images Copright of Peggy Porschen 

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9. London Afternoon Tea Bus

The English Tea Bus London
afternoon tea on a bus in london
Afternoon tea buss in London
  • Daily Various Times
  • Adults £49 & Children £44
  • LONDON VICTORIA COACH STATION, SW1W 9SZ
  • Nearest Underground: Victoria

Have afternoon tea with a twist on the delightful English Tea Bus. Ride aboard a traditional double-decker offering beautiful views of London, including the Coca-Cola London Eye, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, all while indulging in a delicious mix of sweet and savoury treats.

Images Copyright of Get Your Guide.

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10. Taylor Swift Afternoon Tea Bus London

Taylor Swift afternoon tea bus London
Afternoon tea buss in London
Taylor Swift afternoon tea bus London
  • Fri-Sun Various Times
  • Adults £49 & Children £44
  • LONDON VICTORIA COACH STATION, SW1W 9SZ
  • Nearest Underground: Victoria

Experience Taylor Swift-inspired vibes and traditional British afternoon tea on a charming bus tour of London. Listen to Taylor's hits and sip on Prosecco or soft drinks as you journey through London. 

Let the curated playlist guide your musical journey through Taylor Swift's illustrious career. Listen to songs ranching from the touching melodies of her early country hits to the infectious beats of her top hits.

Images Copyright of Get Your Guide. 

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Italy Train Travel with Kids: The Ultimate 16 Day Adventure

As a family of 6 we decided to book our biggest adventure yet, exploring Italy by train over 16 days- Rome, Florence, Chianti, Pisa, Venice, Milan, Verona, and Lake Garda.

Italy Train Travel with Kids

Trying to do this on a budget was a challenge, however the whole trip came in at £680 per person. This included return flights from the UK, Luggage, Private Airport Transfers, All Train Journeys (including 5 high speed trains in 1st class) and Accommodation for 15 nights. 

Italy by Train Cost Breakdown

Train travel in Italy with children is a great way to see the country. The trains are reliable and very comfortable, making it easy to relax while you travel.

You can go from one city to another by high speed train quickly and cheaply. The views from the train windows are beautiful, with rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns.

Plus, taking the train can help you save money and avoid traffic! Some parts of Italy are notoriously stressful in terms of narrow roads and crazy drivers whereas a train allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenery. 

For anyone looking to plan a similar trip we've broken down each element of our own trip so you can see how we planned it all out. In this blog, we will share with you the logistical side of booking a trip like this. 

 

Building an Itinerary around Italy 

From the UK you can travel to Europe purely by train. However, living in the north of England, this would have been far more expensive than flying. It would have also required an extra nights stay in London at either end of the trip, adding to the cost.

It is typically far cheaper for us to fly to mainland Europe and then start our travels there, so this is what we did. 

In order to plan the route we would take, we first looked at flights. As we were trying to keep the trip as low cost as possible, it made sense to factor in which cities in Italy has the cheapest flights during August and then build in the stops in between.  Flights are always the biggest cost variable for us a family of 6, as opposed to accommodation. 

We used Skyscanner to see which cities in Italy had the cheapest outbound and return flights.

Finding flights to Italy

Skyscanner has the ability to search the whole of Italy for an entire month rather than having to pick a date and specific arrival city, making it a valuable tool when planning a trip of this nature. 

Finding flights to Italy

We made a 'one- way' search from Manchester to Italy and then the same for Italy to Manchester. 

If you're planning a trip like this we would recommend booking a different city to return from, than the one you arrive in. This allows you to plan a trip a fair distance away from the arrival airport without having to circle back and waste money on extra train fares just to get home.

 

 

 

Flights to Italy

The flights we finally settled on were flying in to Rome from Manchester and then flying home from Milan Bergamo. 

For the outbound flight we paid a total of £510.22 (£85pp). For the return flight 16 days later from Milan Bergamo, the total was £500.73 (£84pp). Both flight prices included 2 x 20kg suitcases. 

The flight total could have been much cheaper if we'd booked earlier in the year during the flight sales or had chosen a different month to travel. August is usually the most expensive month for flights to Italy. We only chose to start looking at a trip like this in June (around 6 weeks before departure).

We regularly pick up return flights to Italy between £28-£50pp, if you take a look at our other Italy blogs we have a few of these trips written up for reference. 

The next step was then to determine where we would stay between Rome and Milan.

Rome to Milan by train

Total Flight Cost £1011 (£169pp)

 

Accommodation in Italy

For accommodation our main aim was to find something child friendly, that would provide us with a balance between a 'proper' Summer holiday and seeing the tourist sites of Italy.

The last thing we wanted was to drag the kids around Italy in very hot temperatures, seeing things they would probably have little interest in and be cooked up in hotel rooms for the remainder.

Hotels in Italy

We decided to use campsites as a base. We had visited sites like these previously in Rome and Venice and they were fantastic for kids with great pools, slides and entertainment on site. Plus they have amenities like laundrettes, bars, restaurants and supermarkets. 

Italy Train Travel with Kids
Camping Village Fabulous

The accommodations available at these kind of campsites include space for campervans and tents, but they also have fully equipped static caravans with verandas which are great for allowing you to cook your own meals and sit out at night whilst the kids are in bed. 

Italy Train Travel with Kids
Camping Village Fabulous

At each site booked a 3 bed static caravan with large deck, the prices were as follows:

Camping Village Fabulous in Rome £437.32 (£73pp)- Nights 1-3 (3 nights)

Hu Norcenni Girasole Club, Tuscany £846 (£141pp)- Nights 4-8 (5 nights) 

Butterfly Camping, Lake Garda £872 (£146pp)- Nights 9-15 (7 nights)

Total Accommodation Cost £2155 (£359pp)

Go to the end of this post to see links for separate blog posts detailing our stay at each of these sites- it was too long to include all the information here.

Deciding Where to Visit

Now we had decided three places we were going to stay during our trip, we could then start to purchase train tickets and expand on the destinations we would include. 

At this point we had Rome, Chianti Hills (Tuscany) and Peschiera Del Garda (Lake Garda) as our bases.

From Chianti we decided to include a day out by train to Rome and Florence (1-2hrs away). We had originally wanted to include Cinque Terre but as this area is not on the high speed train network it would have taken too long to travel there and back, in a day from Chianti.  Other choices from Chianti include Lucca and Siena. 

Pescheria Del Garda we found the most places to visit that were in easy reach. Venice, Verona and Milan are all within 20mins-1hr 30 of Peschiera Del Garda so we added these to our itinerary too. Other choices include Bologna and Parma, and a bit further afield, Lake Como. 

Rome we decided to purely just 'do' Rome so we could have a relax and find our feet. 

Italy by rail itinerary

 

Interrail Pass vs Purchasing Individual Train Tickets

When planning our Italy itinerary, we carefully compared the options between booking an Interrail pass and purchasing individual tickets for each journey.

Ultimately, we decided to go with individual tickets as it became clear that for our specific routes and travel dates, buying tickets separately was going to be cheaper. 

In terms of our party, for some trains (regional) we were classed as 4 adults and 2 children. For 1st class high speed trains we fell under the category of 3 adults and 3 children.

Search for trains in Italy

I have done a breakdown of the train journeys we took and what type of train/class we got, along with the journey times and prices.

For the longer journeys we splurged and purchased 1st class seats on the high speed trains. These were great as they gave us lots of room in air conditioned carriages with tables, power points and Wi-Fi. On some journeys we were also provided with free refreshments.

Italy Train Travel with Kids
Free snacks and drinks provided in 1st class on Frecciarossa trains

As we booked 6 weeks beforehand, the 1st class tickets were a very similar price to the 2nd class on the day fares. It didn't seem a big extravagance and it made the journeys far more comfortable. 

All in we purchased a total of 84 train tickets across 6 days, costing £678 (£113pp).

The interrail pass for travel just within Italy for 6 days with upgrades to first class where available is £965. In our case it was definitely cheaper to book the tickets individually. 

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Types of Trains in Italy 

In Italy, there are three different types of trains. Some are high speed (Le Freece and Italio), these are the most expensive, but also the quickest and usually the most comfortable. In some cases we managed to book high speed trains for cheaper than the slow counterparts as some had offers on when booking.

Then there's intercity trains which connect cities with fewer stops. Finally there are the regional trains. These tend to be slower, calling at more stops and they don't have reserved seating, but they also tend to be the cheapest option.

Some areas in Italy aren't as well connected such as Cinque Terre, so here you'll only find regional trains available. 

When planning a trip like this, it is likely you will take a mix of all three of these trains to get around. 

Italy Train Travel with Kids

 

Should I Book Italy Train Tickets in Advance?

Yes! as mentioned earlier, we paid the same for 1st class high speed trains booked in advance, as what we would have paid on the day for a slower intercity train.

It is definitely worth booking your main journeys in advance, as these dates tend to be set in stone with your accommodation dates. 

For more localised journeys such as Lake Garda to Verona, the price difference is small on the day, so if you would like to play days out by ear then leave these ones flexible. 

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How Early do you Need to get to the Train Station in Italy?

For bigger city stations I'd recommend a good 20 minutes beforehand. Some stations are more like airports and depending on which door you enter it can be quite a walk to the platforms. The last thing you want is to be panicking and rushing to find your platform.

Getting there in good time allows you to get your bearings, check the arrivals board and stand on the right part on the platform.

If you have a pre-booked seat in a specific carriage, there's nothing worse than having to rush aboard, then walk the length of a train to find where your sat with all your bags. 

For regional stations 5-10 mins is more than adequate. Trains run on time in Italy so definitely be there beforehand.

Italy Train Travel with Kids

 

Are Children Free on Trains in Italy?

In most cases children under 4yrs old travel free. Children up to 14 years may travel at a highly discounted fare when riding on high speed trains. For other trains the maximum child age is 11 years. 

We found that my daughter who was 13yrs at the time was classed as a child fare on high speed trains, but an adult on the regional ones.

It's best to play around and price it up online, as it may therefore be cheaper to take a high speed train depending on your children's ages. 

Italy Travel Planning Template
Get Our Italian Travel Planning Template!

 

Can I take Luggage on Trains in Italy?

With high speed trains there are luggage racks at the end of each carriage. On regional trains, there are no racks and its expected you keep your luggage with you.

In all cases please keep your most valuable items, money and passports on your person at all times. 

Italy Train Travel with Kids

 

Should I purchase tickets online or at the Station?

I would always recommend purchasing online before your trip. Not only can you save money but you're also guaranteeing your seat and some high speed trains can sell out.

If you are purchasing regional train tickets at the station, you need to remember to validate your ticket before boarding using one of the machines on the platform otherwise you could face a fine. 

To purchase online we used a combination of Trenitalia (the Italian train website) and Trip.Com (Often a little easier to navigate).

Italy Train Travel with Kids

 

The Trains we Booked 

So let's look at the trains we booked, how much they cost and the journey times. 

Day 3: Rome to Chianti (Tuscany) £23pp

Rome Tiburtina to Firenze S.M. Novella: 1st Class High Speed train, Journey Time: 1hr 30 mins, total cost £94 (£16pp)

Florence to Figline Valdarno, Regional train 2nd Class, Journey Time: 58 mins, total cost £38 (£7pp)

Tuscany with kids
Chianti
Day 6: Day Trip to Florence and Pisa from Chianti £26pp

Figline Valdarno (Chianti) to Firenze S.M. Novella (Florence), Regional Train, 2nd Class, Journey time 58 mins, total cost £25 (£4pp)

Firenze S.M. Novella (Florence) to Pisa Centrale, Regional Train, 2nd Class, Journey time 52 mins £50 (£9pp)

Florence with kids
Florence

Pisa Central to Firenze S.M. Novella (Florence), Regional Train, 2nd Class, Journey time 52 mins £50 (£9pp)

Firenze S.M. Novella (Florence) to Figline Valdarno (Chianti), Regional Train, 2nd Class, Journey time 58 mins, total cost £25 (£4pp)

Pisa with kids
Pisa
Day 8: Chianti (Tuscany) to Pescheria Del Garda (Lake Garda) £19pp

Figline Valdarno to Firenze S.M. Novella (Florence), Regional Train, 2nd Class, Journey time 58 mins, total cost £25 (£4pp)

Verona with kids
Verona

Firenze S.M. Novella (Florence) to Pescheria Del Garda, High Speed, 1st Class, Journey time 1hr 58 mins, total cost £85 (£15pp)

Day 11: Day Trip to Verona from Lake Garda £6pp

Peschiera Del Garda to Verona Porta Nuova: Regional Train, 2nd class, Journey time:19 minutes £16 (£3pp)

Lake Garda with kids
Lake Garda

Verona Porta Nuova to Peschiera Del Garda: Regional Train, 2nd class, Journey time:19 minutes £16 (£3pp)

Day 13: Day Trip to Venice from Lake Garda £17pp

Pescheria Del Garda to Venice (Venezia Santa Lucia), High Speed Train (Frecciargento), journey time: 1hr 22 mins, total cost £48 (£8pp)

Venice with Kids
Venice

Venice to Pescheria Del Garda 2nd class train with a change in Verona, journey time: 1hr 45 mins, total cost £55 (£9pp)

Day 15: Day Trip to Milan from Lake Garda £22pp

Pescheria Del Garda to Milan (Milano Centrale), 1st Class Seats-High Speed Train (Frecciargento), journey time: 57 mins, total cost £62 (£11pp)

Milan (Milano Centrale) to Pescheria Del Garda, 1st Class Seats-High Speed Train (Frecciargento), journey time: 57 mins, total cost £62 (£11)

 

Airport Transfers

From Rome Ciampino Airport to Camping Village Fabulous we paid £64 for a private van for 6 people (£11pp)

Butterfly Camping in Pescheria del Garda to Milan Bergamo, we again booked a private transfer, this time costing £167 (£28pp)

The nearest airport to Pescheria Del Garda is Verona, however the flights were £600 more expensive than from Milan, so it made more sense to fly out of Milan Bergamo and pay a little more on the transfer. 

Total cost for Private Airport Transfers £231 (£39pp)

book airport transfers in italy

 

Luggage

For luggage we tried to keep this as minimal as possible as lugging cases round Italy and on so many trains isn't my idea of fun. We stuck to two cases weighing 20kg and then a back pack for each person.

One case was purely for towels and bedding. In static accommodation in Italy, you're usually required to provide your own duvet cover and pillowcases or rent it from the site. The cost of this is around £20 per bed, which doesn't sound too bad. However, as we were changing accommodation three times over the trip, this would have been £300 extra.

We save up old bedding instead of throwing it away for these kind of trips. Then at the end we can dispose of it guilt free and have lots of spare room to bring any souvenirs back.  

The three accommodations we booked all had laundry facilities, so this meant we didn't need to pack clothes to last us the full 16 days. We took around 7 day outfits, 2 evening ones, 2 swimming costume and 1-2 pairs of shoes per person on top of the ones we travelled in. 

Luggage costs were included in the flight price above.

 

 

 

Our Tips for Travelling Italy by Train with Kids

 

 

 

Italy Train Travel with Kids

 

 

 

printable italy travel template

 

Find the guides for each of our accommodations below: 

Hu Norcenni Girasole Tuscany Review

Butterfly Camping Lake Garda Review

We would definitely recommend taking a trip like this with children. Trains in Italy are so easy to use and allow you to explore huge regions of the country in one visit For what cost us the same as 7 night package holiday in Spain, we got 15 nights and lots of fabulous memories.

Since this holiday we have grown in confidence and travelled between Switzerland and Italy by train and also between Turin to Garda. You can find the links to these trips below:

 

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How to Travel to Lake Garda with Kids: Budget Edition

As a family of 6 we decided to book our biggest adventure yet, exploring Italy by train over 16 days- Rome, Florence, Chianti (Tuscany), Pisa, Venice, Milan, Verona, and Lake Garda.

For the northern leg of our trip (Venice, Verona, Milan and Lake Garda), we needed somewhere that was going to be close to a train station so that we could easily get to all these places. 

Butterfly Camping Lake Garda- Our Review
Peschiera Del Garda

After researching, it seemed like the town of Peschiera Del Garda would be the best fit. The town has a station that has trains direct train connections to all the above places, with journey times ranging from 15 minutes to 1hr 50 mins. Plus, we could get a high speed train from Florence here.

There are a number of camp sites in the town, but the closest to the actual station was Camping Butterfly- a 15 minute walk.

Where to stay in Lake Garda- Butterfly Camping

We only booked 6 weeks before departure so choice was limited, and a few sites were already fully booked up. It didn't look as flash as it's counterparts in terms of activities and pools, but seemed to be sufficient for our needs. 

Camping Butterfly is a relatively small site, with just 220 pitches, compared to our stay in Rome that had 800, and Tuscany which had 1500!

Our Review of Camping Butterfly Village, Lake Garda

As it turned out, the site was perfect and exactly what we needed for the end of our trip. All the walking up hills in extreme heat in Tuscany was enough to finish anyone off. This site is all completely flat and everything is within a couple of minutes walk. I don't think we would have coped with another huge site. 

Since this trip we have re-visited Camping Butterfly so it can't be too bad! You can read about our Easter trip and top tips on doing Italy on a budget here - on this trip we combined Turin, Milan, Lake Garda and Verona for under £100pp!  

About Build a Break

 

Types of Accommodation at Butterfly Camping, Peschiera Del Garda

The site has a variety of pitches, mobile homes and bungalows for rent.

The pitches are for families of up to 6 people, bringing their own tent, caravan or camper and include electric hook up and a parking space. 

The site themselves offer four different types of mobile homes- Aida, Boheme, Boheme Deluxe and Boheme Deluxe S. All include a deck area.

Butterfly Camping Lake Garda Map

They then also offer Bungalows (Butterfly S) although there isn't much information about these on their own site. 

Bungalows at Butterfly Camping Village
Bungalows

For our 7 night stay we hired a 3 bed static caravan which cost us £872 (number 33 on the map). We booked this through Canvas Holidays.

However on our return this year, we didn't book with a tour operator, but with the site themselves. Towels and bed linen were included in the price, which was a huge saving. This was number 49 on the map- a Boheme Deluxe. 

Where to stay in Lake Garda- Butterfly Camping

Numbers 1-7 looked particularly nice vans with great decks- however, these do face the road in and so offer less privacy. 

A boheme Deluxe at Camping Butterfly
A Boheme Deluxe

We were happy with our accommodation on both occasions. On this visit, the van we booked seemed new and had 2 bathrooms and 2 parts to the decked area. The only drawback was that it was right next to the site parameter which was next to the main road and carpark which got noisy at the weekend with revving cars.

Butterfly Camping Choice of Accommodations
Number 33 at Butterfly Camping

The van we booked at Easter was an older and the deck could  have done with a lick of paint to the deck, but it was in a much quieter location. Both accommodations allowed us to reach the shop, pool and park entrance in minutes. 

 

How to Get from Verona Airport to Butterfly Camping

Verona Airport is located 21.5km from the site- a 25 minute drive. One option, be to hire a car from the airport, this would allow you to also visit other parts of Lake Garda during your stay too.

Another option would be to take the train. From Verona Airport, you'd need to take the Airlink bus (no.199) which connects the airport to Verona Porta Nouva train station.

There are then regular trains to Peschiera Del Garda which take around 14-20 minutes. 

Florence from Hu Norcenni Girasole

In the Summer, there are various buses from the airport to Peschiera Del Garda (no's 164, 482 & 483). Click here for the timetables.

Alternatively you could take one of the fixed price taxi's from the airport to Verona Porta Nouva train station for just €26. We actually found it cheaper to do this on our 2nd visit, than take the bus with their being 6 of us.

Taxis Taxi in Verona prices
Fixed Taxi Prices in Verona

Lastly there is the option of taking a private transfer. This should cost around £110 with our 15% discount which is automatically applied by clicking the link provided below.

How to Get to Hu Norcenni Girasole Club from Pisa Airport

Tip: Don't forgot to take in to account flight times when looking at options to get to the site. Check the closing time of the car hire counters at the airport and the time of the last train.

 

How We Got to and From Butterfly Camping 

For anyone looking to replicate our trip route, from Hu Norcenni Girasole (Tuscany), we took the site taxi to Figline Valderno station.

We hopped on a regional train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence) taking around 30 minutes.

From here we took a direct high speed train to Peschiera Del Garda which took just under 2 hours. 

High Speed Train from Florence to Lake Garda
High Speed Train from Florence to Lake Garda

You can read more about our route, costs and how to plan a trip round Italy in this post.

From Peschiera Del Garda, we flew home from Milan Bergamo airport (93km from the site) as the flight cost, including the private transfer was coming in £££'s less than flying from Verona. 

 

Driving from the UK to Peschiera Del Garda

From Calais the drive to the site is around 16hrs (1302km), although this can be split up with stays at others sites en-route in France or Switzerland for instance. 

Other port options include Zeebrugge- 1145km , Caen - 1200km and the Hook of Holland - 1196km. 

 

Search for ferries to eurocamp

 

Things to Do on the Campsite

The site is very compact and most things happen in one area. The pool, bar, restaurant and park are all located next to each other, as can be seen on the map above. 

Pools

There are two pools at Camping Butterfly, a large pool for older kids and adults, then a toddler pool with 2 slides.

Pools at Butterfly Camping

For this site you are required to wear a swimming hat,. You can bring your own or purchase one at the onsite shop. 

Pools at Butterfly Camping
Swimming caps must be worn at this site 

Pools are often advertised on suppliers sites as open from April 7th, however, we asked on our last visit and they told us from May, so it's worth asking if you're not looking to visit in high season. 

Pools at Butterfly Camping

It also states that sun loungers are payable, however, we were never asked for any money and to our knowledge they were free to use. This may have changed though between our visits. 

Kids Clubs

There is no kids club on this site but there are things on of an evening to keep them entertained. 

Family Entertainment

Entertainment on this site includes baby dance (mini disco) which is then followed by a quiz, games or sometimes an act.

The entertainment area is small, but is compatible with the amount of people staying there. We enjoyed the offerings and went nightly, but don't expect to be 'wowed' like you get at some of the bigger sites. 

Things for kids at Butterfly Camping Village
The Play Park

The site has a playground with trampolines and bouncy castles located next to the entertainment, which are open each evening (and sometimes in the day too). 

Sports

On site you'll find volleyball, football and table tennis. There's bikes and electric scooters to hire. Then there's also a fishing lake, although this does require a permit.  

Things to do at Camping Village Butterfly, Lake Garda

Off-Site Activities 

This is where the location of the site comes in to play. Locally, there is huge range of things to do for kids. 

The site is just across from the Lake and here you can hire motorboats or pedalos or even take a trip on one of the ferries to other parts of Lake Garda. 

Things to do in Lake Garda
Pedalo's at the shingled lake area just down from the site

We hired our own boat a couple of times during our trip which cost around €120 including fuel for 2 hours. Remember to bring your driving licence as ID/Competency if you would like to do this. 

Hiring a boat in Lake Garda

Just 3km from the site you'll find Gardaland- a huge theme park with thrill rides, Peppa Pig land, Sea Life Centre and a Legoland Water Park. 

Things to do in Lake Garda- Gardaland
One of the big thrill rides at Gardaland
Things to do in Lake Garda- Peppa Pig Land
Peppa Pig Land at Gardaland
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A little further afield at 5km, there's Movieland and Caneva World. 

There are free buses from Peschiera Del Garda station to many of these attractions. 

Other local activities include Golf  (5 km), Driving range (5 km), Crazy golf (7 km), Horse riding  (7 km), Climbing wall (10 km) and Karting (15 km) from site.

As mentioned earlier, Peschiera Del Garda has excellent transport links to many places in the north of Italy, so you'll be spoilt for choice.

Visiting Peschiera Del Garda
Peschiera Del Garda- taken on the walk from the site in to town 

The town centre itself is just a 10-15 walk from the site and has lots of local shops, bars and restaurants then a market once a week.

 

Where to Eat

 
Onsite Restaurant (Butterfly Bistro)

There is a formal sit down restaurant on site and we dined here on both stays. The menu is varied, staff friendly and the food good quality.

Butterfly Camping Restaurant

It's open at lunch and of an evening. I must admit we preferred to eat off site, simply because the restaurants in the town provided a beautiful view. However, we used it when there was heavy rain of an evening (which is often the case in Lake Garda) and didn't want to walk out. 

The restaurant also offers a takeaway service for food to be eaten back at your accommodation. The site does offer a B&B and Half Board option from a set menu too.

On Site Mini Market

Onsite there's a small mini market. They offer fresh bread and pastries each morning and have the essentials for having a BBQ or meal on site. It is more expensive than other shops in the area, as is to be expected. 

Mini Market at Camping Village Butterfly

On our 7 day trip, we did visit the Penny Market twice to stock up. This is a large supermarket, a 15 minute walk from the site, but worth it if you want more choice and cheaper prices. 

 
Eating Off Site

We ate in the town probably 4/7 nights as we were past caravan cooking by this stage in our trip.  Our favourite restaurant in Peschiera Del Garda is Caffe Centrale- La Zattera, we've dined here four times on our trips and not once been disappointed.

Where to eat in Peschiera Del Garda

It's a floating quay side pizzeria, surrounded by ducks and during sunset, the lighting and views are beautiful.

Where to eat in Peschiera Del Garda

The dining is informal and you'll always see it packed with families.

Where to eat in Peschiera Del Garda

I don't think we paid over £100 for all 6 of us and that included a main each,  lots of drinks and a tip- not to mention the crazy amount of free breadsticks and bread rolls the kids ate and then also fed the ducks with. 

 

Where to eat in Peschiera del Garda
Sunset from the restaurant

We often then followed this by dessert in the town. There's quite a few good gelato shops with a huge amount of flavours for just a few euros each- probably not authentic gelato due to the colours, however, delicious all the same. 

 

Getting to Verona from Peschiera Del Garda

From the station you can take a train directly to Verona in under 15 minutes, costing around £4 each way for an adult.

Verona Porta Nouva station is around a 30 minute walk from the centre, so we decided to hop in a taxi to Juliette's House which cost us €10- taxi's in Verona are fixed priced.

Peschiera Del Garda Train Station
Peschiera Del Garda Train Station

 

Things to do in Verona with Children

We absolutely loved Verona. We didn't actually do that much but wander round the city and take in the sites around Juliet's House and the arena, but it is is definitely a city we'll return to.

We did try at Easter but unfortunately the weather on the day was terrible and we ended up staying indoors.

Verona with kids

In terms of a one day itinerary here are some things to consider:

Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta)- Visit the famous balcony of Juliet's House. The kids will enjoy the story of Romeo and Juliet, and you can take fun photos in the courtyard.

Verona with kids

Piazza delle Erbe- Stroll through this vibrant square filled with market stalls, cafes, and fountains. Grab some gelato to keep everyone refreshed!

Castelvecchio Museum- Explore this medieval castle with its impressive bridges and towers. The surrounding park is great for kids to run around and explore.

Verona with kids
A stop off for a snack from the markets

Giardino Giusti (Giusti Gardens)- Visit these beautiful renaissance gardens. The kids can enjoy exploring the maze and climbing to the top for a stunning view of the city.

Verona with kids

Piazza Bra & Arena di Verona- Head to Piazza Bra to see the iconic Roman amphitheatre. Check if there's a kid-friendly show or concert available. The atmosphere is lively, and there are many places to eat. 

 

 

Getting to Venice from Peschiera Del Garda

From Peschiera Del Garda, you can reach Venice Santa Lucia (the main station) by high speed train in 1hr 50 mins. Direct trains with Italo cost around £25 each way for an adult (usually less if booked in advance).

Alternatively, trains with 1 change, take a little longer and cost approximately £12pp each way.

Venice with Kids

 

Things to do in Venice with Children

As a pre-requisite, we have previously done 7 days in Venice with our children on another campsite trip- that's for another blog.

So, for this visit we literally just wandered, took in the sites, visited a free museum we stumbled across and ate.

Previously we have done a gondola ride and visited the islands of Burano and Murano off Venice by water boat. 

Venice with Kids

Here’s a one-day itinerary for exploring Venice with kids:

Visit St. Mark's Basilica - Head to St. Mark’s Square and explore the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica. Kids will love the mosaics and the intriguing history. Consider pre-booking tickets to avoid long lines here 

Explore Doge's Palace-  Right next to the basilica, Doge's Palace is full of impressive architecture and fascinating stories. The palace has a prison and secret passages that kids often find thrilling. Click here for skip the line tickets.

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Lunch at a Pizza Place- Enjoy a hearty pizza lunch at a family-friendly restaurant or if you prefer there are lots of street food windows selling it by the slice. Look for places with outdoor seating along the canals for a lovely view.

Take Gondola Ride- Take a relaxing gondola ride through the canals. This is a magical experience for kids and a great way to see Venice from the water. Click here for private gondola rides 

Things to do in Venice with kids
Gondola Ride

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection - Head to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to see modern art. There’s also a lovely garden that kids can explore.

Venice with Kids

Stroll Through St. Mark’s Square-  Take a leisurely stroll through St. Mark’s Square, enjoy the street performers, and soak in the atmosphere.

 

 

Getting to Milan from Peschiera Del Garda

From Peschiera Del Garda, you can take a high speed train to Milan in just under an hour. We bought tickets to travel here, but we decided to skip it in the end as the kids were tired and just wanted to spend the last few days round the pool- fair enough.

Milan with kids
A trip we took 6 months later

We have since been back to Milan twice with the children on other trips, and in all honesty we are glad we made this decision, as there isn't a huge amount to do. It is very commercialised and honestly you could be in any European city when there.

On our visit in February, they had a big festival and the streets were lined with people throwing confetti and people dressed in traditional clothing- without this I think it would have been a bit dull for the children. However there is some highlights I've put below.

 

Things to do in Milan with Children

 
 

 

Other Places you can Explore from Peschiera Del Garda

Brescia is just a 20 min train ride away which offers a blend of historical sites and modern attractions, making it a worthwhile stop. 

You could combine a trip with Milan with Lake Como- swop trains in Milan and take the trip to Varenna-Esino, which is just an hour further and only costs £7pp each way. 

Visit Lake Como from Milan
Varenna

Another possibility would be Bologna which is 1hr 20 from Peschiera Del Garda. 

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What to Pack for a Camp Site Holiday

Along with everything you’d normally take on holiday, as a family we always make up a little package of things to get us started in case things aren’t provided and shops are closed when we arrive.

Kitchen

Usually we bring a few basics like a couple of tea towels, a scourer and a fill one of the mini toiletry bottles with washing up liquid. I’ll usually pop a few extra toilet rolls and matches in the case too. 

I’ll bring a packet of anti bacterial floor wipes to give everything a freshen up- I prefer the floor type as they’re much bigger and stronger. 

We save up sachets and bring salt, sugar, tomato ketchup and again using a toiletry 100ml bottle to bring some cooking oil.  

Clothes Washing

For washing we take Dr Beckman’s magic leaves (see our shopping list) so we can hand wash clothing in the sink. These take up very little space and can be used in a washing machine too. Clothes airers are usually provided in the accommodation but we bring two of our own caravan washing lines too.

Lastly I usually put in a few bin bags as they are always needed and some citronella candles for the deck at night to ward away any mosquitos.

This may sound a lot of extra things to bring but it all fits nicely in 1 packing cube or zip lock bag. 

 

 
Bedding

In terms of bedding, this isn’t always provided (check individual listings). This can be hired but you can also bring your own. We tend to save up old sets and then we can bin them if we haven’t room to bring them back. The cost of hiring is usually around €100 for 5 beds. On this occasion we were changing accommodation three times so we were definitely bring our own than pay €300. 

Games

Lastly we usually bring a few small games such as Uno and Pass the Pigs.

Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza is another family favourite- bizarre sounding but very fun. You can find all these in the above shopping list 

There really isn’t much more to pack though than a regular holiday. Caravans are well equipped and the store on site sells literally everything you could probably need. 

 

How Does it Compare to other Holiday Sites in Italy?

Plus points

👍 Small and compact, we felt much more confident in letting the children wander about here unsupervised

👍 On that note too, there was no 20 minute walk to the pool or shops, everything was a maximum of 3 minutes away

👍 Very central location, right on the lake, short walk to the centre and tons going on in the local area. This is definitely the best site we've stayed at in terms of location. 

👍 Perfect base if you're wanting to combine multiple cities in Italy in one trip

👍 Site staff are amazing- they allowed us to keep our caravan until 5pm on our last day with no charge as the weather was bad.

Downsides

👎 Swim hats- having to wear a swim hat was a bit of a pain but at least they didn't also have the tight swimwear rule 

👎 Less to do on site in terms of entertainment and activities than bigger sites

👎Fewer restaurants and bars than other sites, however, you're straight out of the gates in minutes, where you'll find lots of dining options so it really doesn't matter too much 

 

Our Review

All in all, this is one of our favourite sites and we'll definitely be back for our 3rd visit. Yes its not all singing and dancing like some, but that's what makes it great to be honest. When sites are massive, they become very tiring just getting around in the heat of Italy. We like this site for its relaxing nature and chance to explore lots of other places at the same time. 

 

Other Campsites in Peschiera Del Garda to Consider

 

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Camping Village Fabulous Review

Camping Village Fabulous Rome Blog

Build a Break Italy Blogs

 

How to Travel to Tuscany with Kids: Budget Edition

As a family of 6 we decided to book our biggest adventure yet, exploring Italy by train over 16 days- Rome, Florence, Chianti (Tuscany), Pisa, Venice, Milan, Verona, and Lake Garda.

Our review of Hu Norcenni Girasole Club

For the Tuscany leg of our trip (Florence & Pisa), we needed a child friendly base and Norcenni Girasole Village looked amazing!

Located in the Chianti region of Tuscany, with over 1500 pitches, this was much larger than our stay at Camping Village Fabulous. There was also much more to do, however, the site was far more remote. 

Hu Norcenni Camping Village- Our Review

Norcenni Girasole site is set on a steep hill and split between an upper and lower section, connected by a free land train. 

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Types of Accommodation at Norcenni Girasole Village, Tuscany

There is a wide range of accommodation available at this site. First of all there are double rooms, apartments, studios, bungalows (static caravan) and XL tents.

Accommodation at Hu Norcenni Girasole

Accommodation rented through the site typically sleeps between 2-6 people. 

Then there's also the option to space to bring your own tent or camper van. 

For our 5 night stay we hired a 3 bed bungalow which cost us £846. 

 

How to Get from Pisa Airport to Norcenni Girasole Village, Tuscany

Pisa Airport is located 120km (1 hr 30m drive) away from the site. One option, and probably the best, would be to hire a car from the airport. This site is quite remote, so having a car for your stay would definitely be a major advantage. 

Getting to Hu Norcenni Girasole Club

It is possible to get here from Pisa Airport without a car, although it is harder. First you're going to need to take the train from Pisa Aeroporto to Pisa Centrale (8 mins).

Then from Pisa Centrale take the train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella- the main station in Florence (1hr).

From Firenze S.M.N take the train to Figline Valdarno (25 mins). The cost of the train tickets is around £17 for an adult.

How to Get to Hu Norcenni Girasole Club from Pisa Airport

You're then going to need a taxi up to the site- it is definitely not walkable especially with luggage. Pre-book a private taxi with the site by email. We tried to get a taxi on arrival and it was like a ghost town. 

How to Get to Hu Norcenni Girasole Club from Pisa Airport

Tip: Don't forgot to take in to account flight times when looking at options to get to the site. Check the closing time of the car hire counters at the airport and the time of the last train.

 

How to Get from Florence Airport to Norcenni Girasole Village, Tuscany

Florence airport is a bit closer than Pisa at 54km and a 45 min drive. Again, we would recommend hiring a car if flying in. 

To get to the site from Florence airport first of all you're going to need to take the tram from the airport to the stop 'Via Alamanni' which is next to Firenze Santa Maria Novella- the main station in Florence. 

Florence from Hu Norcenni Girasole

From there take the train to Figline Valdarno which costs around £5 for an adult. 

How to Get to Hu Norcenni Girasole Club from Florence Airport
Firenze Santa Maria Novella station (Florence)

As before once you reach the town you're then going to need a taxi up to the site and its best to Pre-book a private taxi with the site. 

 

How to Get from Rome to Norcenni Girasole Village, Tuscany

For us, this is the route we took, coming from Camping Village Fabulous in Rome. We took the high speed train from Rome Tiburtina directly to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence)- this took an impressive 1hr 31 mins. 

How to Get to Hu Norcenni Girasole Club

From here we took the train to Figline Valdarno (30 mins). From the station we tried to get a taxi but this was just not happening, despite being told there were taxis available in the town.

A local took pity on us in the end and gave us, along with another family, a lift to the site.

 

Driving from the UK to Tuscany

From Calais the drive to the site is around 15hrs (1436km), although this can be split up with stays at others sites en-route in France or Switzerland for instance. 

Other port options include Zeebrugge (1356km), Caen - 1407km and the Hook of Holland - 1417km. 

Search for ferries to eurocamp

 

Things to Do on the Campsite

Pools

This site must have one of the biggest amount of swimming pools available on a camp site- certainly out of the 5 we've visited. We counted 10 pools spread over three different areas plus quite a few slides. 

The pools at the upper area of Hu Norcenni Girasole
Pools at the upper area of the village

It is impossible to go through them all but they range from lagoon type pools to an Olympic sized swimming pool.

Pools at Hu Norcenni Girasole
Lagoon pool in the upper village

All ages are catered for. Most of the pools are unheated but there's one with a retractable roof which is. 

The pools at the upper area of Hu Norcenni Girasole, Tuscany
The pools at the upper area of the village

We enjoyed the pools at the upper section of the camp site best. This section seemed more modern and also featured the lazy river slide which was a massive hit from our kids. 

Pools at Hu Norcenni Girasole
A Pool at the upper end of the village

There seemed to be enough sun loungers too which was great. We visited both pools at peak time and got loungers no problem. 

Pools at Hu Norcenni Girasole
Toddler splash area in the upper village
Kids Clubs

The site has its own kids club and they seemed to have a wide range of activities advertised daily.

Kids Clubs at Hu Norcenni Girasole

There are 3 clubs for different ages- 5 to 8 years, 9 to 12 years and over 12's.

Kids Clubs at Hu Norcenni Girasole

Languages spoken at the clubs are Dutch, English, German, Italian

Family Entertainment

Entertainment typically runs from 8th April till 8th September and includes a children's disco, adult disco which is underground, a games room, a tv room and a cinema. 

Entertainment at Hu Norcenni Girasole, Tuscany

The animation team at the site also run entertainment each daily which includes aqua gym, evening shows, karaoke, quizzes, sports tournaments, talent competitions and theme nights.

We also saw quite a few acoustic singers in the evening round the courtyard area which gave the site a lovely ambience. 

Entertainment at Hu Norcenni Girasole

The entertainment on site was great, we particularly enjoyed the show and mini disco with talent contest afterwards. 

Entertainment in general seemed to go on in to the early hours, it's a very lively site!

Sports

At Norcenni Girasole you'll find a HUGE amount of things to do. You'll definitely struggle to be bored.

What is there to do at Hu Norcenni Girasole

In terms of sports activities on site you'll find crazy Golf, 5 playgrounds, cycling, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, a running track, pony rides and a tree trekking course. 

What is there to do at Hu Norcenni Girasole

Off-Site Activities 

In the local area you'll find a driving range (22 km), rafting (32 km) from site and adventure course (35 km). 

The site runs various excursions including a wine tasting experience to the Chianti vineyards and cellars and day trips to Florence, Rome and Siena. All of which can be booked at the information office in the lower village. 

Book hu Norcenni Girasole Village, Tuscany

 

Where to Eat On Site

There are lots of dining options on site. These include:

2 well stocked supermarkets (one on both levels)- here you'll also find wine on tap!

Hu Norcenni Girasole Club supermarket

In terms of shops there's also a gift shop, ice cream parlour and hairdressers. 

At the bottom site you'll find two restaurants - Il Vecchio and Pizzeria Norcenni. 

Hu Norcenni Girasole Club where to eat
Il Vecchio Restaurant 

There's also a bar and takeaway doing pizzas, then another serving fries, nuggets, salads etc.

Where to eat the Hu Norcenni Girasole

In the courtyard through summer you'll find various stalls selling sweet treats such as crepes and popcorn in the courtyard of an evening. 

Where to eat the Hu Norcenni Girasole

At the top site you'll find Restaurant Sant Andrea.

Round both main pool complexes you'll also find a pool bar offering burgers, pizzas, paninis, fries plus alcoholic/non alcoholic drinks and ice creams.

Pool bar menu at Hu Norcenni Girasole Club
Pool bar menu

There are so many options, you definitely won't be stuck for choice that's for sure. 

 

Getting in to Florence & Pisa from the Site

If you're looking to visit anywhere in the local area, the first thing I'd recommend if you're not hiring a car, is to check the weather forecast and get the dates you're wishing to go off site set in stone. 

The site has its own mini bus shuttle which will take you to Figline Valdarno train station. However, this must be booked and it does get full quickly. Once you arrive, go in to the info point on site and get the journeys booked in. You can book in the return journey too at the same time. 

Getting around from Hu Norcenni Girasole

The bus costs around £1.50 for over 12s. Under 12s were free. 

They also have their own private taxi option which we used twice costing around £25. Taxi's are practically non existent in the town, so I'd advise using the site options and being well organised.

From Figline Valdarno you can take the train to Florence (30 mins) and Pisa- swop at Florence (1hr 30). Other options include visiting Siena and Lucca. 

 

Things to do in Florence with Children

Florence is packed with things to do for families and we loved the city, it's definitely one we want to return to for a longer stay.

A suggested one day itinerary would be to start your adventure at the enchanting Boboli Gardens, where children can roam the vast open spaces, climb tree-lined paths, and discover hidden sculptures, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic.

Florence from Hu Norcenni Girasole

Then visit the Galileo Museum which features interactive exhibits on science and astronomy.

Florence from Hu Norcenni Girasole

Afterwards take in the local culture and take a walk through the vibrant Mercato Centrale, where kids can sample delicious Italian treats like gelato and pizza while learning about local foods.

Florence from Hu Norcenni Girasole

Obviously you need to include iconic Duomo too; the panoramic views of the city will leave everyone in awe. 

 

 

Things to do in Pisa with Children

For our visit to Pisa, we only allocated a visit of a few hours as we were pre-warned that there actually isn't much there apart from the tower, so we tagged it on to the end of our day to Florence. Lucca or Siena may be a better alternative if you're looking for a full day out. 

Pisa with kids

However, if you definitely want to visit then climbing the Leaning Tower is something you could include. Another suggestion would be to visit the nearby Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, which features fascinating exhibits about the history of the monumental structures in Pisa.

Italian Rail Trip- Pisa

You could also take a walk along the Arno River, where you can indulge in local gelato and capture family photos against the picturesque backdrop of the city. 

 

 

Other Places you can Explore from Norcenni Girasole

As mentioned earlier, Siena and Lucca are great options to take a day trip to, whether by booking on to a tour with the site or taking the train from Figline Valderno. 

 

 

 

 

What to Pack for a Camp Site Holiday

Along with everything you’d normally take on holiday, as a family we always make up a little package of things to get us started in case things aren’t provided and shops are closed when we arrive.

Kitchen

Usually we bring a few basics like a couple of tea towels, a scourer and a fill one of the mini toiletry bottles with washing up liquid. I’ll usually pop a few extra toilet rolls and matches in the case too. 

I’ll bring a packet of anti bacterial floor wipes to give everything a freshen up- I prefer the floor type as they’re much bigger and stronger. 

We save up sachets and bring salt, sugar, tomato ketchup and again using a toiletry 100ml bottle to bring some cooking oil.  

Clothes Washing

For washing we take Dr Beckman’s magic leaves (see our shopping list) so we can hand wash clothing in the sink. These take up very little space and can be used in a washing machine too. Clothes airers are usually provided in the accommodation but we bring two of our own caravan washing lines too.

Lastly I usually put in a few bin bags as they are always needed and some citronella candles for the deck at night to ward away any mosquitos.

This may sound a lot of extra things to bring but it all fits nicely in 1 packing cube or zip lock bag. 

 

 
Bedding

In terms of bedding, this isn’t always provided (check individual listings). This can be hired but you can also bring your own. We tend to save up old sets and then we can bin them if we haven’t room to bring them back. The cost of hiring is usually around €100 for 5 beds. On this occasion we were changing accommodation three times so we were definitely bring our own than pay €300. 

Games

Lastly we usually bring a few small games such as Uno and Pass the Pigs.

Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza is another family favourite- bizarre sounding but very fun. You can find all these in the above shopping list 

There really isn’t much more to pack though than a regular holiday. Caravans are well equipped and the store on site sells literally everything you could probably need. 

Hu Norcenni Girasole Tuscany

 

How Does it Compare to other Holiday Sites in Italy?

Plus points

👍 There's a huge variety of things to do on site. I'd be quite happily visiting this site again, and not venturing off the grounds. You can easily spend 10-14 days here.

👍 The site is near to so many great cities in Italy including Florence, Pisa, Luca and Siena. Not to mention the fact that the surrounding area of rolling hills and vineyards is stunning in itself.

👍 The entertainment is great and well varied. The atmosphere at the night around the whole site, in particular the main courtyard is amazing. For those looking for a lively site, where you like to sit out and enjoy a wine, this is it. 

👍 The site is very clean and provides fantastic views, especially from the top site. 

👍 The amount of pools! For those with water babies you will not be disappointed

👍 The amount of food options. Compared to other sites, there's a far greater choice in where to eat. 

Hu Norcenni Girasole Village, Tuscany
Hu Norcenni Girasole Village
Downsides

👎 For those looking for a campsite and who won't have access to a car, this is slightly more remote and challenging than other sites. You need to well organised. Contact the site before arriving to arrange transport to pick you up and make sure you have all your days out planned in advance. It's not a site where you can decide days out on a whim. 

👎 The site is very large, which is great as there's lots going on. However, bear in mind the walk to activities and pools and the fact that as this is Tuscany, there is inevitable very steep hills. We were allocated a van very high up which took 20 mins to walk to the centre. The site is split in two and requires you use the land train between. We did walk from the top to bottom to get home, but I wouldn't recommend going from the lower level to the top as it would be a killer. The queue for the land train does get busy at peak times (there's one every 20 mins) and it's a bit like every man for themselves. 

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Other Campsites in Tuscany to Consider

Hu Park Albatros Village, San Vincenzo, Tuscany- Click Here for more inf0

Camping Orlando in Chianti, Cavriglia, Tuscany, Italy, Click Here for more info 

Parco delle Piscine, Sarteano, Tuscany, Italy, Click Here for more info

 

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Camping Village Fabulous Rome Blog

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How to Travel to Rome with Kids: Budget Edition

As a family of 6 we decided to book our biggest adventure yet, exploring Italy by train over 16 days- Rome, Florence, Chianti, Pisa, Venice, Milan, Verona, and Lake Garda.

Of course, we needed child friendly accommodation as bases along the way and we love holiday parks in Italy- they're so different to the UK. Choosing Camping Village Fabulous was a no brainer for us. We spent a a week here in August 2020 and loved every minute.

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

Camping Village Fabulous is a large park with around 800 pitches, located close to the Ostia coast and its beautiful beaches.

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

Not only that but there's public transport on the doorstep to take you straight into Rome. The perfect combination between a relaxing break in the sun and a city break. 

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Types of Accommodation at Camping Village Fabulous, Rome

So for this visit we booked 3 nights in a 3 bed static caravan with deck which cost £435.

Camping Village Fabulous Rome
Example of one of the caravans

Last time we did a full week and did not want to leave at the end. We only booked the three nights this time as we had already seen many of the sights in Rome on our previous trip. We also needed to leave enough time to explore the Tuscan region and further north.

However, I think 7-10 days would be the perfect amount of time to spend here if you're visiting for the first time.  

Accomodation at Camping Village Fabulous
Kitchen in that Static Caravans

The accommodation on both occasions was modern, well kept and clean, in a quiet location away from the centre.

Accommodation at Camping Village Fabulous
One of the bedrooms in the static caravans

At Camping Village Fabulous you'll find a mix of accommodation from camping pitches and room for motor homes, to glamping tents and static caravans. There's something for every type of camper. 

Glamping Tents at Camping Village Fabulous Rome
The Glamping Tents

In terms of the static caravan accommodation we hired, the equipment you'll find inside varies, but will usually include a microwave, kettle, hob, fridge, freezer plus all cooking utensils and equipment.

They may also have a dishwasher and oven. In some cases you may be required to pay extra for duvet covers and pillow cases or bring your own, I'll mention more on this near the end. 

 

How to Get from Rome Ciampino Airport to Camping Village Fabulous 

Transfer time from both airports in Rome is approximately 25 minutes. We flew into Rome Ciampino and paid for a one way private transfer which was €75 for the 21km journey. Book your private transfer with our special discount here  

Getting to Camping Village Fabulous

A taxi from outside the airport is around €45. Alternatively, they have Uber in Rome which will cost you around €50. 

The nearest airport is Rome Fiumicino (FCO), 17.5km away. But there is not much difference between the two airports in Rome in terms of travel time.  We have flown in to both airports for this this site and been charged the same too. 

 

Driving from the UK to Rome

The site is located 1681km from Calais (a 16 hour drive), but of course, you can break this up with others stays en route in France and Switzerland. 

Alternatively, you could take ferries to Zeebrugge - 1620km, Hook of Holland - 1675km or Caen - 1638km

For ferries click here 
 

 

Things to Do on the Campsite

Pools

The pool area features a range of water attractions for all ages.

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

You'll find two larger pools with deeper water, then a large shallow lagoon pool.

Camping Village Fabulous

There's also two whirlpools, a slide and a dome which children can climb and slide down plus a new splash zone. 

Camping Village Fabulous

Pools are free to use and open all day (they do not close for a siesta). No swim hats or tight swim wear are required  like some sites in Italy, so that's always a bonus. 

Sun loungers are plentiful, however if you come to the pools around lunchtime you may struggle to get one in high season. 

Camping Village Fabulous

The pool areas are well supervised with lifeguards and kept clean. There is also toilet and changing facilities by the pool side. 

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

On the website it does state no inflatables are allowed in the pools, however lots of people had them and they sell them onsite. 

Camping Village Fabulous

 
Kids Clubs

The campsite runs its own kids’ clubs for ages 5-8yrs and 9-12yrs, with English and Italian Spoken. Activities are advertised on boards around the camp.

The kids club at Camping Village Fabulous

We didn't use any of the clubs as my children prefer to be in the pool all day so I can't comment on the quality of activities provided.

Kids club at Camping Village Fabulous Rome

 
Family Entertainment

Whilst we were there, most nights there were musicians in the courtyard area where the bar and restaurant are located.

There was also mini discos and shows in the entertainment area near to the pool complex.

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

Some nights there was special events such as foam parties for the whole family which was really fun. 

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

 
Sports 

On site you'll find plenty to do including crazy golf, 2 playgrounds, kart hire, trampolining, table tennis, tennis, football and volleyball. 

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

The entertainment team provide pool bike classes, aqua aerobics and water polo throughout the day. Most activities are open 8th April to 30th September. 

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

 
Off-Site Activities

Off-site you'll find sporting activities to do in the local area. These include Golf (7km), Driving Range (7km), Horse Riding (8km), Climbing Wall (4km) & Windsurfing (11km).

 

Where to Eat On Site

 
Mini Market

On site you'll find a well stocked mini market offering all types of foods you'd expect at home including BBQ food and equipment, bakery items, fresh fruit and vegetables, alcohol, toiletries and cleaning supplies. We were able to shop and make meals to enjoy back at our caravan. 

Where to eat at Camping Village Fabulous

The supermarket does close for a few hours during the day for a siesta, so make sure you check the opening times when you arrive.

Prices are typically more than other local supermarkets but not extortionate. 

 
Pool Bar

Located within the pool complex you'll find a bar serving fast food like burgers, hot dogs, fries, nuggets, pizza, panini's, focaccia and a large selection of salads. Along with this they sell alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks and ice creams.

Pool Bar at Camping Village Fabulous

They offer a meal deal with a main, fries and drink for €9-11. We ate round the pool most lunch times on both trips as the kids didn't want to leave to go back to eat.  We found the service, quality of food and value for money to be good. During siesta it’s the only place to get food on site so it does get really busy.

 
Takeaway 

In the courtyard you'll find a takeaway offering pizza and pasta to take back to your accommodation or eat at one of the many picnic benches on site.

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

Food can be ordered and paid for using the app (see the QR Codes posted round the site) or at the counter. We used this option quite a few times on both visits, rather than having to cook of an evening. The pizzas were great for sharing and were proper authentic stone baked bases. 

 
Ristorante Favoloso

In the evening the restaurant is open serving typical Italian meals on it's outdoor verandah. 

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

 
Central Bar 

In the morning they offer breakfast in the central bar with sweet and savoury options. 

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

 
Gelateria

The gelateria offers ice cream and cocktails and is open till late at night. Again this closes for a siesta through the day but you can get ice cream and drinks at the pool bar all day. 

Camping Village Fabulous Rome

 

Getting in to Rome from Camping Village Fabulous

Getting into Rome from here is easy, although a bit hair raising as you have to walk up a busy road for about 200m with no pavement to get to the bus stop. 

You can purchase combination bus/tube tickets from the reception desk for €1.50 each, under 10s are free.

When you exit the campsite turn left. Walk 200m till you reach the main road. You will see the bus stop on the opposite side of the road,  to the left of the crossing.

Use the marked crossing to cross to the other side of the road. 

The buses you can take are numbers 709 or 070.

Once on the bus you have to validate your ticket using the machine and your 100 minutes starts from then.

You take the bus to EUR Fermi tube station which is the last stop on the bus. 

 

Metro map- Getting from Camping Village Fabulous to Rome

After you exit the bus, go into the metro station and take the tube in the direction of either Rebibba or Conca D'Oro (it doesn't matter which)- see the blue line. Take the train 8 stops to the Colosseum. 

The tube goes directly to the Colosseum. I’d recommend buying your return ticket from the site to save hassle using the machines or looking for a tobacconist who sells them in Rome.

Both the buses and metro operate between 6am -11.30pm.

 

 

 

Things to do in Rome with Children

Rome is a city brimming with adventure and excitement for kids! They can explore the ancient Colosseum, imagining the thrilling gladiator battles that took place there.
Rome
 
The Roman Forum offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome, while the Vatican City, with its stunning art and the famous Sistine Chapel, sparks curiosity about history and religion.
 
Rome
 
Kids will love tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, making wishes as they admire its beauty. Don’t forget to indulge in delicious gelato while roaming the lively streets, and perhaps take a fun family bike ride through the idyllic Villa Borghese park.
 
Rome
 

The park itself offer excursions to Rome, Ostia Antica, Tivoli, Pompei and Naples which can be booked via their tourist info office on site. Alternatively, you can arrange your own tours in advance. 

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Some FAQs 

Are Dogs Allowed at Camping Village Fabulous, Rome? 

Dogs are permitted in selected accommodation types and allowed on the park, however they must be kept on a lead at all times when outside the accommodation. 

Are Cars Allowed on Site?

A car can be parked on a pitch and there is no charge for additional vehicles.

Is the Site Suitable for Wheelchairs

This park is suitable for customers in wheelchairs, although you may need to check the type of accommodation is also wheel chair friendly before booking. 

What other Facilities are there that you haven't mentioned? 
The site has toilet and shower blocks along with washing machines and dryers. There's also washing up sinks. These facilities are mainly intended for those camping or in camper vans but anyone can use them.
 
 

What to Pack for a Camp Site Holiday

Along with everything you'd normally take on holiday, as a family we always make up a little package of things to get us started in case things aren't provided and shops are closed when we arrive.

Kitchen

Usually we bring a few basics like a couple of tea towels, a scourer and a fill one of the mini toiletry bottles with washing up liquid. I'll usually pop a few extra toilet rolls and matches in the case too. 

I'll bring a packet of anti bacterial floor wipes to give everything a freshen up- I prefer the floor type as they're much bigger and stronger. 

We save up sachets and bring salt, sugar, tomato ketchup and again using a toiletry 100ml bottle to bring some cooking oil.  

Clothes Washing

For washing we take Dr Beckman's magic leaves (see our shopping list) so we can hand wash clothing in the sink. These take up very little space and can be used in a washing machine too. Clothes airers are usually provided in the accommodation but we bring two of our own caravan washing lines too.

Lastly I usually put in a few bin bags as they are always needed and some citronella candles for the deck at night to ward away any mosquitos.

This may sound a lot of extra things to bring but it all fits nicely in 1 packing cube or zip lock bag. 

 

Bedding

In terms of bedding, this isn't always provided (check individual listings). This can be hired but you can also bring your own. We tend to save up old sets and then we can bin them if we haven't room to bring them back. The cost of hiring is usually around €100 for 5 beds. On this occasion we were changing accommodation three times so we were definitely bring our own than pay €300. 

Games

Lastly we usually bring a few small games such as Uno and Pass the Pigs.

Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza is another family favourite- bizarre sounding but very fun. You can find all these in the above shopping list 

There really isn't much more to pack though than a regular holiday. Caravans are well equipped and the store on site sells literally everything you could probably need. 

How Does it Compare to other Holiday Sites in Italy?

Camping Village Fabulous is literally that- Fabulous!

If you haven't visited in the last 4 years, the site has seen some big improvements in terms of pools and entertainment. Between our two visits the 'Human Company' have take over the park and standardised the site in line with others they operate. Entertainment is more varied and they've added a new pool and splash zone. 

Book camping Village Fabulous Rome

We have stayed in numerous sites in Europe, and whilst this isn't our most favourite as some are literally incredible, it is a great holiday and great value with the massive plus point of being very close to Rome and a site we'll definitely return to for years to come.

Plus points

👍Great pool area

👍Close proximity to the airport

👍Easy to visit the city with no car

👍Small site so easy to navigate

 

Downsides

👎The site is pretty basic in terms of entertainment in comparison to some of the bigger sites we’ve visited

👎The site can be really noisy at night with large groups of people meeting up and partying in one caravan

👎We found it really difficult to a taxi on Uber or FreeTaxi from the site, this may be because we were a party of 6 though and not 4. The public transport from the site though is adequate. 

👎In the day, options for food on site are limited. The shop and restaurants are closed for a siesta and there's only the pool bar unless you want to cook in your caravan. This also means that the pool area becomes very busy in turn.

Book flights to Rome

Other Campsites in Rome 

Village Roma Capital- Smaller than Camping Village Fabulous but usually cheaper too is located near to Ostia Beach (2.6km) and Rome (27.6km). Slightly further out than Village Fabulous but still within easy reach of the city

Find Details HERE 

 

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Camping Village Fabulous Review
 
 

How to Keep Your Kids Busy on a Plane- Top Hacks

 

What Can I Take on a Plane to Keep my Kids Entertained?

As a Mum of 4, I can say I've bought my fair share of things over the years to keep my children entertained whilst travelling.

Some have been flops, but we've had many hits!

Whether its a long car journey, short flight to Europe or a long haul destination, there are more products than ever on the market to keep your little one's occupied, both whilst travelling and also when on holiday. 

What Can I Take on a Plane to Keep my Kids Entertained?

From experience I've found packing a range of things keeps boredom to a minimum.

Travelling with children can be a stressful experience, especially if you're not prepared. However, with some careful planning and creativity it can be a breeze. 

 

What Sort of Things Should I Pack when Travelling with Children?

Things like work books, colouring, stickers and story books are perfect as not only do they take up little space, they can keep them occupied from pre-longed periods of time.

To keep maximum interest in what you've brought I'd recommend making up a surprise bag, so that everything is fresh and new.

What Can I Take on a Plane to Keep my Kids Entertained?

Travel sized games are also another essential we pack, especially if we're doing a Eurocamp style holiday. We've built up quite a collection of these and they don't have to be bulky. Card games are great for travelling. 

Of course, we aren't immune from the influence of tech and so we always travel with a kids tablet and headphones with some pre-downloaded films from Netflix and new games loaded on to pass the time. 

 

About Us

 

To help you with some inspiration we've put together our top 15 products to entertain ages 3-7 years whilst travelling- we hope you like it!

 

Travel Products We Love for Keeping Children Entertained on a Plane

 
1. Travel Play Tray 

This travel play tray features a protective case for a tablet, pockets either side for books and paper. There's a pocket for a drinks bottle and crayons and then a dry wipe table top. 

There's a strap to fasten the table in place and prevent items being dropped from outside the area. 

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

2. Little Bug Bingo

Orchard Games have been an absolute favourite with my kids so I had to include one.

They're well designed and high quality, plus very reasonably priced. This Little Bug Bingo is suitable for the youngest of players and will provide fun for years to come. 

This particular one is recommended for ages 3-6 years

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

3. Aqua Painting Water Colouring Cards

This educational resource includes a pen to fill with water, allowing your child to paint the cards over and over again, mess free. 

The set includes 26 cards, 2 ring for packing the cards on the go and 2 water brushes. 

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

4. Re-useable 3D Sticker Books

Available in a variety of designs including vehicles, animals, dinosaurs, insects and space, these sticker books feature 88 3D re-useable stickers. The books expand to create a large scene and provide endless hours of play. 

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

5. Activity Books 

This activity book is designed for ages 4-8 years and has 60+ activities within it to stave off boredom whilst travelling. 

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

6. Travel Spirograph 

If you had the full sized version of this as a child, you'll know how fun Spirograph is. This travel version is the classic way to create countless amazing designs on the go!

Use the handy storage compartment for keeping your wheels, pens, and paper safe whilst you travel.

The set comes with the travel spirograph tool, 6 wheels, 2 pens, a 24 page drawing pad and a handy design guide.

 

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

7. LCD Drawing Board

This LCD drawing tablet is an innovative and user-friendly device that features a simple design with a lock button to prevent accidental clearing and a erase button to start fresh.

Easy to use, it encourages kids to develop their writing skills and imagination, whilst being compact enough for travelling. 

 

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

8. Eye Spy Books

These were a personal favourite of mine as a child, spot the items around a theme and tick them off! Fun to keep children engaged and leaning at the same time. 

This particular version features 120 things to find within the airport. 

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

9. Kids Amazon Fire 8

My daughter has one of these and it's been great for her. It's fast and has a decent sized screen and battery life. Best of all it's robust and comes with a 2 year worry-free guarantee.

You can still download all the apps required such as Netflix under adult supervision.

Perfect for game play and movies. 

Our Top 18 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

10. Safe Volume Headphones

With any tablet, it's always best to have headphones too- for your sake and that of other passengers!

These safe volume headphones mean that the maximum volume a child can listen at is 85dBA, protecting little ears. 

Our Top 18 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

11. What Would you Choose Game

This card game is designed for children aged 5+. Everyone takes turns guessing answers to funny, silly and challenging questions and dilemmas. 

A super easy and fun game for children and families to play together. It requires a minimum of 2 players. 

The game includes 500 questions- no two games are ever the same. Each game takes 15-30 minutes to play. 

Our Top 18 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

12. Children's Luggage

Now I know what you're thinking, these aren't products to keep your children entertained. However, mine loved having their own luggage when travelling. Having a special place to keep all their things for the journey and wheeling it through the airport all by themselves.

I'm sure they loved the novelty and the rummaging around in their bags as much as the activities themselves. 

This super cute set features a cabin case and matching backpack. There are various sets to choose from too. 

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

Travel Products We Love for Keeping Children Entertained on Holiday

 

13. Foldable Bucket & Spade Set

Compact for travel, this foldable bucket and spade set saves space in luggage and beach bags.

I can't tell you how many bucket and spade sets we've bought abroad and then given away as there's no way we're bringing something so bulky back. 

Making sandcastles on the beach provides hours of fun for any age, even adults. 

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

14. Pool Diving Set

This 20 piece weighted pool set is great for building water confidence. We always take pool toys like these on our holidays.

My children love diving down and collecting them back up for hours on end.

We always loose a few, but with a set of 20 you'll have plenty here to keep you going. 

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

15. Instant Digital Camera (Thermal Printing)

This kids camera is both a digital camera and an instant print camera for kids which allows them to take colour images, record 1080p HD videos and print black and white photos. 

The camera comes with 3 rolls of paper and additional rolls are cheap to re-purchase. 

My daughter has taken hers on many holidays and keeps the photos for her scrapbook which makes great memories for them. 

Our Top 15 Travel Finds for Keeping Younger Kids Entertained

Get a FREE 24 Page TRAVEL BUSY BOOK Now!

Join the Build a Break Mailing list! By signing up, not only will you stay in the loop with all our exciting updates and exclusive offers, but as a thank you, you'll also receive a complimentary 24-page children's holiday busy book.

This amazing resource designed by 'Build a Break' is perfect for keeping your little ones entertained during your travels, with activities catered to a variety of ages from pre-schoolers to teens.

Join the mailing and this download will be sent directly to your inbox for you to print- please check your spam/junk folders too.

Don't miss out on this wonderful freebie!

 

Subscribe to Our Newsletter & Receive a 24 Page Children's Holiday for FREE Busy Book for you to Print and Enjoy!

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Hacks on How To Explore Italy for Less! Our £100 Trip

How to Travel Italy on a Shoestring Budget

At Easter this year, we spent 4 days in Italy as a family of 6 and paid just £100 per person!

 

What did this include? 

 

Italy on a Budget

 

Where did we visit?

 

This is our 5th budget trip to Italy over the last few years as a family. Our longest being a 16 night trip around Italy by train which I still need to write up. This was just a mini break to get our Italy fix, but at this price we couldn't pass it up!

In this trip report, I'll tell you everything about our short break and give you tips on how to create your own holiday to Italy on a budget. 

About Us 

 

Bit of Background as It's Relevant to the Pricing 

Age's of Children

So as a family we are actually now classed as 3 adults and 3 children as my eldest child turned 18 recently. The children's ages at the time of this trip were 14, 12 and 8. The pricing is therefore based on this.

Choices of Accommodation

As a large family, staying in hotels often means needing to pay for 2 rooms which gets costly. We've therefore learnt over the years to find different types of accommodation which are not only more budget friendly, but also give us far more space to spread out too. 

Economies of Scale

But its not all bad, as a family of 6 we can also benefit from 'economies of scale', so when we do rent an apartment or take a taxi transfer for instance, that cost is split between 6, often makes our trips cheaper per person than a smaller family. 

 

How to Plan a Budget Trip to Italy 

How to plan a budget trip to Italy

 

Find Cheap Flights to Italy

Scanning for Low Flight Prices

Before we even decide we are going anywhere, I regularly scan for cheap flights to see if there are any bargain deals to be had using the flight search tool on our own website that is powered by Skyscanner.

I usually input 'Italy' in to the 'To' box rather than a specific city so I can see the cheapest destinations.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Italy

Once the results are produced, I then refine the search to check by the whole month by selecting 'Flexible Dates' and searching again. 

How to Get Cheap Flights to Italy

 

From there it will show the cheapest cities to visit that month

How to Get Cheap Flights to Italy

 

You can then select a city and have a play around selecting outbound and return combinations 

 

How to Get Cheap Flights to Italy

 

Getting Flights When They're at Their Cheapest

I must admit most the time we have no plans to go anywhere and purely decide to take a break due to finding a deal that we don't want to pass up. So in the most part, our holidays away are never booked more than 6-8 weeks beforehand. 

Waiting for out flight to Italy

Typically flights are at their cheapest when they are first released, which is usually around 9 months before departure. Budget airlines (which are our 'go to') release their Summer and Winter schedules in one big drop which are often too far in advance for us. 

 

 

However, these lower prices may only be cheap for a matter of an hour or so before the prices rise substantially and stay high for the next few months. Prices then start to drop again around 2 months before departure when the airline realises that the plane will be flying with a lot of empty seats!

How to Travel Italy on a Budget

 
The Optimum Time to Book

This is different from booking totally last minute, say a few days or even a week before, when airlines know that their will be people desperate to book for a particular date and they hike the prices to their highest yet to capitalise. 

We have found that the optimum time to book a last minute break is roughly 4-6 weeks before departure to get the best price. 

Italy Travel Planning Template
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What we Booked

So for the flights, we booked on 8th March and the departure date was 7th April. At the time EasyJet had some amazing prices for Italy with seats priced at just £1.99 per person, I literally couldn't believe my eyes when I saw them pop up on the site as they weren't running any specific promotions on their website. 

Of course for adults, the flights still attracted the £13 Air Passenger Duty per person, making them £14.99 each. So in total 3 adult flights and 3 children's flights from Manchester to Turin, we paid just £50.94 in total- £8.49 per person!!

The price to return flight from Turin was substantially more, which is usually the case when you find a cheap outbound flight (eye roll!). However, as we like to travel to a few places when in Italy, its rare that we will return from the same airport we fly in to anyway. 

How to Travel Italy on a Budget

Once we had found our cheap outbound flight, I then did a full search of all the airports in Italy for the day we wanted to return home. I found that flights from Verona, this time with Ryanair, were the cheapest, coming out at £168.24 for 3 adults and 3 children- just £28.04 per person. 

How to Travel Italy on a Budget

The Total Cost and Route

The total price therefore for the return flights was £36.53 per person- not bad for a school holiday break! 

So this was our route set, we were flying in to Turin on 7th April and going home from Verona on 11th April. I then just needed to figure out the bits in between. 

Turin to Verona Map
Our Route Turin to Verona

 

Pre-Booking Seats on the Plane

Now our children are older, all are capable of sitting on their own, we never reserve seats for European flights and take our chances. This keeps the costs down substantially. 

EasyJet allow you to check in 30 days beforehand and by making sure we do so, we've never been split up despite not paying for seats and I think we've taken at least 20-30 EasyJet flights over the years with the kids.

Ryanair are slightly different, in that children age 12 and under are allocated a free pre-booked seat along with 1 parent. We have one child that is still under 12, so on our return flight our youngest child was allocated a seat with myself as soon as we purchased our tickets. Check in opens 24 hours beforehand for everyone else. The rest of the party were all split up over 4 rows that were next to each other, which was completely fine as it's only a short flight from Manchester. 

 

 

Taking Hold Luggage to Italy

In terms of taking luggage, we just don't, it's that simple. Hold luggage would have been more than the actual flights and really for a 4 day trip do you really need any more than a backpack? Years ago I would have taken 2-3 cases and packed everything but the kitchen sink but as I've travelled more frequently I've learned to be ruthless and just pack what we need.

Plus when you're travelling from place-to-place by train, its far more practical (and safety conscious) to each have everything just a backpack so that everyone can manage their own and you can keep your stuff with you at all time.


 

Obviously, my children are older now and with little ones, this probably isn't as practical, but my youngest manages her back pack fine and if it does get too heavy, its not much more for another adult to carry. 

When we did our 16 day trip round Italy, we inevitably needed to take hold luggage, but we stuck to the one backpack each and just took one large suitcase between the six of us so I'm not saying we never travel with suitcases but if we can avoid it, we do.

 

 

 

Packing Tips for Italy 

 
Buy toiletries at the airport

Or pre-order them to collect at boots after security. 100ml bottles and miniatures are no good for a family of 6 anyway, so its far more practical (and cheaper) for us to buy full sized versions online and collect them before departing. 

 

Purchase a bag at the airport

we have a few cloth re-usable Boots bags that we have picked up at the airport on previous visits. You are allowed one bag of items purchased at the airport per person as part of your allowance (yes even with the budget airline carriers). Quite often we'll use this bag to put in a few other bits if we're struggling to get everything in our backpacks and put the toiletries or meal deal purchased at the airport on top. We have done this for years and no one has ever checked what's in the bags. On the way home if we don't have space in backpacks, we'll grab a drink and ask to buy a bag at the airport abroad (don't try using the Boots back home as most airports abroad don't have a Boots!)

Use Vaccuum Bags 

We use travel vacuum bags for all our clothes. These come with a hand held pump, so when you're re-packing abroad, you can still get the air out without a hoover. We have used these on nearly every trip over the last 3 years and they are the best purchase I've ever made. The difference in what you can get in a backpack, when using one of these is incredible. For more info on these click here 

Packing Tips for Italy

 

Use the Appropriate Sized Bag

We make sure we have the correct sized bags- the dimensions for EasyJet and Ryanair are slightly different, in that EasyJet offers a slightly larger allowance. I make sure our bags fit the Ryanair criteria, so that I'm confident I can use them on every flight. I made the investment a few years back and we have had our moneys worth on our various travellers. Get the bag here 

 

 

Make a list and Stick to it!

Write what you're going to wear each day, obviously take one or two spare items in case of spillages. Take items that can be mixed and matched and just take your most comfortable shoes that you can wear with any outfit- wear these to go in to give you maximum space in your bag. 

 

Take Magic Leaves!

These have been used on every trip we've ever done in Italy. I usually just take 3-4 sheets out of the packet and pop them in a food bag in my luggage to save space. They are great for hand washing (use half of one) or you can you can use them in a washing machine. By takin these, we can minimise what we take and wash essentials mid way through our break. Find these here 

 

Choose your Accommodation Wisely

Following on from the point above, we try to choose accommodation which provides bedding, towels and a washing machine. Before I went to holiday parks in Europe, I didn't even know it was a thing to not supply bedding! By having a washing machine, we take the minimum underwear, pjs and basics and wash/dry them every few days to use again. 

 

Our Itinerary for Italy 

 

Day One: Turin

From Turin Airport to the City Centre 

After touching down in Turin (Caselle Airport) we breezed through security, making it from the plane doors to arrivals in just 15 minutes. Getting to the city centre from the airport was a piece of cake. Since it's a relatively small airport, finding our way was simple. We followed the signs in the arrivals for the train, and voila! The station (Torino Aeroporto di Caselle) was right across from the airport exit, with trains departing every 30 minutes.

We purchased our tickets online from trainline.com whilst stood on the platform for just £3.12 each—no need to queue at ticket machines, change the language on the machine or validate tickets. The 25-minute journey took us into the heart of Turin (Turino Porta Nuova), where a quick check of Google Maps led us to our apartment, just a 10-minute walk from the station. Easy-peasy!

Apartment Turin

 
Our Apartment in Turin 

The apartment we found on our website and it cost just £71.84 (£11.97pp) for the night. Our stay for the night- Casa Carlina was located behind a tall door which opened up in to a whole series of apartments round a courtyard, it was very deceptive from the street and would never have know what was there.

The host kept in contact with us before our trip and gave us easy video instructions via WhatsApp on how to obtain the key and gain access.

The apartment slept 6 people comprising of 2 double rooms and a double sofa bed in the living room. We found it to be really well equipped with everything you could possibly need for a stay of any length. 

Find the accommodation here (at the time of writing the accommodation is currently not accepting new bookings but click here for other accommodation in Turin

 
Food for the Night

Once settled in we looked round the local area for a takeaway whilst the teens had a shower. We found a little gem round the corner called Pizzeria Assaje that whipped us up a feast of authentic Italian Pizzas, Arancini balls (my favourite- basically a ball of risotto rice with other fillings mixed in such as cheese and meat, then bread crumbed and deep fried ), Bucatini balls  (basically the same as the Arancini Balls but with tube like spaghetti instead of rice) and  2 types of chips.

We sat and had a wine outside with the other diners whilst the staff cooked our pizzas, total bliss after a long travel day.

The total coming in at £44 for the food which was amazing for the quality and amount we got. I can't even tell you how happy I was with the cloth bag they gave us it all in- a special size bag to fit pizza boxes, that obviously came home with me!

After our feast we got an early night, tired from today's travels.

 

Day 2: Turin to Lake Garda Via Milan

Breakfast

We rose early, packed our belongings, and headed towards the City Centre, just 500 meters away. There, we indulged in a breakfast of traditional Italian pastries and coffee, while the kids savoured homemade milkshakes with cake and fruit salads.

With the temperature already reaching 20 degrees it was beautiful to sit out and enjoy the sun, something we hadn't seen in the UK this Easter. The breakfast was approximately £34 for us all (£5.66 each)

Breakfast in Turin

The morning was spent exploring Turin before making our way to the train station around noon to continue our journey. Opting not to book trains in advance, we preferred to take a more relaxed approach.

Our next destination, Pescheria Del Garda, required a train change in Milan. Although purchasing two separate tickets made no difference in price, we decided to split the journey and spend a few hours exploring Milan before catching another train to Lake Garda.

Turin

 
Types of Trains in Italy

In Italy, there are premium high speed train services offering a high standard of cleanliness, and guaranteed seating, but they come at a higher price. For example, the premium train from Turin to Milan would have cost us £189 for all six of us and taken just 59 minutes. Instead, we chose the regional train, which took 1 hour and 56 minutes but cost only £64.79 for our group (£10.80 each).

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In the past we have booked in advance and managed to get the premium trains for a similar price, but as this was a last minute budget trip we sacrificed price over comfort. To be honest the regional trains were ok, we got seats and power sockets and it was clean plus the kids welcomed the slightly longer journey to chill on their gadgets out of the heat. 

Milano Centrale

 
Lunch in Milan

Upon arrival in Milan around 2pm, we opted to grab lunch. We had plans to indulge in pizza and pasta at our favourite restaurant in Pescheria del Garda later that evening, so we decided to give in and treat the kids to McDonald's to keep them satisfied and save on costs (plus, they'd already spotted Hello Kitty Happy Meals!). The cost was pretty comparable to the UK, paying £37 for 4 adult meals and 2 happy meals (£6.17pp)

Scooter with Milano Centrale Station in the background

 
Milan to Pescheria Del Garda

Once refreshed, we walked around the area surrounding Milano Centrale Station. I must admit on our last visit we didn't really rate Milan as a city. We have visited the Duomo and Emanuelle Galleria only 12 months previous and the kids were desperate to get to Lake Garda where there is much more there for them to do. We cut Milan short and took the 4pm train to Pescheria Del Garda. Again, we opted for the regional train service to save money, which took 1hr 30 and cost £54.47 (£9.07pp)

 

 

All trains we used to the Trainline app to book once within the station. We arrived in Pescheria Del Garda around 5.30pm and walked for 15 minutes to reach our home for the next two nights. 

 
Pescheria Del Garda

Back in August 2022, we spent a week at Butterfly Camping in Pescheria del Garda, using it as a base for exploring the area. It's an ideal spot, with the train station just a 15-minute walk away, offering connections to Verona, Venice, and Milan, allowing for easy exploration of multiple destinations in one trip.

Butterfly Camping Lake Garda

 
Camp Facilities

The campground is also conveniently located just a 10-minute stroll from Pescheria del Garda Town. It boasts two outdoor pools, slides, entertainment for younger children, sports courts, an onsite shop, bar and restaurant, bike and scooter hire, and direct access to the lake. While the facilities are basic, if you enjoy holiday camps in the UK, you'll find plenty to love about what they offer in Italy. 

Unfortunately, the pool wasn't open until May when the weather is at a more steady temperature, the kids still loved the site all the same. 

A photo from a previous trip!
Our Accommodation

We booked the caravan with the camp site direct, opting for the 3 bed deluxe van, paying just £108 for the two nights (£18pp) which included towels and bedding. Again the van was basic but very clean and we spend most the time out on the deck or exploring the area. 

Search for Accommodation at Butterfly Camping

Butterfly Camping

In the area there is also Gardaland, a fantastic theme park which also features attractions such as a Legoland Splash Park, Peppa Pig Land and a Sea Life Centre. Tickets are available to purchase here. 

Italy Lake Garda

Once settled in we had drinks in the bar before heading off to our favourite restaurant in the town- a floating restaurant with the most incredible ambient backdrop. The meals are very reasonably priced and the total cost for 6 meals plus 2 drinks each was £82 £13.66pp)

Floating Restaurant Pescheria Del Garda

 

Day 3: Pescheria Del Garda 

A Complete Wash Out!
Day 4 turned out to be a bit of a washout, quite literally. Originally, we planned to check out of Butterfly Camping at 10 am and spend the day exploring Verona before catching our 9 pm flight. However, we had seen the storm forecast the day before and had a chat with the campground staff in reception to see if they would let us stay longer. They were incredibly accommodating and allowed us to keep the van until 5 pm at no extra cost. Unfortunately, the rain poured relentlessly for a solid 12 hours, accompanied by thunder that seemed to go on forever. We were relieved not to have to venture out in such dismal weather.
 

 
Train to Verona 
Once the rain finally subsided, we made our way to the train station and caught a train to Verona mid-afternoon, the journey just taking 16 minutes which set us back £20.35 (£3.40 per person). After a stroll around Verona, we opted for a taxi to the airport, which cost us £25.76 (£4.29 per person) as it turned out to be cheaper than the airport shuttle bus.
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Of course, the turn of events was disappointing, considering our plans to visit the arena and Romeo & Juliet's Balcony. However, we had explored these attractions before, and given the dreadful weather conditions, we preferred the comfort and security of staying in Pescheria del Garda, where we could seek shelter if necessary.
 

We hope you've enjoyed reading our blog! Stay tuned for more tales from our Italian adventures in the future. Grazie for following along, check out some of our others!

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Journey: Bernina Express from Switzerland to Italy with Kids

Bernina Express

What is the Bernina Express and Where Does it Start?

The Bernina Express is a breath-taking famous railway journey that takes you from Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy), passing through stunning mountain landscapes and charming villages.

The journey can also be made from Tirano to Chur or even travel both legs within the same day, each leg taking 4hrs and 21 minutes. Alternatively, you can do a shorter route and start/end in St. Moritz. 

A Bit About Us!

This blog is an account of our holiday which included the Bernina Express Train, plus an onward trip to Lake Como and Milan. 

In our other blog post 'Bernina Express: The Ultimate Guide For 2024 With FAQ’s Answered'  you will find everything you need to know for booking and planning your own journey from anywhere in the World on the Bernina Express, including a FREE 21 Page Guide to download. 

We are a budget travel family, trying to see as many amazing places for as little as possible, before our children fly the nest. 

For reference we took this journey in February half term, travelling with 4 children (ages 7, 11, 13 and 17). We stayed 1 night in Chur, 2 nights in Lake Como and 1 night in Milan (not including the 1 night we also stayed in Dublin beforehand). 

 

Getting from Zurich Airport to Chur

The day before our train trip from Switzerland to Italy, we flew in to Dublin with Aer Lingus. Flights from Manchester were exceptionally high for February half term (school holidays), so we decided to incorporate a trip to Dublin for one night which still worked out cheaper overall.  

Flight from Dublin to Zurich

Zurich is the nearest airport to Chur (120km), and the journey from the airport takes 1hr 20m by car or 1hr 35 mins by train. 

Getting from Zurich airport (Zurich Flughafen) to Chur was very easy. There is a train station located underneath the airport- just follow the signs and find your platform on the screens.

 

 

We did not pre-book train tickets for this journey in case of any delays en route. You can purchase tickets using the machines in the airport.

Train from Zurich Airport to Chur, Switzerland

A train ticket purchased on the day from Zurich to Chur is approximately £43 ($55) for an adult ticket. Day Pass train tickets are available for children up to age 16 years and these cost £17.35 ($22.60). 

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The journey from Zurich Airport to Chur was very scenic, we arrived in Chur around 2pm, meaning we had the rest of the day to explore the town. 

Chur Town Centre

 

Where to Stay in Chur, Switzerland

As a family of 6, we struggled to find any rooms big enough to accommodate us, we also only booked this trip 6 weeks beforehand so that also effected the choices available. 

In the end we booked two adjoining rooms at 'Central Hotel Post Chur' which was located in the centre of Chur and just a 6 minute walk from the station. 

Central Hotel Post Chur
Central Hotel Post Chur

As a family, we found accommodation in Chur to be expensive. For this reason we chose to spend just the one night in Switzerland and to then spend the next three nights in Italy, which was much more budget friendly. 

At Central Hotel Post Chur we had 2 triple rooms costing £279 in total. This included breakfast which we highly rated! The hotel was basic but clean. 

hotel search

The staff at this hotel were nothing more than amazing though. They communicated with us personally by email right up until our trip, recommending local attractions and things to do in the area. On check in, we were also given a 'guest card' which will entitled us to a 50% discount on cableways and FREE use of local transport, entry to three museums and the local swimming pool- you will find this is commonplace with all hotels in Switzerland. 


 

 

How to Purchase Tickets for the Bernina Express 

The next morning we packed up early and left to take the Bernina Panoramic Express from Chur. 

Trains leave Chur daily at 8.28am and arrive in Tirano at 12.49pm (there is also a further train at 1.28pm).

Bernina Express Train from Chur

Tickets for the Bernina Express train can be purchased here. However, it’s important to remember that you need to purchase the actual train tickets AND make a seat reservation to travel in a panoramic carriage.

When looking at the train scheduled, make sure the train is 'PE' (Panoramic Express)- these run twice daily. 

You can reserve your seat once you've purchased the ticket via the official website 

To be seated within the panoramic carriages you need to ensure you reserve a 1st or 2nd seat.

We chose to reserve a 2nd class seat which cost us 20 CHF per person (approximately  £18). 

On researching the trip we couldn't see much difference between the 1st and 2nd class carriages apart from a slightly larger seat pitch (2nd class were more than adequate) and a different colour scheme. We were more than happy with our 2nd class seats for sure!

It's important to note that the Bernina Express is a popular route, especially during peak travel seasons, so it's advisable to book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred travel date and seat selection. 

2nd Class Bernina Express Carriage
2nd Class Bernina Express Carriage

For a full explanation of tickets and prices check out our full Guide on the Bernina Express 

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Our Journey on the Bernina Express

The journey between Chur and Tirano takes 4 hours and 21 minutes. I expected this to feel really long (especially with children) but with the beautiful scenery it seemed to pass way too fast. 

Bernina Express Panoramic Carriage
Bernina Express Panoramic Carriage

The train winds its way through the mountains, crossing impressive viaducts and making its way through spiralling tunnels. The route includes the famous Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.

Throughout the trip, you'll have the opportunity to take in the sights of glaciers, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes.

The train stops for 20 minutes at Alp Grüm (the highest point) to allow passengers to get off, stretch their legs and take photographs before descending down in to Italy. 

Bernina Express
The Summit- Bernina Express

What's Included in the Cost of the Ticket Price on the Bernina Express?

Along with your train fare and guaranteed seat, for those travelling in the panoramic carriages, a beverage and commemorative metal Lindt train with little chocolates in is included in the ticket price. 

Bernina Express Lindt Carriage

 

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Tirano to Lake Como

After completing the scenic journey on the Bernina Express, we arrived in the small town of Tirano, Italy, shortly after lunch.

We then continued on to Lake Como by train for a further 2 nights stay in an Air B 'n' B located in Bellano.

The station in Tirano is located right next to where the Bernina Express arrives and departs so you can't miss it. 

 

Tirano Train Station
Tirano Train Station

How to get from Tirano to Lake Como differs depending on the time of year. During the summer months a special bus runs from Tirano train station to Lake Como.

Through the winter, a train can be taken from Tirano straight to Bellano (or even Milan) for around £7 per person.

Details of which service is running at the time of your travel can be found using Trip.com

Bellano in Lake Como
Bellano in Lake Como

Bellano was a lovely town, which gave us easy access by train to other areas of Lake Como and also for onward travel to Milan. Alternatively, there is also a ferry service which runs from the town to others around the lake. 

The cost of the Air B 'n' B was just £168 a night, so much cheaper than the nights stay in Chur, plus we had much more room (2 bedrooms) and a beautiful view of the lake from both the living room and kitchen.  I'll link it below but please don't book it up as I'd love to return some day! 

Click Here to View this Air B n B

 

During our stay here, we also took the train to Varenna, which cost us less than £2 per person (under 15 min journey). This is definitely a place you don't want to miss, especially if visiting in winter. In Summer it can be over run with day trippers from Milan, however, in February we found it very quiet. 

 

Varenna Lake Como
Varenna, Lake Como
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Lake Como to Milan

After 2 nights in Bellano, we then spent a further night in central Milan exploring the sites. One night is more than enough for Milan in all honesty, especially when travelling with children and I was pleased we had chosen to spend the 2 nights in Lake Como instead (plus it was cheaper!)

In Milan we stayed at Novotel Milano Ca'Granda which was just 5 minutes walk to the nearest tube station. Again,  we had to get two hotel rooms to accommodate us all, but the hotel was perfect for what we needed in terms of location and comfort and we got a good night's sleep before our flight home from Milan the next morning. 

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Disneyland Paris in One Day: An Extreme Day Trip

Disneyland Paris in a Day- Our Extreme Day Trip from Manchester

Can you do Disneyland Paris in a Day?

Disneyland Paris there and back in a day from Manchester! Not possible, right? Wrong!

Join us as we share with you our one day itinerary for Disneyland Paris

 

Birthday at Disneyland Paris 

We did just this back in January for my daughter’s 12th birthday, spending one whirlwind day soaking in the magic of Disneyland Paris.

After our video post went viral on social media, I finally found time to detail the logistics of our incredible trip. If you’re wondering how we managed this feat, read on!

 

Planning a Trip to Disneyland Paris 

 

How We Booked a One Day Trip To Disneyland Paris 

Initially, we didn’t intend for Disneyland Paris to be a day trip. We had booked a three-night stay. However, when a super cheap deal to Lapland came up a few months after booking—a once-in-a-lifetime experience—we couldn’t resist.

There was no way we could take the children out of school twice in a six week period, so we decided to run with the Lapland trip instead.

Having been to Disneyland Paris around 15 times (we were annual pass holders previously), we decided to cancel our hotel and ticket package as we had free cancellation on this.

This left us with only the flights which we would lose all the money for (minus the airport tax) which seemed such a shame. 

 
Planning an Extreme Day Trip to Disneyland Paris 

It was getting closer to my daughters birthday and we had nothing planned, then it occurred to me that we could still use the outbound flight and just book a new return for each of us, this time returning the same day making it an 'Extreme Day Trip' to say the least, but Disneyland Paris in One Day, were we being crazy?!

 
Purchasing a New Flight

The fee for changing the original return flight was greater than the cost of purchasing a new one entirely.

Plus by just booking a new flight home we could also factor in a refund of the airport tax from the unused flights which amounted to £50.

This would cover at least half the cost of adding a new return so it didn't seem much more to pay. 

 

Cost of the Flights to Charles De Gaulle

Being tied to our original outbound flight on my daughter’s birthday meant the flights weren’t the cheapest. Ideally, you can get return flights to Paris for around £40 if you watch for easyJet's flight releases and various price drops.

We added a new inbound flight and claimed tax back from EasyJet for the original flight, making it just an extra £50 in total.

However, for transparency if we hadn't done that, then the flights we went on would have cost £89.98 each so this is the total we will use in our breakdown. 

Disneyland Paris in a Day- Our Extreme Day Trip from Manchester

 

One Day Disneyland Paris Park Tickets 

As we now needed separate Park Tickets instead of the ones included with a hotel stay, we then purchased a one-day/two-park pass for £75.50pp.

You could save money by focusing on one park and buy a one-day/one-park pass for as little as £62.

Tickets with free cancellation are available, providing flexibility. We purchased our tickets using 'Get Your Guide' as we do for all our excursions.

You can see the prices for your dates and purchase below. 

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Is One Day Enough at Disneyland Paris?

We had no desire to see and do everything during this visit. We’ve experienced the parades and fireworks countless times. Our main goal was to bask in the magic, celebrate my daughter’s birthday, and enjoy her favourite rides.

Depending on the time of year, yes you can see and do lots. 

 

Could I do one day at Disneyland Paris and Stay One Night?

For first-time visitors, I recommend purchasing a two-day pass and booking a night at one of the more affordable Disney partner hotels. Many of which include breakfast and offer regular shuttles to and from the parks.

The best hotels for those on a budget include Explorers, Hotel B&B at Disneyland, Adagio Marne-la-Vallee,  Campanile Val de France,  Grand Magic and Dream Castle. 

 

 

 

Getting to Disneyland Paris 

 

Disneyland Paris Reveal

As we live 2.5hrs from Manchester Airport by train, I'd also paid £29 on a non-refundable rate for a Travelodge room in Manchester City Centre when we initially planned the three-night trip.

After school, we headed to the station and spent the evening in Manchester having a meal at Zizzi using our Tesco vouchers to pay in full, before heading to bed ready for our 3.30am wake up call.

My daughter initially thought we were just going to Manchester birthday shopping, so you can imagine her delight when I surprised her with a series of little gifts relevant to the trip on the train before the final reveal. 

Disneyland Paris in a Day- Our Extreme Day Trip from Manchester

 

At the Airport

We arrived at Manchester Airport at 5:30am for our 7:05am flight. EasyJet seated us together for free, but we were prepared to sit separately as it’s a short 1-hour flight and of course we only had a backpack each, so no baggage fees were payable. 

We landed in Paris at 9:20am. With only hand luggage, we bypassed baggage claim, but passport control took about 20 minutes.

 

Getting to Disneyland Paris from the Airport

We had planned to take the TGV high-speed train from terminal 2 in Charles De Gaulle Airport as this gets you to the gates of the parks in an impressive 9 minutes, but tickets sold out on the Trainline App whilst we were walking to the station and unfortunately, the next train wasn't for another 90 minutes.

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With the TGV you must have an allocated seat and purchase the ticket before boarding. I'd been reluctant to book TGV tickets in advance due to their non-refundable nature and the fact you never can predict how long security will take once landed, so we ended up taking an Uber instead.

Find Train Tickets Here 

 

 

Getting to Disneyland by Taxi

The Uber cost £48 and took about 50 minutes, getting us to Disneyland Paris by 10:55 AM. If you're travelling as a group of 4 or more, I would definitely recommend booking a private transfer for ease and convenience. 

We use Holidays Extras for overseas transfers. We have a partner discount with them which is applied automatically when clicking here 

 

What to do at Disneyland Paris in One Day

 

Disneyland Paris Hack - Download the App!

Once through the gates I loaded up the Disneyland Paris App to see the current wait times for the rides.

I would highly recommend installing the app for any length trip as it will enable you to make the most of your time and see when certain rides have less demand, reducing needless queueing. It made our trip so much easier!

 

Planning a Trip to Disneyland Paris: Make a List of Your Must See's 

We did write a quick list of everything we wanted to see and do the night before with time being of the essence but, I'd recommend going with the flow and working around the app to maximise your experience if you're just there for just one day

Main Street and Frontierland

We headed straight into the main park and onto Main Street, using the Disneyland Paris App to check current wait times. My daughter’s main wish for the day was to ride Thunder Mountain, so we aimed for Frontierland where it is located.

Thunder Mountain Disneyland Paris
Thunder Mountain Disneyland Paris

Whilst wait times were high at 50 minutes, we started with Phantom Manor, which had only a 5-minute wait thinking the ride time may reduce for Thunder Mountain getting closer to lunch, however this did not happen so we decided to head back to Main Street for those all important castle shots.

Disneyland Paris in a Day- Our Extreme Day Trip from Manchester

 

Fantasyland Adventures

After getting some castle photos, we went through to Fantasyland. Here, we enjoyed 'Madhatter’s Tea Cups' and 'It’s a Small World' with a minimal 5 minute wait. 'Alice’s Curious Labyrinth' was a delightful walk-through experience which I've never actually done in all our visits, and we spent about 20 minutes exploring this, getting lost in the maze and taking panoramic shots of the whole park from the top.

View from Alice's Curious Labyrinth Disneyland Paris
View from Alice's Curious Labyrinth Disneyland Paris
 

Lunch at Toad Hall

Now hungry, we had a meal at Toad Hall—a place we hadn’t visited in ages as it’s often closed during our visits. The fish and chips were generous (2 whole fish and a large portion of chip), costing £10 for a portion big enough to share.

Lunch at Toad Hall, Disneyland Paris

We then indulged in massive ice creams from the March Hare for £6 each, which we couldn’t even finish.

Ice Cream from the March Hare, Disneyland Paris

 

More Rides at Disneyland Paris 

We continued in Fantasyland with 'Le Pays Des Contes' which we walked straight on. As the sun came out, the day turned lovely, totally not what we were expecting in January.

Next, we headed to Discoveryland for 'Autopia', which had a shorter than advertised 25-minute wait. This ride was on my daughters non-negotiables and I'd been reluctant to queue as its usually around an hour but admittedly is great fun, of course she had to be the driver!

 

Visiting the Studios

By 2pm, we were near to the main gates anyway so decided to head over to the Studios Park using our hopper ticket. We quickly rode 'Slinky Dog' with a 5-minute wait and queued for 'Parachute Drop' for 20 minutes before it very annoyingly broke down just before we were due to get on it which seemed such a waste of our precious time.

To make up for this, we went on 'Ratatouille' as single riders, enjoying the ride without any wait.

Parachute Drop Disneyland Paris
Parachute Drop Disneyland Paris
 

Thunder Mountain Fast Passes

Back at the main park, Thunder Mountain still had a 40-minute wait, so we bought Fast Passes for £11 each, allowing us to go straight on. The ride was a highlight and worth the extra cost to see my daughters' face.

I totally forgot just how good this ride is and as it's quite a lengthy ride £11 seemed worth paying. That's not to say that I still find it annoying that Disney use to offer fast passes for free up until a few years ago.

Frontierland, Disneyland Paris
Frontierland, Disneyland Paris
 

Lion King: Rhythm of the Pride Show

After Thunder Mountain, we checked the app to see what to do next and saw that the 'Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Show' was just about to start in the Frontierland Theatre, just a couple of minutes walk away, so we quickly raced to get a seat.

Arriving 5 minutes before showtime, we still found great seats in the centre with a fantastic view. The show is a must see, based on the West End hit musical, with an incredible mix of singing and acrobatics.

 

Stars on Parade

Post-show, we headed quickly to Main Street for the 5.30pm 'Stars on Parade' which was just about to start. Despite the crowds, my daughter found a curb side spot to watch and this was just an amazing end to our time in the parks. 

Disney Stars on Parade
Disney Stars on Parade

 

Wrapping Up our Day 

 

Shopping and Dinner in Disney Village

With the rides covered, we spent an hour shopping on Main Street and in Disney Village’s World of Disney so my daughter could spend some of her birthday money.

 

For dinner, we chose Five Guys in Disney Village, a favourite of my daughter’s, costing £26 for two meals with drinks.

Five Guys, Disney Village, Disneyland Paris

 

Return Journey home from Disneyland Paris 

We booked another Uber back to the airport at 7:20pm for £48. Our flight home at 10:10pm landed in Manchester at 10:50pm, and we were tucked in bed by 1am.

 

Cost of Disneyland Paris in One Day

Flights: £89.98 pp
1 Day/2 Park Hopper Pass: £75.50 pp
Ubers: £48 pp 
Thunder Mountain Fast Pass: £11 pp
Ice Cream: £6 pp
Fish and Chips: £5 pp (shared)
Five Guys: £13 pp

Total Cost: £248.48 pp

Note: You could make this trip cheaper by securing a £40 flight as mentioned earlier and by sharing transfer costs if traveling in a group. Also, consider a 1-day/1-park pass to save even more and just focus on the one park. 

Disneyland Paris Tickets

 

Our Disneyland Paris Itinerary- Disneyland Paris in One Day

3:30am: Our Wake Up Call

5:00am: Left our Manchester City Centre Hotel

5.30am: Arrived at Manchester Airport

7:05am: Flight Departed from Manchester 

9.20am: Flight Arrived in Paris

9.50 am: Through Passport Control and in a Uber to DLP

10.55am: Arrived at Disneyland Paris 

10.50-12 Noon: Phantom Manor, Mad Hatters Tea Cups, It's a Small World, Alice's Curious Labyrinth and Time on Main Street with Castle Photo's

12:00-1:00pm: Lunch at Toad Hall, Followed by Ice Creams at the March Hare

1:00pm-2:00pm: Autopia and a look in the shops on Main Street

2:00pm-3:00pm: Disney Studio's: Slinky Dog, Ratatouille and Wasting Time queueing for Parachute Drop that Broke Down

3.30-4:30pm: Back in to the Main Park and to do Thunder Mountain

4:30-5.15pm: Lion King Show

5.15-5.50pm: Disney Stars on Parade

5:50-6:30pm: A Final Look in the Shops

6:30pm-7.10pm: Tea in Five Guys

7.10pm Returned to the Airport Via an Uber

10:10pm Flight Departed Paris

10:50pm Flight Landed in Manchester

1:00am Tucked up in Bed

read our guide on extreme day trips from the UKan extreme day trip to Iceland with teens one day trip to Iceland sky lagoon, iceland 1 day itineraryDisneyland Paris at Christmas one day trip to disneyland paris one day itinerary disneyland paris

Disneyland Paris on a Budget

 

An Extreme Day Trip to Disneyland Paris

Our day trip to Disneyland Paris was a whirlwind adventure, perfect for celebrating my daughter’s birthday. For seasoned visitors like us, it was a magical, even if just a quick experience, although it was VERY tiring. My legs the next few days afterwards were like jelly.

If you’re planning your own visit, consider your priorities and use the Disneyland Paris App to make the most of your time. Whether it’s a one-day dash or a longer stay, the magic of Disneyland Paris awaits. Happy travels!

Watch The Video 

Extreme Day Trip to Disneyland Paris

Guide to Baby and Toddler Attractions at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris on a Budget- Our top 10 tips

 

 

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