Train to Holland with DSs - top plan or pants idea?

[fridayschild]

I am taking the DSs to Delft in June to see my sister and her family. Boys will be 8 and 6 by then. It will be about 8 hours on the train, change in Brussels and also in Amsterdam. DS1 will haul his own suitcase usually, but I think I will end up carrying DS2's case for him. We have wheely bags but you still need to lift them onto the train.

The alternative would be to fly, but then we'd need to take a train from Amsterdam, and change twice. The travel time would be shorter, but the hassle factor much the same.

I think my main worries are keeping them entertained for 8 hours (snakes and ladders are fun, but not for that long) and also carrying the sheer amount of stuff we would need for two long journeys and a week away. The train would be much more eco-friendly....

Has anyone got any views?

What about the overnight ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland and traiin to Delft.

That way you can get a good night sleep and be nice and refreshed for the short journey.

Think the ferry is just as eco friendly as the train and probably costs about the same and you can use Tesco vouchers to buy the ferry tickets.

I did think about the ferry actually. I had two issues with it.

1. I don't know if either child will be seasick and I do not fancy a long night ferry to find out
2. we did this when I was a child and the whole thing was madly exciting, not at all quiet (we weren't in a cabin where you could shut the door, more of a sleeping area with a curtain) and I think the good night's sleep suggestion is a bit optimistic myself

But thanks anyway!

We did 8 hour trip to Scotland no probs with ds/ psp/ DVD player, picnic, etc- but put ds2 's stuff in your case or give him a baby one he can manage as you dont want to try and wheel two!

To reassure you regarding ferries Friday, they are much more stable than they used to be.
If you get a proper cabin, you'll be fine. Our DD loved it when we did it a couple of years ago.

D sis now offering to pick me up from airport. Maybe she could drive to Hook....

I've done the Hull to Rotterdam ferry when my Dss were 8 and 6. It was a great adventure and far easier than trying to entertain them for hours on a train.
I've done Harwich to Hook as well but preferred the Hull one.

We spent 42 hrs travelling across from Oslo to Dover after the volcanic ash - it was fascinating just looking out the window! DOn't forget that part! DD was 11 and actually quite enjoyed it ... in a strange way

Many Dutch trains are two storey so you can get great views.

Totally envious, we use to live near Delft!