Simplest toddler no-fly OR drive holidays?

[Nc9876543]

Looking for ideas for the absolute most straightforward and relaxing holidays in Europe with a 2yr 3mth lively toddler, that you can reach by Eurostar or ferry to France then public transport.

We’re trialling a year of not flying; otherwise would do a fly and flop package. We don’t have the mental capacity for detailed transport planning, and have done long haul rail pre kids but want to keep things low stress this time. Have done uk holidays last two summers and I would love to go somewhere abroad for the feeling of being somewhere different!

We have a reasonable budget if we find the right thing. Live in the Berks so happy getting to St Pancras or ports on public transport this side.

The web is full of ideas for rail adventures for people without kids, or flight based trips with toddlers but not much in between…

I would go to Amsterdam. Lots of interesting things to do and see. Easy on Eurostar. Kids museums. Public transport out for daytrips elsewhere. Hire bike with kids wagon.
You could take the direct train there. And on way back stop in Brussels for 2 days also to break it up.

Yes, I would choose the Netherlands too. Public transport and cycling makes getting around so easy. Den Hague is both city and beaches.

Thanks - should have added we're looking at a week to 10 days in September, and that longer ferry journeys are not an option 🤢

The Strasbourg area is very easy to get to from Paris- it's 1hr 45 minutes on the TGV, which leaves from the Gare de l'Est, which is just 10 minutes walk from the Gare du Nord.

Haven't actually been yet- we're going later in the summer- but it looks great. Little electric boats on the river and the absolutely gorgeous municipal pool there could suit all

No need for a longer ferry ride to The Netherlands ( not sure if that is what you meant!). Train Paris - Amsterdam, Eurostar in 3 hours 20.

We did Eurostar to Brussels stayed a few days there then got a train to Ostende and used the Belgian coast tram to De Haan and stayed at Centre Parks De Haan 10 minutes walk from tram stop. Lovely sandy beach and the tram is fun to visit towns along the coast.

the Chanel Islands are nice!

@Nc9876543 this site could be a starting point

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eta; small MN thread from 2024

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and another @Nc9876543

Another vote for the Belgian coast via Eurostar and Brussels. Lovely beaches, nice seaside towns with a wide range of accommodation and things to do. An hotel with half board might suit you, out and about during the day then dinner at night in the hotel.
Food is different enough to be interesting, but you will be able to find favourites for the toddler too. Beers, seafood and chocolates are specialities along the coast.

Brittany- take overnight ferry to st malo then it’s short drive

I agree too on Belgian and / or Dutch coasts. Lots to do for kids. Plopsaland, there's a seaworld place, day trip to Bruges, go-karts on the prom. Vast sandy beaches. Scheveningen and Noordwijk in NL are lovely. I love Zeeland personally but not really practical without a car. Duinrell. When do you plan to travel? I imagine a lot is very booked up for this summer. In NL the kids go back late August and some bargains can be found last week onwards.

What about a cruise? No flying or driving and couldn't be more straightforward or relaxing.

Eurostar to Paris and go to the brilliant Center parcs just outside. Called Village Natures or something like that. Could not be easier and swimming, playgrounds galore. You could venture into Paris if you wanted or even Disneyland but honestly a week there on it’s own would be restful.