[Travel] European Weekend Break (with teenagers)

Tim Over Whelmed

Well-known member

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Jul 24, 2007

10,188

Arundel

• Dec 21, 2017

• #1

I know how helpful you all can be and just wondered if anyone had an idea for a weekend mini break, with teenage boys(12 & 14), in Europe in April. I want it to be different and boys not keen on the whole airport experience some am thinking Eurostar or train? They have an inset day on the Monday so can stretch very late Fri to Monday eve.

Whilst my Wife and I will both be going with them I do also want Mrs OW to enjoy it so wasn't thinking a football fest, she has enough of that!

Any thoughts / past experiences please

 

M

Mancgull

Well-known member

Nov 28, 2011

4,770

Astley, Manchester

• Dec 21, 2017

• #2

Amsterdam. Educational for two teenagers, especially a little trip around the red light district.

 

Tim Over Whelmed

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Jul 24, 2007

10,188

Arundel

• Dec 21, 2017

• Thread starter
• #3

Mancgull said:

Amsterdam. Educational for two teenagers, especially a little trip around the red light district.

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It's an option, I'll just file it with my other suggestions for the moment, but thank you!

 

S

Springal

Well-known member

Feb 12, 2005

23,830

GOSBTS

• Dec 21, 2017

• #4

Eurostar somewhat limiting. Keep in mind the security at Eurostar is the same as an airport, albeit smaller. Then you have to get to St Pancras.

Personally I've always loved Berlin and it would appeal to teenages in my opinion. A lot of history, but also a cool modern city. Easy and cheap to get to, get around.

 

RONALDEANO

New member

Jun 29, 2017

163

Haywards Heath

• Dec 21, 2017

• #5

Mancgull said:

Amsterdam. Educational for two teenagers, especially a little trip around the red light district.

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Beat me to it.

 

K

kingstn seagull

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Sep 4, 2007

360

YORKSHARE

• Dec 21, 2017

• #6

Try Lyon, had a great time there for the euros last summer and caught the TGV (double decker!) high speed up to Paris to fly home. It's about 5 hours from Ashford (or 6 from St Pancs) with a change in Paris but book early as it gets very expensive.

 

Tim Over Whelmed

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Jul 24, 2007

10,188

Arundel

• Dec 21, 2017

• Thread starter
• #7

Springal said:

Eurostar somewhat limiting. Keep in mind the security at Eurostar is the same as an airport, albeit smaller. Then you have to get to St Pancras.

Personally I've always loved Berlin and it would appeal to teenages in my opinion. A lot of history, but also a cool modern city. Easy and cheap to get to, get around.

Click to expand...

Thanks, just the flying that would put them off, think it needs to be rail or ferry and car (they don't like travelling so I'm thinking train is easier to move around etc? Thanks for your thoughts

 

Tim Over Whelmed

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Jul 24, 2007

10,188

Arundel

• Dec 21, 2017

• Thread starter
• #8

kingstn seagull said:

Try Lyon, had a great time there for the euros last summer and caught the TGV (double decker!) high speed up to Paris to fly home. It's about 5 hours from Ashford (or 6 from St Pancs) with a change in Paris but book early as it gets very expensive.

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Lyon have a home fixture that Saturday but I guess tickets are difficult? Thanks for your thoughts though and would be Eurostar all the way. AirBNB?

 

M

Munkfish

Well-known member

May 1, 2006

11,871

• Dec 21, 2017

• #9

Tim Over Whelmed said:

I know how helpful you all can be and just wondered if anyone had an idea for a weekend mini break, with teenage boys(12 & 14), in Europe in April. I want it to be different and boys not keen on the whole airport experience some am thinking Eurostar or train? They have an inset day on the Monday so can stretch very late Fri to Monday eve.

Whilst my Wife and I will both be going with them I do also want Mrs OW to enjoy it so wasn't thinking a football fest, she has enough of that!

Any thoughts / past experiences please

Click to expand...

You expect two teenagers to find anything remotely fun around their parents, good luck!

 

Tim Over Whelmed

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Jul 24, 2007

10,188

Arundel

• Dec 21, 2017

• Thread starter
• #10

Munkfish said:

You expect two teenagers to find anything remotely fun around their parents, good luck!

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It's a very good point, but I'm determined to find something. Adventure break in the UK?

 

WildWood

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Sep 6, 2011

798

Chichester

• Dec 21, 2017

• #11

Ferry from Dover to Dunkirk & you’ll be in Antwerp before you know it. Carry on for another hour or so & you can enjoy Utrecht! We did Antwerp Saturday & Utrecht Sunday in the Summer - dead easy & all really enjoyed it!

 

Tom Bombadil

Well-known member

Jul 14, 2003

6,032

Jibrovia

• Dec 21, 2017

• #12

Ferry to dieppe, drive to Bayeux, visit normandy beaches, pegasus bridge etc

 

A

Arthritic Toe

Well-known member

Nov 25, 2005

2,392

Swindon

• Dec 21, 2017

• #13

Brussels is fab. - and Eurostar security isn't as bad as an airport - its far more painless. Loads of cheap hotel deals when the Commission are on their hols too. Easy and plentiful parking at Ebbsfleet.

 

P

PoG

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Oct 29, 2013

1,117

• Dec 21, 2017

• #14

Bruges or Gent maybe? Take car on Eurotunnel, driving to either is easy once France side.

 

M

maffew

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Dec 10, 2003

8,871

Worcester England

• Dec 21, 2017

• #15

That's a really awkward age. Cant think of anything I would have liked to accompany my parents to a that age if a footy match is ruled out. Museums and stuff whilst being educational etc is more something you appreciate when you are younger or older I think. Cant be much help sorry! Something with some adrenalin

 

LANGDON SEAGULL

Well-known member

Dec 9, 2004

3,422

Langdon Hills

• Dec 21, 2017

• #16

Nice and Monaco


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Tom Hark Preston Park

Will Post For Cash

Jul 6, 2003

70,156

• Dec 21, 2017

• #17

Tim Over Whelmed said:

It's a very good point, but I'm determined to find something. Adventure break in the UK?

Click to expand...

If they could tolerate an hour on the plane (or you could stretch to an overnight sleeper train) then Inverness might be a good option. Hire a car up there and you'd be within easy striking of Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, the Cairngorms etc. The ski slopes will probably still be open then.

 

patchamalbion

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Feb 26, 2009

6,011

brighton

• Dec 21, 2017

• #18

Lisbon

 

M

maffew

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Dec 10, 2003

8,871

Worcester England

• Dec 21, 2017

• #19

patchamalbion said:

Lisbon

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Having spent a small amount of time in Lisbon, whats there to appeal to young teenagers? (genuine question)

Benfica and Sportings stadia are cool though

 

Two Professors

Two Mad Professors

Jul 13, 2009

7,617

Multicultural Brum

• Dec 21, 2017

• #20

Try a Brittany Ferries mini-cruise to Santander from Portsmouth,if it suits your time-table.Plenty of entertainment on board,and great fun if it's not too stormy in the Bay of Biscay!