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Exploring Different Activity Holidays in Europe
 In this guide, we’ll explore the best activity holidays in France, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, plus tips for planning your perfect trip.

Different Activity Holidays in Europe

Activity Holidays in France

With lots of destinations for holiday activities in France, there is something for every type of traveler:

  • Coastal Adventures: Kayak along Brittany’s coastline, surf on Normandy beaches, or take sailing trips along the Côte d’Azur.

  • Cycling and Outdoor Tours: Explore the Loire Valley castles or Provence vineyards on two wheels.

  • Culinary & Cultural Experiences: Join guided vineyard tours, participate in cooking classes, or explore local markets.

  • Family-Friendly Options: Ideal for family-friendly holiday activities in France, featuring amusement parks and interactive museum visits.

Ferry tip: Our Dover to Calais ferry routes make it simple to bring your car, bikes, or equipment, ideal for active summer holidays in Europe, including water sports.


Activity Holidays in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is famous for cycling and waterways, but there’s more to enjoy for an active European holiday:

  • Water Adventures: Paddleboard or boat through canals in Amsterdam or Friesland.

  • Cultural Exploration: Discover historic towns like Utrecht or Haarlem, enjoy Dutch chocolate and cheese tours, or visit museums.

  • Family-Friendly Experiences: Parks, interactive exhibits, and boat trips make it perfect for active family holidays in Europe.

  • Seasonal Highlights: Visit tulip fields in spring or enjoy Dutch festival weekends along the coast.

Ferry tip: Traveling by our Hull to Rotterdam  ferry allows you to explore multiple regions with your own gear, making your Netherlands adventure flexible and convenient.

Activity Holidays in Scotland
  • Scotland is ideal for family activity holidays in Scotland or solo adventures, offering both outdoor thrills and cultural experiences:

    • Highland Adventures: Kayak on Loch Ness, mountain bike in Cairngorms, or explore coastal cliffs.

    • Island Hopping: Use ferries to reach the Hebrides, Orkney, or Shetlands for hiking, wildlife spotting, and unique experiences.

    • Cultural Experiences: Whisky distillery tours, historic castles, and traditional music festivals.

    Outdoor Activity Holidays in Scotland: Sea kayaking, sailing, and water sports along the west coast.

Ferry tip: Travelling by ferry to Scotland opens up islands and coastal areas that are otherwise harder to reach, perfect for the best activity holiday.

Activity Holidays in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland offers a mix of adventure, culture, and family-friendly activities:

  • Coastal Adventures: Surf or kayak at Portrush, hike the Giant’s Causeway, or explore scenic coastal trails.

  • Cycling and Outdoor Experiences: Bike along the Causeway Coast and enjoy guided nature tours.

  • Cultural Highlights: Discover Belfast’s history, attend local festivals, and visit castles.

  • Family-Friendly Options: Amusement parks, wildlife centers, and interactive experiences make Northern Ireland an ideal destination for family activity holidays.

Ferry tip: our ferries to Northern Ireland make it easy to travel with cars, bikes, or equipment for active family holidays in Europe.

Activity Holidays in Europe During Winter

Winter in Europe offers a unique perspective on activity holidays, especially for travellers looking for a less crowded destination. 

From the snow-dusted castles of Scotland to the coastal beauty of Northern Ireland, winter brings a quiet charm and the opportunity to enjoy family activity holidays in Europe in a more intimate setting. 

In France, regions like Brittany and Normandy offer scenic kayaking and coastal exploration even in the cooler months, while Germany’s Rhine Valley and Belgian cities come alive with winter markets and festive events, providing a mix of culture and outdoor adventure. 

Our ferries continue to operate reliably during winter, making it easy to bring your car or gear and plan active winter holidays in Europe without the hassle of airport travel.

Activity Holidays in Europe During Summer

Summer is the perfect time to fully embrace active summer holidays in Europe, with long days, warm weather, and a wealth of outdoor opportunities.

 France’s southern coast offers sailing, paddleboarding, and beach-based adventures, while Belgium and the Netherlands invite exploration by bike along scenic routes and through charming towns.

 Scotland and Northern Ireland come alive with festivals, music events, and outdoor activities, from sea kayaking to island-hopping adventures. Summer is also an ideal time for family activity holidays, as children can enjoy a wider range of experiences, from coastal excursions to interactive cultural events. 

Ferries provide a seamless way to access multiple countries, allowing travelers to combine destinations and maximise their summer adventures, all while keeping luggage, bikes, or sports equipment close at hand.


Best Ways to Plan Your Activity Holiday in Europe
  • Choose Your Ferry Route: Select a ferry that matches your destination and accommodates bikes, surfboards, or other equipment.

  • Book Early for Peak Events: Festivals, sporting events, and seasonal activities often drive demand.

  • Pack Smart for Activities: Bring appropriate clothing, footwear, and gear for each type of adventure.

  • Combine Destinations: Ferries make it easy to create multi-country itineraries—for example, France and Belgium or Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Use Local Guides and Experiences: Enhance your trip with tours, workshops, and cultural experiences.

Activity Holidays in Europe FAQs

1 Can I take my bike or sports equipment on a ferry?
 Yes! Most ferry routes allow bikes, surfboards, and other equipment. Always check the ferry operator’s guidelines before booking.
2 What’s the best time for an activity holiday in France or the Netherlands?
 Spring and summer are ideal for active summer holidays in Europe, while autumn is perfect for food and wine experiences.
3 Are activity holidays family-friendly?
 Absolutely. Many destinations offer tailored experiences for children, family tours, and accommodations suitable for all ages, making them perfect for active family holidays in Europe.
4 Can I combine multiple countries on one trip?
  Yes, ferries make it easy to create multi-country itineraries, such as France–Belgium or Scotland–Northern Ireland adventures.
5 Do I need travel insurance for activity holidays?
 It’s highly recommended, especially for adventure activities or sports holidays involving equipment.