Incredible Getaways to Europe: Combining England & France

If you are hoping to see some of the best sites in Europe then a trip combing England and France is a great idea. These two countries may be separated by the sea, but their close relationship over the years has made it easier than ever for tourists to quickly get between the two in just a matter of hours. You will find that most major airports in England will fly to France and vice versa, and if you want to avoid flying, you can get across to France easily by train, ferry or road.

#1. England: Where to Start

England may only be a small country but there is so much to see and do here. You could easily spend days in London, the capital city alone if you have never been there before, with so many different attractions to enjoy.

If you are flying into London directly there are several airports to choose from; Heathrow, London Stansted, London Luton, Gatwick, and London City. Heathrow is the largest, busiest and most popular option, but it may be cheaper to fly into one of the others in some cases. Bear in mind that none of these airports are in the city, so you will need to be prepared to get to the capital once you arrive. Taking the train is the most popular and convenient option, although you may also want to consider coach and taxi services.

#2. Staying in London

London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and there is plenty to see and do before making the journey over to France. Don’t forget to stop at some of the most popular tourist attractions such as Buckingham Palace, which is free to see from outside of the gates and is still used by British royalty to this day. Take a River Cruise along the famous River Thames and your guide will provide you with more information as you pass iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London.

Visitors to the capital can take a guided tour of the Tower of London and see the world-famous Crown Jewels in the flesh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, go down to the London Dungeons where you can enjoy an interactive, horror-inspired experience that will take you right back to the Victorian past. A ride on the London Eye is the best way to enjoy the best views of the city, and don’t forget to see Camden Market, where you’ll be able to shop at an eclectic mix of big-name and sole-trader outlets. Staying in London is easy; there are hotels and hostels across the city to suit every budget, or if you’re looking to save money you can stay just outside of the city and use a travel pass to get to the center by train or underground.

#3. Getting to France

Once you’ve seen all the main attractions in London and had your photo taken at an iconic red telephone box, getting to France isn’t difficult. You can catch the train directly to Paris from London St. Pancreas Station, which can be reached on foot or by public transport in the city. If you’re a Harry Potter Fan and want to stop off at the famous platform 9 ¾, get to St. Pancreas via London King’s Cross Station. Use this link to find out more where to catch train from London to Paris.

The channel tunnel train to Paris from London takes around two and a half hours in total and you will need to have your passport and travel documents ready. Once you arrive, you will be in the center of Paris where you can find connections to anywhere in France – find out more about planning a trip to France here.

London is an amazing English destination that most people in and out of the UK have on their bucket list, but don’t stop there – it’s only a short train journey to France.