Make the most of the Easter holidays in Europe

Although the UK is a brilliant place to spend the Easter holidays, with the rest of Europe only a 35-minute journey away with LeShuttle, why not take advantage of the bank holiday weekend and discover somewhere new?

From camping out with your family in the springtime sunshine, to exploring the culture of Europe's amazing cities, a trip across the Channel always promises to be a lot of fun. To get you inspired for your Easter break in Europe, we have put together a list of some of the best places to visit, and things to do during your Easter holidays.

Why the Easter holidays are the perfect time to visit Europe

The Easter holidays are the perfect time to explore Europe. With warmer spring weather, visitors can enjoy top destinations and attractions without the intense summer heat. Lower temperatures attract fewer crowds, making the season ideal for quiet and leisurely getaways. Families on a budget can take advantage of more affordable accommodation and activities. If that wasn’t enough, spring also brings its own unique Easter traditions, celebrations, parades, and seasonal delicacies to enjoy!

Easter breaks in France

As the spring sunshine begins to warm up Southern France, a trip to the beach is a great way to celebrate your Easter break in Europe. With blossom trees in full bloom, and a pleasant warmth to the breeze, a trip to these places in the South of France makes for the perfect Easter activity.

Le Petit Paradis

Le Petit Paradis is a leisure park for toddlers and young children, naturally very shaded, located in Vendargues at the gates of Montpellier. Since 1998, the park has strived to make children happy - ‘a real family memory factory’. Here you'll find pony rides, farm animals to pet and stroke, inflatables, pedal boats, mini golf and playgrounds.

Le Col Vert campsite

Just one of the many fabulous campsites in the South of France, Col Vert is less of a campsite and more of a holiday village. With scenic pitches on the shores of Lac de Léon, a pine forest and ocean views, you are spoiled for beauty here in the Basque region. Plus, the kids club is excellent, so the little ones will be kept busy while the adults enjoy the relaxing spa.

Portiragnes Beach

For a remote, stunning, and dog-friendly retreat, be sure to head over to the sandy dunes of Portiragnes beach, which is located close to the town of Béziers, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. Surrounded by plenty of wild plants, and fronted by gorgeous, clear water, a splash around with your kids and four-legged friend is the best way to kick-start your Easter holiday.

Go underground in Dordogne

The Dordogne is a beautiful place to explore, even underground! Go on an adventure through a series of underground trails and caverns, dating back as far as Neanderthal times. There are two guided walks available that are in combination with others offered by Walking Dordogne. Choose either ‘Ode to the Neanderthal’ or ‘In the footsteps of the Mammoth’ for a unique experience that’s suitable for all ages and abilities.

Spring in Switzerland

Often overlooked, the Swiss city of Zurich is a brilliant place to take the whole family during the Easter holidays. Not only are there plenty of fascinating museums to explore, there's also lots of beautiful scenery and captivating architecture to admire.

Technorama Science Centre

If you and your kids love science, a great place to visit is the Technorama Science Centre, which is jam-packed with captivating interactive exhibits. Learn all about light in the museum's laser demonstration, or get up close to a lightning bolt, which is a part of the Magneticity collection.

Kaeng Krachan

Alternatively, take advantage of the spring weather and head over to the city's zoo. Visit the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park, named after the national park in Thailand, and watch these majestic creatures feed and interact. As well as the elephants, you can also study tigers, get up close with reptiles, and be sure to look up to see exotic birds flying through the trees.

FIFA Museum

Lovers of the beautiful game will not be disappointed at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, dedicated to the history of international football. From the referee's notes recording the infamous 1966 World Cup match between England and Argentina, to kits, balls and other items from historical matches, there are over 1,000 exhibits here, so make plenty of time to explore. 

Easter holidays in Belgium

Often celebrated as one of the best chocolate making countries in Europe, Belgium is the number one place to visit when on the hunt for yummy Easter eggs. Neuhaus, one of the oldest and most widespread chocolatiers in Belgium, produces a number of handcrafted luxury eggs during the Easter season. From milk chocolate eggs filled with delectable truffles, to shiny, hand-sculpted dark chocolate bunnies, there's a treat for everyone.

Easter Egg Hunts

Belgium takes Easter seriously. That’s why you’ll find numerous egg hunts dotted around the cities, parks, and towns. Some of the more famous are those at Chlorophylle Park or Walibi Parc and the rather extravagant helicopter egg-drop in Thumaide. Prizes are given for finding special eggs, but it’s mostly all for the fun of the chocolate you can eat afterwards.

Pierre Marcolini

For somewhere a little more upmarket, head to Pierre Marcolini's in Brussels. This famous chocolatier brings something new every year, previously using pop-art influences, unusual ingredients, and shaped moulds to create fun (and sweet) adorned Easter bunnies and eggs that your kids will love.

Chocolate Nation

In Antwerp lies the world’s largest Belgian chocolate museum. Take a 60-minute tour through 14 themed rooms to experience the journey chocolate takes from the cocoa plantations to your tongue! History, tradition, and of course, tasting are all included here.

Easter in the Netherlands

Bunny hop across the lakes in Keukenhof Gardens

Whether you’re looking for fairytale forests, colourful spring festivals or picturesque cities, the Netherlands is a cracking choice for your Easter holidays. Lots of attractions across the country hold Easter egg hunts, brunches and markets. Easter in the Netherlands wouldn’t be complete without a bite of “paasstol,” a delicious Dutch Easter bread with dried fruits and almond paste.

Efteling Theme Park

Discover the magic at this Dutch fairytale forest. As the world’s oldest fantasy theme park, Efteling is a top Easter destination. In spring, the park comes alive with exciting rides, enchanting shows, and the beauty of nature. Look out for the ducks and ducklings by the park’s ponds!

Keukenhof Gardens

Known for having the most beautiful spring gardens in the world, Keukenhof is a blooming marvellous destination for visitors of all ages. Rent a bike to explore the colourful fields in your own time or take a 45-minute whisper boat tour for a more relaxed tour of the region. Families won’t want to miss the animal meadow, maze and playground.

Amsterdam

For a blend of lazy afternoons and lively exploration, Amsterdam is the perfect city to visit over the Easter holidays. Explore world-class museums or discover one of the city’s more unusual attractions, like The Catboat or the A’DAM Lookout – a 100-metre-high observation deck with panoramic views! Afterwards, unwind in a cosy café along the charming canals or take a leisurely bike ride through the city’s picturesque streets.

Book your Easter break in Europe with LeShuttle

Plan ahead and book with us for your next European Easter ‘eggstravaganza’. From Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes, you’ll be on your way in no time.