How will Brexit affect me travelling on the Eurostar?

For those wishing to find out more about how Brexit will affect your travel on the Eurostar services, please see the answers below to some of our most ‘frequently asked questions’.

Will there be changes to Eurostar’s services after Brexit?

Following the withdrawal agreement agreed between the UK and EU, Eurostar services will continue to run on the existing basis, timetable and terms and conditions. Eurostar are working closely with their station partners, Governments and border authorities on both sides of the Channel to ensure that robust plans are in place for them to continue to operate in either a deal or ‘no-deal’ scenario after the transition period.

Will I need a visa to travel between the UK and the EU after Brexit?

The EU has agreed to give British citizens visa-free travel to member states, even in a no-deal scenario, for trips up to 90 days. The UK had previously confirmed that EU citizens will be able to make short-term visits to the UK without a visa. 

Can I still travel with my EEA ID card after Brexit?

The UK government has confirmed that EU identity cards will remain valid for travel to the UK initially. Although there will be no immediate change, this cannot be guaranteed after the introduction of a new immigration system from 1 January 2021.

Will there be any changes to the travel documents I need after Brexit?

Should the UK not secure a deal with the EU after the transition period, passports may be required to have six months validity from the date of arrival at your destination. 

Will I still be able to use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit?

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) might not be valid if the UK leaves the EU without a deal after the transition period. You should always ensure that you have travel insurance with healthcare cover before you travel abroad. And it’s important to check the terms of your policy, as some policies don’t cover pre-existing medical conditions

Romantic European Getaways this Valentine’s Day

Europe is the perfect destination for a romantic Valentines city break. Paris, best known as the city of eternal love, Rome described as the very essence of romanticism and Prague the perfect destination for a romantic getaway at a low cost. Discover some of the best romantic destinations to celebrate Valentines this year and love our planet too, by travelling there by rail.

PARIS:

There is no escaping the romance of Paris, everywhere you gaze there are loved-up couples dining at candlelit wine bars, strolling arm-in-arm under the Eiffel Tower or lazing around its perfectly manicured gardens. The choice of romantic things to do in Paris is endless, but here are a couple of things we would suggest you enjoy whilst on your perfect valentines’ getaway. 

*Take in the views from the top of the Eiffel Tower

Standing at 324m high, this iconic Paris landmark offers you the opportunity to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of this utterly magical city. Make this experience even more romantic by choosing to go up the Eiffel tower after dark, when the tower sparkles every hour on the hour with over 20,000 gold twinkling lights and enjoy a glass of pink Champagne too!

*Go boating in Bois de Boulogne

Cruise down the beautiful Seine on a river cruise or hire a rowing boat for a memorable experience where romance and serenity is absolutely guaranteed. Afterwards take a stroll through the woods to Jardin Shakespeare where glorious plants, flowers and trees as mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays are grown in all their beauty.

VENICE:

The city of Venice is known to be one of the most romantic cities in the world and is a very popular destination for those looking for an amorous getaway. This ancient and historical city was originally built on 100 small islands and relies on a series of waterways and canals – today this astounding city remains as a floating masterpiece. The feeling of love wafts all around you as you enter the city and all you need to do is take a step back and allow it to consume you. We’ve got a couple of must dos for you and your loved one whilst in Venice city that will definitely ignite the right kind of spark!

*Whisper sweet nothings to each other whilst taking a ride on a Gondola

We can honestly say that there is nothing more romantic to do in Venice than to take a meandering gondola ride through the city canals. Make the experience even more romantic by opting for a sunset gondola ride with a serenading gondolier who will elevate the romance by sweetly humming smooth Italian melodies.

*Watch an Opera show at Teatro La Fenice

It seems criminal to be in Italy without witnessing an Opera show, so we would highly recommend that you take a visit to the ancient opera house located on San Marco and enjoy a romantic ballet or a live opera show with your loved one. The stories of love, art and culture within these walls will live within you forever.

PRAGUE:

The beautiful city of Prague is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in Europe. With incredible architecture, breath-taking views and fairy tale cobblestone streets, could there be any better place to walk around hand in hand with your partner this valentines day? The spirit of love can be found around every corner in Prague so check out below what we think are the best couple of things to do whilst visiting the city.

*Hire a 3 wheel scooter for a romantic self-guided tour of the city

Head off together and explore the city in a fun and exciting way on a 3wheel eco scooter. Visit Prague castle, venture down to Petrin park for a romantic stroll or investigate some of the hidden art galleries in Prague’s beautiful back streets. The city is yours to explore so take the time to go and create some amazing memories.

*Lock in your love

If you and your partner want to lock in your love forever this Valentines day, we suggest you take a walk along one of two bridges whilst visiting Prague. Firstly there is the Mala Strana which boasts the love lock bridge over a small canal, or as equally special is the Naplavka where you can take a stroll along the metal train bridge to declare your love and enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the city.

ROME:

Rome certainly has no shortages of romantic places to visit whilst in the city. With a rich collection of historical landmarks, along with some of Europe’s most exquisite restaurants – all beautifully located in quaint, cobblestoned streets where do you even begin on your adventures in Rome? We have chosen a couple of ‘must do’ ideas for you to enjoy.

*Take a romantic tour of the town on a horse drawn carriage

Enjoy living this fairy-tale moment, travelling through the cobbled streets of Rome on-board a traditional horse drawn carriage. This majestic tour will take you past ancient landmarks, such as the Mausoleum of Augustus and St. Peter’s Basilica, whilst the carriage driver narrates tales of the city. To make this experience even more romantic, we suggest that you take the tour in the evening to enjoy this beautiful city under starlight.

*Share a gelato with the love of your life

Gelato and Italy go hand in hand – so we suggest that one of the best things that you could do in Rome, is for you and your partner to head to a local gelato shop that’s been there since the early 1900 and enjoy delicious locally made ice cream whilst watching the world go by. With dozens of flavours offered in a myriad of colours, is there anything else that you would want to be doing whilst in Rome?!

AMSTERDAM:

With its idyllic canals, cobbled streets and bouquets of blooms everywhere you look, Amsterdam is without a doubt the city of romance. Steeped in history and boasting a fascinating mixture of architecture, Amsterdam is a captivating city waiting to be explored. For inspirational ideas of things to do, check out what we think you would love whilst visiting this marvellous city.

*Browse through books at one of Amsterdam’s charming independent bookstores or at one of the book markets

Head to one of Amsterdam’s charming independent bookstores and browse through thousands of books with your loved one or go to Oudemanhuispoort book market which is a truly beautiful alleyway that was once used as horse stables in days gone by. Enjoy the intimate feeling of exploring these stores and markets with your valentine.

*Enjoy a long romantic bike ride

Biking through Amsterdam is so much fun, although a little bit scary at times, so please use caution if you’re not an experienced biker!! For a calmer, more intimate experience, head out for a romantic bike ride along the canals at night to see Amsterdam under a blanket of twinkling stars.

For any information on rail tickets or passes to these destinations – please check our website www.internationalrail.com or contact our Rail Experts by emailing sales@internationalrail.com or call us on 0871 231 0790.

Rails, Ales and Historic Cities…cont.

Using the ageless ‘Interrail Pass’ was my passport to discovering a scenic, sustainable and relaxed way to explore some of Europe’s lesser-known cities, all of whom have one thing in common, a beer heritage that has shaped their past and continues into their present and future.  By rail, Ramy Salameh visited Rotterdam, Leuven, Nuremberg and Pilsen; four of Europe’s most historic and innovative beer and brewing destinations.

Nuremberg – Tunnels and Red Beer

Changing trains at Liège-Guillemins station, enroute from Leuven to Nuremberg, unveiled an unexpected architectural gem, something that only rail travel can. Santiago Calatrava’s vaulted steel and glass structure arched over the platforms like a giant eyelid and peered out towards the city-centre panorama; certainly a fitting backdrop, as our bullet-nosed Deutch-Bahn ICE train glided through before eventually arriving in Nuremberg.

"Beer saved us"! These were the sentiments of Nurembergers who survived allied bombings during WWII, having sought refuge within the 13th century subterranean rock-cut beer cellars, which had taken 400-years to complete. This wasn’t the only time 'Beer' was seen as a saviour, having replaced the undrinkable waters of medieval times. The red-sandstone walls still scarred by tunnellers and glow-in-the-dark phosphorescent plaques illuminating exits in WWII linked periods of history, just as the beer brewing purity laws of 1303, decreed by Nuremberg council, still characterise the city today.

Our descent below the surface, began directly behind the Albrecht Dürer statue, which alongside the nearby 16th century artist's house, incredibly survived the WWII intact. The kilometres of tunnel network even stretches beneath the ‘Imperial castle’, once one of the most important royal palaces of the Holy Roman Empire, which still peers down on Nuremberg’s photogenic centre. The tour ended as we blinked back into daylight, emerging from below into the courtyard of ‘Hausbrauerei Altstadthof’, (brewery) to sample their malty Rotbier (red beer) and single malt whiskey (made from distilling beer).

Crossing the border and pine covered forests between Germany and Czech Republic, brought us to our final city destination, Pilsen.

Pilsen – Beer above and below the ground

Standing atop St. Bartholomew’s Church bell tower within Namesti Republiky (Republic Square), brought history, heritage and industry into focus across the patchwork of rooftops; from the sinewy chimney stacks representing Pilsen’s ongoing industry in the form of ‘Skoda’ and the world-renowned Pilsner lager factory ‘Pilsner Urquell’. Other notable buildings included the elaborate Moorish-Romanesque style ‘Great Synagogue’ and frescoed renaissance façade of the old town hall.

As with Nuremberg, Pilsen’s history has a subterranean dimension, with kilometres of 14th century beer tunnels and vaults, accessed via the Pilsner Historical Underground Museum. Locking the wrought iron gate behind him, we again found ourselves snaking behind our guide as he explained early medieval finds and water wells, once numbering over 300.

These tunnels would have connected at some time with the beer cellars of our next stop ‘Pilsner Urquell Brewery’ several kilometres away, which was founded in 1839 under the stewardship of Bavarian master brewer Josef Groll, who created the first Pilsner-lager in 1842. All of which was explained during the brewery tour which was expertly narrated as we descended the brewery cellar complex, where we could tap our own Pilsner straight into our glass from huge oak barrels.

In a country that consumes the most beer per capita in the world, the chance to bathe in it at the ‘Purkmistr microbrewery’ on the outskirts of Pilsen, was no surprise. Maybe this is the ‘ultimate incentive’ for many and a fitting way to end this beer-hopping rail tour. Being submerged in several litres of unfiltered and unpasteurized beer, mixed with water containing crushed hops and beer yeast, is meant to support blood circulation and skin nutrition. The only tap associated with the bath, was the one to fill your glass with beer. This would help one think up the next theme and journey by Interrail; with rail access across 31 European countries the only limit being one’s imagination!

Info:The ‘Interrail’ pass offers flexibility courtesy of varying durations starting from 3-days all the way through to a month long global pass, and is available through www.internationalrail.com

Blog Author:  Ramy Salameh is Editor & Co-Founder of Sportstravelnews.com

Rails, Ales and Historic Cities

Using the ageless ‘Interrail Pass’ was my passport to discovering a scenic, sustainable and relaxed way to explore some of Europe’s lesser-known cities, all of whom have one thing in common, a beer heritage that has shaped their past and continues into their present and future. By rail, Ramy Salameh visited, Rotterdam, Leuven, Nuremberg and Pilsen; four of Europe’s most historic and innovative beer and brewing destinations.

Rotterdam recycled

With Eurovision descending on Rotterdam in the spring of 2020, there will be plenty of super-fans clamouring to attend this cult music event and enjoy one of Europe’s new capitals of cool! They will also have the chance to witness an emerging craft beer scene, which fits well with the city’s description as a ‘living lab’, a focal point of urban innovation, sustainability and experimentation.

This is no better showcased than by ‘Vet & Lazy’, a craft beer brewer, located in the bowels of ‘Tropicana’ a former subtropical swimming complex now headlining the cities ‘circular economy’. The brewery promotes sustainability initiatives, even creating a residual beer made with coffee beans from the organic ‘Aloha Bar’ also located in Tropicana.

From here, a quick skim across the River Mass by water-taxi brought us in front of a young brew master, Jazze Post. Operating out from ‘Thoms Stadsbrouwerij’ (brewery) located behind city hall; “we have a Thoms Pilsner, Pale Ale and IPA and they come direct from the tanks you see above the bar, so it’s unpasteurized and unfiltered which gives a unique taste. Our self-serve tables are also popular, especially during Oktoberfest events” he said, pointing the length of Rotterdam’s longest bar.

The whistle-stop visit to Rotterdam included dinner at the popular ‘De Matroos’, before departing the architectural landmark of ‘Centraal Station’. Passing windfarms and suburban life next to the tracks, we soon crossed the Belgium border to reach Leuven.

Leuven – Belgium’s capital of beer

Leuven is known as the ‘capital of beer’. A place where the brewing culture and university is absorbed into the fabric of the city. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven’s tentacles spread into almost every aspect of life, such as the KU Leuven Institute for Beer Research, which is embedded within the academic curriculum; also the 13th century, UNESCO-listed ‘Great Beguinage’, once a closed community of pious women, is part of the city campus.

During the course of three weekends in April, Leuven opens for business with a series of beer tours, tastings and brewery visits. The city is renowned for its reputation for excellent beer and will feature several innovative and artisanal beers from Belgium, utilising a unique venue in the historic De Hoorn brewery. The first of the three events is the ‘Leuven Beer Innovation Festival’, a platform for many craft breweries. This is followed by ‘Food and Hops’ again with beer tours, tastings and brewery visits, before culminating in the ‘Zythos Beer Festival’ the largest beer festival of Flanders. This is a ‘must-see for every beer fan who can explore over a hundred breweries producing over 500 different types of beer.

Students and beer has always been a winning formula. Leuven backs up this equation, with Belgium’s oldest university dating to 1425 and the world’s largest brewing company ‘AB inBev’, producers of Stella Artois; a visit and tour is advised to see this huge operation in action.

The youthful vibrancy of Leuven, is framed by historical edifices; following the main artery from the rail station, brought us to the Grote Markt (town square), ‘Oude Markt’ and palatial university library on Ladeuzeplein. Formations of bicycles criss-crossed the Grote Markt in front of two architectural sculptures, the late gothic 15th century St. Peter’s church, and the statue covered façade of the spectacular ‘Stadhuis’ (town hall).

Brimming with bars and known as the ‘longest bar in Europe’, the Oude Markt is crowned by a series of Flemish-style gables, amalgamating KU Leuven’s earliest university building , through which every student has and must pass; the Flemish-Renaissance style library, another unmissable student haunt.

Immediately outside the older part of Leuven is ‘Vaartkom & Sluisstraat’, a former industrial district being transformed through regeneration, with ‘Brouwerij De Hoorn’ – the old brewery building at its heart, where in 1926 the first Stella Artois was brewed; the brewery’s lineage stretches back to 1366 before Sebastian Artois took over as master brewer in 1708.

Close to Vaartkom is where the modern brewery pumps-out Stella Artois to over 80 countries and tours are offered, as they are at several craft beer micro-breweries in the rural outskirts of the city. Our visit to ‘Hof Ten Dormaal’, a family-run farmhouse brewery cultivating their own grains and hops, before turning it into an exciting range of craft beers was a journey that Jef Janssens, the family master brewer took us on; “we are not scared to experiment” he said as he placed a ‘Hemp’ beer called ‘Summer of 67’ next to a limited edition 12% Belgium Blond Ale aged in Jura Barrels, on the table with a heavily tattooed arm.

Nuremberg and Pilsen to appear in the next blog post…

Info: The ‘Interrail’ pass offers flexibility courtesy of varying duration's starting from 3-days all the way through to a month long global pass, and is available through www.internationalrail.com

Blog Author:  Ramy Salameh is Editor & Co-Founder of www.sportstravelnews.com

A study has calculated how far 007 has travelled to save the world - an enormous 276745.2 miles across 24 movies, with Austria having been the location on three separate films. It is a country known for its epic alpine surroundings and tailor made for adventure sport junkies.

In 2015, the world’s most famous film franchise used the ‘Gaislachkogl’ Mountain to shoot key action scenes of ‘Spectre’. This Bond movie granted the town of Soelden, located in the Alpine valley of Oetztal-Tirol, a unique and lasting legacy. Key action scenes from the film have now been honoured through the creation of ‘007 Elements’ a stunning cinematic installation at over 3000m and opened in 2018. Inside, a series of bunker-like concrete spaces across 1300sqm, present the most dramatic scenes of ‘Spectre’ and delve into the world of 007, past and present.

Image courtesy of Seolden Tourism

Hitting the trails

Ascending the ‘Gaislachkogl’ by gondola, it is easy to see why the production team selected this dramatic location offering a 360 degree sweep of the jagged snow-topped Oetztal Alps, but also why the installation encourages ‘would-be’ James Bonds to find their very own adrenaline-fuelled active adventures within the valley and there are plenty of options to do so.

The Oetztal Valley is one of Tirol’s top mountain biking locales; even before reaching 007 Elements, the gondola passes over the heads of mountain bikers racing down the winding single and flow trails, part of a dedicated area called ‘Bike Republic Soelden’. One of which starts at 2,658 metres above sea level and at seven kilometres in length is the longest trail of its kind in the valley. Depending on the season, bikers or skiers will have the same sense of amazement as I did to see a Landover balanced perilously and almost absurdly on a series of spikey rocks. This was one of three vehicles used in the opening chase scene of ‘Spectre’, which the production team intentionally left up in the mountain and now links into the new ‘Elements’ experience.

Thrill-seekers haven

With barely time to catch ones breath from this homage to James Bond, then the Valley is home to Austria’s largest, trendiest and craziest adventure park ‘AREA 47’; a name that conjures up images of the evil lair of a Bond nemesis or some form of military installation for secret agents. However, AREA 47 is a thrill-seekers haven maybe even heaven, most definitely a training ground for adventurists and the odd professional 'Cliff diver' courtesy of a 27m high dive board, the centre-piece of a 20,000sqm swimming lake within a complex of 95,000sqm.

Located between two major bridges (road and rail), two fast flowing rivers (Inn and Ache) surrounded by forests and high-peaked alpine mountains, AREA 47 cleverly uses the natural and man-made topography to maximum advantage. The park offers some 35 different types of activities that will get the heart bursting rather than simply pumping, ranging from white-water rafting to canyoning and mountain-biking to wake-boarding, a hybrid of water skiing and surfing, on a cable towing system spanning 420m in a secondary and dedicated lake.

Propelled from a water canon

As I arrived to the site, a brave soul jumped, bungee-style from a platform constructed at the top of a huge road bridge pillar, swinging like a pendulum, whilst across the River Inn on the other pillar, a figure clasped the grand climbing wall motionless and lizard-like, as they planned their next move. In between, silhouetted figures, navigated a 27m high rope course, moving from one obstacle to another.

Descending at speed from the ‘Flying Fox’ zip-wire, crossing the River Inn and the 20,000sqm swimming lake, was a good perch to view someone being propelled from a water cannon, whilst another was catapulted from the ‘Steigl’ blobbing air-cushion, as more queued at the top of the 18m high surf-slide to be jettisoned across the surface of the lake like a skimmed-stone.

“Area 47 is for professional athletes too” mentioned Jessica Isak, a representative of the park as we toured the facility; “the guy cycling passed us is Dan MacAskill a legendary trial mountain biker” she said, before pointing towards another person walking towards the 27m dive platform “he is a professional cliff diver, David Coulturi, who we sponsor” she added. The complex is where thrill-seekers overlap with elite athletes, yet both feed off each other and the laid-back hipster culture innate within extreme sports, was most evident in the beach bar and River Haus Bar & Grill, which hosts regular DJ sessions.

One thing is for sure in this part of Austria, nature will leave you “shaken, not stirred!”

For more information:

Ramy Salameh is Editor & Co-Founder of www.sportstourismnews.com to subscribe to our newsletter hit the link!

Interrail pass purchased through www.internationalrail.com

10 REASONS TO TRAVEL BY TRAIN:

There are so many reasons that I could come up with to say why travelling by train is the best way of travelling! Yes, I know trains can’t get you across oceans, and they don’t always travel to remote destinations, but for most point to point trips across continents, train travel is without a doubt the most underrated means of travel. I have come up with the top 10 reasons to travel by train, so keep reading to see why YOU should consider taking a train to your next destination!

1)  COST – It is nearly always cheaper to travel by train than to fly, especially if your journey is relatively short. Unlike air travel, rail providers fares tend to stay relatively stable, but I do recommend planning your journey well in advance as you usually do get the cheaper ticket fares the earlier you book!

2)  COMFORT – Rail travel is smooth, its quiet and its spacious! You have the freedom to wander around and stretch your legs whenever you choose. Not forgetting the bonus of most international high-speed trains having a bar carriage, which usually have a great range of food and drinks!

3)  EXPERIENCE – There is something so romantic and charming about rail travel. I mean, what better way is there to see the amazing countries that you’re travelling through than gazing through a window, watching the world go by. Take in the scenery of majestic cities, mountains, lakes and rivers as you sit back in complete comfort.

4)  STAY CONNECTED TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD – Don’t miss an email or another episode of your favourite boxset – kick back, connect to the free onboard wi-fi and travel in style.

5)  ECO-FRIENDLY TRAVEL – With sustainable travel at the forethought of all our minds, if you are looking to lower your CO2 emissions by half compared to flying - train travel is the one for you. It is considerably greener than going by plane; or driving for that matter and enables you to significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

6)  NO TRAFFIC – who wants to sit in traffic jams for hours on end? No thank you! Let someone else do the driving, avoid stressing out and just enjoy the journey!!

7)  TRAVEL TO THE HEART OF A TOWN OR CITY – No need to book a taxi from the airport to the city centre, trains generally take you right in to the heart of the city or town, so just hop off and begin your trip immediately.

8)  SANITY – Airport travel involves so much waiting in lines - forget all that queuing, going through intense security checks and having to check in two hours before your journey begins, oh no, keep your sanity, most trains do not require check ins, so you can arrive moments before your train departs, hop on and get going!

9)  NO LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS – On a train there are no luggage limitations (within reason), so if you can handle it all yourself, you can bring it onboard, without any additional costs!

10)  CHARM – There is something so delightful about travelling through a country on a train and having the time to take in the countryside and the views. You can enjoy having a chat with your friends and family, enjoy the food bar and watch the world whizz by your window. Rail travel really is a charming and nostalgic way to travel.

Cheap Eurostar tickets Released today!

Eurostar tickets for travel between 21^st January – 1^st April 2020, from London to Paris, Lille, Brussels (based on buying a return ticket) and Amsterdam have been released TODAY from as little as £29.

Book ahead and enjoy discounted summer rates from London to the South of France for travel from the 22^nd May 2020 until 7^th September 2020. Book quickly as this promotion ends on the 20^th January and there are limited seats available.

Paris and Lille:

This spring time, for as little as £29 go and indulge in the beauty of Lille, with its enchanting old town, magnificent French and Flemish architecture, renowned art museums, stylish shopping and outstanding cuisine, it really is a place that must be ticked off your to-visit list. Or instead, explore the French Capital city at one of the times of the year when it looks most beautiful and vibrant, covered in magnificent honey blossom.

The Netherlands:

There is no easier way to travel from London to Rotterdam or Amsterdam than taking the direct Eurostar train. With tickets from as little as £35 book today to enjoy all the canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes that The Netherlands has to offer.

South of France:

Looking ahead to your summer holidays, book tickets to Lyon, the gateway to the Rhone-Alpes region from £45 or to Avignon and Marseille from £52 for travel dates between 26^th May – 7^th September 2020.

Terms and Conditions:

These promotions are only applicable to return journeys, except when travelling between London and Rotterdam/Amsterdam, or London and Lyon which can be purchased as a single ticket.

Please note that these promotional prices are not applicable to the following dates:

Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais and Any Belgian Station:

On sale on 07/01/2020 until 20/01/2020 to travel between 21/01/2020 and 01/04/2020 inclusive, excluding the following dates: on 26/01/2020, from 31/01/2020 to 03/02/2020 inclusive, from 08/02/2020 to 09/02/2020 inclusive, from 14/02/2020 to 16/02/2020 inclusive, from 21/02/2020 to 23/02/2020 inclusive, from 29/02/2020 to 01/03/2020 inclusive, from 21/03/2020 to 22/03/2020 inclusive and from 28/03/2020 to 29/03/2020 inclusive

Amsterdam/Rotterdam:

On sale on 07/01/2020 until 20/01/2020 to travel between 21/01/2020 and 30/03/2020 inclusive, excluding the following dates: on 26/01/2020, from 01/02/2020 to 02/02/2020 inclusive, from 08/02/2020 to 09/02/2020 inclusive, from 14/02/2020 to 16/02/2020 inclusive, from 21/02/2020 to 23/02/2020 inclusive, from 29/02/2020 to 01/03/2020 inclusive, from 13/03/2020 to 16/03/2020 inclusive, and from 28/03/2020 to 29/03/2020 inclusive.

On the return leg, passengers will need to take a Thalys train to Brussels-Midi/Zuid and then go through immigration and security checks before boarding a Eurostar train to London

Lyon – South of France:

On sale on 07/01/2020 until 20/01/2020 to travel between 22/05/2020 and 07/09/2020 inclusive, excluding the following dates: from 22/05/2020 to 25/05/2020 inclusive, from 30/05/2020 to 31/05/2020 inclusive, and from 28/08/2020 to 31/08/2020 inclusive.

Pantomimes are a tradition that us Brits absolutely love! With budding actors and actresses and the odd celebrity chucked in for good measure, watching a pantomime means you can sit back and enjoy a feel good; fun filled few hours with the whole family! Nowadays, mainly based on traditional fairy tales, pantomimes can be found up and down the country in anywhere from small local theatres, all the way to the London Palladium. We have hand picked a few must see pantos for you and your family this year – Oh no we haven’t… Oh yes, we have… With each one of them easily accessible by train!

SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER THEATRE:

Take a fairy tale flight to Neverland this Christmas in the swashbuckling family adventure of Peter Pan as it swoops into the Mayflower Theatre for another unmissable pantomime season. Marti Pellow, the multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and musical theatre star, leads the cast as the villainous Captain Hook from the 14^th December 2019 to 5^th January 2020. With a star-studded cast and a boat load of laughter – Peter Pan at the Mayflower this year is not one to be missed.

London Waterloo to Southampton Central takes an average time of 1hr 45minutes

LONDON PALLADIUM:

Following on from last years Olivier award nominated panto, the London Palladium have got a big act to follow and this year are turning the well-known fairy-tale of Goldilocks and the Three bears right on its head. With some huge names, from Paul O’Grady and Julian Clarey to Nigel Havers and Matt Baker, this star-studded performance, with plenty of laughs and acrobatic delights, is just right for all the family. It runs for a strictly limited five-week season, from 7th December 2019.

ALDERSHOT PRINCES THEATRE:

This year, the Princes theatre in Aldershot, Hampshire will be showcasing Jack and the Beanstalk from Friday 6^th- Tuesday 31^st December 2019. Experience a truly magical production this year, with fabulous sets, stunning costumes, fantastic dancers and excellent songs and music. This truly is a must-see festive treat for the whole family.

London Waterloo to Aldershot in an average time of 1hr 2 minutes

CARDIFF:

Gok Wan stars as the Fairy Godmother this year at the New Theatres must see production of Cinderella. You and your family shall go to the ball with yet another spectacular family panto, packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients you have come to expect from Cardiff's biggest festive production.Cinderella will feature laugh-out-loud comedy, jaw-dropping special effects, stunning song and dance and plenty of boos and hisses as the ultimate pantomime is brought magically to life from Saturday 7^th December 2019 to Sunday 12^th January 2020.

London to Cardiff train times on average 2hr 42 minutes.

MANCHESTER:

This year the opera house Manchester is hosting the fairest panto of them all from Friday 6^th – Sunday 29^th December 2019. Craig Revel Horwood is staring as the ultimate wicked Queen in the adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of jaw-dropping dance, side-splitting comedy, sensational special effects and plenty of festive magic!

London to Manchester taken on average 2hrs 6 minutes

December is here and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! As many UK Christmas markets open their doors this week, we’ve handpicked our top 5 not to be missed Christmas markets, all accessible by train!

BATH

Spread out across Baths picturesque Georgian Streets, the award-winning Bath Christmas Market is back for 18 magical days this year, from Thursday 28^th November to Sunday 15^th December. With unique handmade gifts, jewellery, personalised presents and so much more, you will be sure to find the person you love the perfect gift this year. Throughout the Market, you’ll find tasty food to satisfy any appetite, and plenty of mulled wine to keep you toasty whilst you browse. New for this year, “The Bath Christmas Market Experience” is available to book. This experience includes producing Christmas crafts and making a festive wreath, before moving on to a two-course champagne lunch at the Ivy Bath Brasserie, followed by a relaxing 2-hour experience in the Bath Thermae Spas. A day out at the Bath Christmas markets is sure to fill anyone with festive joy.

Trains from London’s Paddington Station to Bath in just 1hr 30minutes

EDINBURGH

Nestled in the heart of the city, Edinburgh’s main Christmas market is in East Princes Street Gardens from the 16^th November 2019 – 4^th January 2020. The traditional Christmas market offers something for everyone, with grotto bars selling seasonal beverages, endless lines of street-food stalls and wooden chalets selling bespoke handmade gifts and Christmas treats. If you want to soak up a fantastic Christmas atmosphere, with the most dramatic and beautiful backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and the Scott monument, then visiting the Edinburgh Christmas market is a must for you this year!

Average train time from London to Edinburgh is 5hrs 39 minutes

WINCHESTER

It is no wonder that close to half a million people visit Winchester Cathedral Christmas market each year. Inspired by traditional German markets, Winchester Christmas market is nestled within the Cathedral grounds with pretty wooden chalets selling wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive food. An open-air ice rink makes up the centre point of the market, where you can sit with a glass of mulled wine and soak up the festive atmosphere. Voted in the top 8 Christmas markets in Europe by the New York Post, Winchester Christmas market is one not to be missed and it runs this year from Thursday 21^st November to Sunday 22^nd December.

Trains from London Waterloo to Winchester in only 1hr 9minutes

WINTER WONDERLAND

The UK’s biggest Christmas market, Winter Wonderland will run from the 21^st November 2019 to the 5^th January 2020 in the heart of London’s Hyde Park. Immerse yourself in all things Christmassy this year, with over 100 spectacular rides and attractions for all the family. Enjoy Santa Land, a whole area dedicated to your little ones, whilst sipping mulled wine or Bavarian beer and soaking up the festive atmosphere amongst thousands of beautiful twinkling lights. Festive restaurants, cafes and themed bars means there is something for everyone at Winter Wonderland, so book up now and throw yourself in to Christmas.

From London Waterloo Underground – take the Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus, then the Piccadilly line to Hyde Park Corner in just 11 minutes.

SWANSEA

Located on Oxford Street, the Swansea Christmas market will run from 24^th November to 21^st December 2019, hosting over 40 talented crafters, traders and street food vendors. You will find local food and beverages alongside unique locally made Christmas gifts and decorations, so if you’re looking for something special this Christmas, you will be sure to find it here. The children will love a visit to Santa’s Grotto and adults can enjoy festive mulled wine which will ensure that the whole family have a great day out.

London to Swansea has an average train journey of 3hrs 18 minutes.

Book your train today at www.internationalrail.com