Denmark, Holland, France or Ireland for newbies???

May 15, 2005
215
0
0
Visit site
Hi, we are new to caravanning and maybe next year after a little practice this year we may venture abroad with our van. I live Nr Newcastle upon Tyne so possibly looking at a ferry from Newcastle or Hull, so we dont have the long drag down the country, hence the reason for thinking Holland (Newcastle - Amsterdam Ferry). A friend also visits Denmark quite alot(without a caravan i might add!) but this would mean driving down to Harwich or thru Germany from Amsterdam. Anyone any comments on these areas and possible sites, we have 2 daughters ages 4 and 5 however do prefer quieter sites, but must have good shower and toilet facilities. Or are we better travelling to somewhere in Northern France or another thought would be southern Ireland.

Any comments would be very much appreciated! Or should I be getting a few years experience in before heading abroad? Many Thanks Andrew.
 
Mar 14, 2005
27
0
0
Visit site
We also live just south of Newcastle upon Tyne and have been doing the france thing since our children were the same ages as yours about 6 years now. We started going in tents that are there for you and now take our own caravan. It is much easier to tow abroad than in the uk so don't let that put you off, we still use the dover calais route or use the tunnel, we have tried other crossing but find the journey to dover and a short crossing actually takes less overall time, we stay overnight in dover or calais to break the journey up and it has always worked well, There are some super sites in northern france to enjoy.
 
G

Guest

Andrew,

You don't actually mention if you have been abroad without the caravan before. If you have indeed driven solo then puttting the van on the back won't make any significant difference to what you are doing this side of the water. Driving on motorways is probably easier than here as the traffic density is usually lighter and the road signs are very clear. You will probably get 'lost' in towns, everyone does, just stay calm and work out where to go next. Sooner or later you will find a road sign.

You also don't mention if you wish the sun. If so, then you really need to look at France and a good bit down to get it really warm. You can be lucky in Holland, but it is more chancy.

You may wish to try one of the 2 Clubs 'organised' trips where you travel with others and can get confidence that way.

When we did it 30 years ago, we had already had one wet weekend in Scotland so I am afraid we just threw the kids in the back, hitched up and kept going until we hit Bavaria. We made lots of mistakes but had a heck of a holiday and have been doing it again (sans kids now) ever since.

Go for it.
 
Apr 19, 2005
64
0
0
Visit site
We have been to Wassenaar in Holland and the campsite was excellent. If you have children it`s great because it has rollercoasters and a good swimming pool complex, and it`s all free.
 
Jul 15, 2005
2,175
1
0
Visit site
Andrew,

I work in Rotterdam and occasionally travel the coastal route up to Hamburg (and Denmark). The German section of motorway is dual carriageway and is quite nasty - lots of heavy goods vehicles.

Now onto the positive points - Denmark is great if the weather is good.

Or instead of heading North, just explore Holland - English is the second language - and most people under 40 will be fluent.

There is an excellent campsite "Delftse Hout" on the outskirts of Delft (easy walk or bus from campsite), great showers and facilities, quiet in the week - busy at weekends, and next door is a kiddies farm.

Easy train connections to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Leiden if you want to do serious shopping.

Web-site www.delftsehout.nl

Robert
 

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts