5 European holiday destinations you can drive to this summer

There’s something different about setting off on a road trip. No airport queues, no luggage restrictions, and no rushing to catch a flight. Instead, you can pack everything you need, take the scenic route, and stop whenever something catches your eye.

If you’re looking for an alternative to flying, our Continental Hire service gives you the freedom to take your hire vehicle across Europe and enjoy the journey at your own pace.

If you’re planning a European getaway this summer, you don’t always need to fly to find somewhere unforgettable. With the right route, your own vehicle can take you from the UK to charming cities, stunning coastlines and breathtaking countryside, turning the journey itself into part of the adventure.

In this guide, we’ve picked five European destinations that are all within easy driving distance, giving you plenty of inspiration for your next road trip abroad. As we're based in Blackburn, we've used it as the starting point for each of the routes below. If you're travelling from elsewhere across Lancashire or the North West, your journey times will be fairly similar!

From medieval streets and famous landmarks to scenic countryside and coastal escapes, these destinations prove that sometimes the best part of a holiday starts before you even arrive!

1. Bruges, Belgium

If you're looking for an easy first European road trip, Bruges is hard to beat. At around 8.5 hours from Blackburn, it's one of the most accessible European city breaks by car. After crossing to Calais on LeShuttle, the final stretch takes just an hour and a half, with a straightforward drive along well-maintained motorways and no tolls to worry about on the continental section of the journey.

Known as one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, Bruges feels like stepping into a storybook. Cobbled streets wind alongside picturesque canals, historic market squares are lined with impressive Gothic buildings, and horse-drawn carriages still make their way through the city centre.

Food lovers won't be disappointed either. Belgium is famous for its artisan chocolate, freshly made waffles and traditional breweries, making it just as much a culinary destination as a sightseeing one. If you're visiting during the summer, it's also worth taking the short drive to the nearby coastal resorts of Oostende or Knokke-Heist, where wide sandy beaches offer a completely different side to Belgium.

2. Paris, France

Paris has been inspiring visitors for centuries, and driving there gives you the freedom to enjoy the journey as much as the city itself. From Blackburn, the journey takes around 10 hours 15 minutes, making it a great option for a longer European escape. After crossing to Calais on LeShuttle, it's a straightforward drive south through France's excellent motorway network before arriving in one of the world's most iconic capitals.

Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, there's always something new to discover. Wander through the streets of Montmartre, admire the Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre or simply spend an afternoon sitting outside a traditional Parisian café watching the city pass by.

Summer is one of the best times to visit, with warmer temperatures making outdoor dining and evening walks along the River Seine even more enjoyable.

If you're driving into Paris, it's worth booking accommodation with parking on the outskirts of the city before using public transport to explore the centre, making your visit far more relaxed.

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam offers a completely different pace of city life. From Blackburn, the journey takes around 11 hours, making it a great choice for those looking to turn the drive into part of the adventure. Famous for its canals, narrow townhouses and cycling culture, it's a city that's best explored on foot, by bike or from the water.

The drive from Blackburn takes you through France and Belgium before crossing into the Netherlands. While the journey is slightly longer than Bruges or Paris, the roads are excellent and toll-free, making it an enjoyable drive.

Once you've parked up, there's plenty to experience. Explore world-renowned museums including the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, take a canal cruise or simply spend time wandering through the city's unique neighbourhoods. If you fancy escaping the city for a day, the sandy beach at Zandvoort aan Zee is only around 30 minutes away and makes a perfect addition to your itinerary.

4. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Luxembourg might not be the first destination that springs to mind when planning a European road trip, but that's exactly what makes it so special. At around 11.5 hours from Blackburn, it's a journey that rewards those willing to take the scenic route. Travelling through Belgium and into the stunning Ardennes, you'll be surrounded by rolling hills, forests and picturesque villages that make the drive just as memorable as the destination itself.

Luxembourg City combines dramatic natural scenery with fascinating history. Built across deep valleys and rocky cliffs, it's home to ancient fortifications, impressive bridges and the remarkable Casemates, a network of underground tunnels carved into the rock.

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Luxembourg by car is how easy it is to explore the rest of the country. Fairytale castles like Vianden, peaceful countryside and scenic walking trails are all within easy reach, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy getting off the beaten track.

As an added bonus, fuel prices in Luxembourg are often cheaper than in neighbouring countries, making it a great place to fill up before heading home.

5. The Black Forest, Germany

If you're looking for a road trip where the journey is just as exciting as the destination, the Black Forest is a fantastic choice. At around 13 hours 45 minutes from Blackburn, it's the longest drive on our list, but the reward is a landscape filled with winding forest roads, mountain views and unforgettable scenery.

This trip is best enjoyed over a couple of days, giving you time to break up the journey before reaching southern Germany. Once you arrive, you'll discover dense pine forests, mountain roads, picturesque villages and breathtaking viewpoints around every corner.

The famous Schwar­zwa­ldhochstraß­e, or Route 500, is one of Germany's most scenic roads, offering unforgettable drives through the heart of the Black Forest.

The spa town of Baden-Baden provides the perfect place to unwind after a day behind the wheel, while nearby lakes, waterfalls and traditional villages make it easy to spend several days exploring the region.

During summer, temperatures regularly reach the high twenties, making it an excellent choice if you're looking for warmer weather without venturing too far from home.

Ready to start planning your European adventure?

A European road trip might sound like a big adventure, but with the right vehicle and a little planning, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Whether you're planning to explore historic cities, discover hidden coastal spots or take your hobbies and equipment further afield, having the freedom to travel at your own pace makes the journey just as memorable as the destination.

Here at Intack Self Drive, we know that not every journey is about getting from A to B as quickly as possible. Sometimes it's about having the flexibility to bring everything you need with you. That’s why we offer Continental Hire alongside our Daily Hire and Flexi Hire services, giving you the option to take your hire vehicle across Europe without relying on flights.

If you have any questions about Continental Hire or want to chat through your plans, just give us a call on 01254 57811. With more than 500 vehicles in our fleet and a team that knows van hire inside out, we’re here to help you find the right vehicle for your European adventure!