Eurostar has launched a huge sale with tickets available for £35 one way from London to the popular city break destinations of Paris, Lille, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam.
The sale, which runs until Monday (January 12), includes dates between January and March, and while availability is best midweek, there are some weekend dates available for those looking for a short break. The five destinations available run from St Pancras International in King’s Cross, and are all direct trains. The journey to Lille clocks in at under 90 minutes, while the longest route to Amsterdam takes just over four hours.
The main dates that are excluded are around mid-February, likely due to the popularity of these destinations on Valentine’s Day. However, if you’re willing to celebrate a few days later, there are £35 fares to Paris the week after the big day.
Eurostar can sometimes be a more convenient option for short breaks in Europe than flying, and it is a lot less damaging to the environment. Check-in is just 75 minutes before departure, and leaving from Central London means there’s no need to book airport parking or deal with traffic.
You can also upgrade to Eurostar Plus for extra space, plus perks such as a light meal and drinks served at your seat. These tickets are available from £70 each way in the sale.
Out of the destinations available in the Eurostar sale, Lille is one of the most popular for day trips or overnight stays due to its short journey time. Trains arrive at the Lille-Europe station, part of the vast Westfield Euralille, so you can start shopping as soon as you arrive. Step out of the station and Le Vieux Lille, the old part of town, is just a 10-minute stroll away with independent shops, charming cafes, and French restaurants.
Paris is, of course, an iconic destination, and February sees plenty of couples descending on the city for the most romantic time of year. The Eiffel Tower often has special Valentine’s displays on the big day itself, or you can visit after dark to see its sparkling light show on the hour. But it’s also perfect for a solo trip, with lots of museums to explore, strolls along the Champs-Élysées in the cold winter air, and people-watching while sitting outside a cafe.
Rotterdam is one of the more underrated cities you can reach by Eurostar, but it has plenty to explore, from shopping at the unique horseshoe-shaped Markthal to visiting the unique Kijk-Kubus yellow cube houses. It’s the kind of place where you’ll come home with lots of Instagrammable pictures. Brussels is also a great city for a short break as it’s compact and walkable, with a mix of the historic such as the stunning Grand Place, and modern architecture like the shiny Atomium, where you can view the city from inside its silver orbs.
Amsterdam is also a good destination to visit in early spring, as you can avoid the crowds at its major tourist attractions. Trains arrive at Amsterdam Centraal, just a short walk from several museums, the Royal Palace, and the Anne Frank House. From the station, you can even hop on a canal boat tour, an easy way to get around the city and appreciate its unique vibe.
Fares are subject to availability. Browse the Eurostar sale here.
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