Accessible Trips in Belgium and The Netherlands

Belgium and the Netherlands both offer a range of options for a short break from the UK and have a range of options to get there- many of which don't even involve flying.

Belgium

The Belgian capital of Brussels can be reached by train from London in around 2 hours. There is also a wide range of flight options avalable to both Brussels Airport and the airport in the nearby city of Charleroi is served by a number of low cost carriers and has regular bus connections to Brussels.

Brussels is home to many attractions including the famous Manneken Pis statue, Grand Palace and the Atonium.

The city is also home to the European Parliament and a range of institutions. There is also a model village "Mini Europe" next to the Atonium, home to a range of European landmarks in miniture

The city is very accessible and you can find out more by visiting this website.

From Brussels there is easy train links to other Belgian towns and cities such as Bruges and Antwerp. The various regional tourist information sites are packed with lots of accessibility information and you can find links to these here

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is another country easily accessible from the UK. The train from London to Amsterdam operates a few times each day and takes just over 4 hours. There are also overnight ferry services from Newcastle to Amsterdam and Hull to Rotterdam as well as a twice daily ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, a short distance from Rotterdam. This crossing operates both a daytime and overnight option. The ferry's on all routes are comfortable and accessible. They offer a range of facilities onboard for example lifts and disabled access cabins.

For those preferring to fly, there are flights to Amsterdam from over 20 UK airports and the flight time is around an hour. From the airport there are direct train links to most parts of the country

Amsterdam itself if home to many museums and attractions and is beautiful from the canal sides with many traditional houses. You will also find historical attractions such as the Anne Frank House and the Westerkirk Church which was commonly referred to in her famous diary. Most of the city is accessible as well and you can find out more by visiting this website.

Across the wider Netherlands there are a range of other places well worth a visit. The Hague which is home to the Dutch Parliament and the miniature village of Madurodam, home to many Dutch landmarks, is only 48 mins by train from Amsterdam. For visitors in the Spring the Keukenhof Gardens offer a beautiful display of tulips and is also easilly accessible from most major towns and city's. Below is a link to a website with lots of useful and informative information Accessible travel in the Netherlands: tips & practical info - Holland.com

Hope this information was useful and inspiring for some trips in 2026 and beyond