A road trip from the UK to France with kids is an exciting way to explore new destinations while enjoying the freedom of travelling by car. However, long drives, border crossings, and keeping little ones entertained can be a challenge. With the right preparation, you can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. This guide will help you plan a stress-free road trip from the UK to France with kids, filled with fun and adventure – and without losing your sanity.
Preparing for the Journey: Documents & Travel Essentials
Before setting off, ensure you have all necessary travel documents.Having these ready will prevent any last-minute stress at the border or checkpoints.
- Valid passports for all travellers (check expiry dates in advance)
- Travel insurance documents
- EHIC/GHIC cards for medical cover in Europe
- European breakdown cover for your car
- A valid driving licence
- Vehicle registration documents (V5C)
- A UK car sticker (if required, post-Brexit)
- A breathalyser kit (legally required in France)
- High-visibility vests, warning triangles, and headlamp converters (French law requirements)
Choosing your route: Ferry vs. Eurotunnel
You can get to France by taking LeShuttle (the Eurotunnel) from Folkestone to Calais, or by ferry (from Dover, Portsmouth, or Newhaven). Whichever option you choose, booking in advance often gets the best prices, and travelling at off-peak times can reduce crowds. You could also fly there and rent an RV or motorhome from campstar.com when you arrive.
- The Eurotunnel is faster (around 35 minutes) and allows you to stay in your car, which is great if your kids are sleeping or settled.
- A ferry (90 minutes to 6 hours depending on route) can be a fun experience, giving kids a chance to stretch their legs, grab a meal, and even enjoy play areas on board.
Packing Smart
Since you’re driving across international borders, strategic packing is key. It’s important to keep essential documents easily accessible throughout your journey. Consider packing a separate bag for the ferry or Eurotunnel crossings with snacks, entertainment, and travel pillows to make the journey more comfortable.
Once you arrive in France, don’t forget to bring travel adaptors for charging your devices. If you’re planning to stay at a campsite or self-catering accommodation, bringing familiar UK essentials like tea bags and cereal can provide some comfort for your kids while they adjust to the new surroundings.
Entertainment is everything
Long drives through France require solid entertainment plans. In addition to audiobooks, travel games, and playlists, download movies or TV shows in advance in case Wi-Fi isn’t available. A mix of English and French-language content can also help kids get excited about the destination.
Road trip games like “spot the French road sign,” “count the châteaux,” or “learn a new French word every hour” can make the journey more engaging.
Snack strategically
Hunger can lead to tantrums, so pack a mix of snacks that travel well.
- Non-messy items like crackers, dried fruit, and cereal bars
- Reusable water bottles to avoid spills
- A small stash of treats for rewards
French motorway service stations (Aires) often have bakeries and fresh food, so plan a stop for some authentic French baguettes or pastries along the way.
Plan for breaks
Regular breaks help kids burn off energy and reduce restlessness. French motorway Aires (rest areas) are family-friendly and often include playgrounds, picnic areas, and clean facilities. Unlike UK service stations, some even offer scenic views and walking trails. A good strategy is to alternate between short fuel/snack breaks and longer stops where kids can stretch their legs.
Emergency kit & travel essentials
A European road trip requires some extra emergency items:
- A first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies
- Pre-downloaded Google Maps or a satnav with European maps
- A spare phone charger and battery pack
- Spare clothes for spills or unexpected weather changes
- A small rubbish bag to keep the car tidy
Comfort counts
Since French roads can be long and quiet, keeping kids comfortable helps prevent fussiness.
- Travel pillows and blankets for naps
- Sunglasses for bright motorway drives
- Layered clothing for changing temperatures
Sleep and rest: Family-friendly stopovers
If you’re breaking up your journey with an overnight stay, Eurocamp sites and family-friendly hotels like Ibis Styles offer great accommodation for kids. Eurocamp sites, in particular, provide outdoor space, swimming pools, and child-friendly activities, making them ideal stopover points.
Keeping the car organised
A tidy car makes for a smoother and more enjoyable journey, especially when travelling with kids. To maintain order and make everything more accessible, use backseat organisers to keep books, snacks, and toys neatly stored. A travel bin for rubbish will help ensure you don’t end up with wrappers and clutter throughout the trip. You can also use a shoe organiser to store essentials within easy reach, such as wipes, tissues, or other frequently used items, making the car much more organised and easier to navigate. You should also ensure that you have the proper car insurance in place. You need to ensure that it properly covers you for your trip abroad as you don’t want any unexpected surprises.
Managing sibling squabbles
When kids are together for long periods, arguments are inevitable, especially in confined spaces like a car. To help keep the peace and reduce stress, there are a few strategies you can use.
First, giving each child their own space and separate activity bag can help prevent conflicts over toys and personal space. Providing individual bags with snacks, toys, or books ensures that each child has something to engage with on their own, avoiding potential disputes.
Encouraging quiet time with headphones or nap breaks is another effective approach. Noise-cancelling headphones can give kids a chance to enjoy their own music, movies, or audiobooks without being disturbed by siblings. If napping is an option, it can provide a much-needed break for both the child and the parents.
Finally, rotating seating arrangements during rest stops can help break up the monotony of the journey and give each child a fresh perspective. This simple change can prevent territorial disputes and make the car feel less cramped, which can go a long way in keeping everyone content.
Dealing with motion sickness
If any family members suffer from motion sickness, there are several strategies you can employ to ease the discomfort during the journey. First, avoid heavy meals before travel, as they can make nausea worse. Stick to lighter foods like crackers or fruits that are easier to digest. Motion sickness wristbands, which apply gentle pressure to acupressure points, can also help alleviate symptoms for some individuals. Encourage kids to look outside the window rather than focusing on screens, as looking at a fixed point on the horizon can help reduce dizziness.
Additionally, keep a supply of ginger sweets or medication on hand, as ginger is known for its natural anti-nausea properties and can be an effective remedy. If symptoms persist, consider speaking to a doctor beforehand to discuss other options for managing motion sickness on the road.
Set expectations & be flexible
Before setting off, talk to your kids about the journey, expected travel time, and fun activities planned for breaks. Build excitement by showing them maps and photos of your destinations.
Flexibility is key—delays happen, and sometimes a spontaneous stop at a scenic spot can turn into the highlight of the trip!
The road ahead
A road trip from the UK to France with kids can be a fun and enriching experience with the right preparation. From planning entertainment and snacks to choosing the best route and accommodation, a little foresight can make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. So, buckle up, embrace the adventure, and enjoy making family memories on the road!