Fuel tank? Full. Snacks? Packed. Map? Ready. After months of being stuck in the office, it was finally time for a proper treat: a road trip from our charming city to the stunning English countryside—and onward to Amsterdam!
We skipped the usual city crowds and opted for a more scenic, nature-filled route this time. It wasn’t our first time visiting Amsterdam (third, actually!), and as promised after our last trip—here we are again.
After exploring different routes, we discovered some surprisingly great stops that made the drives even more memorable.
So if you’re planning your own London-to-Amsterdam road trip, here’s our guide to what’s worth seeing along the way—before you follow the typical tourist trail.
How long does it take to drive from London to Amsterdam
The drive from London to Amsterdam typically takes 7 to 10 hours, with an approximate distance of 420 miles.
Route 1: The Eurotunnel Route
Distance: 420 miles (676 kilometres)
Estimated Driving Time: 9 – 10 hours
- Exit London via the M20 motorway and follow the signs leading to Folkestone, the Channel Tunnel, and Dover.
- Exit at 11A to Eurotunnel Terminal.
- Ride the train and you’ll arrive at Calais, France.
- Upon arriving, go straight on A60 and E40.
- Continue and follow the signs leading to Ghent and Belgium (A22 – E17).
- Drive to Rotterdam, the Hague, and follow signs to Amsterdam City Centre.
Suggested stops
Visit the Canterbury Cathedral
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Address: Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts
Freshen up your eyes and soul after a long drive by stopping at Canterbury Cathedral. This is a 1,400-year-old cathedral with stunning architecture and historic walls.
You can start by exploring the open space with high vaulted ceilings. There are also stained glass windows with biblical scenes. Guests also love The Crypt, which has the most preserved Early Romanesque sculptures.
If you want to enjoy the outside beauty, you can walk on the Cathedral grounds and appreciate the monuments, memorials, and scenic gardens.
Grab food at deDingen in Kortrijk
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Address: Budastraat 12, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
Famous for their burgers, scones, and coffee, De Dingen provides a “new wave” coffee experience in Kortrijk, Belgium. They have espresso, cold brew, and plant-based milk.
Skipping coffee? No worries, they have non-alcoholic drinks. They have local beers, but up to you if you’ll have it (safety first, of course). They also serve breakfast and lunch with their famous meal like Benedict eggs.
Be with nature at Molsbroek Nature Reserve in Lokeren
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Address: Waasmunsterbaan, 9160
The Molsbroek Nature Reserve is a 120-hectare grassland with river dunes and reedbeds. This is perfect if you want to sniff the freshest air of Belgium.
If you’re a birdwatcher, you’ll enjoy this site the most. You can stay here for a couple of hours and try to spot kingfisher, firecrest, and greylag geese. Oh, and there are free fixed binoculars on the dike.
Kids are welcome here, given that there is an asphalt trail for you to walk on. It’s a nice place to let them meet ecology.
Explore Gouda Market in the Netherlands
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Address: Gouda
Just 40 minutes before reaching Amsterdam, there is the Gouda Market that’s famous in the Netherlands. You’ll see the views of wagons delivering cheese in the market.
The entire market square is a lively place to be. The sellers are in full costume in their crafted stalls. There’s even live barrel-organ music that makes the vibe more authentic.
Take a photo at Dorpsstraat in the Netherlands
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Address: Zoetermeer
Stop by Dorpsstraat and take unlimited pictures as you want while taking a rest. This spot is Instagram-worthy with grazing sheep, giving you a very Dutch vibe.
It’s a main street, so walking will make you appreciate the heritage and culture of this place. You should also taste Dutch pancakes before starting your walking tour – just like the locals do.
Route 2: The Harwich International Port Route
Distance: 280 miles (451 kilometres)
Estimated Driving Time: 7 – 8 hours
- Exit London at A12, following the signs to Chelmsford, Colchester, and Harwich.
- Straight ahead to Harwich International Port with the Stena Line as operator.
- After 6 – 7 hours of ferry ride, exit the terminal and head straight following the Rotterdam / The Hague signs.
- Stay at N211, then A20, and A4 northbound to Amsterdam.
Suggested stops
Get a glimpse of Colchester Castle
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Address: High St, Colchester CO1 1UG
Before you exit London, make sure to drop by the Colchester Castle Park. It’s a maintained public park perfect for walking or even picnics.
The trail has a nice view of the boating lake and flower gardens. There’s also a cafe for coffee and light meals.
You can spend 30 to 45 minutes here for a quick walk and photo op before heading out.
Stop at the Dedham Vale Area in Harwich
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Address: Dedham Rd, Dedham
For a hidden countryside, head to the Dedham Vale National Landscape. It’s a painting-like spot that deserves a place on your trip.
In here, you’ll see rivers, meadows, and sheep. There are footpaths that are easy to follow. There are also cycling trails, so expect to see some bikers here.
Spring or early autumn makes the flowers bloom, giving a more stunning view.
Take a look at The Hague
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Address: Hoefkade 9, 2526 BN The Hague, Netherlands
Reasons to visit The Hague? It’s the political capital of the city and has some handsome architecture to see.
The city of Hague is where you can find the Dutch Parliament and the International Criminal Court (ICC), so it’s one of the world’s most important legal cities. Aside from government talks, it also has museums and historic sites.
However, if you want to skip the historic tours, shopping still awaits you. On Denneweg Street, you can find shopping stores and coffee shops. Meanwhile, Plein offers bars for a happy time.
Chill at Scheveningen Beach
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Address: Strandweg, 2586 JL Den Haag, Netherlands
While you’re at The Hague, take this opportunity to visit Scheveningen Beach. It’s famous for its lively vibe and pier.
People go here for some water activities, like kiteboarding and windsurfing. This beach is not only for tourism since it’s also used as a fishing port.
If you’re already in the centre of The Hague, just drive 15 more minutes and enjoy the Netherlands’ sea breeze.
See the blue potteries at Delft City
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Address: Netherlands
Between The Hague and Rotterdam, there’s this not-so-small city of Delft. Familiar with Delftware? Yes, those famous blue-and-white potteries are from here!
You can see these hand-crafted potteries in the Royal Delft Museum. However, if you don’t have much time, there are Delftware shops where you can purchase authentic souvenirs.
Aside from that, Delft has scenic courtyards and coffee shops everywhere. As you explore the city, you’ll also see its 17th-century canals and three-lined streets.
Route 3: The Dover Route
Distance: 269 miles (433 kilometres)
Estimated Driving Time: 8 – 10 hours
- Go to Dover Eastern Docks Ferry Terminal via the M20 and A20.
- Upon arriving in Calais, take the A16/E40 eastbound.
- Continue to Belgium, Ghent, and Antwerp.
- After Antwerp, you’ll reach Amsterdam.
Suggested stops
Gaze at the Dover Cliffs
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Address: Upper Road, Dover, Kent
If you like jaw-dropping views, the White Dover Cliffs won’t disappoint you. It’s a coastal site where you can see the English Channel from afar.
There are different walking trails you can follow, such as the Langdon Cliffs Trail (shorter walk). While walking, you’ll see ships passing and some wildflowers as well. Get your camera ready for such views!
Oh, and there’s also the South Foreland Lighthouse, which hosts tours (but seasonal).
The entry is free, but the parking costs ~£5. This is just 10 minutes away from the ferry port, perfect for a quick visit.
Stretch your legs at Wissant
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Address: Wissant, France
If you want a calmer place, perfect for stretching after the ferry ride, Wissant should be your next stop. This coastal village is just 20 minutes west of Calais.
You can enjoy a sandy beach for walking or beachcombing. There are also windsurfers and kite surfers here. No worries, though, it’s not crowded. It’s more of a local feel, really.
The entry is free, as well as the parking. This is a great place for a short stop and outdoor eating.
Walk by the canals at the Gravensteen Castle
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Address: Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Gent, Belgium
For a medieval vibe, the Castle of the Counts at Gravensteen is the perfect place to be. You can prioritise this tour if you’re into castles, since you need approximately 2 hours to see the entire building.
You’ll see stone staircases and ancient chambers, which depict how Flanders lived. There’s also a torture museum where swords and armour are displayed. It’s kind of grim yet fascinating to see.
Finish your tour by climbing on the rooftop to see Ghent’s skyline. River and winding streets? What a sight!
Catch sight of Kinderdijk windmills
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Address: Nederwaard 1, 2961 AS Kinderdijk, Netherlands
It would be a shame not to visit the famous and UNESCO-listed village in the Netherlands. It would lead you to a detour, but we’re telling you that it’s worth it!
The village has 19 working windmills lined up. Although these are not really a tourist attraction, there are 2 mills open for visitors. You’ll see how millers worked and lived back in those days.
There are three things you can do to appreciate the view. First is by walking, the second is by cycling, and the third is by taking pictures of the village. For us, the latter part will do!
Apps to Download for a Trip from London to Amsterdam
Eurostar App: book and manage your Eurostar train tickets, check real-time train updates, and store mobile boarding passes.
Google Maps: good for locating gas stations and other businesses with opening hours and services
112NL: lets you call emergency services in the Netherlands and works both in Dutch and English
British Red Cross – First Aid App: provides step-by-step first aid for travel injuries and can be used offline
