Looking to help the environment? Need something to suit your access needs? Or perhaps you just don’t like flying? Whatever the reason, it’s still possible to enjoy some of Europe’s best scenery, history and amazing outdoor adventures on a no-fly holiday
Take a rail ride to France
Region: Parc National des Cvennes, Languedoc Rousillion
Approx. journey time: 7 hours
If you’re looking for oodles of natural beauty without the prospect of enduring a long-haul flight, Cevennes National Park offers the perfect flight-free break. Situated in southern France, its landscape is a patchwork of rocky heights, luscious forests, winding rivers and green farmland, where sheep and goats graze the day away. Deeper unground lies a trio of outstanding caves which have attracted visitors since the 19th Century. If you only visit one, make sure its Aven Armand, which boasts 400 giant stalagmites – including the Grand Stalagmite, standing 30m tall, shining like a diamond. Exploring the park by foot provides a great opportunity for spotting a variety of critters who reside here, including otters, beavers, black woodpeckers and deer. With over 1,522 miles of marked trails throughout the park, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Prefer to take the weight off your feet? Scenic drives are just as rewarding – especially when coupled with stop-offs quintessentially French villages.
Getting there: Take the Eurostar to Paris, followed by a train from Paris Bercy to Clermont Ferrand or Nimes. Then catch a rail connection to Marvejols or Mende, which are both within driving distance to the park.
Sail your way to Spain
Region: Santander, Cantabria
Approx. journey time: 20 hours
If you’d like to go on a beach holiday to Spain without the hassle of flying, then sail your way to sunny Santander. Nestled in the Santander Bay, this azure paradise stretches across Cantabria’s Green Coast, boasting golden beaches, rugged hills and lush natural surroundings. As well as natural beauty, there’s shortage of historic landmarks and cultural monuments to explore – including the opulent Magdalena Palace and the lively Plaza Porticada square.
Budding historians will love getting lost in Paleolithic times at the Museum of Prehistory, which showcases archaeological finds discovered in caves in the region. But the jewel in the city’s crown has to be its medieval Gothic cathedral, which features beautiful stained glass and soaring arches. Foodies will fall in love with the Calabrian cuisine, with numerous tapas bars lining the colourful streets of the city centre, bursting with flavour.
Getting there: Catch a ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander. On route, you might be lucky enough to spot whales of dolphins in the Bay of Biscay.
Travel by train to Italy
Approx. journey time: 10 hours
Region: Lake Como, Lombardy
Travelling to Italy without flying is a lot quicker than you’d think! With its spectacular scenery and Renaissance architecture, it’s easy to fall under the spell of Lake Como. This wishbone-shaped lake is over 20-miles long and is one of the deepest in Europe. Dotted around its shores are a collection of rainbow-coloured towns and villages, whose surrounding hills offer lovely walks and even lovelier views of the Alps in the distance.
Green-fingered fans won’t want to miss Hotel Villa Cipressi's Botanic Gardens, which opens daily and exhibits centuries-old scenery with its plant and flower collection, overlooking the lake's calm waters. As well as stunning scenery, there’s also a medley of ancient attractions dotted around the region, including the cathedral Duomo of Como and a Romanesque church – the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio. But the best way to admire Lake Como's landmarks, houses and architecture is to take to the water onboard a taxi boat.
Getting there: Ditch the plane and take the Eurostar to Paris, then a TGV train to Milan. Regional and intercity trains run from Milan to Como San Giovanni.
Hop across to Holland via Eurostar
Region: Texel, Dutch Wadden Islands
Approx. journey time: 6 hours
If you enjoy wildlife watching, hop across the Channel to this Dutch island. Sweeping white-sand beaches, wildlife-rich nature reserves, sun-dappled forests and quaint villages are among the highlights of Texel. It even has its own seal sanctuary where visitors can learn all about the conservation efforts to preserve the island’s wildlife.
Beachcombing is a popular activity on these shores and a visit to the Flora Shipwreck and Beachcombing Museum will reveal just what interesting, comical and bizarre finds locals have uncovered over the past 75 years.
Another attraction not to be missed is the lighthouse. Walk up to the viewing platform of this bright red, 150-year-old tower for spectacular views of the island and neighboring Vlieland island.
Getting there: Catch the Eurostar to Amsterdam followed intercity train to Den Helder. From there, you can catch a short ferry crossing to Texel.
Take a sleeper train to Scotland
Region: The Corbett Leum Uilleim near Corrour Corrour, Highlands
Approx. journey time: 12 hours
If you happen to live in the south of the UK, travelling to Scotland can seem like a real mission. But you needn’t spend hours driving or checking in at the airport to get there. Grab yourself a supper in central London before bedding down for the night on a sleeper train and waking up to views of the Scottish Highlands. With beautiful landscapes and stunning starscapes, Corrour is the ultimate wilderness escape from the rituals of modern-day life.
It’s particularly popular for hiking, walking and climbing. But you prefer more gentle exploration, a pleasant five-mile scenic trail takes you around the banks of Loch Ossian, passing through gorgeous Victorian rhododendron gardens. Wherever you venture, keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife who reside here, including grouse, golden eagles, mountain hare and deer.
With lochs and burns home to wild trout and pike, this part of Scotland is also the perfect location anglers. Fish either from the banks or hire a rowing boat, with ghillies on hand for lessons or advice.
Getting there: Take a Caledonian Sleeper train from Euston to Corrour (passengers can also board at Watford Junction and Crewe).
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Each of these no-fly holidays have been tried and tested by the climate campaigners at Friends of the Earth
Handy contacts
[Europa Bus Centre](www.translink.co.uk/europak/europa )
[Corrour holidays](www.corrour.co.ukur.co.uk)
[Walk Highlands](www.walkhighlands.co.ukds.co.uk)