speed boat trips dorset

Classic style and incomparable surroundings Weymouth & The Jurassic Coast

Boat Trips in Weymouth on Classic Speedboat Thunderbolt in the Bay and along the Jurassic Coast to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Book your trip now!

Thunderbolt  is one of the last 1960’s classic speedboats in operation today. Designed and built by Pearn of Looe, specially for short around the bay rides for up to 9 people. Based in Weymouth Dorset  offering a unique and more personal experience.   Our Boat Trips are along the Jurassic Coast as far as Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, trips out to Portland Bill and in Weymouth Bay itself where there are the occasional dolphins, seals and basking sharks.  Thunderbolt is stylish, comfortable and can be fast or more relaxed depending on the trip chosen.      Find out more below:

Fast with style and classic elegance !

                    Great fun!

Simply a unique experience!

YOUR SKIPPER

David rider.

Is a highly qualified and experienced Skipper in various craft, inshore, offshore and trans ocean. Our aim is to make your trip enjoyable, exciting and memorable. Local knowledge of the Jurassic coastal surroundings will add to your experience making not only fun but informative too. 

  Our 2023 prices are held.

Our Boat Trips: 

Boat Trips and cruises in Weymouth Bay and along  the Jurassic Coast to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove for up to 9 people

We are dog friendly too!

Longer Trips

Day or part day Skippered Charter (various destinations /locations Weymouth Bay, Durdle Door/Lulworth Cove). POA.

NOTE:   All trips require 4 seats or more. (Unless whole boat booking)

Shorter Trips

Short faster trips in Weymouth Bay  (20 Minutes)

1 hour Weymouth Bay and sealife spotting trip (seals, dolphins etc)

1 1/4 hour + cruise to Durdle Door, or Lulworth Cove. 

Cruise to Lulworth Cove - land - 2 hours ashore and return (conditions apply) Note: summer months July and August only

Evening Trips

Evening Cruises  (see notice board at the boat location) Usually 1 hour July and August only

PRICES  2024

All boat trips from Weymouth and include skipper and fuel cost.

• Per full day £ 750 (9am to 5pm)
• Half day £3 50 (9am to 2pm or 1pm to 6pm or alternative times and prices agreed)
• Weymouth to Durdle Door (70 Mins) £35 pp/£30 Child (2 - 11yrs) 
• Weymouth to   (1hr 30min)  Lulworth Cov e via Durdle Door,  £40 pp/£30 child( 2-11yrs) (min 4 people)
• Weymouth to Lulworth Cove - land  for 2 hours ashore and return (POA, Minimum 4 people, email request to book)
• Weymouth Bay Sealife (1hour ) looking for dolphins, seals and sharks, (minimum 4 People) £30pp/£25 Child (2-11yrs) (min 4 people)
• ‘Round Weymouth Bay fast trip’ approx 20 minutes; £20 pp/£15 child (2-11yrs)  (min 4 people)
• Weymouth Bay and Portland Coast;  Longer trip 30mins  £25 pp/£20 child (2-11yrs) (min 4 people)
• Vouchers -  the value of the voucher may not match the current trip price (ie less) you may be asked to 'top up' to the current prices

            NB Cards are accepted; cash or payment link or bank transfers also available.

To book either complete the online enquiry form at the foot of this page or call/txt on   07894 917 570.

Email: [email protected]

Please read the booking conditions and prices carefully and do not make any payments until your booking is acknowledged and confirmed by email.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

• All speedboat trips are subject to weather conditions at the time.
• A deposit will be required for all advance bookings; balance to be paid no later than 7 days prior to date of charter
• Vouchers - the value and reference details will be required to make any booking
• Bookings made within 7 days of a charter date; the full price is required at time of booking.
• Cancellations – within 7 days of charter date deposit refund, within 24 hours of charter date full price to be paid or alternative booking date offered in either case.
• Bad weather – in the event of bad weather/cancellation a full refund or alternative date will be offered. Notice of bad weather cancellation will be based on forecast conditions as early as possible and at least 24 hours prior to charter.
• Thunderbolt is MCA registered and coded to the required safety standards
• Instructions from the skipper must be adhered to at all times
• All passengers will be required to wear a lifejacket should conditions dictate and stipulated by the skipper.
• All passengers are required to remain seated throughout any trip unless at anchor or the skipper deems it safe to move around the boat.
• The Skipper has the right to refuse boarding to any person judged as unfit or unsafe to make the trip.
• Alcohol is not allowed on board without prior agreement
• Smoking and vaping is not permitted on-board; this may be relaxed for full or half day charters only.

          LATEST NEWS/TRIPS/- August 2024

Fireworks Specials - 9.30pm-  Board 9pm.  £20pp. Next up BH Monday 26th August.   Still spaces left.

August offer: 20min Bay trip: family of 4, usually £80 - now £60. Book in advance. 

We are currently operating weekends and most weekdays subject to weather and sea conditions. 

If there are three of you or less please inquire anyway as there is always the possibility of others joining in.

Also check out the notice board on the quay for any updates and trip times .

If you wish to book please use the booking portal below, or text/email/call.  Available seats are taken up as the  day progresses, so please call to ensure you get up to date with availability.

NOTE that we must have 4 seats filled per trip  as minimum (unless whole boat is chartered)

Posted:  20th August 2024 at 23. 30pm

Look out for us near the Lifting Bridge,along Trinity Road,opposite Bennetts Fish and Chips, or why not book using the form below or text or just give us a call! 

Our Location

Thunderbolt Classic Speedboat

Usually 1030am onwards

By the town bridge opposite the Kings Arms

Tel: 07894 917570

See the Jurassic Coast at its finest – by sea

Be blown away by a range of exciting and fast paced boat trips, sightseeing cruises, private hire options and watersport packages. We’ve a trip to suit all tastes and budgets.

Our fleet of fully skippered ribs will take you along the stunning Jurassic coastline offering unrivalled views of the iconic cliffs. Whether you want fast, slow or a mixture you can guarantee we will have just the experience for you.

Based in Bridport Harbour, West Bay, in the heart of Lyme Bay, we have trips running from Easter until the end of October, weather and sea state permitting.

Our skilful crew are professional, extremely knowledgeable, and excellent tour guides, always going the extra mile to make sure you have the best experience possible.

Voted the number 1 paid for activity in West Bay

Explore our award-winning trips:

Weymouth Bay Rib Charters

Experience weymouth’s award winning rib charter ride, experience our exhilarating bay ride, 20 minutes of pure family fun nothing else comes close in dorset.

For those wanting a more serene trip, we can offer our multi-award winning Durdle Door Cruise, and new for this season, our incredible Lulworth Special! We take you further, we show you more!

NOTE: Note: All trips require a minimum of 6 passengers (or the cost cover of 6) to run. In quieter times of the season, try to join a part-filled trip to help ensure you get to sea. In the event of us not reaching our minimum number, we will offer you either a rebooking or a full refund.

Absolutely fantastic experience! Boat is comfortable and you have lots of space. It goes pretty fast which I loved as I like the sea spray 😁 they look for dolphins and I was over the moon to find them. They stop the boat for you so you can stand up and watch them. Amazing experience and worth every penny! (In my opinion it’s really good value and I would pay more!) thanks crew!

Amanda Holly

We had a fabulous trip out this evening for a birthday treat! Crew were friendly and it was a great experience for all the family. Would definitely recommend to others! Go enjoy the dolphins 🐬 and admire the size of the 🚢 whilst they’re here in Weymouth!

Anabel Legg

Absolutely amazing cruise ship and wildlife tour. The rib “Buck” is so comfy and has the added bonus of an amazing sound system. We got to see the cruise ships up close and we’re lucky to see both dolphins. As soon as the engine stopped we knew they were close, and there they were! it was just perfect. Thank you to Ben, Laura, Storm and all the team. Best day. Highly recommend

Nic Howlett

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Take a boat trip with City Cruises

Sail along the jurassic coast.

with Moonfleet Adventure Sailing

Condor Ferries offer day trips from Poole to Guernsey in the Channel Islands

Boat tours in dorset.

There’s so much fabulous scenery to take in and there really is no better viewpoint than from the water!

Hit the waves and experience  Dorset’s  picturesque waterways and dramatic coast by boat.

All aboard!

Greenslade Pleasure Boats  offer daily pleasure cruises from Poole Quay giving you an unforgettable sightseeing experience. You can cruise along the Jurassic Coast, take a trip to Brownsea Island or enjoy a scenic tour of Poole Harbour.

Kick back and relax on a sundowner cruise

This popular evening cruise from  City Cruises Poole  will take you around the islands and past the beautiful  beaches  and bays of Poole Harbour and then out to the Jurassic Coast where you can catch the sunset at Old Harry Rocks.

Depending on your interests, you can also enjoy a birdwatching cruise, a sea-train adventure or a fireworks cruise, not forgetting the unmissable seasonal events where you can watch the Bournemouth Air Show from the sea or Sail with Santa.

Exclusive hire

If you’re after something a little more tailored and luxurious, Sail Tortuga  give you the opportunity to charter a 12m sailing catamaran for a unique day out around Weymouth Bay. It caters for up to 12 guests and is suitable for adults and children.

Being the sole clients, the boat is yours for the duration of the trip! If the mood takes you, Tortuga can anchor in one of the coasts picturesque bays to use the eFoils, inflatable slide, sofa and swim platforms, stand up paddleboards or just to take a swim.

You’ll never want to return home!

Take a day trip to Guernsey

A day trip to the Channel Islands is just 3 hours away from Poole with Condor Ferries . As well as enjoying the onboard duty-free shopping and restaurants, you might even see dolphins on your journey. 

The ship docks in St. Peter Port on Guernsey where you'll have a few hours to explore before returning to Poole.

Book your accommodation

If after reading this you can’t wait to come down to Dorset to experience it all, then you’ll want to know where you can stay.

Rest your head on a plush pillow or camp under the stars, it’s up to you – we’re here waiting to welcome you to delightful Dorset!

Self Catering

Pubs & Inns

Self Catering Agencies

Caravan & Camping

Plan Your Visit

Share your dorset, what does your dorset look like adventures on our epic coastline visiting attractions with family a walk through the beautiful countryside or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends discover a sample of your #visitdorset images below and share your love for dorset using the hashtag on instagram.   .

•  Custom House Quay, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8BG
•   07833492948
•   [email protected]

Snapper Charters

Weymouth Fishing and Sightseeing Boat Trips

Durdle Door, Ships & Wildlife Boat Trip

Our Durdle Door, Wildlife and Ship boat trip is one of the most popular sightseeing trips we offer aboard Snapper Charters. Get out on the water during your holiday in Weymouth and take in the stunning sights along the Jurassic Coast.

During this leisurely cruise we steam around ships anchored in Weymouth Bay, before making our way to Durdle Door . We’ll stop for an up-close look at this iconic landmark from a completely unique perspective. On the way back we'll pop into Portland Harbour where you'll see abandoned sea forts and big ships! Along the way we’ll keep our eyes peeled for wildlife. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to see dolphins and seabirds.

This is a relaxed sightseeing tour without a commentary. Advanced booking essential.

Duration : 2 hours

Price: £30 per person

Maximum capacity: 12 passengers + crew

See full trip description and FAQ's below

What does the Durdle Door boat trip involve?

Meet us on our mooring outside the E-bike Cafe. Once everyone’s on board we’ll make our way down the historic harbour at a leisurely place, allowing you to take in the bustling quayside, pretty cottages and Nothe Fort. Younger members of the family will enjoy waving at the people we pass. The challenge is to get as many people as you can to wave back!

Up close look at ships in Weymouth Bay

As we round the pier you can look back at Weymouth seafront and across the bay to Bowleze , Ringstead and Osmington in one direction and Portland break water in the other. We’ll then pick up speed and head to any ships anchored in the bay so you can appreciate their size and scale. The ships will vary every trip and can include tall ships, cargo ships, navy ships and cruise ships.

Please note: we cannot control what ships are in the bay. If there are no ships we will continue to Durdle Door.

Enjoy Durdle door from the sea

Next, we’ll head a bit closer to the shore so you can admire the world-famous Jurassic Coastline . You’ll be treated to views of White Nothe Cliffs and secluded secret beaches that are inaccessible by foot. We’ll slow down as we approach Durdle Door and nudge the boat as close possible. Unfortunately, we’re too big to sail through the door!

We’ll stop and turn the boat so you can take some family photos or a selfie or two! We’ll then make our way to the back of the door so you can look at it from a completely different perspective. Passengers are always surprised by the sheer scale of Durdle Door when viewed from the sea.

Chance of marine life including dolphins and seabirds

After everyone’s had the chance to take some photo’s we’ll make a detour to Portland Harbour before heading back to Weymouth. In Portland Harbour you'll see abandoned sea forts and big maritime ships.

Make sure you keep a look out for marine life along the way. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to see dolphins and seabirds , though please note the sea is not a zoo and this cannot be guaranteed. If we do encounter any wildlife, we’ll slow the boat so everyone can see.

"Not to be missed"

" We took our friends for a wonderful early evening trip to Durdle Door along the Jurassic coastline. Because it was high water we went right into the bay so we got some memorable snaps of us in front of the arch. Then we got to go behind the arch to see it from behind. A different view you don’t get from the land. The crew are friendly and chatty but relaxed. All in all a great experience. Looking forward to doing it again next year.".

Hayley - Tripadvisor

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions about our Durdle Door, Ships & Wildlife boat trips aboard Snapper. If you have any further questions ahead of your trip please get in touch . 

Will the trip still go ahead in the rain?

Yes, we still operate our trips in the rain. We only cancel if the winds get too high.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your dog on our sightseeing trips. Please note we also run fishing trips so there may be remnants of hooks and bait on board. Also, it can be noisy and it does get hot in the summer.

Is there a commentary/guided tour?

There is not a formal commentary or PA system on board. This is a relaxed sightseeing trip with passengers invited to relax and take in the scenery. That being said, the skipper and crew will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Can I book the whole boat?

Yes, you can book the whole boat for private charter. Simply book all 12 spaces available on our booking site. If there are less than 12 spaces available, it means another family is already booked on the trip.

Is there a toilet on board?

Yes, there is a toilet on board.

What should I wear?

Please dress appropriately for the weather. It can get chilly at sea even in the summer. We recommend wearing a hat and sun cream. Make sure you bring a jumper!

Is the trip cheaper for children?

Unfortunately, we do not offer cheaper tickets for children – tickets are based on a per person price. All passengers including children must have a valid ticket including babies.

Can I bring food and drink?

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your own food and drink to enjoy during the trip.

What is your cancellation policy?

If Luke, the Owner/Skipper of Snapper Charters deems the weather unsuitable for a Durdle Door, Wildlife & Ship Boat Trip or the minimum passenger number has not been met the trip will be cancelled with as much prior notice as possible. You will usually be contacted the evening before when we have access to the latest weather report. You will be contacted on the phone number/email address provided at the time of booking to try and arrange alternate dates. If we are unable to agree upon a mutually suitable date and transfer your booking, you will receive a cancellation email (please keep an eye on your junk mail folder) and full refund of any money paid. If you (the customer) would like to cancel a Durdle Door, Wildlife & Ship Boat Trip a full refund will be given up until 72 hours prior to the trip commencing. To cancel please click the 'view booking' button in your confirmation email and follow the instructions. It is also possible to transfer your booking to another date up until 72 hours before your trip. No refund will be given for cancellations that occur less than 72 hours before your trip.

Where do we meet you for the trip?

Advance booking is essential. Meet us on the pontoon beneath the e-bike cafe - look for our flag. Arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. We kindly ask you to wait on the harbour wall until we've finished cleaning the boat/unloading passengers, then walk down the ramp towards the left hand side of the boat. Please leave plenty of time for parking as it can get busy, especially in the summer. We cannot wait for late passengers and NO refund will be given if you miss your trip. If you cannot see the boat when you arrive it is likely that we are returning from another trip. Please wait for us to arrive. Address: Custom House Quay Weymouth Dorset DT4 8BG Owner/skipper Luke: 07833492948

What happens if we're running late?

Please make every effort to arrive 15 minutes early and ensure you are in the right place and ready to go. We run all of our trips back to back, so it's essential that we leave on time. If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, we are afraid the boat will depart without you and NO refund will be given. We do not want to cut the trip short for the people who have made it there on time. If we're not there when you arrive, we will be on our way back from our previous trip. Please wait for us to return.

About Snapper Charters

Snapper is a spacious power catamaran with outdoor seating. It is wide and stable making for a comfortable ride. You are more than welcome to get up and walk around during your trip.

We specialise in small group boat trips so there will be a maximum of 12 passengers on board plus crew. We are family friendly , though please note children must be accompanied by an adult. There is a toilet and board.

Dorset Guide

Explore the Beautiful County of Dorset

Boat Trips from Weymouth

There are several companies offering boat trips from Weymouth. Most of them are located in the harbour area of the town. It is possible just to turn up and book but if its something you really want to do it’s always best to book in advance.

Weymouth Bay RIB Charters

Address: Located in Trinity Road at the Kings Arm’s Steps next to the town bridge ( Google map ) Telephone: 07872 140753 Website: https://www.weymouthbayribcharters.co.uk Description: Offer a 20 minute “Bay Blast” in their RIB reaching speeds of up to 40mph. Taking you through Weymouth Harbour and out into the Bay. £20 per adult, £15 child 5-15. Prices subject to change.

Coastline Cruises

Address: Harbourside Kiosk, Brewery Quay, DT4 8TJ ( Google map ) Telephone: 01305 785000 or 07749 732428 Website: http://www.coastlinecruises.com Description: Coastline Cruises operate 2 vintage World War II naval boats. They offer a 1 hr 30 min cruise along Weymouth Seafront and the Bay.

The Fleet Explorer

Address: Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Beach Road DT4 9XE ( Google map ) Website: https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk Description: Explore Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon by boat, with daily trips during the spring and summer season on the Fleet Explorer. A great way for nature enthusiasts, families and tourists to discover the secrets of the area. The Fleet Explorer is owned and run by Dorset Wildlife Trust.  Trips last 1 hour £10 adults £8 children. To book or for further information please call the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre on 01305 206191.

Jurassic Coast Cruises

Address: Website: http://jurassiccoastcruise.co.uk Description:

Related Pages: Dorset Boat Trips / Weymouth / Weymouth Beach / Chesil Beach / Abbotsbury Village / Abbotsbury Swannery / Osmington Mills / Lulworth Cove / Durdle Door

Lifestyle | Travel

Easy train journeys in Europe — and the chicest places to stay

Maybe it was an early obsession with The Railway Children, or the simple joy of shortbread dunked into mediocre tea from a creaking trolley as sun-doused fields roll by, but train travel, for me, has always felt thrilling — if not a little poetic. Great swathes of countryside flash past you like paintings. Soft, civilised rituals (the shortbread ilk) are encased and protected, while below, the steel grates violently and the train whips through towns and villages like a bullet. Unless, of course, you’ve had the privilege of stepping on board South Western Rail (pulled by a mule, no bottled water for hours, loos nearly always revolting). In fact, most British commuters reading this will scoff at any form of locomotive sweet talk. But for a weekend away, when you consider the airport malarkey, the carbon footprint and the cortisol-laced hours wasted on choked motorways, with eyes on the road, rail travel becomes really quite appealing.

Far from limited to Paris , Eurostar has connected us to the Continent’s impressive squiggle of tracks and efficient services — with carriages where you’re guaranteed a seat, even lunch, and no coercive baggage policies. A Croque Monsieur, a few emails, films and a catnap later, and you’re hissing into a different country, a different city, where the food, language and architecture are all different. It’s enough to elicit a childlike awe.

From hip country escapes just outside Paris to reimagined historic hotels with razor sharp design in Ghent, here are the stays worth chugging through Europe for.

1898 The Post, Ghent

One of the shortest Eurostar trips, Ghent is a jolly, beer-soaked maze of gothic architecture, food and flower markets, and live music. Those dipping their toes into the city’s legendary beer culture (head to Het Waterhuis ann de Bierkant ), without fully committing to an entire weekend will be relieved to discover Ghent’s quietly brilliant restaurant scene. Try Raaf ( raafgent.be ) and Aroy Aroy ( aroyaroy.be ). Everything feels choreographed around the weekend markets, with St Jacob’s flea and Kouter square’s profusion of fresh flowers, and on sunny days, locals dig into De Blauwe Kiosk’s ( deblauwekiosk.be ) seafood or bask in the rays at the cafes lining the canal.

The place to drop your bags for the night is 1898 The Post — a tall, dark and handsome former post office, whose historic, Gothic good looks have been preserved amid the brooding, masculine interiors. Walls are midnight blue, floors deep, coffeel oaks and bars are fashioned from dark and delicious marble (and stocked with right-on cocktails). Of all the sultry rooms, the Tower Suite is by far the most romantic, with its sweeping views over the Gaslei quay and Korenmarkt square.

Book it: Doubles from £174 per night. 1898thepost.com

How to get there: Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then a high speed train to Ghent. Approx 3 hours and 20 minutes.

The Dylan, Amsterdam

The glossy windows of its tall, charcoal houses reflect the canal water, winking in the sunlight. Locals step out for coffee, market goodies and flowers, hopping onto bikes with oversized baskets, and joining the city’s chorus of tinkling bells. The beauty of Amsterdam is its suitability for wandering — meandering through quieter streets, stumbling upon a gallery or a little courtyard garden, and observing the turtle-necked, thick coated and spectacled bunch in their natural habitat.

Having marvelled at Rembrandts and Vermeers at the Rijksmuseum ( rijksmuseum.nl ), explored the De Negen Straatjes labyrinth of independent boutiques and galleries, and chugged along the canal in a vintage teak canal boat with Rederij De Jordaan private tours ( denederlanden.com ), it’s imperative that a weekend here carves out plenty of down time to simply sit and watch. Whether that’s from the kooky canal-side Café de Sluyswactht ( sluyswacht.nl ) or slumping on the grass with a spun out bike at Vondelpark. And while Amsterdam is plump with trendy boutique hotels, The Dylan neatly bridges the historic, luxxy type with an elevated, gently contemporary aesthetic.

The historic building’s original kooks have been integrated into the hotel’s new look, with wooden beams here and narrow boat cabin-like corridors there. Warm mustards deviate from an otherwise monochrome palette, reflecting the creams and ebony shades you see painting the city. The easy going OCCO bar-brasserie is dimly-lit and lacquered, with original terracotta tiles and chairs that twist towards the sun-trap courtyard outside.

It’s worth booking into the hotel’s Michelin-starred Vinkeles restaurant, where the original Mediaeval ovens (from the building’s past life as a Catholic orphanage, then poorhouse) have been preserved. You’re perfectly placed here for the Saturday vintage and farmer’s market Noordermarkt-Boerenmarkt (), and top eateries and cafes, such as the home-spun Pluk, Proeflokaal A. Van Wees (a canal-side brewery’s tasting space beneath a vaulted ceiling, vanweesholland.com ), and the elegant neighbourhood classic, Jansz ( janszamsterdam.com ).

Book it: Rooms from £390 . dylanamsterdam.com

How to get there: Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onto Amsterdam. Approx 5 hours and 10 minutes.

Hotel Beijers, Utrecht

Considered Amsterdam’s pretty little sister, Utrecht enjoys the same coffee culture and evening neighbourhood buzz as the capital — just without the crowds and the stag malarky. So potent is the unsung University city’s burgeoning coffee scene that a handful of trailblazing roasteries and baristas have clubbed together to create an official Utrecht Coffee Safari map, sending the well-informed folk visiting on canalside adventures, sampling the finest brews and house-baked goods.

Caffeine aside, afternoons are best spent either pootling along the canals (the Oudegracht is Utrecht’s artery canal), where several lively cafes and pocket-sized galleries now replace the original cellars, which were built beneath the Mediaeval houses at waterlevel to store goods.

In summer, the canals in the historic centre thrum with young energy, as University students and locals bask in the sunshine on floating wine bars, and historic drinking holes that spill onto the cobbled streets. Byway, the sustainable rail travel service, offers a three-night stay at Utrecth’s Eye Hotel, whose name is an ode to the 17th century building’s former life as an eye hospital. All is fresh and hip, with exposed brick interiors softened with velvet cushions, and retro optician paraphernalia lining the walls and furniture kept Scandinavian-flavour simple.

If visiting Utrecht under your own steam via Eurostar, Hotel Biejers offers a generous dollop of Dutch flamboyancy in an antique-heavy 17th century palace. Far from stiff or stuffy, the hotel has an irresistible romance to it, from the personal welcome drink at the door (as if you’re paying an aristocratic friend a visit) to the ornate, jewel-box rooms with gilded mirrors, parquet floors and (somehow) all the modern creature comforts. The prevailing sense is that you’ve stumbled upon a quietly magical hotel, far away from the big design overhaul and cooked up notions of grandeur or modern luxury — it’s a home, with decadent, inconsistent rooms and bags of character.

Book it: Doubles at Hotel Beijers from £129 per night. hotelbeijers.com

How to get there: With Byway , including a three-night stay at Eye Hotel, from £575 per person. byway.travel/netherlands

Or by booking Eurostar from London St Pancras to Rotterdam, then changing trains to Utrecht. Approx 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Hotel de l’Atelier, Avignon

It’s one of life’s great mysteries, that a Friday night chug to Cornwall from London can take longer than gliding beneath the Channel then rattling through most of France to reach sun-dappled Avignon in Provence. Consider it a day at the office, polishing off whatever project needs your attention as the French countryside flashes past, moving through all shades of green, then abruptly lavender and gold.

Once the centre of the Catholic world, Avignon packs all the pomp and ecclesiastical splendour of any grand French city, just with a generous degree of sunshine and pretty, walled garden restaurants. The World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes ( palais-des-papes.com ) may be the hot ticket attraction, but the city hugging the banks of the Rhône is a mosaic of various influencers, dating back to Roman times. To really get under Avignon’s skin, pay Les Halles d’Avignon ( avignon-et-provence.com ) a visit, the city’s historic indoor market, where you can pick up pickled and cured local bounty to take home, (or baked goods to enjoy as you go) then linger awhile in its garden with coffee and prime people watching. Any overindulgence within the maze of Avignon’s haute dining and delicious bistro scene can be walked off on the Rocher des Doms — a tranquil, manicured park, whose fountain-centred terraces have been chiselled into various levels of the fortress-town’s rocky edges, with sweeping views across the Rhône and the aesthetically-pleasing bridge, Pont Saint-Bénézet.

Hotel de l'Atelier embodies Avignon’s shuttered-window, secret-garden charm, and lies right in the middle of Villeneuve-les-Avignon — a smidgen out of town, away from the tourists but with all the go-slow Provençal village magic overworked, frazzled Londoners long for. Cloud-blue shutters blink beneath thick wisteria brows on the 16th century maison de maître’s facade, its pretty courtyard is scattered in wrought iron tables, and its cream-stoned rooms are dressed in milky fabrics and white floaty curtains. The hotel only serves breakfast, which is well worth dragging yourself out of crisp linen sheets for, if the pinnacle of pleasure is devouring a buttery, just-baked croissant and sweet orchard fruit in a sunny Provencal garden.

Book it: Doubles from £118. hoteldelatelier.com

How to get there: Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare de Nord, then change to Paris Gare de Lyon for a TGV bound for Avignon. Approx 5 hours and 50 minutes.

Le Barn, Rambouillet

You can reach Paris in less time than Dorset, and only 45 minutes outside it, from Gare du Nord to Rambouillet, lies hip, Parisian-approved country escape, Le Barn . A thick mist clings to meadows, horses graze in the golden light and a 19th century mill perches on the edge of a lake like an old fashioned watercolour. It’s a glossed yet gloriously Gallic take on country frolicking, a la Soho Farmhouse, with less sushi.

The renovated barns and time-warp mill are wrapped in hundreds of acres of dense, romantic French countryside, which guests are encouraged to explore on complimentary bikes or trot through in the saddle. All these à la Campagne activities — fishing, wild swimming in the lakes, stewing in Nordic baths, pottery, boules — constitute an ‘off-duty’ wellness philosophy with various cultural influences, but ally with the global consensus that ‘the good life’ is mainly found outside.

Even the pared-down rooms (designed by Parisian-based Be-poles) seem to bring the outside in, with balconies in the renovated barns and their floor-to-ceiling windows framing the bucolic scenery outside. Having scoffed farmhouse bounty — orchard jams, freshly-baked baguette, great hunks of local meat cooked over dancing flames outside — and ticked off all the Gallic country pleasures, hop on the train back to Paris, where a night at Les Deux Gares (eclectically dressed by Luke Edward Hall) a few minutes from Gare de Nord, is just the ticket.

Book it: Doubles from £250 per night. lebarnhotel.com

How to get there: Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare de Nord. Then catch the Gare de Nord local train to Rambouillet and make a speedy cab transfer to Le Barn. Approx 3 hours 15 minutes.

Botanic, Antwerp

With its proximity to the Netherlands, this Belgian port city feels closer to Amsterdam than Brussels in spirit. Its ever-swelling plethora of superb restaurants and a sharp design scene fills out the bourgeois bones of a city with a grand, seafaring history, and the prevailing rhythms are those of locals, not tourists.

Weekends here are best spent ogling at Dries Van Noten’s home just outside the city, in all its neoclassical splendour, gorging on pastries at low-key spots such as Tinsel ( tinsel.be ) and Bakker Aldo ( bakkeraldo.be ) before taking on the Friday Market, and diving into Antwerp’s haute restaurant scene (book ahead for Jane ( thejaneantwerp.com ), in a former chapel). The latter can be found at design triumph Botanic Antwerp, where three of its five restaurants twinkle with Michelin stars.

Five buildings comprising this former mediaeval monastery and hospital have been deftly spun into a fresh, genteel sanctuary, of blonde woods, plant-filled atriums and a light-flooded spa. Courtyards are landscaped, beds draped with terracotta-hued linen, and modern glass structures and old mottled stone are merged with panache. Brunch appears to replace Sunday service in a former chapel, with its soaring ceilings and Flemish feast – any pastry sins are washed with a jaunt around the old town (five or so minutes away by bike).

Book it: Doubles from £385 per night. botanicantwerp.be

How to get there: Eurostar from London St Pancras to Antwerp, via Brussels. Approx 5 and a half hours.

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