Road trips are one of our favourite ways to travel. Having the freedom of your own vehicle to stop off anywhere along the way is the main reason why for us. Being able to drive to additional windmills on our drive through Holland was an added bonus and really made our trip.

Heading from the UK we took the ferry from Dover to Calais to start our journey. Once heading out from the ferry port at Calais we were well underway to our first stop Bruges. Located only 115km and taking around 1 hour 30 minutes the drive to Bruges was a breeze.

Bruges

The first stop on our 3 cities in 3 days road trip was Bruges. With only 24 hours to spend in Bruges we made sure to it everything in. Bruges is a beautiful city with some of the best chocolate stores in the world. It is also a one of a kind city and happens to be the only city to have an underground pipe line running underneath the city. Our top things to do in Bruges: Cruise the canals

Bruges is made up of so many beautiful canals. Take a small boat trip for as little as 4 euros and see Bruges form a different perspective. The guide will give you a glimpse into the attractions and views nearby.

Explore the main square

The main base for exploring from is undoubtedly the main square. With cosy restaurants, museums and the beautiful Belfort tower with the opportunity to climb to the top for the ultimate views. Halve moon brewery tour

Bruges is the only city in the world with a beer pipeline running underneath the city. The beer is made and prepared in the Halve Main Brewery where you can take part in a tour which we highly recommend. The family run business has been passed down the generation and every aspect of the old brewery that could be kept has remained. The old machines, architecture and structure are a marvel to look at. Beer is still brewed and fragmented at the brewery and visitors can see working machinery. The beer is then transported through the multi-million dollar pipe line to the bottling stage on the outskirts of Bruges. After the tour head to the bar and restaurant to taste the beer at it’s freshest. Taste some Belgian chocolate

Every trip to Belgium is not complete without tasting some Belgian chocolate. Chocolatier shops line the streets of the Old Town and the smell of chocolate can be smelt in the air of the cobbled paved streets and alleyways. All kinds of chocolate is on offer including bars, truffles and waffles to reach everyones taste buds. Tours can be booked with tour operators or step inside one of the many chocolates at the right time to see them at work. Our favourite was the waffles topped with melted Belgian chocolate!

Bruges windmills

Head to the North of the city to walk riverside to see the Bruges windmills. Perched on top of a grass verge and hill the windmills stand tall.

The two windmills St janshuins and Koelwei Mills are still in working order and grinding producing the traditional windmill turn. Both windmills are still beautiful to look at, but head to St Janshuins to go inside and see the inner workings of the windmills and climb the steps to the top for the ultimate view.

After leaving Bruges we took the 101km drive taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes to Brussels the capital of Belgium.

Our top things to do in Brussels

Grand Place

Our favourite spot in Brussels was the Grand Palace.The grand palace was undoubtedly our favourite place to explore in Brussels. The grand buildings take you back in awe as you take it the sights from the whole grand square. In the middle of the palace you will see the cities town hall build in the 15th century and gleaming in gold and awe inspiring architecture.

Atomium

The biggest tourist attractions in Brussels is the Atomium. The Atomium is a atom like shape providing views over Brussels. Take the stair ways to each corner to really take in the beauty. We enjoyed the view from below as we picnic’d on the surrounding grass with the view of the Atomium.

Royal palace

Another grand sight. The Royal Palace is a sight for architect lovers. The maintained garden’s present a calm environment to view the amazing building.

The last stop of our road trip would take us 213km and 2 hours 15 minutes to Amsterdam. The longest part of our journey saw she of the most beautiful sceneries as we pasts rolling fields and old fashions dutch windmills.

Upon arriving in Amsterdam we were excited to both explore the city centre and explore the outskirts as we had the car this time.

Things to do in Amsterdam

Breakfast on the canal
Grabbing a bite to eat on the canal lets you people watch whilst taking in the views of beautiful canals themselves. Be there in the summer to see boat upon boat cruise the canal.

Anne Frank house
No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a trip to Anne Frank’s house. The real house with the hiding place still stands and has been turned into a museum. The museum offers a devastating look into Anne’s life and details her life in hiding.

Brouwerij’t IJ windmill bar

Grabbing a craft beer or sampling a few at this unique bar is a must! Browse up in awe at a traditional Dutch windmill that is home to Brouwerij’t bar. Sit in the garden with your beer and marvel at the beautiful scenery.

A’dam lookout and swing

Our favourite attraction in the city centre by far. Take the lift and light show up to the A’dam lookout. Once you arrive at the top and take in the 360 views you can hop onto the A’dam swing for the ultimate thrill seeking experience.

Explore the famous red light district by night

People watching at it’s best can be done from the front of a bar in the red light district.

The outskirts of Amsterdam

Molen Van Sloten

Located only 30 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam is the isolated Molen Van Sloten. Sitting perfectly in a small residential town the mill is idilic. Tours inside can be purchased and the full history of of the mill explained.

Zaanse Shans

Probably the grandest of the windmill chasing is Zaanse Shans. Up to 7 windmills can be seen in the same place and options are available to explore the museum, the complete workings if the mill and the view from inside and the top. Traditional dutch wooden houses can be seen in the residential area surrounding Zaanse Shans. Again only 30 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam.

Keukenhoff

Keukenhoff is the furthest from the city centre at around an hours drive, however is a tourist attraction in it’s own right. Visit at the right time of year to view the tulip fields in full bloom. The Keukenhoff garden centre is open for 6 weeks of the year for lucky visitors to see the world class tulips and garden displays.