A caravan holiday is a fun and convenient way to travel in Europe, everything you need is with you already! Plus, a caravan holiday allows you to be self-contained in your own private holiday home, perfect for social distancing and staying safe.
LeShuttle’s journey time from Folkestone to Calais is just 35 minutes, then the drive to the Netherlands is 3 hours and 15 minutes. This means it takes less than four hours to get from England to the Netherlands and this quicker journey time is the main reason why so many people from the UK use LeShuttle to drive to Holland and the rest of the Netherlands.
Caravans on LeShuttle
We have dedicated carriages for bigger vehicles like caravans, which are twice the height of a double deck carriage with much wider entrances. You must remain in your vehicle throughout the crossing. The toilets on our shuttles are currently closed but there are toilets available in our terminal buildings, please use them before boarding the shuttle. Be sure to read our caravans, campervans and trailers page to plan your trip and check all our COVID-19 travel updates here.
Take a caravanning holiday in the Netherlands
Caravanning in Holland
When you take your caravan to Holland you will need to comply with the rules and regulations around towing. We have outlined them here to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Towing regulations
The maximum weight your car can tow is usually listed in the handbook, so make sure you check this before you travel. If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997 and have an ordinary category B (car) licence, you can:
- Drive a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes or 3,500kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) towing a caravan of up to 750kg MAM
- Tow a caravan over 750kg MAM as long as the combined weight of the caravan and vehicle you are using to tow is no more than 3,500kg
For people who have a driving license that predates 1997, the general rule is that you can drive a vehicle and caravan with a combined weight of up to 8.25 tonnes MAM.
Other rules to follow when you tow a caravan are:
- No passengers are permitted to travel in the caravan itself
- Tow bars must meet EU regulations and be designed to fit your car
- Rear lights must be working and visible and your caravan must have a working brake system
- Tyre pressures should be checked before you set out
If you haven’t driven while towing a caravan before, the caravan and motorhome club have advice for beginners that is practical and easy to digest.
Towing speed limits
When you are towing a caravan, you must never exceed 50 mph on single carriageways or 60 mph on dual carriageways.
Caravan parks in the Netherlands
Caravan parks and camping sites across the Netherlands are perfect for a safe holiday. With plenty of space to roam and your very own little home-from-home you can enjoy a well-deserved break.
Gulperberg
A wonderful campsite in the south east of the Netherlands in Limburg, you can reach Gulperberg in around 3 hours and 40 minutes from Calais, via the E40. Set in beautiful Dutch countryside you can explore on foot or by bike, the camp also offers a frequent bus service to nearby towns Aachen, Maastricht, and Valkenburg which has stunning castle ruins and caves to discover. Pitches are large and there’s an onsite pool, waterpark and outdoor bar.
The pretty town of Maastricht, Limburg near Gulperberg campsite
De Paal
If you are travelling with children, especially those under 12, De Paal in the Dutch province of Brabant is a paradise. A waterpark, indoor swimming, a theatre and a children’s farm, all are designed to entertain the little ones while mum and dad relax. You can also rent BMX bikes and try out the track that runs around the site, or simply chill at the restaurant or café onsite.
Nearby places to visit include the beautiful market town Eersel with some unique shops and places to eat, or Efteling theme park for an adventurous day out.
Heumens Bos
Book your caravan into this peaceful spot near Nijmegen for spacious pitches surrounded by woodland. There’s a nearby windmill, and some of the pitches offer clearer views of this, so be sure to enquire.
Great facilities include go-kart rental, a pool and bike rental for exploring the nearby trails and marked routes through the countryside. For retail therapy, the nearby town of Malden has a wonderful shopping complex. All this and only 3 hours and 50 minutes from Calais via the E40.
Visit the market town of Nijmegen from Heumens Bos | Credit:
Visit Holland
Duinrell
This is the perfect location for a caravan holiday that has a bit of everything. You can hike in Duinrell forest, brave the theme park offering over 40 rides and attractions for adventure-hungry holidaymakers of all ages, or take a dip in the Tiki Pool Waterpark with 16 waterslides to choose from. Only 4km away lies Wassenaar beach and Amsterdam is just 40 minutes’ drive away. This area allows you to explore the beaches, forests, and flower bulb fields by bicycle or on foot for a truly rejuvenating break.
You can reach Duinrell from Calais in just under 4 hours via the E40, taking you through Ghent and close to Rotterdam en route.
Try Efteling theme park for an adventurous day out
Caravan sites in and around Amsterdam
The following campsites are closer to Amsterdam. You can choose to venture into the city, or explore the beaches, forest, and waterways that are all around you. These campsites are perfect for taking your caravan to.
Camping Zeeburg
Pitch your caravan at this modern site that’s perched on the edge of a pretty waterway and offers free WiFi amongst its numerous amenities. You can reach central Amsterdam in just 15 minutes by bike, or there is a tram service every 5-10 minutes. A number 7 tram will take you to Leidseplein, a major nightlife hub on the outer canal rings near the museum quarter and the Heineken experience. Number 14 will take you to Dam Square via Amsterdam Zoo and Rembrandtplein.
You will arrive in around 4 hours from Calais via the E40.
Camping Bakkum
Take the E40 from Calais and in just under 4 hours and 30 minutes you will reach Bakkum campsite, situated in the stunning North Holland Dune Reserve. Enjoy the coast, a mere 950 metres stroll or bike ride lies between you and the beach or cross the sand dunes and explore the woodlands. The surf school is popular in summer and evenings can be spent taking in a free show at the open-air Theatre De Pan. Bakkum also offers the unique feature of an onsite library if you forgot to pack your books!
Pay a visit to Amsterdam to see traditional Dutch architecture
Camping Vliegenbos Amsterdam
In just over 4 hours you can reach Vliegenbos via the A4 from Calais. This campsite is ideally situated, only a 15-minute-walk from central Amsterdam. It’s surrounded by a peaceful forest, but close to quintessential Dutch towns Marken, Edam, and Volendam, plus numerous rural fishing villages along the nearby waterways. The free public ferries across to Amsterdam Central Station are a mere 10 minutes away.
The site has a comfy bar and restaurant with a terrace that stays open late (23:00). There is also a shop and laundrette. Please note that this park operates a no dogs policy, as does Bakkum (above). However, all the others are dog friendly. Want to take your four-legged friend on holiday? We have a whole section on travelling with pets so you can plan the perfect break.