London to Europe without the Eurostar

1. London, England

Once you reach the bustling city of London, no trip to the capital is complete without standing outside the gates at Buckingham Palace or enjoying the following hotspots: 

• Explore the fascinating complex of the Tower of London, and marvel at the Crown Jewels, but don't get too close to the Beefeaters who patrol the grounds. 
• Head to Trafalgar Square to sit on the friendly lions who protect the rest of the city and dodge the thousands of pigeons who consider this iconic square home. 
• Book last-minute tickets to a Westend show from TKTS in Piccadilly Circus - you can get cheap tickets to The Lion King, Wicked or Les Misérables (subject to availability). 

2. Dover, England

You can travel from London St Pancras to Dover Priory in just over one hour (reservation optional), or London Bridge to Dover Priory in less than two hours with your Interrail Pass.  

If you have time to explore this port city before the ferry leaves, store your luggage with Stasher at a verified location, and enjoy the following activities: 

• Hike along the coastal path towards South Foreland Lighthouse to catch a glimpse of the stunning White Cliffs of Dover - home to rare birds such as peregrine falcons, buzzards, and sparrowhawks (but don't waste your time looking for bluebirds). 
• Storm the castle! Perched high above the English Channel, you can explore England's longest-serving fortress, step into the grandeur of the Great Tower, and walk the lengths of the secret wartime tunnels. 
• Check out Dover Museum in Market Square to see the world's oldest known seagoing vessel. Here you'll find a well-preserved Bronze Age wooden boat that has survived for over 3000 years. 

What's on the ferry: 

• The Club Lounge serves wine and other beverages
• Have a sandwich or snack in the Family Lounge
• Children can enjoy the kid's club (summer season only)
• Beat your best score in the Video Arcade Room
• Cross the channel in style and watch the world go by

3. Calais

When you reach the beautiful port of Calais, you can enjoy the stunning beaches of the Côte d'Opale, or easily continue your journey into the heart of France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and beyond. 

If you spend a night or two in Calais, be sure to: 

• Dip your toes in the water at Blériot-Plage and stroll down this long, sandy beach - it gets busy in the summer, so keep going if you want to find a more secluded spot. There's also a city beach for small children.
• Head to the Instagrammable Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville). It's an excellent example of Flemish architecture. It provides the perfect backdrop for Rodin's Burghers of Calais (a statue of six savours who sacrificed their freedom for the benefit of the besieged town).
• If you're a history buff, you should visit an authentic bunker that houses the city's World War II museum. It's only a small exhibit, but who can resist seeing all the objects from the everyday life of a town under occupation? 

4. Paris, France

Although our suggested itinerary ends in Paris, you have unlimited options once you reach the continent with your Interrail Global Pass. However, if you roll into Paris, be sure to tick these activities off your bucket list: 

• Want to find a treasure trove of beautiful books? Search for this hidden gem opposite Notre Dame in the city: Shakespeare and Company is a quintessential bohemian bookshop you will love to explore. 
• Travel like the rich and famous as you take selfies on the Champs-Élysées; this well-known shopping street is a true shopaholic's playground.
• Climb the 674 steps to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and then take the lift to the top floor for picture-perfect views of the City of Light.