One of the joys of living in the UK is you don’t have to fly for hours to reach a brand new country. With much of  Europe being so easily accessible from the UK, it’s no wonder that extreme day trips are experiencing a surge in popularity. 

According to Google search data, the term “extreme day tripping” has reached record highs, growing 9,900% from October 2023 to October 2025. Extreme day tripping involves leaving in the morning for a new country and returning in the evening. It offers a cheaper way of travelling as you don’t have to spend big on accommodation while still enjoying all the excitement of an international holiday. 

One great destination to spend a day in this holiday season is Lille in France.

With the average Eurostar train from London taking just an hour and 22 minutes, it’s the perfect city to explore in the colder months. It even has a charming Christmas market you can wander through before travelling home and sleeping in your own bed.

Iglu Cruises has organised a perfect itinerary for a day trip to Lille. After hopping off the train, you can take a quick wander through the old town, enjoying the cobbled streets and dozens of cafes and boulangeries.

Stop in for a coffee and croissant to kick start your day and then head along to Palais des Beaux-Arts. This art museum is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings and houses France’s second-largest art collection, after the Louvre.

In the afternoon, try exploring some of Lille’s famous boutiques before stopping for a bite to eat at Maison Méert, one of the oldest tea rooms in France, which is still in operation. It is particularly famous for its waffles filled with Madagascan vanilla- the perfect sweet treat for an afternoon pick me up. 

Before you head back to the train home in the evening, you need to check out the Grand Place at the heart of the city for a ride on the Ferris Wheel which takes you high above the city.

Then, finish your day by exploring the Christmas Village in Place Rihour with its 90 wooden chalets boasting gifts, art and of course food. Don’t leave before enjoying a cup of mulled wine and some rich and decadent raclette.