When we went to Disneyland, we took the Eurostar. I toyed with the idea of the plane, but we’d got the Eurostar a few times before and it was an enjoyable experience…
Would it be so enjoyable with a two and four year old?
Well.
It was different.
At one point I looked at Matt and said, remember when we came before and we sat there and relaxed. It was far from relaxing.
But I think it would have been like that even if we went by plane. Confined spaces with small kids just ask for mum and dad sweats, glares from strangers, and palpitations.
It’s the nature of the beast.
So, here’s my review and experience of taking the Eurostar with young kids.
Turns out, unless you live in London, getting the Eurostar to Paris is more than getting the Eurostar to Paris.
It’s getting in a car, on a coach, an underground, a short walk, the Eurostar, the Metro.
There are lots of legs of this journey, much like an octopus actually.
We travelled on a Saturday during the Paralympics and in summer. Avoid this. It’s insanely busy. And hot.
I felt like I was in the seventh circle of hell when I was deep underground looking for a lift in the most confusing lift system of all time.
But, let’s not get ahead of myself here.
We arrived at St Pancras at 1045, our train was 1230. We decided London was too busy and felt it might be quieter the other side of the Eurostar lounge. Turns out I was wrong.
Delays were causing extra people to be in the terminal. Then ours got delayed to.
In the terminal there is a small shop, a Pret, and a place to get beer (horray for Matt! Not me, 6 months pregs)
The girls loved the shop, then a little walk about. But they got bored quick.
PRO TIP FOR TRAVELLING BY EUROSTAR WITH YOUNG KIDS
Don’t go into the terminal too soon if you can help it. 45 mins before you train departs is enough when you are on the Eurostar with young children. You’ll be better walking over to King’s Cross fountains and letting the kids run about for a bit. Or finding a green space nearby. The terminal isn’t that exciting.
And back to my Eurostar with kids review…
Here’s something I didn’t know until I got there, but was glad as I think it might have made me make a bad decision based on cost.
You don’t have to pay for under 4s if you’re happy for them to sit on your lap. But if you have a very restless toddler, I suggest booking them a seat. We sat on a table of four which meant we could swap around seats and not feel claustrophobic with a kid on our laps. I was SO glad for the table and the extra space.
The train was initially VERY exciting.
After realising the train didn’t go in a giant under the sea transparant tunnel, they started to get a little restless. Enter snacks. Bring loads of them. Different ones to keep them interested.
We went for oat bars, cheese biscuits, raisins, few sweets and dried mango. I wish we brought fruit with us but I forgot it!
When the girls started getting restless we used screens but they weren’t really focused on it unfortunately. Instead they played under the table for a little while, then we took them on a walk up the carriage to the food cabin.
There was more space in the food cart as there was just 40 mins left of the journey. The girls had space to move about. Little kids, especially mine, find it hard to sit still. So this 10 minute energy burst helped.
There was WiFi on board but it didn’t load YouTube or much else. Very slow!
Getting off the Eurostar was easy. No extra checks and you’re right in the centre of Paris.
You’re also in the centre of the most confusing underground system.
I did this same trip a few times pre kids and managed it fine. With kids it’s a new experience. Martha did a wee in her knickers. It was really hot. Everyone wanted carrying. The lifts were confusing. The pushchair didn’t fit through some of the ticket barriers. Turns out the Metro system isn’t made for 3 wheel countryside buggies.
If possible, plan your journey ahead of time. And don’t be afraid to ask. People we asked for help spoke very good English and were very helpful. People even carried our buggy over the strangest of places. Not everyone was helpful though, several people saw Matt and myself struggling at points and just walked past. Maybe they’re thinking not my circus not my monkey. I’d like to think if the tables were turned we’d have been helpful.
BUT that last bit isn’t a reflection on my experience of the Eurostar with young kids. Because actually it wasn’t Eurostars fault that it was a hot Saturday during a major global event.
Tips for going on the Eurostar with young kids – a round up
- Take a variety of snacks, look for ones that take a while to eat like raisins
- Take water and drinks
- Pack drawing and colouring
- Take headphones for the kids
- If possible, take a small pushchair. A Yoyo would be the ideal Paris pushchair
- Download things for your screens in case the wifi doesn’t work
- Don’t go into the terminal part too early. An hour before is plenty.
- Plan your onward journey ahead of time
- Book a seat for your little one if you have a restless kid
Fromthemotherside 
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