Plymouth to Spa Road Trip Guide: UK to Belgium

The road from Plymouth to Spa spans approximately 500 miles, crossing England from the southwest coast to the southeast, then via ferry to continental Europe and into Belgium's Ardennes. This journey blends dramatic coastal views, rolling countryside, historic cities, and lush forests. The optimal route (A38, M5, M25, M20, ferry to Calais, then A16/E40 to Liège, and N62 to Spa) typically takes 8–10 hours driving plus ferry crossing.

A lesser-known fact: the final leg to Spa passes through the town of Theux, where the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack's iconic Eau Rouge corner is just a 5-minute detour. The route also skirts the Fagne region, an area once known for its iron forges.

The landscape shifts dramatically: from Devon's lush green hills (A38) to the Somerset Levels (M5), then the Chilterns (M25), Kent's orchard country (M20), and finally the Ardennes forest (N62). The contrast between England's pastoral patchwork and Belgium's dense woodlands is striking.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While none directly on route, the Jurassic Coast (a short detour from A35 near Exeter) and Canterbury Cathedral (detour from M20/A2) are within 30 minutes. In Belgium, the Major Town Houses of Victor Horta in Brussels are a 90-minute detour.

• Local Commerce: Near Exeter, stop at a farm shop for Devon cream teas. In Kent, buy cherries or cider. In Belgium, along N62, look for signs to ‘fromageries’ for local cheeses like Herve.
• Regional Delicacies: Plymouth has pasties; Spa is famous for its spatula-shaped biscuits ‘pain d’épices’ and mineral water. At rest stops near Liège, try ‘boulets liégeois’ (meatballs in syrup).

Infrastructure Safety: UK roads are well-maintained with SOS phones every mile. Belgian highways have concrete barriers and good signage. Night driving is safe, but Ardennes roads (N62) are unlit, winding, and can have deer – drive with high beams on bends.

Family and Child Suitability: The route offers kid-friendly stops: Cheddar Gorge (off M5 exit 22), Diggerland Kent (M20 exit 6), and Pairi Daiza zoo near Mons (detour from A7). In Spa, the interactive ‘Museum of the Spa Circuit’ (free) is a hit.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Many UK motorway services (e.g., Taunton Dean) have dog walking areas. In Belgium, rest areas along E40 near Bruges have fenced dog parks. Spa town itself has many pet-friendly cafés (e.g., La Cafettière with water bowls).

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Ideal nap spots: Sedgemoor Services (M5, secure parking), Kent’s Medway Services (M2, quiet), and Rekem parking (Belgian E313, shaded). Always park in well-lit areas and lock valuables.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: From M5 exit 24, a 5-min drive to ‘Woodspring Priory’ (abandoned medieval ruins). From M20 exit 11, the deserted village of ‘Drellingore’ (now a nature reserve). In Belgium, the ruined castle of ‘Francorchamps’ is 3 min off N62.

For more tips on unearthing such gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

How long to drive Plymouth to Spa? The driving portion (excluding ferry) is about 8–9 hours, but with breaks and border crossings, plan for a full day. Is it worth driving Plymouth to Spa? Absolutely – the journey offers diverse scenery and stops that flying misses.

Fuel costs: Estimate £80–100 (UK) plus €60–80 (Belgium) for a family car. Fuel efficiency: The UK stretches are mostly motorway, but the Ardennes approach has steep gradients; cruise control helps. Fuel stations are plentiful along the A38/M5/M25, but joining the M20 towards Dover has fewer options – fill up at Maidstone services.

• UK Motorways: M5, M25, M20 – well-lit, average speed cameras, good surface.
• Belgian Highways: A16/E40, A3 – excellent, but tolls apply near Liège (pay with credit card).
• Tunnel Fees: Dartford Crossing (free before 6am, otherwise ~£2.50).