Thanks @sloaney donkey. Yes plan to get some booze. Lille a great idea but just a little bit far for this trip. Never been there though (to Lille), so definitely one to add to the list for another time.

Thanks @smiley. Some great suggestions here. Wimereux looks like a great option - think we will do that. Also looking at Boulogne too as that's not far away as well. Thanks again.

Thank you @SW11er. Bruges is a great idea but I think it's a bit far for this particular trip. Would do it if we had longer than a day. X

Just enough time to load up on cheap booze and cigarettes

Altho the savings are not what they once were

Lille city of culture is a good’un

Wimereux is a nice beach not too far away, plenty of cafes on the sea front, sand, rock pools, sand surfers
There's a crazy golf place in the town

In Boulogne there's the aquarium - been a few years since I've been though.

Bruges is a good option (ok, Belgium not France) but 75 miles.

Hello all, hoping for a few tips please! We're planning to go on the EuroTunnel to France for a day next week. What would you do in France for the day with 3 children aged 9, 7 and 5? We like outdoorsy things and are not into shopping centres. I know Le Touquet is supposed to be a great beach but that's quite a long way from Calais (45 ish miles) so any nearer beach recommendations would be much appreciated. Or any other ideas would be great. Many thanks all.