Ijmuiden opens the door to the Netherlands' laid-back North Sea coast and, beyond the dunes and beaches, to the nearby treasures of Amsterdam and Haarlem. From its working harbour and wide seafront, you can explore canal-lined streets, elegant gabled houses, windmills, museums and café culture, all wrapped in the easygoing charm that makes this corner of Holland so appealing.

Dover, England's main cross-Channel port, is 21 miles from France; on clear days Calais is visible. Romans used its natural harbor and built a lighthouse; later the Normans built Dover Castle, used militarily until 1958. Tunnels beneath the castle served in the Napoleonic wars and WWII, and were once planned as a nuclear refuge; they're now open to the public. The port is at Western Docks, 2 miles from town, 85 miles from London, with trains taking about 90 minutes.

Belgium does cobbled lanes, quaint architecture, and waffles well-and Antwerp has all three. As Belgium's second city, it has a small-town charm that draws diamond dealers, designers, and art lovers. Once put on the map by diamond merchants and Rubens, it later reshaped fashion through the Antwerp Six. Today, its old center offers street markets, historic guildhalls, City Hall, and the Cathedral of Our Lady. If all else fails, there are still the waffles.

Belgium does cobbled lanes, quaint architecture, and waffles well-and Antwerp has all three. As Belgium's second city, it has a small-town charm that draws diamond dealers, designers, and art lovers. Once put on the map by diamond merchants and Rubens, it later reshaped fashion through the Antwerp Six. Today, its old center offers street markets, historic guildhalls, City Hall, and the Cathedral of Our Lady. If all else fails, there are still the waffles.

Bruges is a fairytale medieval city, beautifully preserved and linked to Zeebrugge by the Baudouin Canal. Its UNESCO-listed center invites leisurely wandering through atmospheric streets, cobbled lanes, canals, and squares framed by church spires. Don't miss the 83-meter Belfry for panoramic views, plus the city's museums, galleries, ivy-clad facades, and excellent chocolate shops and chocolate museum.

Rouen is a deeply French city on the Seine, under two hours from Paris, with Gothic architecture, leafy squares, timbered Norman houses, and excellent food. Founded in the 10th century, it has links to Vikings, Romans, William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, and Monet, who painted its cathedral. Visit the Gros-Horloge, stroll the old streets, see the Joan of Arc museum, and, if time allows, the ceramic museum. Deauville and the D-Day beaches are nearby.

Rouen is a deeply French city on the Seine, under two hours from Paris, with Gothic architecture, leafy squares, timbered Norman houses, and excellent food. Founded in the 10th century, it has links to Vikings, Romans, William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, and Monet, who painted its cathedral. Visit the Gros-Horloge, stroll the old streets, see the Joan of Arc museum, and, if time allows, the ceramic museum. Deauville and the D-Day beaches are nearby.

Honfleur, in Normandy where the Seine meets the Channel, is one of France's most picturesque historic harbours. Its crammed timber-framed houses and Vieux Bassin have inspired Monet and Boudin, and it's also a port of great importance: Champlain's voyage that led to the founding of Quebec began here. Stroll cobbled streets, taste Calvados, visit the Boudin Museum and Église Ste-Catherine, France's largest wooden chapel. Nearby: the Pont de Normandie, D-Day beaches, and Bayeux.

Saint-Malo is a historic walled port on France's Brittany coast, set above golden sands and island fortresses. Once home to sailors, explorers, and pirates, it was the launch point for Jacques Cartier's voyage to New France and Quebec. Founded by a Welsh monk in the 6th century, its granite ramparts and rebuilt old town face the sea. Visit the cathedral, taste oysters, scallops, galettes, and cider, and explore Petit Bé, Grand Bé, Mont Saint-Michel, and Cap Fréhel.

St Peter Port, Guernsey's picturesque capital, offers white sand, clear water, sunny summers, floral streets, stone churches and painted boats. Its cobbled lanes, castle and 800-year history invite strolling and views. Nearby are the Guernsey cliffs and the car-free island of Herm. It's also a foodie haven, from beach huts to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Southampton, home of Titanic's ill-fated departure, has a long maritime history: Henry V's Agincourt fleet sailed from here, as did the Mayflower, and the Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary began their maiden voyages here. Today it's Northern Europe's cruise capital, with a charming old city, the Sea City Museum, green spaces, Tudor remains, and a walkable centre. Guildhall Square is the hub for culture, food and drink. Nearby: Stonehenge, Salisbury, and the peaceful New Forest.