Yes, there are direct ferry services from the UK to the Netherlands.
From the UK, Harwich, Hull and Newcastle.
To Hook of Holland, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

Harwich to Hook of Holland is a Stena Line service, offering two options: a day ferry and an overnight ferry.

I usually try to use DFDS ferries, but the Newcastle Amsterdam service is always very busy, and in the summer, this isn’t my preferred option.

There’s an overnight ferry service from Hull to Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Again, not my favourite service, but it’s convenient for travel from the north of England.
When you arrive, it’s an easy two-hour drive to Brussels or Bruges.

My choices for variety would be Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, Egeskov Castle, which has one of Europe’s best historic gardens, and Søndervig on the west coast.

Aarhus has an open-air museum showing Danish history, lots of cafes and stylish shops. I went at Christmas and the exhibition of Christmas trees was spectacular, not only the decoration, but also the smell of pine. I love Danish design, and the shops showcase art and crafts in uniquely Scandinavian simplicity.

Egeskov Castle is on the middle island, Funen; it’s easy to drive there. It’s described as a water castle and has a moat. When I visited, there were swans in the moat, and I think the mute swan is Denmark’s national bird.
The gardens are extensive and formal. A maze and a fuchsia garden, but as someone who loves white flowers in the garden, it was this garden that caught my attention. Also, the kitchen and scented garden are worth a visit.

Søndervig is a small village on the west coast. The coast is wild and windy, but beautiful. There are small villages along this coastline with holiday homes to rent. I once stayed in this area, and it was a perfect area to relax and enjoy the Danish coast. As someone drawn to the sea, it was perfect for photography, walking, and visiting small fishing villages. The dunes are dramatic and this area’s famous feature, and there’s so much sand it feels like you’re in the desert. The dunes go on for about 2km and can be as high as 40m.

Cartmel is an interesting village.

My top three reasons to visit

Food – two Michelin-starred restaurants, L’Enclume – 3 stars & Rogan & Co – 1 star.  I’ve eaten in both of Simon Rogan’s restaurants. 

L’Enclume is a marathon, I think the tasting menu is still 14 courses, it’s very expensive, but an unforgettable experience.  Food is creatively presented, it’s seasonal food grown in Simon’s on-site farm or sourced locally.  The restaurant is simple, and the service is professional and friendly. All the staff are knowledgeable, but I found the experience exhausting.  Each dish was explained, which I found a bit intrusive.

I prefer Rogans and have eaten there several times. It’s also an experience, but a more relaxed occasion.

Other Cartmel food.

Sticky toffee pudding was famously created in Cartmel about 30 years ago, and is available at the village shop.

Visit the cheese shop in Unsworth Yard; there’s also a brewery.

Cartmel Priory – an 800-year-old religious building with history and architecture to explore.

Cartmel racecourse – a seasonal racecourse open only for a few days of the year. The racing day ends with music from a famous singer or group.

Visit nearby Holker Hall, owned by the Cavendish family.  Peaceful gardens, a historic house with many featured events throughout the year.

Cartmel is a small village, but it has plenty to see and do, both within the village and in the surrounding area.

I traveled to Dubai from Manchester in March this year with Emirates.

Both airports are very big and you have to walk long distances.  I fly with Emirates on their A380, and the walk through Manchester airport to the gate is long because the plane is on the last stand.

The A380 is comfortable, and I’ve flown with Emirates on this route as an economy and business passenger. Business and First Class are on the upper deck. There’s a meeting area with drinks and food available throughout the flight. Service is always good, and if it’s a night flight, your seat converts into a comfortable bed.  All meals offer several choices, and special diets are accommodated.  If you can afford the ticket price, Business Class is an option I recommend as a good starting point for your trip.  In March, I traveled to Dubai as a Business Class passenger and returned in economy class.

The economy option is comfortable, but because the A380 is such a large aircraft and the route is popular, it’s always been full when I’ve travelled.  So, service can be slow.

You can take an empty water bottle and fill it for free before boarding in Manchester; there are several water-filling areas available. Bottled water is expensive airside, so keep it for the heat of Dubai.

The walk through Dubai Airport is also long, and there’s a short automated train ride.  Security always involves a long queue, but it’s organised, and my overall impression of the airport is positive.

When you leave the airport, be prepared to be “hit” by the heat in Dubai. Remember that you have water!