Roz
Partly see where you are coming from.

Looking back to 1997 about 8 of us quickly booked Eurostar day returns to Brussels for the day.
Not that we were anti monarchy, just anti Diana and all that over the top weeping by those who had never met her and abuse they were giving the Prince's Grandmother who was doing her duty in looking after them.
We had a great day in Brussels drinking too much as usual.
Avoid France , Belgium much better on the beer front folks.

Trouble is too much traffic in genearl to close many roads. Imagine closing London Rd opr Stanstead Rd just because the locals want to. Though maybe with the higher and higher price of oil people will ditch their cars.