Hello Danny_R,
Are tickets really so expensive? Of course it is Christmas but is it really cheaper to drive from Leeds?
I recommend this drive in Summer for the obvious reason, it'll be freezing.
I am pretty sure winter tyres are a must by the law but i will get back to you on that one.
But in fairness you must have them, it gets cold and snowy.
I think snow chains are illegal on most roads as they destroy the road surface. Again I will ask but I would not get my hopes up.
It is also not just a matter of seeing snow there's black ice and all.
Especially that you are not accustomed to driving in the snow, I certainly would not recommend doing it in summer tyres.
I sound like a prune, but people do crash.
I recommend flying and driving through Europe not in winter.
I have just come back from a trip through Europe.
https://polishforums.com/archives/2005-2009/travel/driving-faro-portugal-krakow-advice-27478/