When I was younger (before the days of Eurostar, the channel tunnel or cheap Ryanair flights – god I feel ancient!) we used to always take the ferry from the south of England over to see my family in the north of France. Being woken from our childhood slumber me and my brother would be packed up in the car full of bags and games to entertain us for the long journey where I became the ultimate pro of ‘I spy’. Arriving at the ferry port in Portsmouth where the smells of petrol, sea air and the noisy seagulls would indicate the start of our hols.
P&O used to run a service that took about six hours which is ridiculous thinking how close we are over the channel but it was the best. I remember many a crossing spent swimming in their small but brill swimming pool on deck 5, we would go and watch a film in the small cinema and spend the rest of the journey eating, playing games or wandering the deck along with hundreds of others. I don’t know when they cancelled this crossing but as a kid it was fantastic!
As I am living in the north of France sometimes it is still easier for me to get the ferry back to England when I visit, rather than fly (too much hassle getting through Paris and faffing over liquids), Channel tunnel (haven’t got a car here), Eurostar (having to plough through Paris underground with heavy bags in tow). So the service that works best for us is from Dieppe to Newhaven that takes 4 hours and allows for day trips to Brighton like this one.
I feel like the ferry crossing has become a forgotton form of transport as most people immediatly think of flying when booking their holiday. But when you think about having no luggage restrictions (as long as it fits in your car or you can carry it), no 100ml liquids in a plastic bag, no full body security scans, no risk of DVT, and no tiny legroom it can be a great way to start your trip. Obviously it depends where you live in the UK and where you are visiting in France (and vice versa) but even with the petrol costs and the boat crossing it can work out cheaper than the other methods of travel. There are many different crossings from the south of England to the north of France that vary in length of travel time and quality on board. For the cheapest deals and offers check out www.directferries.co.uk which lists all the companies that run the routes.
If you are planning on changing your then here are my top tips:
- Take a blanket and neck pillow to get comfy.
- Take an ipod/mp3 player with headphones and something to entertain you like a book or magazine to pass the time and block others out.
- Some boats have cabins that you can book but in my experience they are pricey and you can easily find a comfy chair with the help of the items above to get some shut eye.
- Remember where you parked your car. You do not want to be the ones holding everyone else up because you are roaming the ship locating your vehicle.
- Foot passengers usually board and debark last just listen out for the announcements telling you where to go and when.
- The food is usually overpriced and not the best quality. As you should have room in your car or your bag then pack a healthy and filling picnic, also a good way of passing the time.
- If you are driving then remember when you leave the boat in France you are on the wrong side of the road (if you are English!) there are many signs reminding you to drive on the right but if you are tired then it can be easy to forget!
Have you ever got the ferry over to France?
