There’s no easier way of getting to France than on a Dover Ferry!

Norfolkline ferries operate the route from Dover on the Kent coast to Dunkirk in Northern France, in a journey time of about 2 hours.  Dunkirk is not only a historic hot spot, but a fantastic location for shopping or sunning yourself on the long sandy beach; and the food is delicious too!  Taking a Dover ferry to Dunkirk is perfect for day trips or for journeys onto northern Europe including Belgium and Holland.

If you opt for the Dover to Calais ferry route you may choose from either travelling with P and O Ferries or SeaFrance. The usual sailing time by car ferry between these two ports is between 75 and 90 minutes, and both carriers provide modern, clean and comfortable facilities.

When travelling to France from Dover, each passenger will require a valid passport and if children aged 16 or 17 travel without their parent or legal guardian, they will require a letter of authorisation.  A full international driving licence is required in France and you should take both parts of your (new) driving licence: photo id card and printed sheet.  You should carry your car and personal insurance documents at all times, green card if applicable and check you have overseas breakdown cover (should you wish).  To drive in France you need to have spare bulbs for the car lights, two fluorescent vests (inside the car, and accessible) and covers for the headlights so the beam doesn’t startle drivers on the right side of the road!

On board your Dover ferry you will usually discover a choice of restaurants and/or cafes, at least one bar, and quite often an area dedicated to entertaining young children (especially during the school holidays).

P and O Ferries offer the use of their “Club Lounge” service for a supplement which includes complimentary newspapers, tea, coffee, soft drinks and champagne, or “Priorite” which covers priority loading and disembarkation of your vehicle.  SeaFrance offers prebookable meals at a saving compared to purchasing meals on board.

If hiring a car in the UK and travelling abroad, do advise the car hire company at the time of booking as some companies may not agree to this process although other companies may just wish to ensure you have the correct paperwork available for your trip.

If you’re travelling to France for the day just for the fun of the Dover ferry sailing, or venturing further afield, with short check in times (at least 30 minutes but check individual carriers) and easy road links at each port, taking the ferry from Dover is easy and fun!

Green rolling hills, pretty countryside dotted with enchanting hamlets, quaint beach towns nestled alongside bustling sea side resorts; the south eastern English county of Kent is a delightful region, stepped in history and charming discoveries.

Home to the UK’s busiest passenger port, Dover is situated on the far eastern coast of Kent where a car ferry may be taken to Calais, Dunkerque or Boulogne in France. Watch the famous White Cliffs of Dover as you sail away, or take the time to explore the town and Dover Castle.

Ashford in Kent is the first stopping point outside of London for Eurostar’s passenger trains, whilst Folkestone is the entry location for the Eurotunnel car trains to Calais.

Dover, Ashford and Folkestone are all excellent locations from which to collect car hire in Kent although the county capital of Canterbury isn’t only an ideal collection point, but the perfect location for a romantic weekend away.

Historic Canterbury is a university town, home to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral.  Cobbled streets are lined with tiny boutique stores and modern popular high street shops, yet the quaintness of this lovely area will keep you enthralled throughout your holiday!

The seaside resort of Margate on the north Kent coast has been mentioned in the news recently as a town in need of regeneration. Margate was also featured in a task in the popular TV program “The Apprentice”.  Whilst the town doesn’t seem to be the thriving sea side resort it once was, may be now is the time to visit so the fantastic sandy beaches can be enjoyed in relative peace?

There is nothing like a trip to the fishing and harbour town of Whitstable, with Tankerton and Herne Bay nearby.  Kentish charm has been retained throughout the years in Whitstable, and with its fabulous restaurants and many art galleries, fantastic fresh sea food and one-off clothing boutiques along Harbour Street, both the young and old are drawn for holidays here!

The Kentish towns of Dartford, Sittingbourne, Orpington, Maidstone, Tonbridge and Ashford are all popular car hire locations with easyCar.com and with such great accessibility to the M25 motorway and other major road links into and out of London, it is easy to see why.