Portsmouth Ferries

Although the Dover to Calais crossing remains popular among those on a tighter budget, Portsmouth ferries offer an appealing alternative, with a number of destination options available. More ferry routes depart from Portsmouth than any other UK port, with destinations including Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo, Bilboa and Santander, plus various services to the Channel Islands. The broad selection of destinations and ferry operators help to keep ferry prices competitive and you can choose from either daytime or overnight crossings.

With the ever increasing price of fuel the once simple choice between a shorter and cheaper crossing from Dover versus a departure from Portsmouth has become more difficult. Often the savings made by opting for a shorter crossing is offset by larger fuel bills resulting from longer driving distances on the continent. Naturally a departure from the South-East makes sense if you live nearby, or if your holiday destination is the French Alps, Belgium, Germany or beyond. However, for the large majority who are holidaying in France a ferry from Portsmouth will place them closer to their final holiday destination.

Longer crossing times can also provide additional benefits - overnight crossings provide an opportunity to rest and do away with the requirement for an overnight hotel if you’re driving longer distances. Longer daytime crossings simply allow you more time to make use of on-board facilities and enjoy your journey with a little less stress.

Brittany Ferries

Portsmouth is the UK base of operations for Brittany Ferries, who UK tourists recently voted their favourite operator in polls conducted by Which? magazine. Brittany Ferries fleet of "cruise ferries" are a step up from the ferries of a decade ago, with most including multiple restaurants, bars and even cinemas!

Overnight accommodation is available in the form of either cabin or saloon seats. It’s work noting that for overnight crossings allocated accommodation is mandatory, although for daytime crossings it’s not necessary.

Brittany Ferries service timetable changes depending on the season, with more sailings during the summer months to cater for the increased demand from self-drive tourists. However, plenty of crossings are still available in winter months.

Portsmouth to Caen

Portsmouth Harbour

If you arrive in Portsmouth early it’s good to know that the Gunwharf Quays development is only a couple of minutes away from the ferry terminal. Although primarily a designer outlet it also includes some excellent restaurants and bars overlooking Portsmouth harbour. Most of the outlet stores are open until 7pm 6 days a week (5pm on Sundays), so it’s also a great place to pick up any last minute items you forgot to pack!

If you have more spare time, or if you’re interested in nautical history, you might want to visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Again, close to the ferry terminal this is Portsmouth Harbours leading attraction and home to world famous historic ships including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. Included in the attraction is entry to the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and if you have time you can also take a Harbour Tour.

Finally, a must-see landmark that you will only see in Portsmouth is the Spinnaker Tower. At 170 metres tall it dominates the skyline of Portsmouth Harbour and provides breathtaking views of the coastline. If you don’t get the opportunity to visit the tower itself make sure to stand on deck as your ferry departs and you’ll be rewarded with an excellent view of the Spinnaker Tower harbour, especially if you’re on an overnight ferry from Portsmouth.