Sponsored Editorial

In 2023, many of us will be watching the pennies and thinking about ways to save money. However, just because the UK is entering into a recession, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fantastic holiday abroad this year.

If you’re planning a budget-friendly trip, travelling to Europe with P&O Ferries on the Dover to Calais crossing offers all-round great value for money.

With P&O’s Early Booking Offer for long breaks, you can choose from three perks – a £30 fuel voucher, a £50 hotel voucher or a free Flexi ticket if you book by 31st January for travel between 1st March and 14th December 2023. There are no luggage restrictions. You can bring your bikes, tent, walking gear and, well, as much as you can fit in the car!

Once you arrive in Calais, there are lots of free things to do in destinations within a 3-hour drive from the port – from France to Normandy, the Netherlands to Belgium.

Lille

Just 1 hour 30 minutes from Calais, Lille is an enchanting, lively city in northern France. It is steeped in history and offers a wide variety of free and budget-friendly sights and attractions.

All museums in Lille are free on the first Sunday of each month and you can climb the famous city hall belfry tower for free on the first Wednesday of each month. There are also beautiful beaches only an hour’s drive away.

As part of your trip to Lille, browse the vibrant Wazemmes market, which offers stalls selling a fantastic array of local French food, as well as flowers, fabrics and all other kinds of products, and enjoy open-air sound and light shows as part of the Video Mapping Festival, which opens on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th April.

The Normandy coastline

If you’re planning a nature holiday for 2023, the Normandy coast offers everything you could want. There are many picturesque beaches and coastal areas to discover, only 2-3 hours from Calais, as well as National Nature Reserve Domaine de Beauguillot, which is home to a range of rare and protected plant and animal species.

A trip to the Normandy coast is the perfect opportunity for a family cycling adventure so make sure to bring your bikes! Take in the stunning natural scenery as you pedal through the countryside and stop by an authentic Normandy restaurant for a bite to eat. The region is renowned for its cuisine and local food products such as Camembert, Calvados, cider and tripe.

Rotterdam

3 hours from Calais, Rotterdam is a major port city in the Netherlands offering plenty of wonderful things to do on a budget. Take a walking tour through the city and delve into its seafaring history or explore the Markthal indoor market for a taste of some amazing food. There are lots of green spaces to relax, including Het Park, plus Cherry Blossom Season is from late March to late April, endowing even more beauty.

A wide range of cultural events take place in Rotterdam city, and if you purchase a Rotterdam Welcome Card, you can enjoy discounts on top attractions, art and culture, drinks and dining.

Nature reserves in the Netherlands

The Netherlands boasts a rich variety of nature, making it a perfect destination for a walking or cycling holiday, or to simply relax. It’s budget-friendly and again, just 3 hours from Calais. There are countless cycle routes and footpaths to explore, and the coastal areas are renowned for their stunning beaches, watersports and delicious seafood produce.

During your stay, check out Kop van Schouwen nature reserve – the magnificent beaches, dusty sand dunes, valleys and forest will take your breath away. There are lots of dog-friendly walks that your pup will enjoy too!

If you do decide to bring your furry four-legged friend along, you can travel in P&O Ferries Pet Lounge, exclusive to the Dover to Calais route, which lets you and your pet relax and enjoy all the comfort, space and complimentary refreshments on board together.

Brussels

Ever fancied a holiday to Brussels? 2023 is the time! And just a 2-hour 25-minute drive from the Calais ferry port, it’s a super convenient, cost-effective choice. So, what budget-friendly attractions can you look forward to during your trip?

If you’re into comics, you will love Brussels. The city is teeming with comic book stores and some of the characters have even escaped the pages and found their way onto the facades of buildings… Embark on a comic strip walk through the city and take in this amazing street art. If you want more, visit the open-air graffiti gallery in Anderlecht, a town 20 minutes from Brussels.

While many of Brussels’ major museums charge entrance fees, a selection offer free admission on the first Wednesday or Sunday afternoon of the month. Among them are the Musical Instruments Museum, Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, Museum of Natural Sciences and Brussels City Museum. What’s more, throughout the year, there are always free concerts, movie screenings and outdoor festivals to discover.

For more details and to book a crossing for 2023, visit www.poferries.com.

Terms of conditions: Offers apply to long break return bookings (return after 5 days or more) from Dover to Calais made by 31st January 2023 for travel from 1st March 2023 to 14th December 2023. Promotion excludes vehicles designed for commercial use (including vans), foot passengers and bicycles. Promotion codes are valid against new bookings only and can only be redeemed at the time of booking. Promo codes cannot be combined nor used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. Fuel voucher and hotel voucher will be fulfilled after travel on the qualifying booking has been completed. Bookings are subject to restricted space, sailings and dates. P&O Ferries reserves the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice. Subject to Promotional Conditions and P&O Ferries’ Terms of Business, both available online at www.poferries.com.