Sponsored Editorial

As the summer draws to a close, many Brits will be feeling somewhat melancholy. However, albeit not as sunny, autumn is a lovely time to holiday abroad – it’s pleasantly cooler and off-peak so you won’t have to contend with huge swarms of tourists.

This autumn, P&O Ferries is offering crossings from Dover to Calais for £99 for a 3-day short break if you book by 15th October and travel by 18th October, and £129 for a 5-day short break if you book by 15th October and travel by 20th October.

You can travel in luxury on the P&O Pioneer with the biggest World Duty Free store, relaxing all-inclusive Club Lounge and Pet Lounge for your furry friend. Pack up the car with no luggage restrictions and enjoy unlimited legroom and gorgeous views!

Europe has plenty of dreamy destinations to discover. Here are P&O Ferries’ top four picks as we move into the autumn season…

1. Paris

Everyone should experience the wonders of Paris at least once in their lives. So, why not now? The capital is beautiful during the autumn months. Not only is it a quieter time to enjoy the city, but the cooler weather is ideal if you’re keen to explore the wealth of museums and exhibitions.

A 3 hour 30 minute journey from Calais, Paris has it all – iconic landmarks, art, delicious food and drink, café culture, fabulous shopping, parks and gardens, plus much more. As the leaves fall and the autumn colours immerse the pretty Paris landscapes, wrap up and walk through the city’s stunning green spaces, such as Luxembourg Gardens.

Join in on the Montmartre Wine Festival with the locals, taking place mid-October, or if Disneyland is on your agenda, plan your autumn trip around the October half term as there are lots of Halloween events on which the kids will love! For the very best deals, book through P&O’s accommodation partner Magic Breaks.

2. Flanders

From Calais, you can travel to Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern portion of Belgium, in under 2 hours. During your stay, discover the memorials of the Flanders Fields battles from the First World War and cycle through the gorgeous countryside with breathtaking autumnal surroundings!

The quaint city of Bruges makes for the perfect short European break as it boasts plenty of attractions to enjoy – whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or with the whole family. Your trip isn’t complete without taking a canal boat ride and indulging in traditional cuisine like waffles and fries – not to mention authentic Belgian chocolate! You can learn all about the incredible cocoa and chocolate history at the local chocolate museum, Choco-Story Bruge.

3. Rotterdam

As the second-largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam has plenty to offer holidaymakers this autumn, and it’s only a 3 hour 30 minute trip from Calais. An incredibly popular way to see the city – and an experience like no other – is through a Splashtour. The tour, which combines a bus ride and boat ride, takes you to the best and most beautiful spots in Rotterdam, followed by the “splash” dive into the Maas River.

See Rotterdam’s famous Het Park in all its autumn glory. The park, which was established in 1852 in the English landscape style, is adored by locals and tourists alike. It’s a popular recreation destination for a jog, picnic, barbecue and all kinds of sports. There are impressive green spaces and ponds, as well as a charming café with deck-chair seating on the lawn.

On a chilly day, visit the Markthal, Rotterdam’s unique indoor food market. With around 100 food stalls and 20 shops and restaurants, there is an assortment of tasty cuisines to tuck into!

4. Luxembourg

With the glorious seasonal colours and cool temperatures, the autumn is the perfect time to explore the castles and vast countryside of Luxembourg. This small country, bordered by Belgium, France and Germany, has something for everyone.

Luxembourg is renowned for its diverse natural landscapes, including forests, nature parks, rocky gorges and rivers, which makes it ideal for nature walks, cycling and even skiing in the winter months.

You can also venture into the capital, Luxembourg City, which offers plenty of attractions and things to do – from exploring the cathedral and touring the old fortifications to wine tasting in the Moselle. Its medieval charm and rich culture won’t disappoint and there are hidden gems just waiting to be discovered!

Terms and conditions

3-day short break for £99

Offer applies to Dover/Calais service only. Book by 15th October 2023 for travel by 18th October 2023. Valid for travel with a car and up to 9 passengers or a motorcycle and up to 2 passengers. Must be booked 24hrs prior departure. Bookings subject to restricted space, sailings and dates. Excludes foot passengers, cyclists, van, minibus, motorhome, caravan, large trailers and vehicles designed for commercial use. Cannot be combined with any other offer and bookings made at port. 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.

5-day short break for £129

Offer applies to Dover/Calais service only. Book by 15th October 2023 for travel by 20th October 2023. Valid for travel with a car and up to 9 passengers or a motorcycle and up to 2 passengers. Must be booked 24hrs prior departure. Bookings subject to restricted space, sailings and dates. Excludes foot passengers, cyclists, van, minibus, motorhome, caravan, trailers and vehicles designed for commercial use. Cannot be combined with any other offer and bookings made at port. 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.

To find out more about travelling with P&O Ferries and to book your crossing, visit www.poferries.com.