Sponsored Editorial

The January blues are finally over and peoples’ finances are likely to be back on track after an expensive Christmas. With the gradual increase of daylight, spring is feeling closer and closer each day – and this is inspiring many holidays, mini breaks and day trips abroad.

If you’re thinking about booking a day trip to Europe this month, P&O Ferries has launched an offer you simply have to take advantage of.

Exclusively for February departures, for just £39, you can book your 90-minute ferry crossing on the Dover to Calais route and receive six free bottles of wine, which can be collected from the Calais Wine Superstore, a 10-minute drive from the port.

Once you arrive in Calais, there are a variety of beautiful destinations to discover – many of which are only an hour or two away from the port. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a couple’s day out or an adventure with friends, northern France and Belgium have it all.

Here are a few ideas from the P&O Ferries team…

A beach day out

You can’t beat a day at the seaside, with the fresh air, picturesque landscapes and relaxing sound of rolling ocean waves. In Northern France, you’re spoilt for choice, with 190km of beaches from the port of Dunkirk to the Normandy border.

Dunkirk, just 40 minutes from Calais, has an expansive beach, as well as lots of historical landmarks from the war to discover. It makes for both a relaxing day and an educational experience that’s perfect for families.

Also 40 minutes from Calais is Boulogne-sur-Mer. Here, the huge, long sandy beaches are great for playing games and walking the dog. Remember, pets can travel with P&O Ferries too if you book the Pet Lounge.

The charming town of Le Touquet is another option. A 1-hour drive from the Calais port, this destination offers beautiful walking trails through the forest and over the natural sand dunes, as well as horse riding, golf and much more. Those feeling brave can even try their hand at sand yachting, an outdoor activity that Le Touquet is ideal for due to its wide, flat beaches!

A city day out

From Calais, venturing into a city makes for a fantastic day out. Soak up the culture, indulge in delicious food and drink, and enjoy a vast range of unique experiences on offer.

In just1 hour 15 minutes, you can arrive in Lille. With its many museums, bars, restaurants, shops and markets, there’s plenty to do. The city’s interactive walking tours, open-air sound and light shows and Lille Zoo are popular attractions.

Bruges in Belgium is also just 1 hour 30 minutes from Calais. Taste delicacies such as waffles and frittes, and climb the famous medieval belfry tower, which offers stunning views from the top. A boat trip on the Bruges canals is a wonderful way to explore the city!

An adventure day out

Looking for some adventure during your day trip abroad? Forêt Domaniale de Guînes, located 30 minutes from the Calais port, offers a treetop adventure trail that’s perfect for the whole family.

Head into the forest and scramble from tree to tree (in complete safety) on a course that lets you learn how to balance or walk while suspended in mid-air, with zip lines, moving bridges, rope walkways and more. It’s great for getting your kids and teenagers away from their screens and there’s even a baby trail for the little ones!

Northern France is famous for its cycling routes – in Calais alone, there are over 700 to discover. Explore wildlife and nature as you peddle through forests and along the coastline, and stop by a local town for a bite to eat and to browse the shops. If bikes aren’t your thing, you can take a relaxing stroll along one of the many walking trails.

An activity day out

Get as much out of our day trip as possible and arrange one – or several – exciting activities. The options are endless and you’ll head back to the UK invigorated, having learnt something new or experienced something completely unique.

Take Hardelot Castlein the village of Condette, France. Admire the neo-Tudor architecture and landscaped gardens whilst learning all about the rich history of the site. The castle’s décor retraces Franco-British relations, century by century, housing more than 500 pieces from major French museums and movable heritage.

Nausicaá aquarium, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, is another great activity. It is the largest public aquarium in Europe – the home to 58,000 sea creatures and 1,600 species, including hammerhead sharks, manta rays, clownfish and sea lions.

The huge tanks and immersive exhibitions will take you on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Ocean. You can get up close and personal with manta rays at the Touch Tank – something the kids won’t be able to get enough of!

To find out more about travelling with P&O Ferries, visit www.poferries.com. Book your crossing today and take advantage of the £39 day trip offer with a free bottle of wine.

Terms and conditions: Offer applies to Dover to Calais service only. Book by 30th March 2023 for travel by 31st March 2023. £39 price applicable to Saver ticket only on Monday to Thursday departures. A supplement applies to Friday to Sunday departures. Offer is subject to restricted space and availability, applies to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid for travel for all vehicles and up to 9 passengers or a motorcycle and up to 2 passengers. Excludes motorhomes, vehicles towing a caravan and foot passengers and bookings made at port. Free wine collection only applicable to February day trips, with 6 bottles of Hardys Chardonnay or Kumala Shiraz per qualifying Dover-Calais booking made during the promotional period for February travel. If advertised wine is unavailable, Calais Wine Store will select a substitute. You will need to bring your booking confirmation to claim your wine at the Calais Wine Superstore. P&O Ferries reserves the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice.