Sponsored Editorial

The summer holidays are upon us and that means finding fun activities the whole family will enjoy – ones that keep the kids entertained and allow you to spend quality time together.

Many families will be planning on heading abroad to neighbouring European countries like France. The Dover to Calais ferry route with P&O Ferries, as always, is a popular way to travel and there are some great offers to take advantage of this August, including a free Flexi Ticket Upgrade.

With a Flexi ticket, you can travel within 4 hours either side of your booked time, as well as no amendment fee, so you just pay the difference in ticket price if applicable.

Exploring the beautiful destinations along the Opal Coast and soaking up Northern France’s rich culture is the perfect way to make the most of the long, hot summer days. Need some inspiration for family days out? Here are a few ideas…

The Somme Bay Steam Train

A trip on the Somme Bay Steam Train will see you travel 80 years back in time. Board at Le Crotoy, which is just over an hour’s drive from the Port of Calais, then sit back, relax and appreciate the gorgeous scenery and authentic wilderness of the Somme Bay as you journey to Le Crotoy, Noyelles-sur-Mer, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer. Think brooks lined with willows, salt and freshwater marshes, fields and awe-inspiring wildlife!

The Hortillonnages

When the sun is shining, the Hortillonnages, a maze of floating gardens, is the place to be in Northern France. Located in Amiens, just a few hours from Calais, which is known as the “Venice of the North”, the 300 hectares of water gardens offer something for everyone. You can learn all about the history of the 'hortillons', find a spot for a picnic, hire bikes or fishing rods and enjoy a boat trip along the ‘rieux’.

Seal watching in Authie Bay

Did you know that the largest French seal colony can be found in the Somme Bay? 400 harbour seals and 100 grey seals gather on the sandbanks to rest, give birth and feed their young. It is a wonderful sight to behold – and only 1 hour away from Calais. If the family are nature lovers, then this is definitely for you.

Parc Astérix Theme Park

Looking for a day out the kids will love? You can’t beat an amusement park… Renowned for its large variety of roller coasters, Asterix is France’s second largest theme park. The different zones take inspiration from the famous René Goscinny comic strips about the rivalry between the ancient Gauls and Romans, as well as the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. You can opt to stay in one of the theme park’s hotels – Les Trois Hiboux, La Cité Suspendue or Les Quais de Lutèce.

Cycling around France

Taking your bikes to France couldn’t be easier when you travel by ferry, and with so many fantastic routes to discover within easy reach of Calais, you can be riding around some great destinations in no time. By bike, you will see the country in a unique way. Get out and about and make a real adventure of it.

Travelling with P&O Ferries

The Dover to Calais route with P&O Ferries takes just 90 minutes. On your journey, you can look forward to a great range of services and facilities. Head to the World Duty Free store to save up to 50% on high street prices and enjoy a selection of hot and cold dishes and a wide variety of beverages by upgrading to the all-inclusive Club lounge.

Exclusive to the Dover to Calais route, the brand-new Pet Lounge has now opened its doors, which means you can bring your furry friend along with you. They’re part of the family too after all!

To find out more and book your next trip, visit www.poferries.com.

Flexi Ticket terms and conditions

This offer is available on all Dover to Calais long break bookings (more than 5 days) made between July 11th and August 15th 2022, for travel between July 13th and September 2nd. Excludes short breaks and day trips, foot passengers, bicycles, vehicles designed for commercial use and bookings made at port.

Free Flexi Upgrade is valid for the Standard Flexi ticket type on the outward and return leg of the booking. The Standard Flexi ticket is fully refundable (if cancelled before the intended date of travel) and can be amended free of charge subject to any change in price between the original booking and that of the new booking. In the port on the day of travel, you may travel on any sailing within 4 hours of your booked sailing, subject to available space.

P&O Ferries reserve 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.