Sponsored Editorial

The summer of 2023 has flown by so far! But it’s not over just yet. Thinking about booking a holiday abroad? Don’t worry – there’s still time, and even better, some fantastic last-minute deals to take advantage of.

With up to 12 daily sailings from Dover to Calais, P&O Ferries is one of the most popular ways to travel. Passengers can enjoy convenience, comfort and excellent value for money.

Travel in luxury on the P&O Pioneer, relax and indulge in the Club Lounge and get savings of up to 50% on the high street prices of all your favourite brands at the onboard World Duty Free store. Your four-legged friend can even join you as P&O has its very own exclusive Pet Lounge.

P&O Ferries is currently running a short break offer, including a three-day return for just £99 and a five-day return for just £129. All you need to do is book by 31st August and travel by 12th October. It’s a great offer for last-minute summer breaks to Europe.

What’s more, passengers who book by 17th and travel by 18th September can benefit from 10% off caravans and motorhomes.

Need some holiday inspiration? Here are some last-minute summer escapes over the Channel within 4 hours of Calais…

Relax on the beach in France

Three hours from Calais, Etretat is a charming town on the north coast of France. It’s famous for its striking rock formations and clear blue sea, and the long stretch of beach is a great spot if you’re into water sports like paddle boarding.

Another great French beach destination is Deauville, and again, it’s only 3 hours from the Calais ferry port. Visitors can look forward to a vast sandy beach with beautiful waters and colourful sun loungers. The town itself also makes a wonderful day out for exploring.

Le Touquet is on Calais’ doorstep – just 30 minutes away. This small seaside town is perfect for relaxing in the sun, playing beach games and enjoying water sports. Take a stroll through the town centre, which is bursting with chic boutiques and an array of bars, cafes and restaurants.

Enjoy a city escape in Belgium

There are plenty of cities in Belgium which are great for a late summer break! A few of our favourites are Brussels, Antwerp and Bruges.

Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes from Calais, Brussels is jam-packed with things to do. This vibrant city, famous for being the administrative centre of the European Union, boasts stunning architecture, rich heritage and fascinating culture. Enjoy tasty food and drink, including Belgium staples such as chocolate, waffles, moules frites and beer, and discover all the best museums, attractions and landmarks, including the Atomium and Grand Palace.

Antwerp is also incredibly popular, and it’s only 2 hours 20 minutes away. Among its many stunning landmarks is the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is considered by many as one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture. If you’re bringing the kids, Antwerp Zoo is definitely worth a visit, and there are fantastic views from the city’s iconic Ferris wheel.

Last but certainly not least is Bruges. You can get there in under 2 hours, making it an excellent choice for a short European break. Take a cruise down the canal or visit the medieval belfry, located in the city centre. The chocolate museum, Choco-Story Bruge, is a real hit with tourists (especially families) – as is the Lake of Love in Minnewater Park.

Get lost in the French countryside

France is abounding with breathtaking countryside. During your holiday, discover The Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park, located 30 minutes to 1 hour from Calais. There are many charming small towns and exquisite forest areas to explore (ideal if you’re planning on taking your dog with you) – not to mention a variety of historical sites, such as Eperlecques, the biggest bunker in northern France.

We also recommend Parc Naturel Régional Oise - Pays de France, a national park boasting over 150,000 acres of land. Enjoy countless hiking trails, castles and glorious gardens!

Immerse yourself in Dutch culture

The Netherlands is a feast of culture, famous for its flat landscape of romantic canals, tulip fields, windmills, cycling routes and delicious cuisine. Three of the best destinations for a short break this summer are Rotterdam, Amsterdam and The Hague.

3 hr 30 minutes from Calais, Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands. During your stay, be sure to check out Marthkal food market, Miniworld (an extraordinary miniature world of 535m²), the Maritime Museum and Rotterdam’s most important landmark – Erasmus Bridge.

If you’ve never been to Amsterdam, we thoroughly recommend the trip. More than 4.5 million tourists visit the city annually. It’s a 4-hour journey from Calais and offers something everyone will enjoy – canal boat trips, Dutch food and museums such as the Anne Frank House. Get into the Dutch way of life and hire a bike to cycle around the city!

4hrs, The Hague is another great Dutch city. Based on the North Sea coast of the western Netherlands, it is especially popular with beachgoers. There is a lovely pier, as well as museums, shops and plenty of green areas. The Hague is less touristy than Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Both of these cities, however, are within 30 minutes away, so you can make them a day trip if you fancy a bit more hustle and bustle.

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

Terms and conditions

3-day short break

Offer applies to Dover/Calais service only. Book by 31st August 2023 for travel by 12th October 2023. £99 price valid for three-day standard returns. Valid for travel with a car and up to nine passengers or a motorcycle and up to two passengers. Must be booked 24hrs prior to departure. Bookings subject to restricted space, sailings and dates. Excludes day trips and two-day returns. 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

Offer applies to Dover/Calais service only. Book by 31st August 2023 for travel by 12th October 2023. £129 price valid for five-day standard returns only. Valid for travel with a car and up to nine passengers or a motorcycle and up to two passengers. Must be booked 24hrs prior to departure. Bookings subject to restricted space, sailings and dates. Excludes day trips, two- and four-day returns. 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.

Caravan and motorhomes

Offer is valid for single and standard returns made by September 17th for travel up to September 18th 2023. Bookings are subject to restricted space, sailings and dates. Excludes cars (without a caravan), high cars, motorcycles, motorcycle combinations, minibuses, vans, trailers, foot passengers and bicycles, as well as short breaks, two-day trips and day trips. Subject to limited availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. 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.