I have never been keen on flying, and living in the South West, I often wonder why anyone would choose to fly when going on holiday. The drive to Bristol can take anywhere from three to nine hours, depending on traffic on the M5. Then there are the hours spent checking in, waiting, and sitting in a cramped plane, only to repeat the process at the other end. A few years ago, I found a better option: the Brittany Ferries route from Plymouth to Santander. It is quick to board, easy to reach, and although the crossing takes time, it is such a nostalgic experience that I savour every moment.
Getting to Plymouth is straightforward from anywhere in the South West, and the ferry terminal is a short drive from the Marsh Mills roundabout. At the gate, our passports were checked, and within 15 minutes we were on the boat. On board, you can go to the bar, watch a film in the cinema, play in the arcade, or even swim in the onboard pool. The food is excellent, being French, and for a few euros you can get a coffee and a freshly baked croissant.
The crossing to Santander takes about 22 hours. While a cabin is not essential, I highly recommend booking one. Sleeping undisturbed, gently rocked by the Atlantic swell, is a wonderful way to pass the time. I woke early and went on deck to look for wildlife in the Bay of Biscay. There were plenty of dolphins, darting towards the ship and playing in its wake. I was told that whales, even blue whales, are sometimes seen, though not that morning. Later, there was a dog agility show, a beginner's Spanish lesson, and an interactive class about local sea life.
The journey passes more quickly than you might expect, and nothing makes a holiday more exciting than seeing land appear on the horizon and slowly grow as you approach. On previous trips, we boarded in English drizzle and woke the next morning as if transported from spring to full summer. This year, it was scorchingly hot when we boarded, and even hotter on the other side. But the idyllic Spanish coast, with turquoise waters lapping against Cantabria, is the perfect place to escape the heat.
I have taken the ferry to Europe many times now, and I would choose it over flying any day. Brittany Ferries, which also operates from Portsmouth, has invested in its future and ours by launching two hybrid ships that run entirely emission-free in port. The journey is more convenient, more fun, and lets you take your own car, complete with a child seat if you are a parent, which is a game-changer. Combined with
Plymouth to Santander Ferry Trip Is a No-Brainer