Four UK ferry holiday ideas

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Prices all around Europe have reportedly been rising for package holiday destinations. While there are still some undoubtedly cheap places to fly to, we think a ferry from the UK opens up more doors than people realise.

Generally, holidays closer to home often feel like they’re more rugged, where you need to pack your hiking boots (think of those childhood holidays in Wales and Cornwall). These get better as you get older, and although there are walking holidays in all four corners of Europe, we might be able to endure the fun of a ferry to get there.

Walking the Camino Primitivo via Santander

Starting off the extreme end when it comes to both distance and activity, walking the Camino de Santiago network is going to catch the eye. So, how do you get there? Fortunately, the UK has links going directly to Santander, northern Spain. From there, you’re very close to the Camino Primitivo route, which is the “Original Way”. So, you can sales the high seas, disembark, and get straight onto your pilgrim march, just like the good old days! The ferry is also overnight, so you will have the fun of food and drinks on board too. Just keep an eye out for a bus journey that transports you to Oviedo, the starting point of this walk. Or, if you want a shorter route, head to Lugo, where you can then walk a pre-planned 111km route organised by Santiago Ways who will also book your accommodation.

Exploring Orkney and Shetland

Orkney and Shetland are mysterious, even to Brits. Few visit, and an overnight voyage from Aberdeen is possible despite its distance. Getting to Aberdeen, even from the Midlands or northern England, is quite doable too via train.

NorthLink Ferries is the provider to link you to Orkney and Shetland, with nightly sailings. You have the option to stop at Kirkwall in Orkney before continuing to Lerwick in Shetland, or take a shorter crossing from Scrabster to Stromness in Orkney. 

These islands are incredible, with Viking graffiti and Neolithic sites that out date even Stonehenge.

The Hook of Holland

Mainland Europe is back on the cards for a trip to Hook of Holland, operated by Stena Line. It’s a great gateway to the Netherlands and not very long at sea. This crossing is available as both a day and overnight service, a bit like the France ferry, and allows you to bring your own vehicle. This makes it easy to hit the ground running, although we advise perhaps taking a bicycle instead. 

Cycling through the iconic bulb fields and the historic city of Delft is stunning. But, you can get to four of the major cities quite easily: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague.

The Isle of Man

A shorter but equally rewarding ferry can get you to the Isle of Man. Many Brits know surprisingly little about the island beyond its famous TT motorcycle event. But there’s some lovely coastline and hills to venture through, and it’s fun to cycle around. The crossing itself takes as little as two hours and 45 minutes from Liverpool.

Forget the cramped, randomly allocated seats of Ryanair with little ability to stretch your legs. Ferries may not be any cheaper, but they’re an experience in and of themselves. Ferries are a great way to get a sense of adventure, rather than stress, as you journey to your holiday. Plus, there’s a surprising number of options on the table – not to mention the cruises that depart from Southampton