It's been some years now since we did it, actually it's in excess of 25 years which is really scary.
We did an overnight ferry crossing, had a cabin, drove down to Poitiers on the first day, stayed overnight with friends who live there, then drove over the pyranees and stopped just past Zaragoza, we pitched a pup tent for the night on the Zaragoza plain, could see the mountains in the distance and heard gun fire during the night - at the time there had been a lot of talk in the press about Basque terrorists so I was petrified, then continued the next day down to the Costa Blanca where we were staying at a villa, we arrived late afternoon on the third day.
We had taken three weeks holiday for the trip, which makes a big difference. I think on the way back we did it in one overnight stop, but I can't really remember now it was so long ago. I can remember stopping at Lyon because my mum went to school there and we wanted to see it.
I know a few people have done it in about 24 hours taking shifts on driving the car.
------------- Tessa
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We're planning a tour next year, like you we have three kids. We have booked Portsmouth-Bilbao for £393
We are planning a rough route at the moment but so far looks like arriving in Bilbao 8th August, staying in Zaragoza for a night then over to a site near Barcelona (sites yet to be determined but looking forward to spending the next year planning it!)
Then over into France where we are going to stay for another 2/3 nights before making our way up to a Gite in the Vendee for a week (for a rest!) Finally we are travelling up France to the Netherlands for a few days before returning Rotterdam - Hull. Going for almost 4 weeks in total.
Can't wait :) We have got two 3man Quechua tents for the overnight stops and taking our normal tent for the longer stays, although am considering buying the Quechua Base Full which would then reduce the need to take the normal tent -my only concern is getting charged for 2 tents with the pop ups when with the larger tent it would only be the one!
The sites we've stayed on have charged for the pitch and allowed pup tents. So when overnighting one tent could be your 'main' tent and the other your 'pup'.
Hi, I reguarly used to travel to Delphin Verde when my kids were younger. We found that the best way to do it was to get a tea time crossing from Dover. Feed the little darlings when we got into France. They would then fall asleep (eventaully) and I used to drive all the way through the night-just stopping for the odd cup of tea en route. By the time they awoke they were in Spain! Yep it was hardwork on me but I used to crash out on the beach in the sunshine rather than go to sleep and miss a day of my holiday! We did pretty much the same but in reverse coming back. The pitches there are very large and the site is perfect for a young family. We found that all other routes were far too expensive as we have 3 kids and were definately on a budget! I also used to book direct with the campsite-good luck!
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Suzitkd, I can thoroughly endorse and recomend your plan Been there done it with youngster.
We crossed Plymouth to Santander which in itself was an adventure. A couple of nights Santander area then headed South.
Ultimately we ended up spending just over a week on the municipal site at Figuera da Foz (half way down Portugal). We avoided Brit parks at every stop and particularly on the Figuera site achieved just that. It was full of very sociable Portugese folk on their hols. The only other Brit was an older gentleman who went there each year for a few months to teach local students english. He introduced us to the local markets and shops.
The whole trip took 3 weeks and was fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed by my 3 year old daughter who is a decent traveller.
It was very good value for money. Sites were massively cheaper than over here and the only major expense was the ferry but there again the time and money it saved by reducing the driving made it well worth it.
We are thinking of splashing out and getting the bilbao ferry next summer and then we are hoping to head over to one of the sites near Barcelona which I think should be a 6/7 hour drive. My only concern is the timing of the ferry on the way back, it leaves Bilbao at 1.15pm. Would we need to leave our site before the gates closed the night before ie 11pm then travel during the night or would it be better to leave the morning before and try to find somewhere for the night near Bilbao.
Dionne. Using ferries and travelling abroad after trying all different ways I've concluded for me at least the best way all round is to be civilised, In your case I'd move the day before to a site nearer the ferry terminal. You'd then have a nice easy lie in bacon butty morning before heading to the terminal.
I've found any other way you feel absolutley knackered as opposed to tired once you arrive home.
Hi daved thanks for the advice, we have always used the hull - zeebrugge ferry previously to save the driving at this end but zeebrugge to barcelona would need to be done in at least 2 overnight stops. We were willing to pay the extra to save on the driving its just the last leg that was putting us off. Can you recommend any sites near the bilbao port that could be used for just one night.
Sorry I dont know that area very well at all(not up to date anyway). I'm sure more recent visitors to that area will pick up on your question. I booked into one from a CC guide, it was bang on the edge of the city and not particularly good or clean!!!!
Living not too far from you, I too am generally a fan of the North Sea Ferries as they used to be known, less than 2 hours to the port and straight ashore in the morning, its a big bonus up here for travel.
Quote: Originally posted by Sprocket on 06/9/2008
We're planning a tour next year, like you we have three kids. We have booked Portsmouth-Bilbao for £393 We are planning a rough route at the moment but so far looks like arriving in Bilbao 8th August, staying in Zaragoza for a night then over to a site near Barcelona (sites yet to be determined but looking forward to spending the next year planning it!) Then over into France where we are going to stay for another 2/3 nights before making our way up to a Gite in the Vendee for a week (for a rest!) Finally we are travelling up France to the Netherlands for a few days before returning Rotterdam - Hull. Going for almost 4 weeks in total.
Can't wait :) We have got two 3man Quechua tents for the overnight stops and taking our normal tent for the longer stays, although am considering buying the Quechua Base Full which would then reduce the need to take the normal tent -my only concern is getting charged for 2 tents with the pop ups when with the larger tent it would only be the one!
You've just reminded me of a large dutch family who stayed overnight on a municipal next to us this year, they arrived at 6pm, minibus unloaded, 3 tents up, dinner cooked and eaten, showered by 7.30pm!! next morning they were gone before we had breakfast, without a sound or cross word between any of them!! Doesn't it make you jealous!!!!
By the way at municipals you'll pay for the pitch plus people so squeeze as many tents as you want on there, under 7yrs the kids are free.
I'm going to buy a camper and next year intend to visit a friend who has emigrated to Spain. We had a little look into ferry prices to Spain, but have decided to get a cheap ferry to Calais (or maybe Dunkerque!) and explore France on our way down. With a camper we can easily (we hope) set up for one night without too much hassle and will get to see more of the continent. We are planning for a two week break, with only one week spent in Spain!
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Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Drive to Spain with kids?
Been there done it with youngster.
