We are off to France in just over 2 weeks time, we are setting of at 18.00 from Huddersfield with our ferry time being 5.30 am the next morning, just wondering if we get to the docks will they let us pitch up for a few hours kip, my other thought is we stop at the services near Dartford, grap the kip there and set of early in time for the ferry, any suggestions please?
Jon&Trace
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i know its no help now jon, but if you had booked throo hull-zeebruge (60 mile from you) you would have saved 250+ miles motoring had a nights kip in comfort and, if you traveled sat night the van goes free consiquently with what you save on fuel and a nights fees its as cheap(70 mile zeebruge-calais) anyway be safe and have a great time, its fab in france.
------------- Les
i took a vow of poverty and got married
Dover docks have turned us away if we have been too early, they can be especially strict at times of heightened security or if there's a lorry backlog due to weather or french ports having mini strikes. Motorway services half way down M2, are they the ones you mean? If so, you'll be able to pull up there, usually near empty as they're dead crabby services.
You should've booked a ferry for your arrival time at Dover because there is a good sized car park you can use overnight at Calais. Fairly noisy but secure.
Tyreman
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Or services at junction 8 of the M20 (Maidstone) - they have dedicated parking bays for caravans just inside to the right when you enter the car park, and it's about 45mins from Dover.
------------- Glyn W.
What if the Hokey Cokey really is what it's all about....?
, my other thought is we stop at the services near Dartford, grap the kip there and set of early in time for the ferry, any suggestions please?
Jon&Trace
I would not stop at Dartford services - not the safest place to sleep in the car.
I agree with the other post - stop at junction 8 services on the M20 - this is perfectly safe place - just outside Maidstone and probably only about an hr (at max) to docks from there. Check the map and see how many junctions it is from Junction 8 to the docks.
Yep i'd say Maidstone services too. We've stayed there and it's ok. There is a car park just next to the docks at Dover that you can stay in too, but i never liked the look of it, drove in once and straight back out, didn't feel like it would be safe.
------------- 317718
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
we are setting off 6ish from selby on the 26th, ferries booked for 2am but if we get there for midnight just going to try our luck getting on the earlier sailing,been no problem in the past.
as for going from Hull, yes we looked at that but for the caravan going free we would be 48 hours behind schedule for our departure time .by the time the hull ferry arrives at zeebrugge we will be 500+ miles down into france.to sail on a thursday night would have cost us approaching £600 (£400 with clubcard points), sailing on the saturday just doesnt give us the time we want in france.
If you've booked with P and O, then just turn up at Dover - catch whatever ferry is the next one - they'll let you on with no problems - and then catch some sleep on the other side. The aires near to Calais are no problem if you're going south - there will be loads of other caravans doing the same thing. The bigger ones (with petrol stations) have showers, and you can get a lovely breakfast, so it's just like staying on site. We set off from West Yorkshire on Friday afternoon, after work *(flexible) and then just high-tail it down to Dover, catching anything from the 8.30 pm to 1.30 am ferry (depending on traffic) and have ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, been given a place on the next ferry, regardless of what time we've actually a booked. Just don't look apologetic - blame the traffic and certainly with P and O you'll have no probem. Unfortunately Seafrance is a different story - they'll keep you waiting and charge you more, sadly - otherwise a lovely ferrry crossing!!!
pity you are leaving so late. I stay at a CL site at Capel-le -ferne, Dover about 10 mins from ther dock. Site is at the back of the Royal Oak Pub 2 mins off A20. people are moving on and off at various times.We have caught the 5.30 from dover and it was not a problem. You may have to book. 01303 244787. Good food in the pub as well. Have a good trip
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: Few hours rest near Dover
