Off to France late June and need a overnighter this side of the terminal (or close by) if possible. All the info I've got pushes me towards Dover, but that's going past to come back in the morn if you get my jist!!
Didn't want to stay at the services as have my family and I'm not sure that is legal anyway. Getting there late ish (driving down frm Cheshire in the afternoon) and getting up early for the 0630 train.
Only in a T5 campervan and don't require hook up for one night..any idea's?
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
For the ferries Hawthorn Farm at Martin Mill near Dover is an alternative to the popular Caravan Club Black Horse Farm site at Folkestone - but if you are going by tunnel then that one is nearer
If you are travelling on the Tunnel, it is possible to travel on an earlier crossing, especially if it's evening or night.
We travel down from the north west too, cross and arrive in Calais late evening. There is a campsite at Guines, about 15 mins from the Tunnel, you can arrive there late, pitch up and pay in the morning. I have put a review about the site on here saying just that. Of course, you would need to pay for the pitch, but at least would get a shower in the morning.
Otherwise, you can stay overnight in the French motorway services with no charge, along the route you are taking.
Quote: Originally posted by mk1rally on 10/5/2011Didn't want to stay at the services as have my family and I'm not sure that is legal anyway.
Why is it not legal?
Just wondered because that is what we would do.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
It's legal to stay on British Service areas,but you have to pay - notices are generally displayed around the parking areas telling you how much the charges are.
It's also legal to stay on French Service areas, and you don't have to pay, and most of them have showers you can use in the morning.
However, there are campsites recommended near Folkestone.
Thanks again all, I thought it was not available to camp but seems I'm wrong. Still I think I will look for a site.
I have tried to convince my wife to go over that night (with us!!) and we'd find a site as soon as in France. We have a longish drive on the following day (7 hrs) but failing that, I've just found the Drumm inn. Pretty close to the terminal.
Any good?
Just a note, if you turn up say 12 hrs early, can you chance your arm that much and try to cross?...it's evening, mid week in June.
The other place we used to stay was the travelodge at Ashford, 12 miles north of the Tunnel.
We once turned up 2 days early and crossed on the next train, they charged us a tenner admin to change.
It's worth a try, the worst thing that could happen is that you wait for your own crossing, though they say up to 2 hours early at no extra cost. You can change your booking beforehand by phone if you think you might want to travel in the evening.
I usually book an 8-10pm crossing, aim to get there for about 6, and usually cross within the hour.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We have often turned up early but always had to pay extra. At the tunnel it is automated so the machine tells you what time you can get on and how much extra it is if you are early by more than 2 hours. We had to pay 60.00 more once as had booked cheaply ages before. The campsite in Guines is lovely and there are also more sites sign posted around that area. You can book ahead on the internet for peace of mind.
If you are a member of the Caravan Club then there are a few CL's around. We use one outside Hythe that has Water and Electric that is £12 a night, there are others without electric that are alot less. Turn up when you want and leave when you want, very peaceful in the middle of the country but only 10 Mins drive and you are at the terminal.
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: Campsites north side of Chunnel
