Does anyone have knowledge of the P+O ferry terminal here or surrounding areas?
We are doing the overnight crossing from Hull in the summer with our dogs (car only, no caravan this time), and would like them to be able to stretch their legs (on-lead is fine, but some grass would be helpful, even if it’s just a grass verge) before continuing our journey.
I’ve contacted P+O who have replied to my email, but have basically said there is no specific dog-walking area in the terminal and they can’t advise on anywhere outside the terminal - not helpful!
Google has suggested various parks etc in Rotterdam, but we need somewhere easily accessible by car, preferably before we leave the port, even if it’s just an open air car-park, lay-by or similar. I’ve had a look on Google maps but there’s nothing immediately obvious!
Any help gratefully received.
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Don't know Rotterdam at all, never been there, so no direct help, but from my experience of a number of other ports, in general I'd say once off the ferry you are directed off the port complex PDQ with little opportunity to stop anywhere, and it almost gets worse in that you are often dumped directly onto some expressway out of town, so little opportunity to look around for local amenities, you really need to know specifically where you are going before dis-embarking the ferry.
I have used that route, but we didn't have our dog with us, but therefore completely understand your thoughts!
The terminal is in Europoort which is pretty enormous, loads of shipping companies and harbours, therefore roads and concrete!
How about E mailing the Rotterdam VVV (dutch tourist office)the nearest one is VVV "Hoek van Holland", they may be able to offer more local knowledge if you explain the predicament?
There is a beach area with parking about 10mins away from port. Strand Oostvoorne. Look on the map or set your sat nav. Otherwise take the motorway out & stop at first large service area it won’t be that far & there’s room to park & walk dogs.
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If you drive through Oostvoorne towards the Autostrand you will find a few car parking places once you reach the sand dunes, or just drive onto the beach. There is a hotel/cafe te'wapen van marion where the food is reasonable and good value.
The other alternative is to head towards the container terminals and then turn left to the 'Slufter', there are loads of car parking places overlooking the beach
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Allow for the time it might take to get through the new biometric checks once you are onshore. Some say that there can be a long slow queue to get through the photo and fingerprint booths before you are allowed to leave the port.
Quote: Originally posted by bofs on 02/4/2026
We will already have been to France by ferry so I don't know whether that will make any difference?
Having been been to Schengen land before will simply raise alarm signals with them .i fear they will make you queue on arrival for their computer to check your passport and count the time you are allowed to spend with them within the 90 days limit . Good wishes.
Good job we're arriving in the morning and only have an hour's drive to get to our site. Just hope the dog can keep her legs crossed till we're through immigration!
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We've passed through Rotterdam many times. As you leave the port you turn left alongside a canal, there are a few layby pull offs along this route before you reach the main road.
As you approach Hull there is a large shopping area behind McDonald's its on the right access via a roundabout with a huge car park I think there is a grass area there.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Europoort Rotterdam.
via mobile 28/2/2026 at 1:37pm
