Many people are unaware of the network of car and passenger ferry services that link UK ports with northern and southern Europe. Ferries can be a convenient, economical and fun way to travel. Fares vary according to the season and time of travel, so make sure you do your homework before you book. Today, we are going to explore four port cities in southern England. 

Dover

Situated in the south-west of England, this town has 28,000 inhabitants. At only 34 kilometres away from Calais, it is also the closest port to France. Dover is one of the most famous ports in England, thanks to its famous white cliffs that you see as you arrive or depart from Dover, the cliffs and the castle are pretty impressive. The White Cliffs of Dover are 91 metres high and stretch for 16 kilometres east and west of the town. This famous white chalk, made from fragments of seashells and the remains of small marine organisms, is a real wonder to behold. 

If you take an early-morning ferry, or if you arrive late at night, book a room at The White Cliffs Hotel, located at the bottom of the cliffs. It has modern and stylish rooms, with some rustic touches like wooden beams and four-poster beds. It's a family-friendly hotel, but also a place that you will be able to relax on the beach and garden or enjoy breakfast on the terrace with beautiful views of the French coastline. 

Harwich

Located in Essex, not far from London, Harwich is the second busiest passenger port in the United Kingdom. It connects almost exclusively with Holland, with about 14 ferry crossings per week. The best way to explore the historic town centre is to follow the Maritime Heritage Trail.  There are guided walking tours throughout the summer from Ha'Penny Pier Visitor Centre on the Quay. And do not miss the Low Lighthouse Maritime and Lifeboat Museums. Also, try to make time for a boat tour to the Barge Murals, which overlook the area where they used to build the Thames sailing barges until the1930s. 

If you decide to extend your visit and stay a night in this charming historic town, The Pier Hotel and Restaurant is a great choice. Located in a fantastic position overlooking the harbour, the hotel offers 14 ensuite rooms boasting luxury toiletries, Sky TV and king-sized beds. The hotel is also famous among the locals for its exceptional food and for being the ideal spot to catch a beautiful coastal sunset!

Plymouth

Plymouth port offers connections to Santander in Spain, and there are around nine weekly services to Roscoff in France. Plymouth has approximately 250,000 inhabitants and is home to some of the most popular attractions in the UK. On the coastlines on either side of Plymouth are in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. And they have some of the country's most beautiful beaches. The Dartmoor National Park is one of the largest and most picturesque in Britain. With its 37 ancient monuments, including boundary stones, milestones and other markers, Plymouth is also an excellent destination for those interested in British history. The city also has several marinas with incredible views, many places to eat, in the summer it feels like a holiday destination.

If you need a place to stay in Plymouth, we recommend the Borringdon Hall Hotel. Packed with perfectly-preserved period features, including towering ornate ceilings, mullion windows and oak panelling, the hotel feels luxurious. Each room boasts coffee and tea-making facilities, HD TVs, Espa toiletries and the softest towels ever! 

Portsmouth

As one of Britain's best-connected ferry ports, there is easy access to France, Spain and the Channel Islands from Portsmouth. There is also a vast range of breathtaking cruise destinations aboard luxury liners that depart from here. Located on the south coast of England, around 100 kilometres from London, this port town has a rich maritime heritage. The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard hosts the majority of the town's naval history attractions, and a joint entry ticket covers most of them. The HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the National Museum of the Royal Navy are all worth a visit.  Also, if you want a great view of Portsmouth and the surrounding area, then make sure you visit the 170-metre high Spinnaker Tower.

If you are looking for a place to stay, head directly to the Portsmouth Village Hotel. Located opposite Lakeside North Harbour business park, this high-tech, colourful hotel offers a well-equipped gym and one of the best restaurants in the city. Each room boasts Amazon Echo Dots to order room service, smartphones with free local and international calls and remote-controlled blinds. With double rooms in the low season starting at only 40 Euros per night, it's excellent value for money!

Ferries to England

Visit NetFerry and discover the ferry routes that serve England. Use the website to explore ships to Portsmouth, Plymouth, Harwich and Dover. The Netferry site allows you to save your quote and confirm the ticket a few days later. Netferry always helps you find the boat or ferry to best suit your needs. Rates, times and ports of departure and arrival are just a few clicks away with Netferry.

Netferry: a sea of ferries