ROAD TRIP

Stinky · 22 Sep 2012 at 13:07

So i have 5 days off and me and the girlfriend are going to jump in her car and head for dover.

We dont want to go to far and have no plan. Anyone recommend anywhere near paris or calis to head?

Just going for the most random 4 nights.

Berger · 22 Sep 2012 at 13:09

If you have a Caterfield as per sig then the ring surely!

Stinky · 22 Sep 2012 at 14:13

unfortunately not this time around

Trifid · 22 Sep 2012 at 14:37

IMO, a couple of days in Brugge and a couple in Antwerp if you don't want to drive far and want a city based escape.

Pyscho_Si · 22 Sep 2012 at 15:13

Reims, Chablis and maybe Beaujolais. If you have the time, maybe a night in Saumur on the way back.

Stinky · 24 Sep 2012 at 10:34

We decided on Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels and Bruges.

Amsterdam has just been done, now off to antwerp once we checkout!

[TW]Fox · 24 Sep 2012 at 10:39

Having just done 3200 miles around Europe I have to say from a road trip perspective Belgium was probably the least interesting and most dull country. Have done Bruge separately and it was lovely mind.

Stinky · 24 Sep 2012 at 10:42

we are going to hit the go karting in antwerp for some fun before heading to brussles late, then stay in bruges before heading home tomorrow night.

CocoPops · 24 Sep 2012 at 10:52

Be aware that Ferries/Tunnel will be REALLY busy at moment, as Brittany Ferries are NOT sailing, and sending all customers to Dover/Calais

Suspension of Brittany Ferries' Services

Following the series of strikes which has been disrupting our services to and from France and Spain, our Board has reluctantly taken the decision to tie up the fleet and to cancel all crossings with immediate effect, until further notice. The only route which will be unaffected is the Poole-Cherbourg passenger service which is operated on our behalf by Condor Ferries.

This decision has not been taken lightly, but we cannot subject our passengers to the on-going uncertainty caused by wildcat strikes and cancellation of services at short notice.

We are systematically contacting our passengers by telephone, email, SMS and Twitter but this is placing enormous pressure on our contact centre so our speed of response may not be up to its usual standards.

Because of this indefinite stoppage we are recommending customers to travel to Dover where we currently have special arrangements in place with P&O Ferries and MyFerryLink to accept Brittany Ferries tickets (see below). Unused Brittany Ferries crossings will be refunded.

Brittany Ferries very much regrets the effect the disruption will have on our customers but is hopeful that a resolution will be found soon, as discussions with the unions are on-going.

.

We have made arrangements with P&O Ferries or MyFerryLink to accept your Brittany Ferries ticket between Calais and Dover.

You do not need to contact us, all you need to do is present your booking reference at check-in to travel with P&O Ferries or MyFerryLink free of charge. You do not need to book with these operators, or visit the terminal.

There are regular crossings between Calais and Dover but if you would like to find out more details please visit www.poferries.com. For MyFerryLink visit www.myferrylink.com.

Industrial action is not affecting services between Poole and Cherbourg.

DGBVIPER · 24 Sep 2012 at 12:32

Spend more time enjoying Brugge; found hardly anything of interest in Bussels

randomshenans · 24 Sep 2012 at 13:00

Champagne country is a must!

lordrobs · 24 Sep 2012 at 17:02

Another vote for spending more time in Brugge, lovely place to visit.

Stinky · 26 Sep 2012 at 07:36

lordrobs said:
Another vote for spending more time in Brugge, lovely place to visit.

really nice there. but we didnt get enough time, 1 night and 1 day, we will go back though

all in all a good trip, 2 nights 3 days away just enough to feel like we had had a little holiday but would have loved it to have been longer, back to work tomorrow and hope for a bit more time off this side of xmas.

As for the busy ferry on the one out we where one of 4 cars, and on the way back there was 1 lorry 1 van and 5 cars. very very quiet. was strange really.

[TW]Fox · 26 Sep 2012 at 08:16

4 cars on an entire cross channel ferry :confused:

DGBVIPER · 26 Sep 2012 at 10:44

We didn't take the main ferries from Dover, we took one from Ramsgate to Oostende (Belgium) the ferry had a fairly large decking area (2 storey) and on the way to Belgium it was us, 2 more cars and a van. That was it, in July!

Haggisman · 26 Sep 2012 at 10:50

[TW]Fox;22843532 said:
4 cars on an entire cross channel ferry

Think that's bad?

When there was the whole Eyjaisoiuyyoklkljklpogoogoogajoob Icelandic volcano thing and there were millions of Brits stuck in Europe, I managed to hitch a ride with someone getting on the ferry from Ostende to Ramsgate (they were refusing to take foot passengers). There were 3 cars including with the one we were in. 8 people on the ferry in total. Ridiculous! :rolleyes:

Stinky · 26 Sep 2012 at 13:09

[TW]Fox;22843532 said:
4 cars on an entire cross channel ferry

Doesn't seem cost effective does it

[TW]Fox · 26 Sep 2012 at 13:10

Haggisman said:
Think that's bad?

When there was the whole Eyjaisoiuyyoklkljklpogoogoogajoob Icelandic volcano thing and there were millions of Brits stuck in Europe, I managed to hitch a ride with someone getting on the ferry from Ostende to Ramsgate (they were refusing to take foot passengers). There were 3 cars including with the one we were in. 8 people on the ferry in total. Ridiculous!

I thought Ostende was freight only - it normally is which might explain why car drivers didnt think of using it.

Certainly when I went out last month it was jammed full and back a few weeks ago it was also very full.