In association with: Discover Ferries
There are myriad experiences and events throughout the year that are easily reached by ferry from the UK
For clients keen on a holiday that’s hassle-free, accessible and flight-free, with no need to worry about luggage restrictions, hopping on a ferry is an easy way to travel. If you need inspiration for where clients can go by water – from parades and parties, to wildlife watching, hiking events and food festivals – here are some highlights to look forward to in 2025.
Winter
January is peak northern lights time, and the Isle of Man’s 26 dark-sky sites are the perfect spots to catch a glimpse. Steam Packet Holidays has ferry and hotel packages from Heysham.
February is prime winter sports season in the Alps and Pyrenees, so pack up the car and take advantage of the many ferry services available: sail to Calais with DFDS, Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries; Dieppe with DFDS or Caen with Brittany Ferries. Crossings can be combined with ski accommodation providers.
March welcomes St Patrick’s Day festival to Dublin. Headline sponsor Irish Ferries offers ferry and accommodation packages, while Stena Line also sails to Dublin.
Spring
May marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Channel Islands from German occupation. Book holiday packages with Condor Ferries. London is at its best in spring; hop-on hop-off day tickets from Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offer excellent views and easy access to some of the city’s most iconic attractions.
Summer
June is ripe for wildlife, whether it’s spotting whales, seals and porpoises off Scotland’s west coast from Caledonian MacBrayne’s ferries or spying puffins on the protected Cornish island of Annet.
Isles of Scilly Travel sails to the archipelago off the southwest coast. Amsterdam is celebrating its 750th anniversary throughout 2025.
For clients wanting to join in the fun, book a short break or mini-cruise with DFDS or P&O Ferries. Or, for those coming from the south of England, Stena Line offers rail-sail tickets from the UK to Hook of Holland.
Autumn
September brings food festivals aplenty, including the Fête du Fromage (cheese festival) in Neufchâtel-en-Bray, Normandy, and the Foires aux Vins (wine fair), when wine brands slash their prices. Book sail-and-stay packages with Brittany Ferries, DFDS, Irish Ferries or P&O Ferries.
In October, the Autumn Walking Festival brings hikers of all levels together for free guided walks on the Isle of Wight as the island blazes orange and red squirrels dart around. Red Funnel and Wightlink offer ferry, accommodation and attraction packages, while Hovertravel can combine ferry services with transport, dining and attractions to help clients see the best of this Unesco Biosphere Reserve – with all the ease ferry travel brings.
For more information, head to discoverferries.com/trade
PICTURES: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers; P&O Ferries/Henry W R White; Visit Isle of Wight; DFDS