Book a ferry for a last-minute summer getaway

The summer holiday season may be well underway, but that doesn't mean it's too late to book a ferry crossing and embark on a last-minute adventure to some of the most picturesque and popular destinations in Europe.

People travelling in the UK and across the continent have a wide range of sailings to choose from, providing access to everything from the verdant countryside of France to the sun-soaked beaches of the Balearics.

France

Located just a short channel hop away and full of opportunity, France is the first destination many people think of when contemplating a short break from the UK. The quickest way to reach the country is by taking ferries from Dover to Calais, Dunkerque or Boulogne.

These services provide a direct route to northern and eastern France and regions such as Nord Pas de Calais, Picardy, Champagne-Ardenne and Burgundy. Holidaymakers have endless attractions and experiences to choose from in the area, from the galleries and museums of cities such as Lille and Troyes to the wine routes of Alsace.

Particular highlights to look out for include the Notre Dame cathedral and St Remi basilica in Reims. Those looking for adventure can go hiking, horseback riding or cycling in Burgundy.

People planning to take advantage of the holiday opportunities on offer in northern France can take ferries from Dover to Dunkerque with Norfolkline, which is currently offering fares starting from £19 each way for a car and up to four passengers.

SeaFrance will be operating crossings on the Dover to Calais ferry route from £25 each way throughout the summer, while ferries from Newhaven to Dieppe are available with Transmanche Ferries from £55 each way, a price that covers a car and two passengers on a five-day break.

Travellers who would like to see the beaches and charming seafront towns of north-west France can book cheap crossings with Brittany Ferries, LD Lines or Condor Ferries.

Balearic Islands

For many people, nowhere says 'summer' more emphatically than Spain. Located in the heart of the luxurious Mediterranean and linked to the Spanish mainland by regular ferry services, the Balearic Islands offer pretty much everything one would want from a summer break.

Mallorca is the largest island in the group and an excellent place to start. Sea crossings take passengers straight to Palma, Mallorca's historic capital. Visitors looking for relaxation can take their pick of the beaches in and around the coastal city, while those whose main holiday priorities are culture and sightseeing should not miss the opportunity to see Placa d'Espanya and La Seu, a spectacular Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 13th century.

Other experiences worth seeking out in the Balearics include visiting the prehistoric settlement of Son Mercer de Baix in Menorca and touring the island's wine cellars. Ibiza may have a reputation as a party island but it is about much more than bars and nightclubs, boasting miles of stunning coastline and scenic areas such as the Sant Mateu valley, which is known for its vineyards.

Customers who book a crossing with Acciona Trasmediterranea on aferry.co.uk before September 5th can save up to 40 per cent on ferries from Barcelona to Ibiza, Palma and Mahon and from Valencia to Palma. Prices start from €52.50 (£43) each way, based on a return booking for a car and four passengers.

Balearia operates ferries from Barcelona, Valencia and Denia in Spain and sails to the four main Balearic islands - Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera.

Ireland

Ferry routes across the Irish Sea allow travellers to explore all of Ireland. The ports of Cork, Rosslare, Dun Laoghaire and Dublin are ideal for those interested in southern counties such as Cork and Limerick and Ireland's pulsating capital, while Larne and Belfast serve as gateways to Northern Ireland and its many scenic attractions and charming towns.

The country is home to several world-famous attractions that first-time visitors will not want to miss, such as the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle in County Cork and the Giant's Causeway on the north Antrim coast.

One of the big advantages of travelling by ferry is that it allows holidaymakers to take their own car, providing the freedom to seek out lesser-known sights and experiences. Visitors looking for an adventure can take a drive along the Antrim coastline to see Dunseverick Castle, the sandy beach at White Park Bay and Fair Head, which is one of Ireland's great headlands, according to the National Trust.

There are more awe-inspiring spectacles to see in Galway - which is home to the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland - and the Burren region in County Clare, while those who like their urban comforts can go shopping in Belfast, spend a night out in Dublin or visit St Finbarre's cathedral in Cork.

Irish Ferries is one of the main providers of Irish Sea crossings and is currently offering ferries from Pembroke to Rosslare from £89 each way for a car and one passenger. Those heading to Northern Ireland can book ferries from Liverpool to Belfast with Norfolkline from £99 for a car and one person and a £12 supplement for each additional passenger.

Other options include Stena Line's ferries from Fishguard to Rosslare and P&O Irish Sea's ferries from Cairnryan to Larne.

Isle of Wight

A matter of minutes away from England's south coast by ferry and brimming with family attractions, the Isle of Wight is the quintessential last-minute holiday destination. It is one of England's smallest counties, so it's easy for visitors to hop in their car and see the full extent of the island's coastline, which encompasses famous landmarks such as the Needles at Alum Bay.

There are many other attractions for families to visit around the island, such as the award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway, which welcomes passengers onboard Victorian and Edwardian carriages for a ten-mile journey past some of the island's scenic countryside.

Osborne House was built by Queen Victoria as a family holiday home and now offers visitors a glimpse of regal life in chambers such as the royal nursery, the room where Queen Victoria died and the Indian-inspired Durbar room. The Blackgang Chine amusement park, another popular family attraction, has an impressive clifftop location and boasts rollercoasters, waterslides and other rides, while Carisbrooke Castle invites visitors to explore 800 years of English history. The castle is best known as the place where King Charles I was imprisoned.

The Isle of Wight also hosts a number of high-profile events throughout the year. August represents carnival season, with colourful parties and celebrations taking place in towns such as Ryde, Cowes and Sandown. Bestival will return to Robin Hill Country Park from September 9th to 12th, bringing artists such as Dizzee Rascal, the Flaming Lips and the Prodigy with it.

Active travellers might be interested in some of the island's outdoor events, such as the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival, which will run from September 18th to 26th.

Hovertravel operates a service between Southsea and Ryde that gets passengers to the Isle of Wight in just ten minutes. Prices start from £13.50 per person for a day return trip and £17 for an open return.

Another option is to take ferries from Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Ryde with Wightlink, which also offers cheap fares on ferries from Lymington to Yarmouth.

Posted by Mark Robinson