12/11/2013

Share this story

Guide to UK ferry travel

0c22b365-76ab-482c-85bf-1990ae4aaac0

Not all of us want to travel great distances, try out another language or foreign cuisine when we tour. For many, just the thought of an autobahn or autoroute is enough to elicit a strangled moan. Fear not though, the UK is packed full of hidden gems just off the mainland with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

The biggest close neighbour within the British Isles is Northern Ireland. It’s a great destination for touring, and you’ll be able to avoid that pesky language barrier. Not to mention it’s also a gateway into Ireland itself, which is world famous for its friendly people and wonderfully wild scenery.

If it’s your first time heading over the sea in your motorhome, you might have some worries about boarding ferries and the time you’ll be on them. If that’s the case, try the short crossing to the Isle of Wight. It’s got gorgeous countryside and can really be seen as an extension to Hampshire, so you won’t be too far out of your comfort zone. It’s got a range of campsites too, from large complexes to small farms.

Despite having a reputation as a tax haven for the rich and famous, the Isle of Man has all the charm of being a little stuck in the 1960s. You can take your motorhome too, though you might have to shell
out a little more than you want on the ferry fares.

The jewels in the UK crown though are the Scottish islands, varying in size from Skye and Mull down to tiny pinpricks on the map where you’ll have to manage on your leisure battery. Not all are served by ferries that will take anything bigger than a van conversion – some might not even take those – but those which aren’t are well worth the island hop as a foot passenger, if only for the opportunity to go to such quiet, beautiful areas.

Don’t forget, if you don’t fancy all that driving you can take a ferry as a shortcut from port-to-port in many areas of the UK.

Regional restrictions

Jersey: To take a motorhome to Jersey, you have to book your crossing through the campsite you intend to stay on. The permit will be issued automatically with your booking.
Guernsey: Motorhomes can be taken to the island if they have a permit and are less than 6.90 metres long. Again, this permit is obtained through the campsite you book with. Bear in mind as with any application, it may take a little time and you’ll need to call the ferry operator to ensure there’s spaces on-board which coincide with your chosen dates.

Colonsay (Inner Hebrides): Motorhomes can only book ferry space through the Colonsay Office of Caledonian MacBrayne on 01951-200308. Even if a reservation is accepted in error, it will be invalid.

If you want information on crossings to Europe, click here or go your smartphone or tablet’s app store and search for ‘MMM’ to download a free digital sampler of November’s MMM, which features an in-depth European ferry guide.

Back to "Travel" Category

12/11/2013 Share this story

Recent Updates

Engine management lights: all you need to know

What is the engine management light? What does it mean, and what do I have to do? ...

Understanding engine management lights (image courtesy of istockphoto.com/ Ville Heikkinen)

Full air suspension can prevent grounding on steep ferry ramps (photo courtesy of Barry Norris)

Motorhome air suspension: all you need to know

Motorhomes are heavy and the additional weight of equipment and height of the bodywork can increase the loads ...

Using the internet on a campsite is increasingly popular (staff photo)

Motorhome WiFi: how to get better motorhome internet

Staying connected on the move is more and more essential, so relying on campsite WiFi isn't an option – here ...

A class of their own - our guide to A-class motorhomes

Thinking of trading up to an A-class, or even going straight to the top of the motorhome tree? We guide you ...

A hired campervan in New Zealand (photo credit: Helen Werin)

Explore overseas on a motorhome dream tour

Enjoy exotic travel in a campervan or motorhome by hiring, swapping with someone else or exporting your ...

A motorhome water system (photo courtesy of Peter Rosenthal)

Motorhome water systems: everything you need to know

On-board water is an important part of every motorhome – here’s everything you need to know ...

Campervanning in Europe (photo courtesy of AdobeStock)

Campervanning in Europe: what you need to know

Whether you're planning a leisurely drive through the French countryside, navigating bustling city streets in ...

Campervans by a lake (photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Campervan security: all you need to know

With thefts on the increase, it’s important to know how to keep your campervan secure and prevent campervan ...

Outwell hammock (photo courtesy of Outwell)

Campervan furniture: everything you need to know

Our campervan experts guide you through all the essentials for your campervan, including tables, chairs, ...

Oaktree Motorhomes dealer (photo by Warners Group Publications)

Campervan finance: how to fund your purchase

Here we look at the different types of campervan finance available, to help you decide what’s the best option ...

Basket

Guide to UK ferry travel

If you want information on crossings to Europe, click here or go your smartphone or tablet’s app store and search for ‘MMM’ to download a free digital sampler of November’s MMM, which features an in-depth European ferry guide.

Recent Updates

Other Articles