The best city breaks and island escapes by ferry

Whether you’re seeking historical landmarks, culinary experiences, retail therapy or simply the chance to soak up a country’s atmosphere, a city break is the answer.

However, city breaks don’t need to be frantic and rushed, ferries offer a scenic and relaxing way to reach your city destination and start your trip feeling refreshed. Here are five fantastic city breaks you can reach by ferry.

City Breaks

Amersfoort, The Netherlands

Praised for its progressive urban planning and innovation, Amersfoort was named the European City of the Year by the Academy of Urbanism in London. Modern living and sustainability are married with medieval architecture to preserve the city’s character and bring its cultural heritage to life. Take a Waterlijn canal cruise to enjoy a hidden view of Amersfoort’s old city centre and modern waterfront installations before peeking into the city’s medieval past at Museum Flehite. The birthplace of famed artist, Pieter Mondrian, so art fans must take in his abstract masterpieces at Mondrianhuis.

Just an hour’s drive from IJmuiden or less than 90 minutes from Europoort Rotterdam or Hook of Holland, visitors can also reach Amersfoort by train. Enjoy a good nights’ sleep in your own en-suite cabin and wake up ready to explore. Simply sail with DFDS, P&O Ferries or Stena Line.

London

See the city from a different perspective with a hop-on hop-off ticket on the high-speed river bus service. Pass under the city’s bridges and take in iconic landmarks along the route including The Shard, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and the London Eye. The most civilised way to get from A to B in the capital, passengers can enjoy a drink from the bar, take in fresh air on deck and even look out for the occasional river-dwelling seal!

Since Mars Clipper joined the fleet in September sustainable river travel has been expanded to even more passengers. The third of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ hybrid electric biofuel vessels, these boats operate solely on electric power in Central London and recharge with biofuel on the rest of their journey. Travel with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Douglas, Isle of Man

Granted city status in 2022, as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, Douglas is the only crown dependency with a capital city. Nestled between the Irish Sea and Manx nature, Douglas is a city in the countryside so it’s easy to get the best of both worlds during your short break. Combine a trip to the bustling shopping district and gourmet dining experiences with hiking, cycling and star-gazing. With no luggage restrictions you can bring your hiking shoes, bicycle and binoculars and still have room for your glad rags for evening fun! Sail to Douglas from Heysham, or Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin in high season, with Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Dublin

Get a taste of Ireland’s vibrant culture by indulging in a pint of Guinness and exploring historic sites like Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. However, Dublin’s music scene offers visitors the greatest opportunity to experience Irish spirit. Traditional music can be heard in venues across the city and, depending on where you are and how brave you are, you can even join in! Whether you are in the cobblestoned Temple Bar or high in the Mountains, you’ll hear folk rhythms played on traditional Irish instruments or reimagined for modern audiences.

The Merry Ploughboy is a three-time winner of Best Traditional Dinner / Entertainment Event in Ireland. The owners are traditional musicians who perform at every show alongside singers and Irish dancers and the ticket includes dinner, entertainment and a return shuttle transfer from Dublin city centre. Enjoy the journey as you rail-sail from the scenic coast of Wales and over to Dublin, where you can see the Wicklow Mountains rise to the south of Dublin from the ferry with Irish Ferries or Stena Line.

Lille, France

Swap a trip to Paris for this buzzing northern French city, which is just a short hop across the Channel from Dover and a little more budget-friendly. Lille has charming, cobbled streets, stunning Flemish-style architecture and delicious French cuisine. Our top tip is to take a gentle stroll around the Old Town before grabbing a seat outside with a café au lait and waffle or a bottle of beer to people watch. The Vielle Bourse is the city’s old stock exchange and one of Lille’s most beautiful buildings, the colonnades are now home to booksellers, and, in fine weather, the courtyard hosts outdoor chess matches and tango demonstrations.

Travel to Lille via Dover with DFDS, Irish Ferries or P&O Ferries and stock up on Duty-Free while you’re there. Lille is an hour’s drive from the port at Dunkirk or 1 hour 20 min from Calais.

5 short escapes by ferry

A short trip away doesn’t have to mean you feel less like you’ve had less of a holiday. When travelling by ferry, your trip starts from the moment you step on board helping you to pack even more memory-making moments into your next break.

These five ferry destinations may be on our doorstep but, when sailing away, these trips feel like a true escape.

Foodie escapes in Jersey

Jersey’s compact size makes it the perfect place for a short break and you’ll be amazed at how much you can do in just a few days. Of course, you can take your own vehicle across on the ferry but, if you’re looking to ditch the car, the island is easy to explore by bus or by e-bike. Highlights include Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey Zoo, the Jersey War Tunnels but make time to take in the island’s many beaches, hiking trails and look out for Red Squirrels!

The jewel in Jersey’s crown is its food culture. The island is blessed with superb seafood, rich dairy and fresh vegetables, which has fuelled a gourmet foodie scene. Try freshly shucked oysters when taking the Oyster Trail with Jersey Walk Adventures, sample apple cider brandy and chocolate truffles at La Mare Wine Estate and head to the famous Seafood BBQ at Faulkner’s Fisheries.

Sail from Portsmouth or Poole to Jersey with DFDS.

Sustainable stays on the Isle of Wight

A designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Isle of Wight is pioneering how local communities and tourists can live sustainably within its ecosystem. Accommodation options include eco-lodges, energy-efficient hotels and environmentally respectful glampsites. As the UK’s sunniest destination, solar panels effectively power your holiday, recycling facilities are readily available and rainwater harvesting systems minimise water use and wastage helping you to act as a responsible tourist.

Take part in the Island’s “Drive Less, See More” campaign and participate in world-class nature walks, use cycling routes and use public transport to help preserve the Island’s delicate eco-system. The Isle of Wight also has a fantastic community of farm shops and cafes, which champion locally-grown, award-winning food and drink including Mermaid Gin and Black Garlic. Your four-legged friend is also welcome.

Reach the Isle of Wight with Hovertravel, Red Funnel and Wightlink. Dogs travel free-of-charge on ferry services to the island.

Wellness escapes on the Isles of Scilly

Outstandingly beautiful, uncrowded and unspoilt, the Isles of Scilly lie just off the coast of Cornwall but feel a world away. The largest island, St Mary’s has a population of less than 2,000 and 30 miles of nature trails and paths, making it easy to find solitude.

As soon as you disembark, you’ll feel at ease as the islands have a gentler pace of life and there is space and freedom to explore or simply unwind. Retreat to Tresco, which is home to island yogi, Gem Hansen who offers classes and themed wellness breaks throughout the year. The island climate is milder so it’s possible to practice yoga outside – even in the autumn and spring – but if it turns there is a fantastic space at The Flying Boat Studio. Follow with a relaxing trip to the spa or, if you’re feeling brave try inter-island swimming.

Sail to St Mary’s from Penzance, Cornwall with Isles of Scilly Travel, the UK’s best route for wildlife spotting and travel onward to Tresco.

Outdoor adventures in Cumbrae

This little Scottish island is just a short 10 minute hop from the mainland but packs in a lot of nature, sports and outdoor adventure. Best explored by bike, bring your own across on the ferry or rent one in Millport, allowing you to undertake the ten-mile circuit that takes you around the island. With views of beaches and coastline, look out for owls, polecats, kestrels and even sea eagles; while out to sea you might see minke whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Part of the island’s diverse ecology is its vibrant flora and fauna, including nine species of orchids and a variety of ferns and wildflowers. Visitors might be tempted to wander the island’s trail in search of the rare Millport orchids and other natural wonders.

Largs is an hour’s drive from Glasgow or less than 90 minutes on public transport. Catch the ferry from Largs to Cumbrae with Caledonian MacBrayne.

Norman escapes that leave lasting impressions

Celebrating 150 years of impressionism, art lovers will enjoy reviewing the works of these world-famous avant-garde artists on Normandy’s Alabaster Coast. Exhibitions have run throughout the year but works created by the likes of Monet and Boudin were inspired by the region’s varied landscapes and even now, visitors can feel like they are stepping through a canvas when reaching iconic spots. Must-visit impressionist landmarks include the Cathedral at Rouen, the seaside resort of Trouville and Monet’s beloved gardens at Giverny. One of the best ways to explore the village of Giverny is on two wheels, with guided cycling tours offering insight into the artist’s life and work. If you’re feeling creative, try a painting class and take inspiration from the colours and techniques the impressionists made famous. 

Travel to Normandy with Brittany Ferries and relax into the French way of life as soon as you board with a café au lait or un verre de vin.