Cash in on the trend for mini holidays with these unforgettable day trips and short breaks
Time and money are often the biggest challenges to our travel plans, but day trips and short breaks are an affordable way to quench our wanderlust and make memories this summer. Minimising accommodation costs, enjoying duty free shopping and picnicking are just some of the ways you can stretch your budget further, while still enjoying unforgettable experiences.
And, when travelling by ferry, you get to swap airport queues and motorway traffic jams for fresh air and coastal views meaning you can relax during the journey. We’ve selected some our favourite ferry destinations, all accessible for a day or short break, that can make you feel like you’re a world away without straining your wallet.
- The Quintessential Great British Day Out
Looking to be beside the seaside at a traditional bucket and spade beach? Look no further than the Isle of Wight. Shanklin Beach on the east coast has miles of golden sand, a promenade and even an amusement arcade. It is also just a short walk around the headland to Luccombe Beach and a stone’s throw from Shanklin Chine, this historic gorge is the island’s oldest tourist attraction and has received visitors for more than two centuries. Alternatively head to Appley Beach, which stretches more than three miles from Ryde to Seaview, a classically English coastal village complete with cafes, shops and pubs. The sea remains shallow and, at low tide, small pools form, which are perfect for entertaining little ones.
Top tip: Look for connections with rail services, cycle paths and the island bus network to take advantage of foot passenger offers and see more of the island.
Get to the Isle of Wight with Hovertravel, Red Funnel or Wightlink.
- Head Off-the-Beaten Track in Belgium
Bruges and Brussels are often frequented tourist hot spots but Nieuwpoort offers a different side to Belgium. With a mix of nature, shops, sandy beaches and the largest marina in Europe this city is perfect for a day trip or a weekend break. De IJzermonding is a nature reserve that protects the unique area where fresh and saltwater meet and is home to seals, migratory birds and Scotty, the reserve’s mascot who takes children on adventure walks. On weekends and holidays, a ferry service shuttles passengers between the left and right banks.
Top tip: Nieuwpoort is a 50min drive from Calais and only 25min from Dunkirk but if you want to take a break from driving, hop on the coastal tram from De Panne. The longest tram line in the world, it can take you to any seaside town in Belgium!
Sail from Dover to France with DFDS, Irish Ferries or P&O Ferries.
- City Breaks at Mini Prices
Mini cruises are an incredibly time-efficient and cost-effective way to cram lots of experiences into a short break. Travelling overnight means you arrive ready to explore destinations such as Spain’s Santander, Amsterdam or Rotterdam in the Netherlands, without having to shell out for city accommodation. You can also sample a cruise ship experience for a fraction of the cost. During the crossing indulge in fine dining, watch out for whales and dolphins from the top deck and enjoy the nightlife on board before retiring to your en-suite cabin.
Top tip: Look out for themed mini cruises that offer entertainment from guest acts or talks from experts, or sea safaris.
Book a mini cruise with Brittany Ferries, DFDS or P&O Ferries.
- Discover Belfast through an artist’s eye
This once industrial city has transformed into a modern European city that is ready to welcome visitors. Even in one day, you’ll appreciate how friendly the locals are and get a taste for the city’s vibrant street food scene. To really understand the city’s personality, take a street art walking tour that highlights the incredible murals around the Cathedral Quarter. The art tells of Belfast’s history and shows off its unique sense of humour and style.
Top tip: Use the hop-on, hop-off bus tours to get around the city, they’re easy to use and provide insight into the city’s history and culture.
Sail to Belfast from Liverpool or Cairnryan with Stena Line or book a 28-hour return journey from Cairnryan to Larne with P&O Ferries
- Wonder at wildlife on the Isles of Scilly
Sailing on the Scillonian III doubles as a transport service and a whale watching cruise. Pack your binoculars as there’s an opportunity to catch a glimpse of dolphins, porpoises, whales and sea birds on the UK’s best ferry route for wildlife spotting. When you arrive, you can enjoy Britain’s sunniest beaches – we like Old Town Bay on St Mary’s as it is just off the beaten track so usually quiet, you may even get the white sands to yourself.
Head to St Mary’s from Penzance in Cornwall on a day-return ticket with Isles of Scilly Travel and enjoy the ultimate nature day out with some sun and surf thrown in.
- Hop to the Hebrides
The most southerly island of the Inner Hebrides, Gigha is one of Scotland’s lesser-known islands but is just a 20 minute ferry ride away and costs less than £8 per person to get there and back. Home to approximately 170 people, the island was called “God’s Isle” by the Vikings in admiration of its quiet white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and spectacular sunsets. Its fertile soils and flourishing microclimate also make the island home to exotic gardens. For cute wildlife, head to Cara, the small uninhabited island just off the south coast. It is home to an extraordinary number of rabbits as well as goats and otters.
Top tip: You might come for the views, but the food is the real jewel in Gigha’s crown. The smoked halibut is famed far and wide! Get to Gigha with Caledonian MacBrayne
- Marvel at Manx sunsets
Known for its dramatic scenery, visitors to the Isle of Man can experience coastal cliffs, mountains, waterfalls and glens all in one afternoon. However, no visit is complete without a trip to the beach. Peel Beach is popular with visitors and locals alike and famed for Peel Castle, which is situated on St Patrick’s Isle and overlooks the bay’s golden shoreline, harbour and red sandstone cliffs. Just tucked next to the castle is Fenella Beach, one of the Island’s most photographed beauty spots.
Nicknamed “Sunset City”, Peel’s west facing beach is perfect for sunset as it has clear views across the water with the Mountains of Mourne in the distance.
Top tip: Bring an appetite so you don’t miss out on the area’s much-celebrated crab sandwiches and local ice cream. Sail with Isle of Man Steam Packet Company from Heysham, Liverpool or Belfast.
- Discover Dublin’s green side in a Day
Hidden away from the crowds of Grafton Street and Temple Bar is Dublin’s Botanic Gardens Glasnevin. Wander through Victorian glasshouses bursting with exotic blooms, stroll alongside peaceful ponds and discover themed gardens showcasing plants from around the globe. It’s a free, accessible oasis offering a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. There are even free guided tours every day to explain the history and international significance of some of the gardens’ resident plants.
Top tip: Pack a picnic to save on snacks and have more time to roam the gardens at your leisure. Sail to Dublin with Irish Ferries or Stena Line.
- Duty-free day trips
Use your big day out to indulge in a little retail therapy and save up to 40% on your favourite beers, wines, spirits and cosmetics. Travel by ferry to France and Ireland and visit the onboard shop to bag a bargain during the journey. DFDS also has Duty Free shops near the Calais and Dunkirk ferry terminals, making it easy to peruse the aisles on your day out.
Top tip: Ferry operators often run day trip offers so you may get extra discounts on day trips or free gifts such as a case of wine.
Book a day trip to France with Brittany Ferries, DFDS, Irish Ferries or P&O Ferries. Travel to Ireland with Irish Ferries or Stena Line.
- A Leisurely Look at London
A trip to the city is often accompanied by concerns of crowds, yet when travelling with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, you can experience the capital’s famous landmarks from the comfort of the river. Single journeys can be tapped in and out with contactless payments or an Oyster card – it’s as easy as the tube just without the endless escalators! And family tickets or day passes provide a hop-on, hop-off service making it easy to transport pets, little ones and bicycles to the city’s best bits.
Top tip: Bring your bike so you can get from the boat to the main sights quickly and dodge the crowds. Book tickets at Uber Boats by Thames Clippers