TRAVEL OPTIONS (SELF-DRIVE CHOICES)

STANDARD SELF-DRIVE TRAVEL

For 2008 our standard self drive prices are based on Eurotunnel. Eurotunnel is the quickest and most convenient way of crossing the channel, with a crossing time of only 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais. There are up to three departures an hour during peak periods. Eurotunnel’s drive on / drive off process is very quick, easy and hassle free with little waiting around time at either end. Eurotunnel also has the added bonus of not being affected by adverse weather conditions, which makes for a reliable service 365 days a year. Eurotunnel trains are all air-conditioned throughout and have toilets on board.

Flexiplus option

Customers travelling by Eurotunnel can opt for FlexiPlus at a supplement of £119 per car (up to 8 passengers including the driver) return. This will entitle you to a priority club lane check-in, entry to the exclusive private FlexiPlus lounge (open 06:00-22:00), a light meal, tea, coffee, chocolate, newspaper and use of phone/fax facilities.

ALTERNATIVE SELF-DRIVE TRAVEL

For customers wanting a short Dover-Calais sea crossing, we can offer competetive rates with both P&O Ferries and SeaFrance - please phone us for details, prices and timings.

We can also book all longer channel crossings and most details are given here. All prices are based on the number of people sharing a car (5 passengers unless otherwise stated) and most routes are based on return journies. If your trip spans two price bands, simply average the supplements - but you must use the same carrier in both directions. Supplements for Portsmouth-St Malo (Brittany Ferries) and Plymouth-Santander (Brittany Ferries) are based on single crossings. For all routes we recommend that you book any on-board ferry accommodation (including reclining seats, en-suite cabins etc) as soon as possible as places tend to fill very quickly. Just call us for prices, details and availability.

However you choose to travel across the channel, don’t forget the importance of vehicle breakdown insurance when taking your car abroad.

BREAKING YOUR JOURNEY

If you are taking your car across the Channel, then you may like to break your journey in France by spending the night at one of our carefully selected hotels. We particularly recommend that you consider this if travelling to the south or if you’ve already had a long drive in the UK. Listed below is a selection of our hand-picked family-run hotels situated close to the different ferry ports. All are ideal choices for people arriving in France late in the evening, or returning to the UK on a ferry departing early in the morning. You can, of course, choose to spend extra nights at any of the 400+ hotels featured in the Headwater 2008 programme. To help you choose where to stay, we have listed our top choices on the 'Prices and Booking' page for each individual holiday.

Our suggestions are based mainly on overall standard of accommodation and local interest, and we have given lead-in prices, specifying where meals are/aren’t included. But you are not restricted to these - we can arrange extra nights at any hotel we work with, just let us know what you’re looking for. And don’t forget we can also quote for room upgrades, gastronomic menus (where available), etc.