Top Tips for Channelling Your Kids’ Energy This Summer

If you’re still looking for things to do with the kids this summer, DFDS Seaways (formerly Norfolkline) has some top picks for activities across the Channel, as well as some great deals to get you there!

The low cost ferry operator runs services every two hours from Dover to Dunkirk, making the French seaside town just a short hop across the Channel. Dunkirk not only has beautiful beaches, it is also great for shopping and boasts a whole host of restaurants offering a range of delicious seafood and traditional Flemish dishes, which makes it perfect for a day trip or long weekend.

Whatever the length of your trip, DFDS Seaways has created some fantastic deals for families heading to France and mainland Europe this summer. Fares start from £19 each way*, with day trips and overnight fares starting from just £22 return** for a car and up to four people.

Chris Newey, general manager of passenger services at DFDS Seaways, said:

“Travelling by ferry gives holidaymakers the perfect opportunity to explore France and the surrounding areas in style. There are a host of fantastic cities to visit that are just a short drive from the port of Dunkirk. The only difficulty is deciding where to go first!”

Here are just a few ideas for fun family trips this summer:

Plopsaland De Panne

For adventurous fun-filled family activities, Plopsaland De Panne is a vast theme park, close to the Belgian coast. It is just a 20 minute drive from the port and has over 40 exciting rides and attractions that cater for all ages.

Brussels Flower Carpet 2010 – Open to the public 13th - 15th August

Brussels is an hour and a half’s drive from the port and is definitely worth a visit. Every two years, the Grand Place in Brussels is covered with a carpet of flowers for just one week in August. This carpet is 77 metres long and 24 metres wide and made up of nearly one million begonias, which is a sight to be seen for any keen gardener!

And for after the kids have gone back to school:

Lille’s Heritage Days

The ancient town of Lille is an hour’s drive from Dunkirk, and between 18th and 19th September visitors will be given the opportunity to access historical buildings that are usually closed to the public, enabling them to experience the rich heritage of this culture capital of French Flanders.

As the only ferry operator offering passage from Dover to Dunkirk, car passenger are able to benefit from easy disembarkation, which has little of the congestion associated with Calais. Dunkirk also provides the perfect entry point to France, with good links to major arterial roads, which make travelling to places like Belgium, Holland and Spain easy.

Travelling by ferry is also relatively stress free. DFDS Seaways ferries have fantastic onboard facilities, including dedicated children’s play and entertainment areas, and a range of quality restaurants and comfortable seating – plus excellent views of the White Cliffs of Dover. And with minimal luggage restrictions, there could not be an easier way to travel!

For the latest sailing timetables or to book your ticket, visit www.norfolkline.com (which is still the main website for bookings) or telephone 0844 499 0837.

To find the latest deals for short breaks in France this summer visit www.norfolklinetravel.com or telephone 0844 576 7994.