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Topic: Tunnel or ferry

DOBSONK

10/1/2019 at 9:39pm
Location: Inverclyde Scotland
Outfit: Bailey GT60. 620 6 and Hyundai i800

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Scotland to Euro Disney then on to Puy de Fou, tunnel or ferry? I have never done tunnel before but fancy giving it a try. Pros and cons please lovely people.

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Broadside

10/1/2019 at 11:44pm
Location: None Entered
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We used to use tunnel all the time but found delays to be a big issue over the last couple of years so it makes planning the onward journey and stops quite difficult. We’ve given up with it and use the ferries now, cheaper and more reliable. Takes a bit long but arrives when you expect it to so you can plan the journey better.

Puy de Fou, what a brilliant place!!!

JuneR101

10/1/2019 at 11:57pm
Location: Hertfordshire
Outfit: Pennine Countryman

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Pros: Easy, fast and good motorway connections. Taking your doggie couldn't be simpler (providing your paperwork is in order). Enjoy a picnic on the crossing. Bad weather not a problem.

Don't worry if too early or late for your booked crossing as you will probably be put on the next crossing (not guaranteed) at no extra charge unless it falls in another price band.

Cons: More expensive than the ferry but you can use Tesco Clubcard points to get a decent discount on the full fare.

We just like the convenience and haven't used a ferry for
many years now.

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mgbgtv8

11/1/2019 at 5:54am
Location: Neuvic_Entier France
Outfit: Rapido 7087

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Tunnel every time for me. can leave Ashford Kent at 08.00 and on a good day can be home near Limoges at 16.30 (all French time)

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Whatamess

11/1/2019 at 7:14am
Location: North Wales
Outfit: Bessacarr E540

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Tunnel every time. 30 minutes and you’re there. No problems in bad weather. We have been held up once for about 20 minutes when there was a problem with a train. Last crossing we were booked on 9.20, arrived early and got the 8.20 and a good head start the other end. Just over £100 each way.

Nora

JoannaLesley

11/1/2019 at 9:00am
Location: South Northamptonshi
Outfit: Delta-Freelander

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We use the tunnel nowadays as we have dogs. The downside is that it is very expensive compared with ferries (for one, you pay double with a caravan as you use double the space). As June says, you can use Tesco vouchers to offset some, or all, of the cost - you currently get 3x face value.

For some, a downside might be that you stay with, or in, your car. We usually sit in the caravan, as the dogs are happier travelling like that. They don't seem to like the motion and noises and are particularly jittery if we stay in the car.

There is no cafe on board. Loos are available, but that is it. Either eat at the terminal before you cross, or take food with you and eat it on the way. Once you are off it is easy to find an aire to stop and refresh yourselves before moving on.

The upside is the speed of crossing and the fact that there are no hold ups (either end) when you drive off - straight onto the motorway system and away. We have used the tunnel for some years and have never experienced delays.

One more thing - it seems that some people are giving Europe a miss this year until the situation is more clear. That could mean that some deals are to be had on crossings as we get nearer to the holiday season.

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naebother

11/1/2019 at 9:25am
Location: central scotland
Outfit: aztec cantera 9 vango tamor500 vango

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The tunnel is our preferred way of crossing. Recently we have noticed a lot of trains are cancelled, or delayed. We have a frequent traveler account, so use the tunnel at least five times a year. Even with the delays and cancellations we would use the tunnel rather than ferry. Have to say we travel in a motorhome, so the delays are not such a hardship, we have been held up for over ten hours in the car park on one occasion

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thechief

11/1/2019 at 9:57am
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Caravan and XC90

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We've used the tunnel quite a few times. The operation is slick when it is working (we've never been adversely affected); we prefer it to the ferry usually, but what the ferry does give you is a little break away from your car, a proper chance to stretch your legs. We have used the ferry on purpose a number of times during very long journeys knowing that it will allow us to get a rest from driving.

If you can stretch your budget, I would personally do Hull - Zeebrugge. Expensive but really convenient from the North.

blueexpo97

11/1/2019 at 11:13am
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Have used the tunnel for years now, used to do the ferry but would now never go back.

It is a very slick operation and we have only ever been delayed once for half an hour.

We do use Tesco vouchers and it helps greatly with the cost, but even if we didn't have them we would still use the tunnel.

We drive down from Ayrshire, overnight at a site in Kent about 13 miles from the tunnel and get the 06.50 train the next morning, then just head South.

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Phishing

11/1/2019 at 10:37pm
Location: Merseyside
Outfit: Coachman 575

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Tunnel, best option with dog, fastest, easy to do even with large van. To be honest not as much fun as the boat but just more convenient.

longcol

11/1/2019 at 11:27pm
Location: Perigord Noir
Outfit: Outwell Oakland XL

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Quote: Originally posted by thechief on 11/1/2019
We've used the tunnel quite a few times. The operation is slick when it is working (we've never been adversely affected); we prefer it to the ferry usually, but what the ferry does give you is a little break away from your car, a proper chance to stretch your legs. We have used the ferry on purpose a number of times during very long journeys knowing that it will allow us to get a rest from driving.

If you can stretch your budget, I would personally do Hull - Zeebrugge. Expensive but really convenient from the North.

We live in France now (since July last year), but when we lived in Sheffield for the last 5 years or so we'd go out via the tunnel and return Zeebrugge - Hull.

Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!

DOBSONK

13/1/2019 at 9:37am
Location: Inverclyde Scotland
Outfit: Bailey GT60. 620 6 and Hyundai i800

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Thankyou everyone, looks like Tunnel is the majority and I fancy giving it a try anyway. Priced the Hull crossing and my eyes are still watering

Think I will leave the booking till nearer the departure and build up the Tesco points, although my older kids keep nicking them for meals out!!

franbee

13/1/2019 at 1:20pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Leisuredrive VW T6 campervan

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Tunnel for us too now for many years. For a long time Tesco vouchers paid for all our crossings, but now we don't seem to get as many. Still prefer the Tunnel though.

You have to reset your mind as the crossing can be very quick, we have sometimes driven off within an hour of arriving at checkin. The break that drivers mention can be taken once you arrive at the other side. We always cross to France after a days travel then stop. Coming back, we overnight not too far away then drive straight home.

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