First stop in Santander

grandma 1

We are planning our trip to spain for when my husband retires in November. The ferry is booked from Portsmouth to Santander, however we arrive quite late so will want a site within easy driving distance from the boat. Cabo Mayor looks nice but will be closed.
I have read some reports on Virgen del mar which is close but they don't sound too favourable. Has anyone found a nice site just as a stopove. near the Ferry? thanks Catherine