Overnight Stay Before Catching Ferry from Dover
Complete caravan newbie...Planning a trip to Spain next year.
Last time we went on the continent (tent Camping) I made the mistake of driving straight to the Ferry terminal (5hr drive) with a view to grabbing a few hours sleep during the crossing, needless to say I didn't sleep that well!
This time I would like to stopover somewhere near Dover before catching the ferry so I get a decent nights sleep before the next day's driving.
Could someone recommend a cheap and cheerful touring site close to the ferry port? I guess off the A2.
Thanks in Advance!
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It looks as though you aren't a Club member so I will pass over on Club sites. Try the Drum Inn at Stanford instead - off the M20 at junction 11 - about 5 minutes from the tunnel and 20 minutes from the ferries. Lots of favourable reviews on line.
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Another option is Hawthorn Farm campsite which is about four miles from the Ferry Terminal at Dover.
https://www.keatfarm.co.uk/camping-dover/hawthorn/
David
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If you are sailing to Calais I would stay there. We drive a good 6 hours and 250 miles to get to Dover, catch an afternoon ferry and stay just outside the town. The following day it means you can cover a good distance on t’other side.
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We have just spent a night at the C&MC site at Folkstone - Blackhorse Farm.. Arrived mid afternoon, ferry pitches allocated by wardens, depends on your departure time in the morning.
Site is good facilities good, but at £21.50 its not the cheapest nights sleep. As flatcoat says if you can get an afternoon ferry you can stay close to Calais that evening and get a good start the next day, sites usually cheaper that in this country.
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We are only 2-3 hours from Dover but often used to leave home late and get a late ferry when still working. In fact, we once booked Blackhorse but as we approached the tunnel we decided to check if we could cross on the same fare. Ended up in France and cancelled the Club site.
If you are going to use the Autoroute you can park up an an Aire overnight. We did this for many years with our two children; always slept like logs and never had any problems. Not for everybody I accept.
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Rather than stay on an autoroute aire, you might find it easier to stop at the Aire CampingCar on the Boulevard de Kent, Cité Europe. Normally caravans are not permitted to stay on Aire Campingcars but as this is a large car park, there is no problem. Just remember to use a hitchcock when you stop (as you might leaving your combination in any car park. Its a quiet, safe area and we have stayed there a number of times in our van (and with our friends who are caravaners earlier this year).
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The new Motorhome Aire there is no doubt automated entry at all hours and all year round, but the new campsite for caravans is only open from April to October inclusive, and in April - June and September - October the campsite reception closes at 5pm. That's not much good for late caravan arrivals in Calais unless the campsite barrier can be opened in some way. Does anyone know please?
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From memory when we stayed in the Aire there was a guard on duty at the entrance so maybe i low season you can phone/email and ask to be let in later in the evening? It is open till 21:00 in high season, guess it depends when the OP is planning to travel.
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Thank you, Michael. That's useful.
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Why not stay on an Autoroute Aire? Lorries do, French car drivers do and so do many Brits with Motorhomes and caravans. Choose a well lit services on a toll road with a fuel station. You can use the shower and you will find waste and water disposal.
We often stopped in the lorry parking area and always felt safe. I have to say that they feel a lot safer than some Aires that I have seen close to towns which I wouldn’t dream of staying in. At least on the motorway you don’t get Saturday night hooligans.
Its all very well suggesting sites near Calais etc. but what do you do if it’s midnight and even if you find a site, what are you actually paying for?
Strange that people often recommend the Aire on the motorway to Rouen (can’t remember the name of it) but lots of Brits. with caravans stay there and it’s not even a toll route, although it’s fairly quiet. Less secure than the places we used to stop.
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