Looking for some advice on a possible trip to Belgium next month.
Basically starting in Glasgow and going to Ostend. From a quick search it seems I can't get a ferry into Ostend. So the options seem to be Hull-Zeebrugge or Dover-Dunkerque.
Dose anyone have any opinions on the above? What are the basic rooms like on the Zeebrugge Ferry? Any other routes?
Dover ferry would seem to be around £50.00 / Zeebrugge £270.00.
Any advice appreciated.
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why dont you fly?
there are hundreds of cheapies these days,
ost airport is taking off (!)
i bet you could get a budget airline to there or near there
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There used to be an Oostend ferry from Dover, I used it a few years ago...may have fallen victim to the tunnel though...
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Dover Oostend 2hrs 5mins Hoverspeed Ltd. 08705 240 241 (no it hasn't)
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Well, I'd probably use Speedferries to Boulogne, but if you really want to enjoy a truly 1970's ferry experience, and really want to sail to Ostend, look at:
www.transeuropaferries.com/#
They sail from Ramsgate, and look to have bought a collection of rusting scrap, most of which took me on family holidays in the 70's and 80's at one point. If you missed out on a trip on the Herald of Free Enterprise, you can have a go on its sister ship, now called "Oleander". Yeah, right. The others they have were mostly in Sealink service, I think, so prepare for filling loosening juddering and vibration coupled with the stench of diesel and fried food for a few hours. Mmmmm... You must admit, it was at least an experience!
As for roads, it's all boringly obvious with internet routefinding - takes away all the fun and arguing over which way is shorter!
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www.ferrysmart.co.uk/dover-ostend-ferries.shtml
www.ferryto.com/
Thank Goodness, Ostend is such a good place to travel to and from.
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If you have to take your car, why not Superfast Ferries from Rosyth to Zeebrugge? Only 40 miles driving this end and 20 miles other end, but will save you up to two days travel.
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Thanks for the ideas so far.
PU - I can't find a ferry to Ostend on the links you kindly provided.
John24 - Thanks, this is looking favorite at the moment. Have managed to get prices of around £210.00 for this.
I really need to take the car so flying is not an option.
Any further recommendations of where to stay, or a good website to find B&B accomodation in Ostend.
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Brugge sems to be your best bet for a selection of cheap and decent hotels. Campanile and Ibis have hotels there.
www.envergure.fr/europe/bx/index_fr.html
Brugge is about 14 miles from Ostend, if that's not too far away.
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Given the extra driving/overnights with the alternatives Rosyth Zeebrugge looks a good deal. If you do have to go down south I'd recommend Norfolkline's route from Dover to Dunkerque. No frills, just a bar/restaurant small shop and observation lounge but lots of outside deck space. Under £100 return even in high summer season.
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Considering that you will be saving £100/£130 on fuel, plus wear and tear on the car (and the driver), this sounds like a good deal.
Have a good trip, anyway.
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Would endorse the Norfolkline service from Dover to Dunkirk. Cheap, uncrowded, helpful staff, good food on board.
We stayed in Ostende when we looked for a weekend in Brugges. Couldn't find cheap accommodation in Brugges so found hotel off internet by searching for "budget hotel Ostend" or something like that. Hotels £20-£30 a night cheaper than Brugges. Train to Brugges costs peanuts.
Ostned suprprisingly pleasant, expected to find Belgian version of Dover, actually very civilised with pleasant harbour/old town. Plenty of restaurants and a casino.
Enjoy your trip.
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Just a footnote, we stayed in the Hotel Imperial, a Best Western Hotel near the seafront. Perfectly acceptable 3 star establishment, now has single rooms for ?50 per night and doubles at ?70.
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