Most people think of a trip to France in terms of a Eurostar train trip to Paris – costing just under £140 return from London. It takes around three hours in either direction.

There is another cheaper, easier,  more interesting way to land in France. Take a bus or train to Dover, spend a day or two there, then catch the ferry to France. This way you will see far more of England (including nearby ancient Dover Castle and Canterbury Cathedral) before you go.  Dover has a stunning beach and on a clear day, it’s true – you can see France and wave.

From Calais, you can keep going to Paris, or just return to England, having had a French taster.

Ferry return fares are as low as £20 from Dover to Calais in spring and summer, on a spectacular ferry ride across the English Channel.  Shop in the giant French chain stores or the local markets when you land, or walk the beautiful beaches and ancient castles – for more on Calais look here.

Holiday Goddess found bargain ferry fares here – it’s a P&O Ferries deal with The Sun newspaper. They claim prices begin from as little as £1 so try your luck with the dates and you may do even better than  our high season £20 return. These fares are for foot passengers – you walk on and walk off (having first enjoyed a leisurely glass of wine, across the English Channel).

To reach Dover from London, take the National Express bus which is under two hours, under £13 one-way (book months ahead to get these prices). There is also a train – again book months ahead to obtain the lowest fare.

Stay overnight in Dover and take your time.  Holiday Goddess has 22 hotels to choose from locally,  some as low as under £50 per night. Check your dates in our hotel booking box (right) to try your luck.

Dover and Canterbury

These two historic centres both have train stations and a short trip will take you between both. In Dover, don’t miss Dover Castle. The local museum (just follow the signs in the city centre) also has a stunning portrait of Queen Elizabeth I and some intriguing silver cups, won by people mad enough to swim from England to France, leaving the beach in Dover.

• The famous Dover Castle, which completely dominates the town, has ‘played’ the Tower of London in To Kill a King, Lady Jane, The Other Boleyn Girl 
• The castle served as a destination in the US TV series Treasure Hunters.
• The castle was used as a filming location for the Doctor Who serial The Mind of Evil
•  Scene of a 2002 Christmas original Most Haunted Live event.
• The castle and its tunnels served as locations in 2009 for the episode The Clocks in ITV‘s Agatha Christie’s Poirot series with David Suchet.

• The Canterbury Heritage Museum is housed in the 12th century Poor Priests’ Hospital next to an ancient river. The museum has a gallery dedicated to Rupert Bear, whose creator Mary Tourtel  lived in Canterbury.