I've been crossing the English Channel/La Manche since I was 20 years old back in the 1970's. The crossing hasn't changed very much except for the introduction of the Chunnel under the Straits of Dover back in the 90's. Odd to think this great engineering feat created by a Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher linked us permanenetly with Europe and now another Conservative governments is doing its best or worst to undo our European dreams.
The experience seems hardly to have changed in over 40 years - arriving at the terminal, waiting, boarding, grabbing fish and chips, waiting, unloading. The ferries seem the same - though they have grown up - in size and facilities - almost invisibly over that time.
I don't think there is a route I haven't done. Dover to Calais, Dover to Bolougne, Dover to Dunkirk, Dover to Ostend, Folkstown to Bolougne, Newhaven to Dieppe, Portsmouth to Caen, Poole to Cherbourg, the tunnel itself - and once long ago, a route that only lasted a couple of seasons and for foot passengers only, Brighton to Facamp. Oh! I haven't done routes from Harwich and Plymouth.
So what can I add to the sum of human knowledge that might just be a little bit helpful to fellow travellers. Well, to start with my experience hs been almost always taking a car. However one great trip was to Paris with my son without a car. I'll write that up shortly.
When choosing a departure port you have to think where your journey begins. When we lived in the west of England Portsmouth and Poole seemed very convenient. I didn't think there would be much to choose - until I used Poole. Never again. The roads to Poole are country lanes, crowded with milk trucks, tractors and lorries going God-knows-where. Seriously slow roads even in the early morning. Going to Portsmouth looks longer but so much quicker. However these western channel routes are long and expensive. In summer it's a seven hour crossing and costs over £450 for a car and passenger on a return trip.
The Eastern channel provides many quick crossings but really, the tunnel is so convenient and flexible. If you can stand the piped music (why is it some people like lots of crap noise around them? Does it save them having to fill their heads with thought instead?) you will have your own space on the car train - in your car rather than putting up with other people's children enjoying themselves - yes, 'happy' thoughts of on-board kareoke, charades, balloon twisting fun - save me! So called entertainment in the lounge - do check before you grab a table that you are well away from a stage or anything similar.
