As a travel blogger who loves slow journeys just as much as the destination, I’ve crossed the Channel many times — but nothing quite matches the comfort and reliability of Brittany Ferries UK routes. Whether you’re heading to France or Spain for a road trip or simply looking for a stress-free alternative to flying, Brittany Ferries consistently delivers an experience that feels more like a mini-cruise than just transportation.
Here’s why I believe they are among the best ferry services operating from the UK.
1. Extensive UK Departure Ports
One of the biggest advantages of Brittany Ferries UK is the variety of departure ports. Instead of battling London traffic to reach the Channel Tunnel, you can sail from:
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Portsmouth International Port
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Plymouth Ferry Port
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Poole Harbour
These regional options are a huge win for travellers living in the South and West of England. The boarding process is smooth, well-organised, and far less chaotic than most airports.
2. Routes That Feel Like an Adventure
Brittany Ferries connect the UK to stunning destinations across France and Spain, including:
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Caen
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Roscoff
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St Malo
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Santander
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Bilbao
The overnight sailings to Spain are particularly special. Instead of airport stress, you enjoy sea views, fresh air on deck, and wake up refreshed in northern Spain — ready to start your adventure.
For road trip lovers, it’s unbeatable. You bring your own car, avoid baggage limits, and start exploring immediately upon arrival.
3. Cabins That Rival Hotel Rooms
One of the reasons I rate Brittany Ferries UK so highly is the cabin quality.
Unlike many short-distance ferries, Brittany Ferries offers:
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Private en-suite cabins
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Family cabins with bunk beds
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Pet-friendly cabins
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Luxury Commodore cabins with extra space
The beds are comfortable, the bathrooms are clean, and the quiet overnight crossing allows you to sleep properly — something impossible on budget flights.
If you’re travelling overnight, I highly recommend booking a cabin. It turns the journey into part of the holiday rather than a tiring transfer.
4. Excellent Onboard Dining & Facilities
Food is often where transport companies cut corners — but not here.
Onboard you’ll typically find:
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À la carte restaurants
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Self-service buffet options
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Cafés and coffee bars
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Wine bars featuring French selections
The menus celebrate French cuisine, which makes sense given the company’s heritage. Fresh pastries, seafood dishes, and proper coffee make a huge difference to the travel experience.
There are also:
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Cinemas (on select ships)
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Kids’ play areas
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Duty-free shopping
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Comfortable lounges with sea views
It genuinely feels like a mini cruise.
5. A More Relaxed Alternative to Flying
Let’s be honest — airports in the UK can be stressful. Security queues, baggage restrictions, flight delays, and cramped seating can make the start of a holiday exhausting.
With Brittany Ferries UK, you:
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Arrive 60–90 minutes before departure
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Drive your car onboard
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Keep all your luggage with you
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Walk around freely during the crossing
For families, pet owners, and travellers with lots of luggage, this flexibility is priceless.
6. Pet-Friendly Travel
If you travel with pets, you’ll appreciate Brittany Ferries even more.
They offer:
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Pet-friendly cabins
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Dedicated onboard kennels
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Pet exercise areas on deck
Your pet stays close to you throughout the journey, avoiding the trauma of air cargo travel. For many UK families heading to France or Spain, this is the deciding factor.
7. Sustainability Efforts
Modern travellers care about sustainability, and Brittany Ferries has taken visible steps toward greener operations, including:
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LNG-powered vessels
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Reduced emissions initiatives
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Waste reduction programs onboard
While ferry travel isn’t carbon-free, newer ships are significantly more efficient compared to older fleets.
8. Great Value for Road Trips
When you compare:
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Flights for a family of four
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Airport parking
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Car rental abroad
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Extra luggage fees
… ferry travel often works out surprisingly competitive — especially if you’re taking your own vehicle.
Plus, you avoid car hire paperwork and can pack as much as you like (within vehicle limits, of course).
Final Thoughts: Are Brittany Ferries the Best in the UK?
From my personal travel experiences, Brittany Ferries UK stands out for:
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Comfort
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Convenience
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Spacious cabins
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Quality dining
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Regional UK departures
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Relaxed atmosphere
It transforms travel into part of the holiday rather than a hurdle to endure.
If you’re planning a trip to France or Spain and want a stress-free start, Brittany Ferries is genuinely one of the best options available from the UK. Once you experience sailing overnight and waking up in Europe, it’s hard to go back to budget flights.

