Beautiful destinations you can get to from the UK without flying including the ‘British Fjords’ & Caribbean-like islands
WANT a getaway but don’t want the hassle of flying? Well, you can see amazing destinations across and within reach of the UK, just by sailing.
Whether you want to see dramatic landscapes or explore beaches that make you feel as if you are in the Caribbean, sailing to destinations can achieve just that.
UK ferry industry body, Discover Ferries, and its 12 operator members have shared the 10 most scenic and iconic ferry routes that you can try out across the UK and further afield.
Abby Penlington, director of Discover Ferries, said: “Ferry travel is not just a mode of transport but a premier sightseeing platform.
“There are so many fantastic sights on our doorstep, from Britain’s own Hebridean fjords to the turquoise waters and white sands of the Isles of Scilly, these routes offer a visual scale that other forms of travel simply cannot replicate.”
Oban to Castlebay
The Hebridean waterway is often dubbed ‘Britain’s fjords’ due to its jagged coastlines, ancient castles and colourful seafront homes of Tobermory.
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You can hop on a ferry and travel through the Sound of Mill before heading onto the open sea to travel to Castlebay with the Caledonian MacBrayne from just £19.05 per adult.
Oban is the busiest port in Scotland and located directly in the pretty coastal town.
Known as the seafood capital of Scotland due to its supply of fresh and locally-sourced fish, the town is surrounded by miles of pretty coastline and dramatic landscapes.
When you get off at Castlebay, on the Isle of Barra, you can explore Kisimul Castle, which is also known as the ‘Castle in the sea’.
The 15th century fortress is the ancestral seat of Clan MacNeil and is the only remaining medieval castle in the region.
Plus, you can only get to it by boat.
France to Dover
When you are on a boat, ferry or ship and are heading towards the White Cliffs of Dover, you can’t help but be impressed.
The chalk-formed cliffs essentially act as a gateway to England.
You can sail from either Calais or Dunkirk with DFDS, Irish Ferries or P&O Ferries with day returns starting from £44 per car.
There are other attractions you can explore in Dover as well, such as wartime tunnels and a Bronze Age Boat at Dover Museum.
Holyhead to Dublin
The journey from Holyhead to Dublin is bookended by mountains so is ideal for those who love to see impressive and breathtaking landscapes.
In Holyhead you will leave the mountains of Snowdonia behind and as you arrive into Dublin you’ll see the Irish Alps (Wicklow Mountains).
Day trips cost from £10 with Irish Ferries or Stena Line.
There is a lot to see and do in Dublin including heading to the famous Guinness Storehouse, which is a multi-story experience with a panoramic rooftop bar.
If history is more of your thing, then head to Dublin Castle and explore the state apartments and sprawling gardens.
Penzance to The Isles of Scilly
Down in Cornwall, you can see the deep-blue Atlantic ocean transform into crystal clear waters that will remind you of the Caribbean but actually belong to The Isles of Scilly.
The Penzance to the Isles of Scilly route is named one of the best for wildlife spotting, with passengers often seeing whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals.
And this year is the last year that travellers can sail across on the Scillonian III, which has served the island for over four decades.
When exploring the Isles of Scilly, you will see numerous white-sand beaches, historic ruins and subtropical gardens.
For example, head to the Tresco Abbey Garden which is spread across 17 acres and features exotic plants from around the world.
Hiking is great on the island as well and you will most likely spot puffins if you visit this spring.
Lymington to Yarmouth
The picturesque fishing town of Lymington in the New Forest is a pretty place itself to explore, but you can also head towards the Isle of Wight which is another picturesque spot to discover.
On a clear day, you will be lucky enough to see the Needles, which are three iconic stacks of chalk rock and are visible from the deck.
As you approach Yarmouth, you will see Yarmouth’s pier, which is the longest timber pier in England.
If you travel at dusk you might see one of the pretty sunsets and arrive on the island at the ideal time to stargaze.
Day return tickets with Wightlink start from £22.20.
Arriving in medieval St Malo
When you arrive at St Malo in Brittany, France, you will be greeted by a walled Breton city with ancient spires.
According to Discover Ferries, it is said, “A wave of emotion washes over anyone who beholds Saint-Malo, so striking and proud…Spellbinding!”.
You can travel with Brittany Ferries on a day return from Portsmouth to St Malo from £63 per person based on two sharing an en suite cabin both ways, or book an adult day trip with DFDS via Jersey from £32.
In St Malo, visitors can head to a number of pretty beaches on the Emerald Coast or head on a mile-long walk to the 12th-century city walls with panoramic views of the sea.
Embankment to Greenwich
If you are in the capital, head on the Uber Boat by Thames Clipper to see some of the city.
You can hop on and hop off at some of London’s most iconic sights such as the Houses of Parliament, the Shard, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
A one-day hop on, hop off ticket costs £25.40 per adult.
Make the most of hopping on and off the boat by exploring the major landmarks.
For example, you can stop off at Battersea Power Station and see the building that once used to produce a fifth of London’s power supply.
Or jump off at Tower Bridge and walk across the bridge to see the city’s skyline from a new angle.
Southampton to Cowes
Cowes’ harbour on the Isle of Wight is known for being full of Victorian charm and maritime heritage.
You can head on the ‘Chain Ferry’ or Floating Bridge service which connects West and East Cowes.
Adults can sail with Red Funnel from £14 each way.
Cowes is a great destination for those who love spotting luxury boats, as the marina is full of yachts.
In the town centre you can then explore lots of independent shops and cafes as well.
Heysham to Isle of Man
As you set sail from Heysham, you will leave the rolling hills of the Lake District and Morecambe’s sandy beach before the Isle of Man – the Jewel of the Irish Sea – comes into view.
As you approach the island, you will see the Tower of Refuge on Conister Rock, which is built on a partially submerged reef.
You can sail with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company from £26 each way.
The Isle of Man is a great spot for those who love Viking history, as you can head to the Manx Museum, which has historical artefacts from the Viking period and information about Celtic heritage.
There’s also Peel Castle, which dates back to the 11th century and the House of Manannan, which is an interactive museum based on the island’s Celtic and Viking roots.
Sailing into Rotterdam
If you are wanting to explore further afield, you could head to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
The city is dubbed the ‘New York of Northern Europe‘ due to its skyline which is visible from the port.
Sail with P&O Ferries from £144 one way or from £95.40 each way with Stena Line.
When it comes to exploring Rotterdam, the city features a huge market with more than 100 food spots.
Make sure to look up at the ceiling when in the market hall, as often there are digital butterflies flitting around.
You can also see the iconic cube houses just opposite the market.
For more no-fly holidays, there’s an English Channel cruise with island hopping, seawater pools and dining with the captain.
Plus, the no-flight holiday abroad dubbed the’ Parisian Riviera’ – and it costs just £39 to get there.