A FERRY route connecting the UK to Scandinavia could return after almost 20 years.
Brits could get a direct link to the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ without setting foot on a plane.
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A ferry route connecting Newcastle to Bergen could restartCredit: AlamyDFDS Seaways was the last company to operate the service which ended in 2008Credit: Alamy
There are talks of restarting a ferry route that could link Newcastle to Bergen in Norway for the first time in 18 years.
Historically, this route existed for over 140 years, and is being looked into being brought back by Newcastle City Council.
DFDS Seaways was the last company to operate the service – but this ended 18 years ago on September 1, 2008.
The crossing was usually overnight and the sailing lasted up to 22 hours – depending whether or not it stopped at Stavanger.
In 2022 Bergen Cruise Line revealed that it was hoping to re-introduce a ferry service between Newcastle, Stavanger and Bergen starting this year.
The Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour said in January of this year that she would “love to see the return of the ferry.”
The service was first introduced in 1890, just two weeks before World War Two.
It continued on and off for over 140 years which resulted in a special relationship forming between the two cities with Bergen even providing Newcastle with a Christmas tree each year.
This tradition continued right up until 2022 – the giving of a Christmas tree stopped, but the cities’ mayors now swap baubles each festive season.
Talks about bringing back the ferry route are still in the works.
Despite a journey across the seas not being available, Jet2 has direct flights from Newcastle to Bergen, taking just one hour and 25 minutes.
One-way flights in April with Jet2 start from £69.
She said: “If you take a stroll around the cobbled streets you will find an array of quirky gift shops, cafes and bars, as well as the vibrant Bryggen Nightclub.
“And the one-day Norway In A Nutshell tour is a must (£192pp, see fjordtours.com), showcasing the best of this country’s breathtaking nature.
“The carefully curated experience begins early, taking you straight from the city centre through more than 60 miles of wild mountain terrain on the Bergen Railway.”
When it comes to eating, Emily says to head to the Skyskraperen restaurant at the top of Mount Ulriken.
Here you can try ‘traditional Nordic food surrounded by nature’ – like grilled trout or a duo of beef.
There’s plenty of places to stop for a drink too – grab a pint of locally brewed lager from Ægir at the Flåmsbrygga Hotel.
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.
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There are a number of destinations you can head to via a ferry from the UKCredit: AlamyFor example, you could head to Castlebay from Oban in ScotlandCredit: Alamy
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.
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.
And you could come back from France to the UK, landing in DoverCredit: Alamy
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.
From Penzance, you can reach the Isles of ScillyCredit: Alamy
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.
And from the New Forest area, you can reach Yarmouth on the Isle of WightCredit: Alamy
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.
If you fancy heading outside of the UK, you can travel to St Malo in FranceCredit: Alamy
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.
Even London has a scenic boat rideCredit: Alamy
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.
From Southampton, you could head to Cowes on the Isle of WightCredit: Alamy
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.
Or visit the Isle of Man, which is full of Vikings historyCredit: Alamy
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.
