Family holidays to France or Spain made easy - save up to 30% on your sailing

France and Spain are popular destinations for family holidays, but the hidden costs, luggage limits, and lengthy check-ins of air travel can leave parents feeling frazzled and frustrated before they’ve even left British soil. Add the uncertainty of flight delays, cancellations and fluctuating travel costs; it’s easy to see why many families are opting for a more straightforward and enjoyable way to travel abroad.

If you’re keen to leave the chaos behind, Brittany Ferries offers a wide range of affordable breaks for a more relaxed start to your trip. Even better, you can save up to 30% on your sailing when you book a Brittany Ferries Holiday, with direct access to regions including Normandy, Brittany, and Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain.

With Brittany Ferries' comfortable cabins, restaurants, live entertainment and stunning sea views, your holiday begins as soon as you board. Unlike flying, you can take your car and pack everything you need without worrying about luggage restrictions. Plus, there are no fuel surcharges, and pricing is clear and upfront, with all holidays ABTA-protected for peace of mind.

I am a massive fan of Brittany Ferries. We regularly sail to Santander in Spain and then drive down or we sail to Roscoff in Brittany France. We use the sail as a mini cruise upgrading ourselves to Commodore class. Brittany Ferries offer whole packages with some great places to choose from.

-Mumsnet user Seashor

Why a ferry holiday can feel easier with kids

We all know that travelling with kids can be challenging. Attempting to keep children calm and content during the airport rush, lengthy check-in queues, and relentless waits in the departure lounge can make travel feel like a chore rather than the start of a well-earned break.

With Brittany Ferries, your journey becomes part of your holiday experience,  so whether you're travelling with a toddler, teen or as a multi-generational family, you can start to relax as soon as you get on board.

 A ferry holiday can feel easier with kids because:

• Fewer luggage restrictions – By taking your car on board, you can bring all the essentials to make your life easier when staying away from home. From cot beds and pushchairs to your kids' favourite beach toys, you won't be limited by strict weight allowances.

• Simple check-ins – Forget the early arrival times at airports and waiting around to board your flight; simply arrive 60 minutes before, drive on with your car, and relax!

• Freedom to move – Rather than being restricted to one seat for hours on end, your family will have the freedom to get up and stretch their legs during travel. Exploring the ship will feel like a mini-adventure, with stunning coastal views as you approach your chosen destination.

• On-ship entertainment – With play areas, games rooms and seasonal entertainment on board, there’s plenty to keep children and teens occupied while you relax during the crossing.

• Stress-free mealtimes – When hunger strikes, there’s no need to worry about a limited supply of snacks or catering for picky eaters. Onboard restaurants and cafés offer a wide range of food and drink options (including microwaves for baby food), allowing your family to choose a mealtime that suits you.

• Comfortable cabins – For both overnight and daytime crossings, you can book a private cabin, offering a quiet and comfortable space to relax or get some shut-eye without the need for eye masks and earplugs.

Five fantastic family destinations in France and Spain

Our top five destinations for a Brittany Ferries holiday:

Caen, Normandy

Deauville, Caen.

Key info

UK departure port: Portsmouth | Journey time: 6 hours | Arrival port: Caen | Driving distance to Normandy: 19 miles

Rich in history and packed with family-friendly attractions, Caen makes an excellent base for exploring all of Normandy’s best bits.

In addition to the charming seaside towns of Houlgate and Deauville, Caen is within easy reach of the D-Day Landing beaches, featuring beautiful coastal paths. Families looking for outdoor adventure will love Orne River Valley and the scenic Suisse Normande – popular for kayaking and hiking. 

Whatever the weather, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained. They’ll love the interactive WWII history exhibits at Mémorial de Caen, while the Château de Caen, a medieval castle built by William the Conqueror, is certainly worth exploring.

St Malo, Brittany

Key info

UK departure port: Portsmouth | Journey time: 11 hours, 40 mins | Arrival port: St Malo | Driving distance to Rennes: 43 miles

A picturesque walled city with a fascinating maritime past, St Malo boasts a stunning coastline, beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters that are perfect for paddling and rock pooling.

Teens will love exploring the old town’s cobbled streets lined with charming boutiques and creperies. The Château de Saint-Malo’s Musée d'Histoire – a journey into the city’s pirate past is also a must-see.

Roscoff, Brittany

Key info

UK departure port: Plymouth | Journey time: 5.5 hours | Arrival port: Roscoff | Driving distance to Brest, Brittany: 41 miles

For a relaxed break, Roscoff on the north coast of Brittany, offers the perfect mix of seaside charm and adventure.

Île de Batz, just a short boat ride away from the harbour, is a charming island home to white sand beaches and Bronze Age ruins. The Exotic and Botanical Garden of Roscoff will delight little explorers with its colourful plants and hidden pathways.

After a fun-packed day, fuel up with a sweet or savoury Breton crêpe, a delicious local treat.

Santander, Cantabria

Key info

UK departure port: Plymouth | Journey time: 21.5 hours (overnight) | Arrival port: Santander | Driving distance to Leon: 173 miles | Driving distance to Madrid: 243 miles

Santander on the northern coast of Spain is a popular choice with families seeking an authentic Spanish holiday.

The biggest draw is the beautiful sandy beaches including Playa de Los Peligros, with its calm waters and easy access ideal for your toddlers’ first paddles.

With a rich history dating back to Roman times, the Palacio de la Magdalena (a palace and summer residence to the Spanish Royal Family is worth adding to your itinerary, with impressive parklands to explore. The immersive exhibitions at the Maritime Museum also prove popular with younger travellers.

The Spanish cuisine definitely won’t disappoint in Santander. Whether you tuck into fresh seafood, try something new with vibrant tapas, or enjoy a twist on Cantabrian classics, you’re sure to find something to delight your tastebuds.

Bilbao, Basque Country

Key info

UK departure port: Portsmouth | Journey time: 36 hours (overnight) | Arrival port: Bilbao| Driving distance to Leon: 196 miles | Driving distance to Rioja: 60 miles

Foodies and lovers of art and architecture will feel right at home in vibrant Bilbao.

The largest city in the Basque Country, Bilbao makes a great base for exploring the local area. The medieval Old Town known as ‘Seven Streets’ is a joy to explore - lined with independent boutiques, cafes and pintxo bars. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from Mercado de la Ribera, one of Europe's largest indoor markets.

 Kids will love burning off excess energy in Bilbao’s many parks or building castles on the sandy shores of Ereaga Beach. If the weather turns, take the family to see the breathtaking art statues at the Guggenheim Bilbao.

Why choose a holiday with Brittany Ferries...

Brittany Ferries has over 450 holidays to choose from, sailing from Portsmouth, Poole, or Plymouth to some of the best family-friendly destinations in France and northern Spain.

 Brittany Ferries holiday packages include the ferry crossing and family-friendly accommodation in a hotel, gite, or villa,  and when you book a holiday with them you can save up to 30% on the cost of the sailing You pay one transparent package price with ABTA protection, no fuel surcharges, and no hidden costs, making it easy to find a holiday  that suits your budget. Families with flexible travel dates may also find additional savings through Brittany Ferries' last-minute holiday deals to France and Spain.

You’ll also receive:

• Comfortable onboard seating, with private cabins available as an optional upgrade.

• 60 minutes of free Wi-Fi per crossing when sailing to or from France, and 90 minutes of free Wi-Fi when travelling to or from Spain.

• Access to children's play areas and games rooms.

• Seasonal live entertainment on selected sailings, including music acts, vocalists, close-up magic and children's entertainers.

• The option to purchase a prepaid Food Pass, helping you budget for onboard dining before you travel.

 Travel insurance is not included, so you'll need to arrange this separately. Activities and excursions at your destination can also be booked independently if you wish.

First-time ferry user worries

If you’ve never travelled by ferry before, it’s natural to have some questions. Will my children get bored? Should I book an overnight journey? How do mealtimes work, and shudder what if my child gets motion sickness?

The good news is that Mumsnet users have found travelling by ferry with kids much easier than they expected.

What if my child gets sea sick?

Although motion sickness is a common concern for parents, many children travel without any issues. There are a few simple steps you can take to make the journey more comfortable and minimise the risk of your child feeling unwell.

• Avoid heavy meals - While it’s important not to travel on an empty stomach, try to avoid heavy meals before departure. Think bottled water and light snacks.

• Avoid screen time – Looking down while reading or scrolling on a tablet can increase the risk of motion sickness. Instead, consider getting up, walking around, or going out to the deck for some fresh air where possible.

• Consider anti-sickness aids – Many Mumsnet users swear by anti-sickness travel wrist bands, which are available from Boots and on board in Brittany Ferries shops. If your child has previously struggled with car travel, you may also want to consider Kwells anti-sickness tablets for kids.

We really rate the travel bands that put pressure on pressure points on the wrist. That (and not eating just before travelling) seems to keep it at bay.”

-Mumsnet user DelurkingAJ

Will my kids be bored?

Brittany Ferries has plenty to entertain guests of all ages during your crossing.

• Toddlers and preschoolers will love the playrooms . During peak season, they may even be lucky enough to meet the Brittany Ferries mascot, Pierre Le Bear!

• Older kids and teens will enjoy the games rooms, arcades and, on selected ships, onboard cinemas (a small fee may apply).During peak season, you’ll experience live entertainment suitable for the whole family, including magicians, singers and DJs.

• The entertainment schedule for each day will be available at the on-board information desk. You can also take a look at your ship's facilities before you travel. 

• It’s not all about the kids. Parents can take advantage of the onboard duty-free shop to save up to 40% on perfumes, makeup, chocolates, and wines.

Cabins vs day sailings

When travelling with kids, you may be weighing up whether to stick to a day crossing or book a cabin for an overnight trip.

For shorter crossings, many families are happy to opt for daytime crossings, making use of the on-ship facilities and entertainment as an extension to their holiday.

For longer crossings or travelling overnight, a cabin is a practical upgrade, especially if you have young children who still like to nap during the day. These comfortable air-conditioned cabins with en-suites come with bed linen, towels, and toiletries.

A convenient place to rest, relax, freshen up, and store your belongings. They also avoid disrupting your child’s usual bedtime routine.

-Mumsnet user Katkincake

How do mealtimes work on board?

Brittany Ferries has a range of onboard restaurants, serving a variety of dishes — from authentic French cuisine prepared by talented chefs to familiar family favourites ideal for picky eaters or smaller appetites.

Whether it’s a quick snack in a self-service spot, a casual meal at the brasserie or gourmet dishes at the restaurant, there are options for all tastes and budgets. On overnight crossings, kids will love kick-starting their day by tucking into a continental or English breakfast. 

If you’re travelling with little ones, fear not - you’ll have access to microwaves for warming baby food and plenty of high chairs to stow them safely as you dine.

About Brittany Ferries 

Brittany Ferries is a renowned ferry travel company offering excellent services for travel to France and Spain. With a range of routes from the UK and Ireland, they provide a convenient and cost-effective alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy spacious accommodation, onboard entertainment, and amenities like play areas and cinemas. The Brittany Ferries fleet includes two new eco-friendly ships, which are the first ferries on the English Channel to be powered by liquefied natural gas and electric battery power. These sit alongside others like the impressive flagship Pont Aven, which features a swimming pool and an a la carte restaurant to enjoy a special family meal.

With their award-winning reputation and dedication to customer satisfaction, Brittany Ferries ensures a memorable and enjoyable journey to popular destinations in France and Spain. Brittany Ferries was recently awarded ‘Best Travel Company for Family Holidays’ at the British Travel Awards, voted by consumers!

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child, home product reviews and travel round-ups. Having written reviews on her own blog, Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research holiday packages and locations, helping parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.

About the editor

Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, where she writes, edits and optimises family-focused content designed to make everyday parenting that bit easier.

As a mum of three, Jenny brings first-hand parenting experience to everything she writes, with plenty of trial-and-error along the way. Her family travels have ranged from UK camping trips to more adventurous longhaul breaks, giving her a clear understanding of what really matters when travelling with children - from location and layout to those small but crucial details that can turn an average family trip into the best holiday ever.

She regularly researches and reviews family travel options, combining expert insight with real parent feedback from the Mumsnet community to help other families plan holidays with confidence.