Topic: Europe? (Read 7125 times)

TheBoy · « **on:** 01 June 2009, 12:10:27 »

How about a long weekend the other side of the channel (at least for us Brits), say France/Belgium etc, eg Brugges seems to be a nice place to visit for a couple of days?

Wasn't thinking about the sort of weekends we do here where we invariably end up messing with cars, but a relaxing, sightseeing long weekend away?

Views?

mike213735 · « **Reply #1 on:** 01 June 2009, 12:33:32 »

This sounds like something I would like to do. I have checked the ferry crossing and in July, Norfolk Line will do a return crossing from Dover to Dunkerque for £47.20.

Mike

TheBoy · « **Reply #2 on:** 01 June 2009, 12:41:36 »

Quote

This sounds like something I would like to do. I have checked the ferry crossing and in July, Norfolk Line will do a return crossing from Dover to Dunkerque for £47.20.

Mike

It was the apparent success of your last Reading meet that generated the idea. I'm sure ferry costs could be reduced with group bookings if enough people interested.

Kevin Wood · « **Reply #3 on:** 01 June 2009, 13:22:11 »

Would have to bring Mrs. KW so she can take over the driving after I've destroyed half my brain cells and most of my liver drinking Duvel, but I'd be up for it.

Kevin

Lazydocker · « **Reply #4 on:** 01 June 2009, 18:06:51 »

Sounds like a great idea... Group bookings are available from most ferry companies

Question is... Camping or cheap hotels?

If camping, cost may prove a little prohibitive for us "Tin Tenters" plus, just to add to the thoughts, fuel is considerably more expensive over there at the moment (unless you run on fart gas which is dirt cheap in Belgium

)

Just a few observations... But I may be interested

MikeDundee · « **Reply #5 on:** 01 June 2009, 18:12:57 »

Could be interested depending on when

RobseyMV6 · « **Reply #6 on:** 01 June 2009, 18:31:37 »

Myself and M1ct are interested as we know this route well

When were you thinking more or less?

TheBoy · « **Reply #7 on:** 01 June 2009, 19:15:36 »

Quote

Myself and M1ct are interested as we know this route well When were you thinking more or less?

Just floating ideas currently, no dates set. If it is this year, I may have to see if someone else can organise, as not sure I'll have much time to do much between end of this week and mid of July...

TheBoy · « **Reply #8 on:** 01 June 2009, 19:16:53 »

Quote

Sounds like a great idea... Group bookings are available from most ferry companies

Question is... Camping or cheap hotels?

If camping, cost may prove a little prohibitive for us "Tin Tenters" plus, just to add to the thoughts, fuel is considerably more expensive over there at the moment (unless you run on Flatulence gas which is dirt cheap in Belgium )

Just a few observations... But I may be interested

again, just floating the idea as a possible

Lazydocker · « **Reply #9 on:** 01 June 2009, 22:08:03 »

Quote

Quote
Sounds like a great idea... Group bookings are available from most ferry companies

Question is... Camping or cheap hotels?

If camping, cost may prove a little prohibitive for us "Tin Tenters" plus, just to add to the thoughts, fuel is considerably more expensive over there at the moment (unless you run on Flatulence gas which is dirt cheap in Belgium )

Just a few observations... But I may be interested
again, just floating the idea as a possible

Yep... I was just adding observations to it.

As an aside, I probably won't be able to come if it's this year because I'm pretty much busy now until the end of September

The Red Baron · « **Reply #10 on:** 02 June 2009, 00:16:00 »

could be interested in this, the wife would be as she`s french

hotel21 · « **Reply #11 on:** 02 June 2009, 00:27:58 »

Brugge would be doable for us, given the ferry on our doorstap at Rosyth. Could go as foot passengers and hitch a lift on t'other side? Save a few quid for us, as Dover etc is a 3 day camel ride in each direction....

OmegaGav · « **Reply #12 on:** 02 June 2009, 06:10:15 »

This is something i would be intrested in but probably would not be able to make it this year

I do remember when i used to drive trucks abroad a place called De Panne near Adinkerke (tobacco alley to us european truckers!) just across the french/belgium border. it was very popular with the french,dutch and belgian tourists(I had to queue for ages to get me fags

!) in the summer and has lovely beaches and not far from brugges and only a 40 minute drive from calais !

Just an idea

MikeDundee · « **Reply #13 on:** 02 June 2009, 06:24:04 »

Well really depends on when you want to go as the priced do vary see example below:

Norfolk Line:
Dep; 17/07/09 at 08.00 fare: £49.00
Ret:20/07/09 at 12.00 fare: £35.00
Total: £94.00

P&O:
Dep: 17/07/09 at 08.30 fare: £55.00
ret:19/07/09 at 11.45 fare: £40.00
total: £95.00

Sea France:
Dep: 17/07/09 at 08.10 fare: £57.00
ret: 20/07/09 at 11.15 fare: £34.00
total: £91.00

The fares do vary depending on time of year go next week and cost arounf £40/50 quid. Ferry takes 1.30 going over and half an hour coming back

Book well in advance and potentially get cheaper fares, or so the site says, can't find anything saying about group discounts on their sites, but have found an agent that you can do group booking through for P&O ferries

....No point in contacting them until we have dates and numbers.

OmegaGav · « **Reply #14 on:** 02 June 2009, 18:06:44 »

Quote

Well really depends on when you want to go as the priced do vary see example below:

Norfolk Line:
Dep; 17/07/09 at 08.00 fare: £49.00
Ret:20/07/09 at 12.00 fare: £35.00
Total: £94.00

P&O:
Dep: 17/07/09 at 08.30 fare: £55.00
ret:19/07/09 at 11.45 fare: £40.00
total: £95.00

Sea France:
Dep: 17/07/09 at 08.10 fare: £57.00
ret: 20/07/09 at 11.15 fare: £34.00
total: £91.00

The fares do vary depending on time of year go next week and cost arounf £40/50 quid. Ferry takes 1.30 going over and half an hour coming back

Book well in advance and potentially get cheaper fares, or so the site says, can't find anything saying about group discounts on their sites, but have found an agent that you can do group booking through for P&O ferries ....No point in contacting them until we have dates and numbers.

Just wondering wether it would work out cheaper if we went ferry one way and took the train the other way ? might be an experience for everyone ? We used to do this in the trucks as the boss said it was cheaper....... :-/
I'll have a look at the prices

OmegaGav · « **Reply #15 on:** 02 June 2009, 18:21:18 »

Well no wonder Eurotunnel keep going bust £66.00 was the cheapest price one way (Calais-Folkstone) if you travel between 01.00 and 05.59

I think they should all be wearing masks

Jim · « **Reply #16 on:** 02 June 2009, 21:09:28 »

Somewhere around the Ardennes in Belguim, and a day trip to the ring, Nürburgring

TheBoy · « **Reply #17 on:** 03 June 2009, 13:12:40 »

Quote

Quote
Well really depends on when you want to go as the priced do vary see example below:

Norfolk Line:
Dep; 17/07/09 at 08.00 fare: £49.00
Ret:20/07/09 at 12.00 fare: £35.00
Total: £94.00

P&O:
Dep: 17/07/09 at 08.30 fare: £55.00
ret:19/07/09 at 11.45 fare: £40.00
total: £95.00

Sea France:
Dep: 17/07/09 at 08.10 fare: £57.00
ret: 20/07/09 at 11.15 fare: £34.00
total: £91.00

The fares do vary depending on time of year go next week and cost arounf £40/50 quid. Ferry takes 1.30 going over and half an hour coming back

Book well in advance and potentially get cheaper fares, or so the site says, can't find anything saying about group discounts on their sites, but have found an agent that you can do group booking through for P&O ferries ....No point in contacting them until we have dates and numbers.
Just wondering wether it would work out cheaper if we went ferry one way and took the train the other way ? might be an experience for everyone ? We used to do this in the trucks as the boss said it was cheaper....... :-/
I'll have a look at the prices

Unlikely we could use the train, as many members have LPG'd their cars.

OmegaGav · « **Reply #18 on:** 03 June 2009, 13:41:36 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
Well really depends on when you want to go as the priced do vary see example below:

Norfolk Line:
Dep; 17/07/09 at 08.00 fare: £49.00
Ret:20/07/09 at 12.00 fare: £35.00
Total: £94.00

P&O:
Dep: 17/07/09 at 08.30 fare: £55.00
ret:19/07/09 at 11.45 fare: £40.00
total: £95.00

Sea France:
Dep: 17/07/09 at 08.10 fare: £57.00
ret: 20/07/09 at 11.15 fare: £34.00
total: £91.00

The fares do vary depending on time of year go next week and cost arounf £40/50 quid. Ferry takes 1.30 going over and half an hour coming back

Book well in advance and potentially get cheaper fares, or so the site says, can't find anything saying about group discounts on their sites, but have found an agent that you can do group booking through for P&O ferries ....No point in contacting them until we have dates and numbers.
Just wondering wether it would work out cheaper if we went ferry one way and took the train the other way ? might be an experience for everyone ? We used to do this in the trucks as the boss said it was cheaper....... :-/
I'll have a look at the prices
Unlikely we could use the train, as many members have LPG'd their cars.

Good point didn't think about that.

Does this mean the the LPG cars have to go on the outside deck on the ferry with all the dodgy truck loads so they can be pushed into the sea if theres a problem

A tad unfair i feel

CaptainZok · « **Reply #19 on:** 03 June 2009, 14:19:24 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
Quote
Well really depends on when you want to go as the priced do vary see example below:

Norfolk Line:
Dep; 17/07/09 at 08.00 fare: £49.00
Ret:20/07/09 at 12.00 fare: £35.00
Total: £94.00

P&O:
Dep: 17/07/09 at 08.30 fare: £55.00
ret:19/07/09 at 11.45 fare: £40.00
total: £95.00

Sea France:
Dep: 17/07/09 at 08.10 fare: £57.00
ret: 20/07/09 at 11.15 fare: £34.00
total: £91.00

The fares do vary depending on time of year go next week and cost arounf £40/50 quid. Ferry takes 1.30 going over and half an hour coming back

Book well in advance and potentially get cheaper fares, or so the site says, can't find anything saying about group discounts on their sites, but have found an agent that you can do group booking through for P&O ferries ....No point in contacting them until we have dates and numbers.
Just wondering wether it would work out cheaper if we went ferry one way and took the train the other way ? might be an experience for everyone ? We used to do this in the trucks as the boss said it was cheaper....... :-/
I'll have a look at the prices
Unlikely we could use the train, as many members have LPG'd their cars.
Good point didn't think about that. Does this mean the the LPG cars have to go on the outside deck on the ferry with all the dodgy truck loads so they can be pushed into the sea if theres a problem A tad unfair i feel

Hmmmm burger vans carry LPG don't they Jaime?

jimmas · « **Reply #20 on:** 03 June 2009, 15:17:18 »

yes I would be interested just depends when as away for 2nd half of july

TheBoy · « **Reply #21 on:** 03 June 2009, 16:09:45 »

Quote

yes I would be interested just depends when as away for 2nd half of july

Unless someone can pick this up and organise, I doubt it will happen this year to be honest...

TheBoy · « **Reply #22 on:** 04 June 2009, 20:44:58 »

OK, so is there the interest to do this, perhaps shortly after Newent (so mid/late Sept)?

Bruge seems to be favourite.

VX1 · « **Reply #23 on:** 04 June 2009, 20:52:53 »

What about arranging this for next year as I would like to go but due to holiday's being taken up at work I would nt be able to do this year, plus it would give plenty of time to save for the trip next year, may be the same for some other members as well, plus give members the chance to book the time off for next year as well.

Paul

hotel21 · « **Reply #24 on:** 04 June 2009, 21:38:05 »

Cheap hotel, camping, day trip??

VX1 · « **Reply #25 on:** 04 June 2009, 21:47:13 »

I think it would be better for a long weekend say arrive Thursday leave sunday?

Paul

MikeDundee · « **Reply #26 on:** 04 June 2009, 22:15:55 »

Given there is interest in this trip, and Brugges seems to be a good option, I will be taking this forward, so would like to get a feel for numbers and dates. I have found a campsite see link below:

http://www.camping-memling.be/

The campsite has:
Chalets/Caravans & wait for it Gypsy Wagons

rate for September is 63 euros a night (£55.18), they sleep 4 persons or 2 persons and three children, only sheets provided on beds. Plus one nights rent as guarantee/deposit

Trekkershut
Sleeps 1-4 bunks beds and double bed etc, 37 euros per night (£32.41)

Camping/tents
12.60 euros (£11.03) plus additional costs for car eg 5 euros, check rates on link at site.

If there is enough interest and preference on one of the weekend dates, then I will contact the site and make arrangements for bookings, and set up a confirmed list, I will also arrange a book grouping for the ferry travel, hopefully being able to secure a reasonable discount. The reason I chose this site is that it was the only one I could find that had it in english all the rest did'nt so if you find another site in the same or surrounding area with similar facilities then let us know

Ferry prices for the 3 weekends in september are around £80 return, bear in mind will try and do a group booking and get a discount.

TheBoy · « **Reply #27 on:** 04 June 2009, 22:19:56 »

When is Newent?

TheBoy · « **Reply #28 on:** 04 June 2009, 22:21:54 »

I'm up for this one MikeDundee, but can't make the Newent dates...

TheBoy · « **Reply #29 on:** 04 June 2009, 22:22:38 »

Like the look of that site. Might go for one of those huts and save lugging the camping stuff over there...

MikeDundee · « **Reply #30 on:** 04 June 2009, 22:32:52 »

Quote

I'm up for this one MikeDundee, but can't make the Newent dates...

Oops forgot about that, it clashes first weekend in september, will delete that one then

MikeDundee · « **Reply #31 on:** 04 June 2009, 22:40:43 »

Quote

Like the look of that site. Might go for one of those huts and save lugging the camping stuff over there...

Either that or the caravan suits me, more space for the cheap lager

Gaffers · « **Reply #32 on:** 05 June 2009, 07:15:04 »

I'm up for this and I can translate until we reach the flemmish part

By the way, you had to wait until I had left germany to organise this didn't ya?! ;

nathans · « **Reply #33 on:** 06 June 2009, 00:14:07 »

guys gals you really need to vote then peeps will have a better goal to aim for!!!
I love the idea

MikeDundee · « **Reply #34 on:** 06 June 2009, 19:46:18 »

Availability for 18,19,20 September is fine for the huts, camping etc. Have had confirmation from the site

feeutfo · « **Reply #35 on:** 07 June 2009, 13:09:23 »

def possible, not voted for a date as its all in the busy period at work, so will be work dependent. But would like to attend if poss.

wondered about isle of white when we where in pompy.

Elite Pete · « **Reply #36 on:** 07 June 2009, 21:25:39 »

Why not organise it for this time next year at Le Mans

AndyVXR300 · « **Reply #37 on:** 07 June 2009, 21:33:08 »

Quote

Why not organise it for this time next year at Le Mans

Omegagav was round yesterday and we both said we would be up for this next year

VX1 · « **Reply #38 on:** 07 June 2009, 21:37:20 »

Same here. Would be more realistic for doing next year gives people time to save for it.

Paul

Lazydocker · « **Reply #39 on:** 07 June 2009, 22:07:42 »

I'm up for it but can't do this year due to lack of holiday

AndyVXR300 · « **Reply #40 on:** 07 June 2009, 22:27:40 »

Quote

Same here. Would be more realistic for doing next year gives people time to save for it.

Paul

I'm at Gav's next weekend so we will have a chat and let you know what we come up with

mike213735 · « **Reply #41 on:** 07 June 2009, 22:48:31 »

Looks like my parents are moving to a place about 40km north of Malaga and we are taking our cars down there at the end of July.
To make it a bit more of an adventure, we are catching the ferry from Dover to Dunkerque and then travelling down over three days:-
Day 1 Dunkerque to Bordeaux - 544m
Day 2 Bordeaux to Velencia - 504m
Day 3 Valencia to Malaga - 404m
TOTAL = 1452m in 3 days.

If it comes off, I'll let you know how it goes, but I reckon we are going to be knackered. Thank god my aircon is sorted now

Mike

AndyVXR300 · « **Reply #42 on:** 07 June 2009, 22:50:34 »

Sooner fly as its that far to be honest but each to their own

mike213735 · « **Reply #43 on:** 07 June 2009, 22:53:35 »

Quote

Sooner fly as its that far to be honest but each to their own

Not quite so much of an adventure if you fly though. Just did that in May

AndyVXR300 · « **Reply #44 on:** 07 June 2009, 22:54:57 »

Quote

Quote
Sooner fly as its that far to be honest but each to their own

Not quite so much of an adventure if you fly though. Just did that in May

Did you !! cool as they say

RobseyMV6 · « **Reply #45 on:** 07 June 2009, 22:55:43 »

Quote

Looks like my parents are moving to a place about 40km north of Malaga and we are taking our cars down there at the end of July.
To make it a bit more of an adventure, we are catching the ferry from Dover to Dunkerque and then travelling down over three days:-
Day 1 Dunkerque to Bordeaux - 544m
Day 2 Bordeaux to Velencia - 504m
Day 3 Valencia to Malaga - 404m
TOTAL = 1452m in 3 days.

If it comes off, I'll let you know how it goes, but I reckon we are going to be knackered. Thank god my aircon is sorted now

Mike

That sounds a great road trip mike! if i wasn't so tight on holiday this year i'd be right behind you!

Pack a crank shaft sensor

AndyVXR300 · « **Reply #46 on:** 07 June 2009, 22:57:37 »

Quote

Quote
Looks like my parents are moving to a place about 40km north of Malaga and we are taking our cars down there at the end of July.
To make it a bit more of an adventure, we are catching the ferry from Dover to Dunkerque and then travelling down over three days:-
Day 1 Dunkerque to Bordeaux - 544m
Day 2 Bordeaux to Velencia - 504m
Day 3 Valencia to Malaga - 404m
TOTAL = 1452m in 3 days.

If it comes off, I'll let you know how it goes, but I reckon we are going to be knackered. Thank god my aircon is sorted now

Mike

That sounds a great road trip mike! if i wasn't so tight on holiday this year i'd be right behind you!
Pack a crank shaft sensor

MikeDundee · « **Reply #47 on:** 08 June 2009, 06:56:50 »

Well so far we have five voters, 3 mainly for 18th etc, I voted for the weekend after but can do the week before that making at least four so far for the second date in September, I'll leave this running for another week, and given the interest for next year we should set up another thread for potential dates and venue

Lazydocker · « **Reply #48 on:** 08 June 2009, 09:06:49 »

I haven't voted, Mike, because I can't make it this year

feeutfo · « **Reply #49 on:** 09 June 2009, 00:35:38 »

havent voted either but am interested. Just add me to the most popular date. Once i know which weekend and if its going ahead i can then see if ill get the time off at work. A pain i know but thats the way it is at that time of year. :-(

MikeDundee · « **Reply #50 on:** 19 June 2009, 06:10:52 »

Due to the limited amount of interest for this meet, have decided not to proceed any further for this year. I will post up another thread with dates for next year. Thanks and sorry to the folks that did vote in the poll and show interest in the meet

Gareth Lewis · « **Reply #51 on:** 19 June 2009, 15:10:09 »

Quote

Due to the limited amount of interest for this meet, have decided not to proceed any further for this year. I will post up another thread with dates for next year. Thanks and sorry to the folks that did vote in the poll and show interest in the meet

Please do Mike - I think many people, like myself, have already committed to holidays / big breaks this year but if we had dates for next year well in advance I think many can then plan accordingly and build the trip into their family holiday plans.

News:

Author Topic: Europe? (Read 7125 times)

mike213735

feeutfo

mike213735

mike213735

feeutfo