Travel

Whether it's through a fear of flying or wanting to do things the green way, some of us simply don't want to get on a plane when we go off on holiday. Mercifully, there are many destinations that can be reached by ferry. And, while some of them are just grim port cities, others are fantastic spots for a short break. We've picked out five of the best.

Caen

Where: Normandy, France.
Why? Caen is great for history buffs – it was founded by William the Conqueror, and many buildings relating to the first Norman king of England still stand. The chateau and Abbaye d'Hommes are particularly impressive.
From another perspective: Taking Caen was one of the first objectives in the 1944 D-Day landings, and it makes an excellent base for exploring the D-Day beaches or paying respects at the war cemeteries.
Who with: Brittany Ferries cross three times a week.
Where from: Portsmouth.

Search: European destinations | Ferry tickets
Be there: Hotels in Caen | France travel guide
Related articles: Ten cities for summer fun | Travelling in Europe