Dieppe Guide
Dieppe Ferry Port
Dieppe port is located on the Normandy coast in northern France, approximately halfway between Le Havre and Calais. Operated by DFDS, Newhaven to Dieppe is the primary cross-channel ferry route from the UK, with up to four daily sailings to choose from.
How long is the ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe?
Ideal for a day trip to France, sailing to the port of Dieppe takes just four hours and represents an easier option than the Dover-Calais route given the lower passenger traffic numbers. The port itself is well connected to a number of big French cities, including Paris, and western France, and you can even relax in one of the excellent Dieppe hotels available before setting off.
What is the history of Dieppe?
During the 16th and 17th Centuries, Dieppe was one of the nation’s most vital ports, with numerous colonial ships embarking to West Africa and Brazil. Its primary purpose has since shifted to attracting seaside holidaymakers, characterised by a humbleness and cosiness not usually found in the northern French port towns.
Things to do in Dieppe
With strong ties to the Second World War, Dieppe’s main attractions include the Memorial of August 19th, commemorating the Dieppe Raid in which the Allies suffered a devastating loss of numbers during an assault on Nazi-occupied Europe, and the vast Canadian War Cemetery.
Ideal for kids, the ‘City of the Sea’ showcases the town’s long fishing history with fun exhibits and model ships, while the clifftop castle, built between the 14th and 18th Centuries, features a fascinating museum inside with Pissarro and Renoir artworks.
What is there at Dieppe port?
The Dieppe ferry port facilities include free car parking in front of the terminal building, at the seafront, while it is also possible to park on the streets for a small daily rate. For refreshments, there is a bar-cafeteria serving food and drinks, while the port also offers plenty of disabled facilities and tourist information, including access to the DFDS timetable.
Newhaven Guide
Newhaven Ferry Port
Newhaven Port is situated on the east coast of England, lying in the county of East Sussex. The only ferry route departing from Newhaven is to Dieppe on the west coast of France, with three crossings per day, lasting four hours, supplied by DFDS Seaways.
What is there to do in Newhaven?
Newhaven is a quiet, sleepy town surrounded by countryside and engulfed by charming cottages. Clubs and bars are replaced by warm pubs and quaint cafes, and they are linked by muddy walking trails and narrow cobbled streets. For travellers hoping to bring their dog, it is the perfect village to take your four legged companion for a brisk stroll in the fresh sea air amongst beautiful scenery. Despite its country feel, the town isn’t completely cut off from amenities; there are high street shops in the town centre.
The busiest part of the town is by the port, which hosts many exhibitions for those with an interest in maritime. Visitors are encouraged to explore the area, including the air raid shelter or children’s play area, and afterwards there is a gift shop with souvenirs or a tea room serving delicious cake. On a hot summer’s day, many families and couples choose to get there early and bask in the sun whilst eating a picnic on the grassy hilltop.
How do visitors get around Newhaven?
The old fashioned nature of the town lends itself to walking, especially in the spring and summer months. Most hotels and forms of accommodation will book transfers to the port for their guests.
