Earliest Arrival Time - Dover and Calais

[mat1]

Ferry leaves Dover at 0815 hrs and on return leaves Calais 1950 hrs (both Sundays).
Both with Sea France.
What is the earliest i can get to the ports to park up ?
Not so much the return trip, but i shall drive through the night on the way to Dover.
Estimated journey time of approx 5 hrs.
Thought about leaving around 2000 hrs, arrive at 0100 hrs then park up a have a few hours sleep.
This will then enable me to do the 4 hour journey in France without the need for a nap.

Thanks
Mat

 

[SEMPTIE]

Hi Mat
Parking is at a premium at Dover in fact there is no space available at the port to allow you to put feet down and have kip. Best bet (if a member of CC) is to use the cl at Capel Le Ferne about 2-3 miles outside Dover off the A20. Should be in members handbook, will check later. It has a honesty box for payment so no need to worry about finding someone to take your money. we used this cl when we travelled down from up north, no need now as we only live 40 mins from Dover.
As regards `tother side, Calais have a large car park where you can quite easily park up for a couple of hours, just be aware that sometimes the migrants are wandering about looking for free passage. I personally have never had a problem.
Regards
Simon

 

[Woody3]

There's two good CLs, once just west of the A2 near and the other just east of the A2 at Singledge Lane. Both have mains and water and cost less than a tenner. Both in CC book.

 

[Allen774]

We use Marine Parade when we have an early sailing,we arrive after 1900hrs and leave about 0600hrs and its free and only two mins from the ferryport.used by lots of caravaners and motorhomes.

 

[mat1]

Allen774

Please tell me more about Marine Parade.

Mat

 

[Allen774]

Hi Mat
If you use Google earth and type in Marine parade Dover England you can follow the route in,via the esplanade and waterloo crescent,Every time we use Dover,we use Norfolkline and stop over on the parade.you will not be alone a lot of seasoned motorhomers and caravaners use this facilitie.The area is patroled regularly by the police.we usually arrive after 1900hrs and avoid paying parking charges,there is a kfc about 5 mins walk away,thats the wifes task while I put the legs down and put the kettle on.We leave the area as we wish to find it,and quietly if its early in the morning.

 

[Willi-Wonti]

Hi Mat
Parking is at a premium at Dover in fact there is no space available at the port to allow you to put feet down and have kip. Best bet (if a member of CC) is to use the cl at Capel Le Ferne about 2-3 miles outside Dover off the A20. Should be in members handbook, will check later. It has a honesty box for payment so no need to worry about finding someone to take your money. we used this cl when we travelled down from up north, no need now as we only live 40 mins from Dover.
As regards `tother side, Calais have a large car park where you can quite easily park up for a couple of hours, just be aware that sometimes the migrants are wandering about looking for free passage. I personally have never had a problem.
Regards
Simon

I can recommend Capel Le Ferne

 

[Stevel]

Have you tried Folkestone Services Stop 24 at J11 M20? I think they have designated spaces for about £5 /24 hours.

 

[emmitdb]

Greetings All,
I have noticed "Marine Parade, Dover been mentioned a few times (including this thread)
I have been onto Google Maps and been down the length of this road.
I notice that there are numerous parking spots that are 'Nose In" to the kerb.
Does anyone know what the local law enforcement (Police or Council) position is should I park parallel to the kerb and take up several places. I don't think they'd be too happy if I parked my 12.5mt outfit into their parking space leaving 7mts sticking out into the road!
Of course I am not talking about during the day but at night after the charges have stopped.

 

[Allen774]

I have always parked parallel to the kerb and it has never been a problem.