How to enjoy a perfect Spring day trip to Calais from the UK. The port city has long been a gateway between Britain and France — and today it remains one of the easiest and quickest continental escapes for UK travellers, just a short ferry or Eurotunnel journey away. An English stronghold for over 200 years until 1558, the city still carries echoes of its shared past. And though its history is evident, today Calais’s revitalised seafront and fabulous cultural projects, including its fantastical mechanical creatures, show a city embracing both heritage and imagination.
And the best part? You can take a free day trip if you take advantage of a popular offer from Calais Vins (near the ferry port in Calais) and Olivier Vins (close to the Eurotunnel terminal in Coquelles) – two well-known wine specialists in Calais, particularly favoured by British visitors for their wide selection and competitive prices.
A perfect Spring day trip to Calais from the UK
Hop on a P&O Ferry at Dover, alight in Calais and head to the town just a few minutes from the port. Start with a stroll along the Calais seafront promenade. The wide, pristine beach stretches endlessly, its pale sand brushed smooth by the tide. Keep an eye out for the extraordinary: the Calais Dragon, a towering mechanical beast that roams the promenade, breathing mist and delighting visitors of all ages. Nearby, the Sentinel Iguana adds another touch of whimsy, part art installation, part storytelling marvel.
Gastronomy
Seafood is king in Calais! There are loads of excellent restaurants and menus feature local favourites like moules marinières flavoured with garlic and white wine, platters of oysters, and generous plateaux de fruits de mer piled high with crab, prawns, and langoustines. Add a chilled glass of Chablis or a local artisanal beer for the perfect pairing. It’s also the perfect opportunity to discover French wines at source — often at significantly lower prices than in the UK.
In Spring the weather is often warm enough to sit outdoors and enjoy the sunshine as you watch the world go by.
Museums and monuments
There are several museums and monuments to visit including the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode a unique museum celebrating lacemaking, once the pride of Calais industry – which originated in Nottingham! Weavers, mechanics and engineers in the lace making industry in England migrated to Calais in the early 19th century for a better life.
There’s also the Musée des Beaux-Arts a small but excellent museum with a focus on Rodin’s whose famous Burghers of Calais sculpture in front of the Town Hall tells a powerful local story. It commemorates an event during the Hundred Years’ War, when Calais surrendered to the English after an 11-month siege. The Town Hall is well worth visiting for its art deco interior and for the UNESCO listed Belfry which you can climb for sweeping views across the town and coast.
History lovers will find the Calais Memorial Museum in a German bunker, is a fascinating visit.
How to get your free day trip
For over 20 years, Calais Vins and Olivier Vins have been a trusted stop for UK travellers crossing the Channel. As independent wine specialists based in Calais, they have built a strong reputation for offering a wide selection of French wines, Champagnes and spirits at competitive prices, combined with expert advice from experienced, bilingual teams. Their long-standing focus on serving British customers has made them a go-to destination for cross-Channel wine shopping, particularly for those looking to combine a simple day trip with genuine savings.
To get your free day trip – simply order a minimum of €300 of wine, beer, spirits etc from wine-calais.co.uk- with more than 4,000 wines, Champagnes and spirits sourced from across France, from everyday favourites to premium bottles, you’ll definitely find your favourites. And you’ll also find that prices are much lower than in the UK so you’ll be making savings too (for instance champagne prices are up to 40% cheaper in France than in the UK). Confirm which of their two superstores you’d like to collect from – Calais Vins (near the port) or Olivier Vins (near Eurotunnel). They will send you a code to make your booking with P&O for a car and up to 9 people. The proximity makes it ideal for a day trip from the UK — no flights, no luggage restrictions, just a simple drive-on journey. Many UK visitors make the trip specifically for the price difference, making it one of the most popular cross-Channel wine shopping trips for British travellers, particularly on Champagne, fine wines and premium spirits.
Before you head back to the UK, pick up your order and reclaim the VAT (around 15% back for UK visitors taking goods home). This is one of the key reasons why wine shopping in Calais offers significant savings compared to UK prices.
While you’re there, enjoy the tasting bar and get advice from professional sommeliers. The bilingual team is used to welcoming British customers and can guide you based on your preferences.
UK customs allowances make it easy to bring wine back for personal use. The stores are open 7 days a week, and if you’re travelling on a late sailing, you can even collect your order from on-site lockers using a pre-arranged code.
It’s a perfect spring day escape, an excuse to indulge whilst making savings. But, it’s not just a day out — for many UK visitors, it’s become a smart and enjoyable Calais wine trip combining travel, gastronomy and genuine savings.
Ordering online is simple and secure, you can see the whole range of products here, and find the terms and conditions for the free day trip: wine-calais.co.uk
