Day 2: Friday 03.08.2018 Ferry to Dover, Canterbury and Stonehenge/Woodhenge

This morning, we started from our accommodation towards the ferry at around 6:45 am. For one night (like for the ferry in our case), the accommodation is perfect (Name of the accommodation: Cosyade). Good bed, close to the ferry port, and clean.

Checking in on the ferry went smoothly, but we were checked five (!) times before we were allowed to board the ferry (ticket control France, ID control France, luggage control France, ticket & ID control England, luggage control England) - so make sure to plan enough time! The ferry departed as planned at 8 am. The sea was completely calm, making the crossing very pleasant. The journey took two hours, but due to the time difference, we only "lose" one hour. On the ship, we were reminded to convert our car headlights for driving on the left. Special stickers for this purpose can be purchased on board, but they are only suitable for halogen headlights. For our VW bus (with LED headlights), the travel mode must be activated in the onboard computer. However, there is nothing about this in the vehicle's manual (flipping through hundreds of pages for nothing...). With the help of the internet and trial and error, we also figured it out ourselves. When leaving the ferry in Dover, we were checked again and asked about the duration and destination of our trip. Shortly before arrival, you have a magnificent view of the cliffs of Dover.

About 20 minutes from Dover is the city of Canterbury. There is the Canterbury Cathedral, which is nearly 1,500 years old. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader of the Church of England. In the center of the city, there is a beautiful downtown area with historic buildings and many small and large shops. Our goal was actually the cathedral, but the downtown area is also worth a visit. Parking in the downtown area costs £1.70 per hour.

From Canterbury, we set off for Salisbury. Stonehenge and Woodhenge are located near there. We often encountered traffic jams on the way, as the route went around London. Traffic also builds up around Stonehenge, as many drivers are distracted by it. The parking lot is a few kilometers away, and you have to take the shuttle bus (or walk). The admission fee is about £20 (for students, about £17). This includes the bus, Stonehenge, and a museum. We were only checked on the bus on the way there. Stonehenge itself is probably free, as we were not checked again there. The sight is very impressive. Of course, there are many tourists on site. In summary, it is definitely worth visiting Stonehenge, but once in a lifetime is enough ;-). Nearby is Woodhenge. This stone or wood formation is free of charge and not crowded at all, yet it is almost as old as Stonehenge. Definitely worth seeing when you are there.

Today, for the first time on this trip, we are sleeping in the car. We found a spot about 30 km away from Stonehenge. Tomorrow we start for Liverpool.

Mileage: 1,140 km

Insight of the day: keep left!

J&T