Wed 14-Oct: London to Plymouth to catch ferry to Santander, 320km/4 hours or 365km/5 hours​​​

Conditions: sun rise/set 7:24/18:11, average low/high: 8C/15C, rain 34%, altitude 56ft.  Generally overcast.

Up early with a two hour ride out of London to a biker cafe/museum for breakfast, then make our way south-west, visiting a few more biker hangouts before getting to the ferry, departing mid-afternoon.​​​

Itinerary 

• 7:00 - 9:00: chocks away, Walton on Thames to Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen. 160km, 2 hours, *20

  • the route takes us past Stonehenge​

• 9:00 - 10:00: breakfast at Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen

• 10:00 - 11:30: ride from Old Brewery Cafe and Kitchen to Cafe 53. 122km, 1 hour 30 min, *29

• 11:30 - 12:00: break at Cafe 53.

• 12:00 - 14:30 options:

  • twisty over Dartmore, don't take if weather is bad as is very exposed. 82km, 1 hour 40 min, *60

  • direct down the A38 72km, 1 hour, *31

    • could stop at the The Jolly Roger along the way​

  • couple of biker cafes in Plymouth we could get lunch at if we have time:

    • Cap'n Jaspers, 10 minutes from the ferry in town: A legendary quayside snack shack that has been a primary biker meeting point since 1978. It is famous for its "Jasperizer" burgers and yard-long hot dogs. It remains popular year-round due to its atmosphere and relative ease of parking for motorcycles right on the water.

    • ​The Pit Stop Cafe, 20 minutes from the ferry on the way into town: Part of a flagship dealership. It offers a high-end "biker vibe" with comfortable sofas, a full breakfast/lunch menu, and a viewing area for premium motorcycles like MV Agusta and Norton.

• 14:30 - 15:00: check in at Plymouth Brittany Ferries, navigate to the vehicle check-in lane, here

• 15:45: ferry departs from Plymouth Brittany Ferries

The ferry

The onboard experience is designed like a "cruise-ferry," primarily served by the flagship Pont-Aven. Facilities focus on comfort and entertainment for the 20+ hour crossing. 

Dining & Drinks

• Le Flora Restaurant: A flagship fine-dining venue offering à la carte French cuisine with panoramic sea views.

• Self-Service Dining: La Belle Angèle provides informal family meals like fish and chips or roast dinners.

• Le Café du Festival: Ideal for light bites, baguettes, and pastries.

• Bars & Lounges:

  • Le Grand Pavois: A two-storey main lounge bar featuring a grand staircase, cocktails, and live entertainment.

  • Le Fastnet: A quieter piano bar adjacent to the fine-dining restaurant.

  • Les Finistères: A pool-side bar open during the summer and peak crossings. 

Leisure & Entertainment​

• Cinemas: Two onboard cinemas showing the latest film releases; tickets are usually available at the Information Desk shortly after departure.

• Wellness & Spa: A dedicated space for spa treatments, facials, and pedicures.

• Live Shows: Seasonal entertainment including cabaret singers, live bands, magicians, and DJs.

• Shopping: Large boutiques on decks 6 and 7 offering duty-free prices on perfumes, spirits, fashion, and souvenirs. 

• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in most public areas.