Motorhome and the Pooch: Ferrying to Calais and Camping Just a Mile Away

Travelling abroad in a motorhome with a dog requires some extra planning thanks to certain voters choosing Brexit, but you have to turn a negative into a positive, so our European journey started with a drive down to Plymouth. Our main mission was securing the animal health certificate so the pooch could join us legally through France and Germany, all the way to Switzerland, etc. With the vet paperwork officially sorted and stamped, we set off toward Dover to catch our ferry across the Channel.

The drive into Dover was a good start to the journey. We drove through Roundhill Tunnel near Folkestone and then the Dover road tunnels carved into the chalk hills before emerging right beside the dramatic white cliffs guarding the coast. Passing through the port check in gates and passport control, we queued up in the loading lanes alongside the freight trucks, ready to board. The pooch stepped out of the motorhome to stretch his legs on the tarmac while we waited for our lane to be called.

Once on board, we checked into the pet lounge, which turned out to be a great decision. The layout looked almost like a classic Pizza Hut dining area, complete with private booth seating. Because we had the whole space to ourselves, the pooch could freely wander, explore, and relax without the stress of a crowded deck or alone in the motorhome.

​The lounge even had a dedicated dog treat vending machine stocked with snacks, though unfortunately, pooch had no money on him so he didn't get a treat from it. Free drinks for the people accompanying the pooch, and oh free poo bags for the pooch.

The ninety minute crossing went by quickly and smoothly. Before long, the white cliffs disappeared behind us and the French coastline of Calais came into view through the steamy windows.

Rolling off the ship in the motorhome, our road trip officially began as we pointed the wheels towards France.

We finally settled down for the night at a campsite surrounded by trees, about an hour's drive from Calais, in Northern France. First day over for our roadtrip to Switzerland.