Ferry operator DFDS is expecting to carry up to 100,000 cars across the Channel this Easter holiday. For those looking for last-minute inspiration for a weekend away or a longer break in France, the company has a round-up of some of the best things to do on a short break. 

Discover the magic of EuroDisney

Book a Disney hotel and ferry package with DFDS and create lasting memories discovering the magic of Disneyland Paris. Classic Disney tales and Star Wars legends are brought to life in a fairy-tale setting that features Sleeping Beauty's Castle and Big Thunder Mountain. New in 2025 is the Disney Tales of Magic immersive nighttime spectacular, which combines cutting-edge technology and breathtaking production to bring main street to life every evening. The new show is accompanied by an exclusive Disney soundtrack with 20 iconic tracks from Disney and Pixar films.

Prices start from £172 for a return trip with a car and four people, staying for two nights in the staycity aparthotel near Disneyland Paris. Park entry purchased separately. (3.25-hour drive from Dieppe, 3.5-hour drive from Calais).

Be amazed at Nausicaa

For a family-friendly adventure with a socially conscious purpose, visit Europe's largest aquarium, Nausicaa, in Boulogne-Sur-Mer. With ticket prices lower than those for many UK parks and aquariums, Nausicaa is a great value option for a family day out in the chilly early months of the year. More than 60,000 sea creatures live in the centre's underwater world, and visitors can come face-to-face with sharks, manta rays and shoals of fish in the giant 'Big Tank', which holds enough water to fill four Olympic swimming pools. A variety of touch pools, immersive and interactive experiences will keep the kids entertained, while also teaching them all about human efforts to protect and conserve our oceans. More than just an aquarium, Nausicaa is a state-of-the-art marine centre dedicated to protecting our planet.

Day tickets start from €30 for adults and €23 for children aged 3-to-12-years during the off-peak season. (30-minute drive from Calais).

Step into the past at Puy de Fou

This incredible and underrated theme park is currently little-known in the UK but has recently announced plans to open a new £300m immersive theme park near Oxford. For an insight into what to expect when it opens, visitors can experience a time travelling adventure through Roman times, watch medieval jousts and experience a spectacular 360-degree performance set in pre-Revolutionary France at the theme park's current site near Nantes. Set on a 250-acre park, with six themed hotels, the theme park offers 20 breathtaking shows packed with special effects that bring history to life. New for 2025, dive into the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table with an epic new adventure fusing technology and creativity.

Prices for entry are from £30.88 per person for a one-day ticket. Stay on site from £61.76 per person. (4.5-hour drive from Dieppe).

Ride the dragon in Calais

Ride the spectacular Calais Dragon, which prowls along the seafront breathing fire in a display that is unique to the French city. Adults and children alike can climb the length of this mythical creature's tail to a viewing platform attached to the dragon's back for an excellent view on a 45-minute tour of the beachfront. Standing ten metres tall, this beast of an attraction breathes fire and is a crucial part of plans to transform Calais over the next decade.

Prices are €9.50 for adults and €7.50 for children aged 4-to-11-years. DFDS customers can hitch a ride at a specially discounted rate.

Kids eat free onboard with DFDS throughout the Easter holiday. Families travelling on the company's Dover to Calais or Dunkirk, and Newhaven to Dieppe service will receive a free kids' meal of kids' breakfast for every adult meal purchased in the 7 Seas Restaurant, Horizon Restaurant or Lighthouse Café onboard. A maximum of four free kids' meals can be claimed per crossing (kids under 15 only).

France and Belgium are easily accessible via DFDS' Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk and Newhaven to Dieppe routes. Short break fares for travel from Dover start from £119 for up to three days away or from £149 for a 5-day short break. For travel on the Newhaven to Dieppe service, prices start from £100 each way for a car and four people.

For more information or to book visit www.dfds.com.