ERRIES AROUND the British and Irish coast last year carried 39 million passengers on 75 routes served by 12 operators, taking us on voyages of discovery from the tip of Scotland to the sunny coasts of Spain.

National Ferry Fortnight celebrates the ships that we often take for granted. Many of us think no farther than the simple crossing from Dover to Calais – unassuming but a gateway to a world of Gallic charm – yet there are crossings to Holland from both Harwich, on Stena’s impressive ships ( take your pets and keep an eye on them via TV- cam from your cabin!), and Newcastle, with DFDS, as well as sailings to delicious Brittany from the south of England.

There are crossings to Ireland from Wales and crossings to remote Scottish islands from the mainland. Islands – Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly – loom large in ferry holiday adventures. And while the crossing to the Isle of Wight may be as little as half an hour, you’re travelling to a world of relaxation and charm.

There are tiny ferries and super- ferries that are all but cruise ships. Here we celebrate the world that they can help us explore – and there are special offers to mark that celebration.