DO PAY THE FERRYMAN...

■ THERE’S something so relaxing about travelling with kids by ferry.

You can load up the car (and roof box and bike rack in our case!) with loads of luggage, drive on with very little waiting around then sit back and watch the waves.

There’s entertainment including a pantomime, quizzes, bingo and storytime plus a soft play area, a cinema and several places to eat and drink and shops to peruse.

There’s also a virtual game kids can play using the wi-fi, and a treasure hunt challenge around the ferry that they can collect from the reception desk.

I thoroughly recommend booking a cabin, even for day crossings, as it gives you a place to have a lie down, make a cup of tea and sit and watch the telly too.

Disembarkation was quick too, and the five-hour drive to Royan a breeze as the motorways are so good to drive on.