Best weekend breaks by ferry

13 destinations picked for this guide.

A ferry turns a weekend into an adventure, and the UK has dozens of crossings to islands and coasts. These are the best weekend breaks that involve a ferry, from the short hop to the Isle of Wight to longer crossings to the Hebrides and Orkney, and you should book vehicle spaces early in summer.

BelfastNorthern Ireland · Mid-range

A friendly city of Titanic history, murals and the Causeway Coast

 IlfracombeDevon · Mid-range

A hilly harbour town with Victorian tidal pools and a giant statue

 Isle of ArranNorth Ayrshire · Mid-range

Scotland in miniature, a short ferry ride from the mainland

 ObanArgyll and Bute · Mid-range

The seafood capital of the west coast and the gateway to the islands

 Outer HebridesWestern Isles · Mid-range

White beaches, standing stones and Gaelic culture at the edge of Europe

 PenzanceCornwall · Mid-range

Cornwall's far-west gateway, with an art deco lido and St Michael's Mount

 Isle of IslayArgyll and Bute · Higher-priced

The whisky island, with wild beaches and geese

 Isle of MullArgyll and Bute · Higher-priced

A colourful harbour, sea eagles and boat trips to Iona and Staffa

 Isle of WightHampshire · Higher-priced

A compact island with chalk cliffs, castles and sandy beaches

 Isles of ScillyCornwall · Higher-priced

Subtropical gardens and empty white beaches 28 miles off Cornwall

 LymingtonHampshire · Higher-priced

A Georgian harbour town with a ferry to the Isle of Wight

 OrkneyOrkney · Higher-priced

5,000-year-old villages, standing stones and sea cliffs off the north coast of Scotland

 ShetlandShetland · Higher-priced

Puffins, Viking heritage and a wild, treeless coast far to the north

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book ferries in advance?

Yes for cars in summer, and for popular routes at weekends. Foot passengers can often buy tickets on the day.

What if the weather cancels my ferry?

Check the operator's policy, and consider flexible bookings and travel insurance.

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More guides

Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North WestBest weekend breaks from LondonBest weekend breaks from Birmingham and the MidlandsBest weekend breaks in Yorkshire and the North EastBest weekend breaks in ScotlandBest weekend breaks in Wales

Last reviewed October 2026. Prices and journey times are estimates, so check before you book. Report an error or share a tip.