Planning a summer escape across the Channel? Calais offers the perfect blend of French culture, stunning coastal scenery, and savvy shopping opportunities for UK visitors. Even better, you can combine your day trip with exclusive tax-free wine savings and enjoy a completely free return ferry crossing. We also have a limited number of 3-day ferry trips available — still free with a €300 pre-order. Just ask when you book.
Explore our one-day itinerary for UK travellers in Calais perfect for families, couples or friends.
And for longer stays, explore our top day trips from Calais across the Côte d’Opale to make the most of your 3-day escape.
It’s easy to turn your wine shopping day trip into a real coastal getaway.
Relax along the breathtaking Opal Coast, discover the elegance of Le Touquet, the family-friendly charm of Hardelot, or the unspoilt natural beaches of Wissant and Audresselles.
Check out our full guide to nearby coastal escapes here:Top day trips from Calais across the Côte d’Opale to make the most of your 3-day escape.
This summer, discover why Calais is the ideal destination for British travellers seeking both memorable experiences and genuine value.
Why Calais is the Perfect UK Day-Trip Destination
Calais sits just 21 miles from Dover, making it Europe's closest continental destination for UK visitors. This vibrant port city offers far more than just a shopping stop – it's a gateway to French culture, history, and coastal beauty. From the iconic mechanical Dragon on the beach to the historic city centre's impressive architecture, Calais provides a perfect taste of France without the lengthy travel times.
The city's compact size means you can easily explore its main attractions on foot or by bike, while the efficient public transport system and bike-sharing schemes make getting around completely hassle-free. With its rich maritime heritage, world-class museums, and growing reputation for street art, Calais has evolved into a genuine cultural destination that rewards curious visitors.
How to Get Free P&O Ferry with Wine Order (Offer Details)
Here's where your Calais adventure becomes even more appealing. Calais Vins and Olivier Vins are offering UK visitors a remarkable deal: pre-order €300 worth of wine (approximately £260) and receive a completely free P&O ferry crossing for your day trip. This isn't just a discount, it's a genuine free return journey that can save you up to £100 on ferry costs.
The process is straightforward: place your wine order online at wine-calais.co.uk, pay a small deposit (€60), and select your preferred travel date. If you wish to extend your visit to 3 days, please add the one-day offer to your cart and contact us directly, we’ll make the necessary arrangements.
You’ll receive a P&O Ferries booking reference and will be able to make your own reservation directly. Then you simply collect your wine order when you arrive in Calais. What makes this deal even more attractive is the tax advantage – wine purchased in Calais carries just 2p duty per bottle, compared to UK rates, and you can reclaim the VAT using the Global Blue, saving approximately 15% on your purchase.
UK personal allowances are generous: you can bring back 18 litres of wine (24 bottles), 9 litres bottles of fortified wines (12 bottles), 42 litres of beer (64 bottles of 75cl) per person and 4 litres of spirits (5 bottles) without paying additional duty, making this offer particularly valuable for wine enthusiasts or those stocking up for special occasions.
Want to know how VAT refunds and duty-free wine shopping work post-Brexit?
Here’s everything UK travellers need to know about claiming VAT back and shopping tax-free in Calais.
Not sure whether to collect your wine before or after your trip?
Read our guide to the best time to buy wine in Calais, before or after your holiday, we’ve got you covered.
Calais Summer Attractions for UK Visitors
Calais XXL Themed Walking Tours
This summer, Calais Tourism Office has created several fascinating themed walking tours that reveal the city's hidden secrets. The "Calais au fil des statues" tour takes you on an artistic journey through the city's impressive collection of sculptures, from humble busts to the magnificent Burghers of Calais statue. Running on 6th and 10th August at 5:30pm, this 90-minute cultural walk showcases how the city's history is told through stone and bronze.
The "Saint-Pierre, de commune à quartier" tour marks the 140th anniversary of the merger between Calais and Saint-Pierre-les-Calais. Join Corinne on 15th August at 2:30pm to discover what was once a separate commune and learn to distinguish its unique character from the rest of the city. For those interested in urban history, the "1885-2025: 140 ans d'union" tours on 8th, 14th, and 18th August trace how two distinct towns became one unified city.
Street Art Tours on Foot & by Bike
Calais has become an unexpected street art capital, with new murals transforming the city into an open-air museum. The guided walking tours on 6th, 13th, and 20th August at 5:30pm reveal these urban treasures, ensuring you won't miss any of the artistic gems hidden throughout the neighbourhoods. Each 90-minute tour starts from the Tourism Office and takes you through different districts to discover works by both established and emerging artists.
For a different perspective, try the street art bike tour on 8th August at 5:30pm. Émilie leads this unique cycling adventure from one side of the city to the other, covering more ground and revealing neighbourhoods you might not explore on foot. The bike tours provide access to more distant murals while offering an eco-friendly way to see the city.
Museums & Heritage Sites
Calais boasts several world-class museums perfect for a summer visit. The Cité de la Dentelle celebrates the city's lace-making heritage with intricate displays and demonstrations. The Musée des Beaux-Arts houses an impressive fine arts collection, while the Mémoire 39-45 museum provides moving insights into the city's wartime experience.
Don't miss the iconic Hôtel de Ville and its UNESCO-listed Belfry, offering panoramic views across the Channel. The Gothic Notre-Dame church provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling port atmosphere. For families, the mechanical Calais Dragon on the beach offers an unforgettable ride experience – this massive kinetic sculpture breathes fire and carries passengers along the waterfront.
Côte d'Opale & Nearby Scenic Highlights
If you have extra time, the stunning Opal Coast stretches beyond Calais with dramatic cliff-top walks at Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez. The charming fishing village of Audresselles and the expansive beaches of Wissant provide perfect spots for coastal walks. For nature lovers, the Saint-Omer wetlands offer unique landscapes and birdwatching opportunities, all within easy reach of Calais.
Sample Itinerary: A Day Trip with wine Shopping
Morning: Catch your free P&O ferry and arrive in Calais. Head straight to the Tourism Office to join either a themed walking tour or book onto one of the street art tours departing later in the day.
Early Afternoon: Visit the Calais Dragon for a memorable beach experience, or explore one of the city's museums. The Cité de la Dentelle is particularly popular with UK visitors and provides fascinating insights into local craftsmanship.
Later Afternoon: Make your way to Calais Vins Or Olivier Vins to collect your pre-ordered wine. Our staff will assist you with the VAT refund process and provide a tax refund voucher to scan at the ferry terminal.
Just scan the barcode — the refund is instantly processed via Global Blue, and it literally takes less than 15 seconds.Before you leave, feel free to browse our selection of French wines and local specialities.
Evening: Return to the ferry terminal with your purchases, knowing you've experienced authentic French culture while making significant savings on quality wine and enjoying a completely free return journey.
Practical Tips & FAQ for UK Visitors
Booking your ferry: Once you've placed your wine pre-order of €300 or more, your free ferry offer is activated. You'll receive a P&O Ferries booking reference and can select your preferred travel time. A small deposit secures the ticket.
VAT reclaim process:
Our team will provide you with a tax refund voucher when you collect your wine.
At the ferry terminal, simply scan the barcode before boarding, it only takes around 15 seconds.
The refund is then processed by Global Blue, and you’ll typically receive the money within a few days.
No app download required, and you'll save around 15% on your purchase.
Collection and allowances:
Your wine will be safely packed and ready for transport.
UK personal allowances are generous: you can bring back up to
– 18 litres of still wine (24 bottles),
– 9 litres of fortified wine (12 bottles),
– 42 litres of beer (around 64 standard bottles),
– and 4 litres of spirits (about 5 bottles) per person,
without paying additional UK duty or taxes.
This makes the offer especially attractive for wine lovers, party hosts, or anyone looking to stock up for special occasions.
Transport and parking:
Both Calais Vins and Olivier Vins offer spacious free parking directly on site, making loading your wine easy and stress-free.
Trolleys are available in both stores to help you move your cases comfortably.
Calais itself is easy to get around, the city centre is walkable, and free public transport and bike-sharing schemes operate across the main areas.
Where are your stores located?
Calais Vins is located just 10 minutes from the ferry terminal, ideally placed for day-trippers arriving by P&O Ferries.
• Address: 2 Rue Gutenberg, Zone Curie, 62100 Calais
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 :00am – 7:00pm.
Open on Sundays from 10:00am – 6:00pm.
Olivier Vins is conveniently located right next to the Eurotunnel terminal, making it perfect for quick stops before crossing.
• Address: 219 Avenue Roger Salengro, 62231 Coquelles
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00am – 7:00pm.
Sundays 10:00am – 1:00pm.
Make the Most of Your Calais Summer Adventure
Calais offers UK visitors an unbeatable combination of cultural discovery, coastal beauty, and genuine value. With free ferry crossings available through the Calais Vins and Olivier Vins wine pre-order offer, there's never been a better time to explore this fascinating French city. Whether you're drawn by the street art tours, historical walking routes, or simply the appeal of tax-free shopping, Calais delivers a memorable day trip that feels like a proper French escape.
Ready to plan your trip? Pre-order your wine selection at wine-calais.co.uk and secure your free P&O ferry crossing today. Discover why savvy UK travellers are making Calais their go-to destination for combining culture, cuisine, and exceptional value in one perfect day trip across the Channel.
