Happy Birthday To The Channel Tunnel

Having lived in the South East from about the age of 12, I am very aware of the impact that the Channel Tunnel had on the local economy - thousands were employed during its creation - the local attitude and the mindset in the Dover and Folkestone area.

Many of my friends and family were employed in its construction and I remember the day the two tunnels - one from France and one from England - met. 

Now, of course it offers a cheap and exceptionally fast crossing to the continent - 35 minutes or so. It also offers a viable alternative for those who don't like ferries or sea crossings of any kind - and in the early days, a quick crossing to Cite Europe for duty free goods was a blessing around Christmas time.

Yet it is still not as cheap as some ferry crossings, with a car full of passengers, some ferry companies are still offering trips from as little as £60 return for all and with air flights ever more competitive the Tunnel has struggled to maintain its place as the most preferred channel hopping system.

But for speed and the avoidance of anything wet (other than the unpredictable English weather) it's still the best way to pop across the channel and many frequent travellers love its speed, its lack of long queueing and loading times. True you have to sit in your car on a train with no comforts other than a cramped toilet, true there are no views to be observed, no wild, windswept decks to stagger across and no bars full of drunk holiday revellers - in fact, no bars at all - yet the prospect of being in a foreign country in 35 minutes or so is an attraction in itself to many. Kids too, are less easily bored, less likely to wander and so, for families the tunnel remains a great alternative to airports and ferry ports.

Happy Birthday Tunnel - from the many who swear by you - not at you.

If you are thinking of popping over, check Holsure's web site for quotes for day trips or longer holidays HERE