I thought it might be a good idea to have a rolling thread we can add to with useful info for those looking at your forum 'ring trip
Given that I've just organised mine, I thought it might be helpful to show some of you the route options and rough costs for getting to and staying at the 'ring.. it's really not as bad as some may think.
Some tried and tested routes, and current prices if you wanted to go in May for a long weekend Saturday to Tuesday.
Dover - Dunkerque (return)
Leave @ 6am, arrive @ 9am
Return @ 8pm, arrive @ 9pm
£43
Dover - Calais (return)
Leave @ 5:55am, arrive @ 8:25am
Return @ 8:40pm, arrive @ 9:10pm
£54
Folkestone - Calais Eurotunnel (return)
Leave @ 6:20am, arrive @ 7:55am
Return @ 8:50pm, arrive @ 8:25pm
£100
If you're travelling from afar, there's plenty of Travellodges etc. around Dover and with current offers they can be had for around £40 for a twin room.
The Hull ferry is a bit of a curve ball in that you rock up at night and basically sleep on the ferry arriving in the morning. Good if you're coming from oop Norf.
Hull - Rotterdam (return)
Leave @ 9pm (Fri 15th May), arrive @ 9am (Sat 16th May)
Return @ 9pm (Tue 19th May), arrive @ 8am (Wed 20th May)
£224 (standard bunk excl. meals)
Whichever way you go, you can get to the 'ring in 1 tank of fuel and a 3-4 hour drive if it's clear.
Mileage (approx) from Rotterdam to 'ring = 200
Calais = 280
Dunkerque = 255
Accomodation is as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. I stay B&B 10 minutes from the 'ring entrance and it costs £70 a night for a twin room.
So you can get have a 3 day break at the 'ring for less than you'd think!