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Family Travel: Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry with Children
Travelling with babies, toddlers, or children on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry? This complete family travel guide covers: children’s play area (video games, soft play), baby changing facilities on multiple decks, family seating areas, children’s menu, 4-berth family cabins with bunk beds, entertainment options, what to pack for kids, infant travel (under 4s travel free), and expert tips for stress-free family ferry crossings.
The Newhaven to Dieppe ferries are very family-friendly with excellent facilities: dedicated children’s play area with video games and soft play for under-5s, baby changing facilities on multiple decks with microwaves for heating bottles and food, family seating areas throughout, a children’s menu in the restaurant, 4-berth cabins with bunk beds kids love, and children under 4 travel completely free. The 4-hour crossing is manageable for most families.
Last updated: March 2026
👨👩👧👦 Family Travel at a Glance
FREE
Children
Under 4
4 hours
Manageable
Crossing
Play Area
Games +
Soft Play
Kids’ Menu
Children’s
Restaurant Menu
✅ Dedicated children’s play area – Video games, soft play for toddlers
✅ Baby changing on multiple decks – With microwaves for bottles/food
✅ Family seating areas – Space for pushchairs/prams
✅ 4-berth cabins available – Kids love bunk beds
✅ Under-4s travel free – No charge for children under 4
Family-Friendly Facilities Onboard
Both ferries (Côte d’Albâtre and Seven Sisters) have excellent facilities specifically for families with children.
LOCATION: Deck 6 (Quiet Lounge deck), accessible via lifts
VIDEO GAMES AREA:
Video game consoles with age-appropriate titles
Comfortable seating for children
Large screen TVs
Supervised area (parents nearby)
Free to use throughout the crossing
SOFT PLAY AREA (Under 5s):
Padded play equipment
Soft toys and activities for toddlers
Separate area from older children
Parent seating area immediately adjacent
Safe flooring for young children
RULES:
Children must be supervised by parent/guardian
Soft play for younger children; video games area for older
Clean and maintained throughout crossing
Fair turns on popular games
OPENING HOURS: Throughout entire crossing (no closures)
💡 Parent Tip: The play area is incredibly popular, especially in the first 30 minutes after boarding. If your children are keen to use the games, head there immediately after boarding to avoid queues. The play area can occupy kids for 1-2 hours of the 4-hour crossing!
BABY CHANGING ROOMS AVAILABLE ON:
Deck 6 (near children’s play area)
Deck 7 (near main toilets)
Accessible toilets also have baby changing
FACILITIES IN EACH:
Fold-down changing table
Nappy disposal bins
Hand washing sink
Paper towels
Clean and maintained regularly
MICROWAVE ACCESS:
Microwaves available near baby changing areas
For heating baby bottles and food
FREE to use
Typically takes 30-60 seconds to heat a bottle
Bring own bottles/food — nothing provided
IMPORTANT: No hot water taps for making formula. Bring pre-made bottles or bring powder + cooled boiled water from home to mix onboard.
DECK 7 (MAIN LOUNGE):
Designated family seating sections
Tables suitable for family activities
Space to park pushchairs/prams nearby
Near accessible toilets and baby changing
Atmosphere accepting of children
DECK 6 (QUIET LOUNGE):
Reclining seats with more space
Good for naptime
Near children’s play area
Quieter environment if kids need rest
PUSHCHAIR/PRAM STORAGE:
Can bring pushchairs onboard
Fold and store under/near seats
OR leave in designated storage area
Security staff keep eye on stored items
RESTAURANT (DECK 7):
Children’s Menu (DFDS-confirmed items):
Potato burger
Breaded hake portion
Steak burger
All include a 33cl bottle of water and a dessert (yoghurt, apple compote, cheese or ice cream)
Every child’s meal comes with a special kid’s pack!
Portions: Child-sized, suitable for younger children
Service: Table service, 10-15 minute wait typical. Check with restaurant staff for current prices when you board.
Highly recommended for families, especially the overnight ferry or families with young children.
CABIN FEATURES:
Sleeping Arrangements
4 beds total (sleeps family of 4)
Bunk beds (kids love bunks!)
Clean bed linen provided
Pillows and blankets included
Comfortable mattresses
Cabin Facilities
En-suite bathroom (toilet, sink, shower)
Window for natural light
Lockable door (security)
Space for suitcases
Mirror and shelf space
WHY BOOK CABIN FOR FAMILY:
Privacy – Kids can be loud without bothering others
Rest space – Kids can nap in comfort (especially overnight ferry)
Security – Lock valuables safely
Changing area – Private space for nappy changes, clothing changes
Excitement – Kids love the adventure of “sleeping on the ferry”
Stress reduction – Parents can relax in private space
PRICING & BOOKING:
Cabins start from £32 (in addition to your ferry fare)
Add cabin when booking ferry online
OR call: +44 33 058 787 87
Popular in summer — book 8-12 weeks ahead
State you need a family cabin for 4
OVERNIGHT FERRY (23:00 departure): 4-berth cabin HIGHLY recommended. Kids can sleep properly — arrive in Dieppe at 05:00 French time — parents get rest, and it makes the journey much easier than trying to sleep in lounge seats.
Ages & Fares
Understanding how pricing works for different age children.
AGE CATEGORIES:
Age Group
Fare
Notes
Infants (under 4)
FREE
No seat required; sits on parent’s lap or in car seat. Still needs own passport.
Children (4-15 years)
Reduced fare
Typically 60-70% of the adult fare. Check dfds.com for current prices when booking.
Note: If travelling by car, DFDS prices the vehicle booking to include all passengers — you don’t pay separate adult/child fares on top of the car ticket. The examples below are for foot passengers, where individual fares apply.
Peak August (last-minute booking, foot passengers):
Adult 1: £140
Adult 2: £140
Toddler (age 2): FREE
Child (age 7): approx. £95 (reduced fare)
Total: approx. £375
Off-peak April (12 weeks ahead, foot passengers):
Adult 1: £32
Adult 2: £32
Toddler (age 2): FREE
Child (age 7): approx. £22 (reduced fare)
Total: approx. £86 — huge saving vs peak!
💰 Family Savings Tip: Children under 4 travel free, so if planning a France trip with young children, going before they turn 4 saves one fare entirely. Also, book 12+ weeks ahead and travel off-peak for massive savings. If travelling by car, the car booking covers all passengers — great value for families. See our discounts guide.
Ready to Book Family Ferry?
Book early for best prices — children under 4 travel free!
Wi-Fi available (slow — won’t stream, but can message)
BRING YOUR OWN ENTERTAINMENT:
Babies/Toddlers (0-3)
Favourite toys (not too many)
Board books
Snacks (keeps them occupied)
Tablet with downloaded shows
Colouring books + crayons
Young Children (4-8)
Tablet/iPad with downloaded shows
Colouring books + activity books
Small toys (Lego, action figures)
Card games (Uno, Snap)
Snacks and treats
Older Children (9-12)
Tablet/phone with games
Books or e-reader
Headphones (essential!)
Card/board games
Drawing pad
Teenagers (13+)
Phone/tablet
Headphones
Books
They’ll enjoy the play area video games too
TIMELINE FOR 4-HOUR CROSSING:
Hour 1: Boarding excitement, exploring ship, finding seats, play area (30 mins boarding + 30 mins exploring)
Hour 2: Play area gaming/soft play (1 hour)
Hour 3: Lunch/snacks in restaurant or own food (45 mins) + outdoor deck walk (15 mins)
Hour 4: Tablet entertainment/quiet activities/snacks before arrival
Most families find 4 hours manageable with good planning. It’s long enough to need entertainment but short enough kids cope.
Expert Tips for Stress-Free Family Travel
✓ Tip #1: Book 4-Berth Cabin
Kids can be loud in a private space, rest when needed, secure area for valuables. Especially valuable for the overnight ferry — kids actually sleep vs lounge seat discomfort. Cabins from £32 in addition to your ferry fare.
✓ Tip #2: Head to Play Area Immediately
After boarding, go straight to the children’s play area (Deck 6). It gets busiest 30-60 mins after boarding. Early arrival = no queues for video games.
✓ Tip #3: Bring Own Food
Restaurant meal for a family adds up quickly. A packed lunch saves money and kids often prefer familiar food anyway. Microwaves onboard for heating baby food.
✓ Tip #4: Download Entertainment
Ferry Wi-Fi won’t stream Netflix. Download 2-3 movies the night before. Fully charge tablets. Bring a portable charger. Headphones are essential!
✓ Tip #5: Travel Off-Peak & Book Early
Off-peak travel (October-April) combined with booking 12+ weeks ahead delivers the biggest savings. Weekend peak sailings cost significantly more than midweek off-peak fares.
✓ Tip #6: Use Outdoor Deck
Deck 8 outdoor area = fresh air, sea views, space to move. Mid-crossing restlessness? A 15-minute outdoor deck visit burns energy.
Frequently Asked Questions: Family Travel
Do children travel free on Newhaven to Dieppe ferry?
Children under 4 years old travel completely FREE — no charge, no seat required; infant sits on parent’s lap or in car seat. Children aged 4-15 pay a reduced fare (typically 60-70% of the adult price). Youth aged 18-25 can get 20% discount by booking by phone with photo ID. Every child including infants needs their own passport even when travelling free.
Is there a children’s play area on the ferry?
Yes, dedicated children’s play area on Deck 6. Features video games consoles with age-appropriate titles, plus a soft play area for under-5s with toys and activities, comfortable seating for children, and free to use throughout the crossing. Very popular — head there immediately after boarding to avoid queues. Separate soft play for toddlers away from older children.
Are there baby changing facilities on the ferry?
Yes, baby changing facilities on Deck 6 (near play area) and Deck 7 (near main toilets). Features: fold-down changing tables, nappy disposal bins, hand washing sinks, cleaned and maintained regularly. Microwaves available nearby for heating baby bottles and food (free to use). Bring own nappies, wipes, bottles, food — nothing provided.
Should I book a cabin for family ferry travel?
Highly recommended, especially for the overnight ferry. 4-berth family cabins sleep a family of 4 with bunk beds kids love. Benefits: privacy (kids can be loud), rest space (kids can nap), security (lock valuables), private changing area. Daytime ferry: cabin optional but nice. Overnight ferry: cabin highly recommended — arrive Dieppe at 05:00 French time. Cabins from £32 in addition to ferry fare. Book 8-12 weeks ahead in summer.
Is there a children’s menu on the ferry?
Yes, a children’s menu is available in the restaurant (Deck 7). DFDS-confirmed menu includes: potato burger, breaded hake portion, or steak burger — each with a 33cl bottle of water and a dessert (yoghurt, apple compote, cheese or ice cream), plus a special kid’s pack. Can also bring your own food (allowed and common) — microwaves are available for heating. Bringing packed lunches saves money for the whole family.
Can I bring a pushchair or pram on the ferry?
Yes, pushchairs and prams are allowed onboard free of charge. Can fold and store under/near seats in family seating areas, or leave in a designated storage area (supervised). Space to park pushchairs near family seating on Deck 7. Lifts throughout the ship accommodate pushchairs easily.
How long is the ferry crossing for families to manage?
The 4-hour crossing is manageable for most families with planning. Timeline: Hour 1 — boarding excitement and exploring ship; Hour 2 — children’s play area; Hour 3 — lunch/snacks and outdoor deck walk; Hour 4 — tablet entertainment before arrival. Most families find it easier than expected with preparation.
