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Plymouth to Roscoff with Kids: The Complete Family Ferry Guide 2026
Planning to travel Plymouth to Roscoff with kids? You’ve picked one of the best ways to get a family to France. No baggage weight limits, no cramped seats, no expensive car hire on arrival. You load your own car exactly as you need it — car seats, pushchair, holiday gear and all — and the children either sleep in a proper cabin bed overnight or explore the ship on a daytime sailing. Brittany Ferries designed both the Armorique and Pont-Aven with families firmly in mind: dedicated children’s play areas, kids’ menus in the restaurants, cinemas, Pierre le Bear appearances during school holidays, and family cabins for every budget. This guide covers everything — verified directly from Brittany Ferries official sources.
Last updated: April 2026 | All information verified from official Brittany Ferries sources
👨👩👧👦 Family Ferry Fast Facts — Plymouth to Roscoff
🚢 Why the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry Works So Well for Families
Travelling by ferry transforms the experience of getting to France with children. There are no restrictions on what you carry — load the boot with everything the holiday needs without worrying about baggage allowances or overhead lockers. Car seats stay in the car. Buggies go in the boot. The beach equipment, the travel cot, the bikes — it all fits. You drive on at Plymouth Millbay and drive off in Brittany.
For families from Devon, Cornwall, Wales and the South West, Plymouth is the natural departure point. There’s no long slog to Portsmouth or Dover — the A38 brings you straight into Millbay from the M5. And crucially, you arrive directly in western Brittany, not at the eastern end of France. From Port de Bloscon at Roscoff, the beaches, towns and family destinations of Finistère are immediately on your doorstep.
The overnight crossing is particularly well suited to families. Depart Plymouth at 22:00 and the children either fall asleep in the car on the way to the port or settle into the cabin shortly after boarding. The ship does the miles while everyone sleeps, and you arrive in Roscoff at 08:00 or 10:15 local time — the tidal cycle at Roscoff means arrival time can vary by up to an hour, so always plan your first morning flexibly. Either way, it’s a full day of holiday ahead.
✈️ Flying with kids
Baggage weight limits & charges
Car seats must be checked in
Car hire needed on arrival
Stressed boarding with buggies
Kids confined to seats for hours
Airport transfers both ends
⛴️ Family ferry Plymouth to Roscoff
No baggage limits — take everything
Car seats stay in your car
Drive off in Brittany, holiday begins
Children roam freely once aboard
Kids sleep overnight in a proper cabin
Drive straight to port — no transfers
🛳️ The Two Ships — Armorique & Pont-Aven
Two ships operate the Plymouth to Roscoff route. The Armorique handles most sailings throughout the year. The larger Pont-Aven operates selected Friday daytime and Tuesday overnight sailings. Both ships are family-friendly, but they differ in facilities — knowing which ship you’re on helps you plan the crossing.
📋 Which ship am I on? Check your booking confirmation — the ship name is listed there. Most standard overnight sailings throughout the year are on the Armorique. Selected Fridays (daytime) and Tuesdays (overnight) use the Pont-Aven.
Armorique
Primary vessel — most sailings
4-berth family cabins (inside and Club with window & TV)
Children’s playroom with soft play & digital games
Games Planet — air hockey, video games (deck 6)
2 onboard cinemas — kids’ films included (deck 6)
Kids’ menus in Le Restaurant (ages 4–12)
Pierre le Bear appearances during school holidays
Wi-Fi: 1 hour free allowance
Baby changing — decks 6 and 7
Le Restaurant (self-service, deck 7), Le Café (deck 6)
Continental 2-pin sockets — bring a travel adaptor
Reading lounge deck 7
Pont-Aven
Selected Fri daytime + Tue overnight sailings
Swimming pool (open on a limited basis — not always available)
Le Flora (à la carte), La Belle Angèle (self-service), Le Café du Festival
Food Pass available: Small £25, Medium £40, Large £50
Larger overall ship — more deck space to roam
💡 For families:Both ships have two cinemas and children’s play areas. The Pont-Aven also has a swimming pool — though it operates on a limited basis and is not always open, so don’t book based solely on that. The key practical difference for most families is that the Armorique’s 4-berth Club cabins include a TV and window, while the Pont-Aven offers the Commodore cabin for families wanting a genuine treat. Both have continental 2-pin sockets — always pack a UK travel adaptor.
🛏️ Family Cabins — Plymouth to Roscoff
A cabin is compulsory on overnight crossings — and for families, this is a genuine plus rather than an inconvenience. A private ensuite space means children can settle at a reasonable hour, parents can wind down, and everyone steps off the gangway in Roscoff properly rested. Below are the family-relevant cabin grades on each ship.
⚠️ Book family cabins early 4-berth cabins sell out quickly for summer sailings and school holidays. For July, August and half-term crossings, book as far in advance as possible — the best cabins can go many months ahead.
Armorique Cabin Options for Families
4-Berth Inside Cabin
Best value — from £75
Sleeps 4 — ideal for 2 adults + 2 children
Bunk-style beds
Ensuite bathroom
No window — lower price
✅ Best value family cabin on the route
4-Berth Club Cabin with Window & TV
Upgraded comfort — from £100
Sleeps 4 — 2 adults + 2 children
Bunk-style beds
Ensuite bathroom
Window and TV — great for keeping children occupied
Tea and coffee making facilities
✅ Recommended if children are slow to settle — TV is a useful tool
4-Berth Club Plus Cabin
Premium option — from £130
Sleeps 4 — 2 adults + 2 children
Bunk-style beds, window, TV & DVD player
Complimentary continental breakfast or hot drinks served in cabin
Ensuite bathroom
✅ Breakfast in the cabin — particularly good with young children
Pont-Aven Cabin Options for Families
4-Berth Inside Cabin
Best value — from £75
Sleeps 4 — 2 adults + 2 children
Twin and bunk-style beds
Air-conditioned, ensuite
No window — lower price
4-Berth Outside Cabin with Window
Sea view — from £85
Sleeps 4 — 2 adults + 2 children
Twin and bunk-style beds
Air-conditioned, ensuite
Sea view window
✅ Children love waking up to the sea
4-Berth Commodore Cabin
Premium — from £195
PONT-AVEN EXCLUSIVE
Sleeps 4 — twin beds + sofabed, private balcony
TV/DVD player, complimentary breakfast, minibar
Air-conditioned, ensuite
The most special way for a family to cross to Brittany
✅ Private balcony — memorable start to a family holiday
📚 Full cabin details:For complete pricing, descriptions and what each grade includes on both ships, see our Plymouth to Roscoff cabins guide.
👶 Travelling with a Baby or Toddler
Brittany Ferries has thought carefully about passengers with very young children. Here’s what to know before you travel Plymouth to Roscoff with a baby or toddler.
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Heating Baby Food
Ask a member of staff in Le Restaurant (Armorique) or the restaurants on Pont-Aven to warm up baby food — the crew are accustomed to this and happy to help.
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Cots in Cabins
Request a cot when booking your cabin — there is a rental charge and numbers are limited so don’t leave it. If you prefer to bring your own travel cot, check the folded dimensions against the cabin size first; space between bunks is tighter than most hotel rooms.
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Baby Changing
Baby changing rooms are located on decks 6 and 7 on the Armorique. Pont-Aven also has baby changing facilities on board. Both ships have dedicated toddler play areas.
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Bed Guards
Bed guards are available on board for younger children in cabin berths — head to the Information Desk on deck 6 or 7 when you board and ask for one. Stock is limited so get there early; they can’t be reserved in advance.
🛺
Pushchairs & Prams
Leave the full-size pram at home — a compact, foldable buggy is far more practical on board. The route from car deck to cabin involves narrow vehicle lanes, a lift that isn’t huge, and tight corridor widths. Something that folds in one hand makes the whole process considerably less stressful.
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Free Infant Fares
Under 4s sail free — but you still need to add them to the booking so the passenger manifest is accurate. Worth noting: if your child’s fourth birthday falls before the return sailing, the child fare kicks in for the homeward leg.
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Daytime Sailings with Babies
If travelling on a daytime Pont-Aven sailing (selected Fridays), consider booking a cabin even though it’s not compulsory. Having a private space to settle a baby for a nap makes the crossing considerably easier for everyone.
🎉 Keeping Kids Entertained — Both Ships
Both the Armorique and Pont-Aven have plenty to occupy children throughout the crossing. Here’s what’s available by age group.
👶 Babies & Toddlers — Both Ships
Dedicated children’s play areas on both ships
Baby changing facilities throughout (decks 6 & 7)
Baby food warming available in restaurants
Quiet cabin space for naps
🧒 Children (ages 4–11) — Both Ships
Children’s playroom — soft play and digital games
Games Planet — air hockey, video games (deck 6)
2 onboard cinemas including kids’ films
School holidays: entertainers, magicians, competitions
Pierre le Bear appearances (seasonal)
Pierre le Bear goody bag with breakfast
🎮 Teenagers — Both Ships
Games rooms: video arcade, air hockey
Wi-Fi (free allowance then paid)
Ferrynauts app — ages 7 to 14
2 onboard cinemas
Open deck space and sea air
Boutique shops — books, magazines, games
📱 Download the Ferrynauts App Before You Travel
The Brittany Ferries Ferrynauts app turns the crossing into an interactive adventure for children aged 7 to 14. Download it before leaving home so it’s ready the moment the kids board. Available on iOS and Android.
⚠️ Autism support: At check-in, Brittany Ferries can provide a booklet that explains the stages of the sailing process using eye-spy style games to describe what children will see and hear. Ask at check-in when you arrive at Plymouth Millbay.
🍽️ Family Dining — Armorique & Pont-Aven
Both ships have restaurants with dedicated kids’ menus for children aged 4–12. The restaurant names and setups differ between ships — here’s what to expect on each.
Le Restaurant
Armorique · Self-service · Deck 7
A light and spacious self-service restaurant with panoramic views and a wide choice of hot and cold dishes — from French favourites to international options. The children’s soft play area is situated within this space, making it ideal for families.
Kids’ menu for children aged 4–12
Children can choose: ham, chicken nuggets or pasta with tomato sauce
Breakfast: full cooked or continental, Pierre le Bear goody bag during school holidays
La Belle Angèle & Le Flora
Pont-Aven · Self-service + à la carte
La Belle Angèle is the self-service restaurant on Pont-Aven — the practical choice for families who don’t want to wait. Le Flora is the à la carte option for a more relaxed sit-down meal once children are settled for the night.
Kids’ menus in both restaurants for children aged 4–12
Breakfast: continental option with pastries, Pierre le Bear goody bag during school holidays
Food Pass available: Small £25, Medium £40, Large £50 — good value for families
💡 Practical dining tips for families:
The day’s entertainment and dining programme is available at the Information Desk on board (deck 6 or 7)
Head to the restaurant early after boarding in peak season — the main restaurant fills quickly
The onboard boutiques stock snacks, confectionery and small treats for the cabin
The Food Pass on Pont-Aven is worth considering for families who plan to eat across multiple outlets — the Large pass at £50 gives 15% extra value
🛂 Passport Control and Boarding with Children
Travelling internationally with children requires a little extra preparation, particularly around passports and border control. Here’s what to expect at Plymouth Millbay.
🛂 Every Passenger Needs Their Own Passport — Including Babies
Children cannot be added to a parent’s passport. Every person travelling — including infants — needs their own valid passport. Check every passport’s issue date (must be within 10 years) and expiry date (must have at least 3 months’ validity remaining beyond your return date from France) well before your sailing day. Passport renewals take time — don’t leave it until the week before.
👁️ At Passport Control — Everyone Must Be Visible
UK Border Force will check all passports at Plymouth before boarding. When you reach the passport control point, every passenger in the vehicle must be clearly visible — sleeping children included. Officers may ask you to wake sleeping children, lower windows, or open doors so they can confirm every person in the vehicle matches the passports presented. This is standard procedure and applies to all vehicles. Have all passports ready and accessible before you reach the booth so the process is as quick as possible.
👧 Child Travelling with One Parent Only
If a child is travelling with only one parent or a non-parent adult, it is strongly recommended to carry a signed consent letter from the absent parent or legal guardian. French authorities in particular may ask for this, and it prevents any potential difficulties at either passport control point. Birth certificates are not required but can be useful as additional supporting documents.
🇫🇷 French Border Control on Arrival at Roscoff
Passport control takes place on the French side after disembarking at Roscoff. The same rules apply — all passengers visible, all passports ready. There can be queues in peak season at Roscoff, particularly with summer coach groups and multiple vehicles disembarking. Allow extra time in your arrival plans and don’t schedule a tight connection immediately after docking. Remember: the Roscoff arrival time can vary by up to an hour due to tidal conditions, so always plan the first morning of the holiday flexibly.
💡 Document checklist the night before: Put all passports, your booking confirmation, and any consent letters in one folder or bag the evening before you travel. Take a photo of your booking reference on your phone as a backup. Doing this in advance prevents frantic searching at the check-in booth with tired children in the car.
🎒 What to Pack for a Family Crossing
The overnight crossing means you’ll need a cabin bag separate from your main holiday luggage in the boot — you cannot return to the car deck once the ship has sailed. Here’s what experienced family ferry travellers recommend having to hand.
For the cabin bag
Pyjamas for all children
Toothbrushes and toiletries
Any regular medication
Change of clothes for each child
Travel cot if bringing your own
Comfort toy or favourite item
Night light if your child needs one
UK travel adaptor for cabin sockets
For the crossing
Lightweight foldable stroller (not full pram)
Baby food & snacks (warming available on board)
Tablets pre-loaded with films or games (backup)
Ferrynauts app downloaded (ages 7–14)
Headphones for older children
Card games or travel games for the cabin
Sea sickness tablets if any family member is susceptible
GHIC cards for all family members (healthcare in France)
Consent letter if child travelling with one parent
Any prescription letters for medication
💡 Our Tips for the Crossing
Pack a small bag of card games, travel board games and anything offline for the family. The overnight crossing gives you a rare stretch of time with nothing to do and nowhere to be — once children are settled in the cabin, it’s genuinely one of those moments where everyone slows down together. A game of cards, a travel version of a favourite board game, or letting the younger ones watch something before bed. The crossing becomes part of the holiday rather than just the journey to it.
💡 Our tip — cabin on daytime crossings too. If you’re on a daytime Pont-Aven sailing (selected Fridays), a cabin is well worth booking even though it’s not compulsory. Six hours on a ship with young children is much more manageable when you have a private base — somewhere for a nap, for a change of clothes, for some quiet time away from the busier public spaces. The crossing is more relaxing for everyone and you arrive in Roscoff in considerably better shape than if you’d spent the day in the restaurant and lounge areas.
🗓️ How to Book a Family Cabin — Plymouth to Roscoff
Booking is straightforward through the Brittany Ferries website — here’s the process to get right first time.
1
Choose your cabin
On Armorique: 4-berth Inside (best value at £75), 4-berth Club with window & TV (£100), or 4-berth Club Plus with breakfast (£130). On Pont-Aven: 4-berth Inside (£75), 4-berth Outside with window (£85), 4-berth Club (£100), 4-berth deluxe (£125), or 4-berth Commodore with balcony (£195). All include ensuite facilities.
2
Book early — particularly for school holidays
Family cabins on summer sailings and school holiday crossings sell out significantly ahead. For July, August and half-term, book as early as possible — often 6–12 months in advance for the best cabin choices and fares.
3
Add all passengers including infants
Children aged 3 and under travel free — but add them to the booking for the passenger count and safety record. Add a cot rental at this stage if needed. Add a pet if travelling with an animal (separate fee of £35+ applies, plus correct documentation required).
4
Check in on time at Plymouth Millbay
Minimum check-in is 45 minutes before departure — always check your e-ticket confirmation as the time shown there applies to your specific sailing. Allow extra time for unloading children and luggage from the car. For the 22:00 overnight sailing, aim to arrive by 20:30 at the latest. Check-in is well set up for families with vehicles — follow Brittany Ferries signs from the A38 into Millbay.
5
Wake up in Brittany
Overnight sailings depart Plymouth at 22:00. You’ll receive a wake-up call approximately 60 minutes before arrival and should vacate your cabin 30 minutes before docking. Grab breakfast in the restaurant, collect your bags, and drive off into Brittany. Arrival is 08:00 or 10:15 Roscoff local time — the exact time varies depending on the tidal cycle, so plan the first morning of the holiday flexibly.
🗺️ Things to Do in Brittany with Kids — Near Roscoff
One of the great advantages of arriving at Roscoff is that you’re already deep into western Brittany the moment you drive off. The beaches, islands and family attractions of Finistère are immediately on your doorstep — no motorway miles, no slow drive south. Here’s what’s within easy reach.
🏝️ Île de Batz — 15 Minutes by Ferry
A tiny island just 15 minutes by boat from Roscoff harbour — car-free, peaceful, and brilliant for families. The tracks are easy for children, the beaches are beautiful, and there’s a well-regarded botanic garden (the Jardin Georges Delaselle) with exotic plants from around the world. Children love the boat ride alone. Under 8s free at the garden.
🌿 Jardin Exotique de Roscoff — In Town
Right in Roscoff, the Exotic and Botanical Garden sits on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views over the Baie de Morlaix. Sculptures, exotic plants from around the globe, a children’s area, and a 18-metre viewing rock. Under 8s free. A Tripadvisor top-rated family attraction in Roscoff — great for the afternoon after the ferry arrives.
🐟 Roscoff Aquarium & Maison des Johnnies
The Charles Pérez Marine Biology Station aquarium shows the sea life of the Breton coast — a good first-morning activity with younger children. The nearby Maison des Johnnies tells the story of the famous Roscoff Onion Johnnies who cycled to Britain to sell their onions — surprisingly engaging for children and adults alike.
🏖️ Beaches Around Morlaix Bay — 15–40 mins
The coastline around Roscoff and Morlaix Bay has wide, sheltered, sandy beaches well-suited to young children. Plage de Roc’h Kroum is walkable from Roscoff itself. Further along, Brignogan-Plages (30 min west) offers a beautiful beach among huge granite boulders — one of the most distinctive stretches of coastline in north Finistère.
🏰 Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique — 45 mins
The Armorique regional nature park begins around 45 minutes south — moorland, forests and river valleys perfect for walking, cycling and outdoor family days. The Monts d’Arrée offer genuinely wild countryside. The Maison des Minéraux at Saint-Hernin has an impressive collection of minerals and crystals that children find fascinating.
🌊 Crozon Peninsula — 90 mins
Around 90 minutes south-west, the Crozon peninsula is one of the finest family beach destinations in France — dramatic cliffs, huge Atlantic beaches, clear water and a relaxed pace. The beaches around Camaret-sur-Mer and Morgat are well-suited to families. Consistently ranked among Brittany’s top family holiday areas and well worth a day trip or base for the whole holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions — Plymouth to Roscoff with Kids
Is the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry good for families with children?
Yes — it’s one of the most comfortable ways to get a family to France. Both the Armorique and Pont-Aven have dedicated children’s play areas, kids’ menus in all restaurants for ages 4–12, baby changing facilities, two onboard cinemas with kids’ films, Pierre le Bear appearances during school holidays, and 4-berth family cabins. Children aged 3 and under travel free.
Do babies and young children travel free on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Children aged 3 and under travel free with Brittany Ferries. Still add them to your booking for the passenger count. If you need a cot in the cabin, there is a rental charge, or you can bring your own travel cot — check the dimensions fit beforehand as cabin space is limited.
What family cabins are available on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
The Armorique offers 4-berth inside cabins (from £75), 4-berth Club cabins with window and TV (from £100), and 4-berth Club Plus with in-cabin breakfast (from £130). The Pont-Aven offers 4-berth inside (from £75), 4-berth outside with window (from £85), 4-berth Club (from £100), 4-berth deluxe (from £125), and 4-berth Commodore with private balcony and breakfast (from £195). All include ensuite facilities.
Do children need their own passport for the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Yes — every passenger including babies needs their own valid passport. Children cannot be added to a parent’s passport. UK passports must be issued within the last 10 years and have at least 3 months’ validity remaining beyond your return date from France. Check all passports well in advance — don’t leave it until close to your sailing date.
Do children need to be visible at passport control on the ferry?
Yes — UK Border Force at Plymouth requires all passengers including children to be clearly visible. Officers may ask you to lower windows or open doors so they can confirm everyone in the vehicle. Sleeping children may need to be roused. Have all passports ready and accessible before reaching the passport control point.
Can I bring a pram or pushchair on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry?
Yes, but a lightweight foldable stroller is strongly recommended over a full-size pram. Space is limited when exiting the car deck, in the lifts between passenger decks, and in cabin corridors. A compact buggy is much more practical for getting around both ships.
What time does the overnight Plymouth to Roscoff ferry arrive?
Overnight sailings depart Plymouth at 22:00 and arrive at Roscoff at 08:00 or 10:15 local French time — the arrival time varies by up to an hour depending on tidal conditions at Roscoff. This is unique to this route and something to plan for: always treat the arrival time as approximate and don’t schedule a tight morning connection on day one. France is 1 hour ahead of the UK year-round.
What age is the Ferrynauts app for?
The Ferrynauts app is designed for children aged 7 to 14. Download it before you travel — ship Wi-Fi is limited so it’s best to have it ready before boarding.
Continue Planning Your Family Trip to Brittany
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Cabins Guide
Full pricing and details for every cabin grade on Armorique and Pont-Aven
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