HOORAY we're booking a minibreak to, er, Dunkerque...

[joanofarchitrave]

... Any recommendations, esp hotels?

Is it exactly the hellhole quotidian resort it looks?

You are on the doorstep to some beautiful beaches. No hotel recommendations though. I've never stayed there.

thank you :)

Honestly, I've driven to Dunkerque many times. Lots of stuff in the area along with teh great beaches and dunes.
Were I not as pissed as I am, I'd google for you. Have a brilliant holiday with some fantastic locals, who, almost all speak better English than you or me.

Why Dunkerque can I ask?
Do you have a reason or is it a ferry special.
Look on TripAdvisor because if you can find someone who's had a romantic/cheap/inventive weekend away it's there.

And, coming back to this, you are really close (around an hour) to Antwerp which is gorgeous.
Presumably you'll have your car with you so make sure you check the things you need to carry in Belgium/France.

Hmmm, Antwerp. That's a lot more appealing.

We've got a few days to ourselves and I've got the Holiday Fear. DH has suggested heading south, seeing a National Trust place and then doing a short hop. I was born for the travelagent era really, I struggle with too many choices.

Do it, you'll have a lovely time. If you don't want to drive up to either Antwerp or Brussels, take the train. They are pretty reliable.

But do make sure you've got all the paraphanalia necessary for driving on French/Belgian roads. Not sure whether Dunkerque is France, I think it is just inside. You need a safety vest, first aid kit, fire extinuisher and a breath tester for alcohol.