English Channel
Swimmers' Accommodation in Dover-Folkestone

The Channel Swimming Association provides details of a variety of forms of accommodation at places that are used to dealing with Channel aspirants. These details are updated each year and are available in the registration package that can be obtained from the CSA.

From personal experience, there was one spot that suited the swimmer who wished to cater for themselves and prefered to be located away from the city. This location was Varne Ridge Holiday Park. With a number of spacious mobile homes and a cottage that could be rented by the week, the park was located between Dover and Folkestone. There were glorious views from the cliffs to Folkestone and Dungeness and, when the weather was clear, the coast of France (from Calais to Boulogne) could be seen. These views of France were especially entrancing on a clear night when the lights of Cap Gris Nez lighthouse and the various towns and cities could be seen on the French and English shoreline.

The owners, Evelyn and David Frantzeskou, took a particularly active interest in the well-being of the swimmers who stayed with them. Their knowledge was also practical - having been on a Pilot boat accompanying a Channel swim. Through the various swimmers who had stayed with them, they gathered an array of memorabilia and materials to aid other swimmers in their planning.

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Created: 2nd September 2002
Last Updated: 14th May 2025