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Arriving to the UK by Sea

It is probably best through either Dover in the South, or Harwich in the East: where you dock will depend on where you depart from, as well as other factors which should be taken into consideration.

Direct Ferries is a good comparison website to check which companies and ports would be the best option for you.

Bear in mind that as a driver you will have to pay the toll at the Dartford Crossing coming from the South of England.

Dover

Arrival through Dover is either via the Eurotunnel or by ferry.

It might seem that Calais (France) to Dover is the easiest ferry route, but do bear in mind and keep an eye out for news on delays at that particular port (as these have increased post-Brexit), especially when leaving to go back through Calais.

The conference is happening at the same time as the Spring School Holidays, so there will likely be an increase in traffic caused by this at Dover, as France is a popular holiday destination in the UK.

Other ports

Newhaven is close to Brighton and may experience less traffic than Dover, so may be a good choice of Southern port. Getting to Birmingham from there is quite straightforward via train. You can also take the train to Brighton and then catch a National Express coach or Megabus for the rest of the journey.

Hull is in the North of England: You should check the trainline or the national rail website to see the prices and lengths of the journey, or as usual check National Express coach or Megabus.

Holyhead is in Wales and docks ferries from Dublin. You can drive, or take public transport to Birmingham from there.

Unfortunately the Harwich - Esbjerg in Denmark service is no longer available, but you can take a direct ferry from the Hook of Holland as an alternative to France.

Other ports of note: Liverpool as a link to Ireland and the Southern coastal cities, Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth are all active links to Europe so depending on where you are travelling from, they are also worth considering despite their distance from Birmingham.