Holiday rentals news - New Swansea-Ilfracombe ferry service to link Devon & Wales

New Swansea-Ilfracombe ferry service to link Devon & Wales

A new ferry service between Devon and South Wales is set to launch. The fast ferry service is scheduled to start operating early next year.

Severn Link says its new catamaran service will be the first time a regular route across the Bristol Channel has operated. As a result, holidaymakers renting Devon cottages will be able to make day trips to South Wales and vice versa.

The journey between Ilfracombe and Swansea will take 50 minutes. Severn Link claims that travelling by car would take at least four times as long.

The news of the passenger service has been welcomed by tourism officials in Wales and the West Country. Councillor Chris Holley of Swansea Council said: "This is terrific news. A fast cat service...would be a boost for the city's tourism economy and would allow Swansea people easier access to Devon and the south west of England." The service would also encourage visitors from Devon to discover destinations such as the Gower, Holley added.

Councillor Des Brailey of North Devon Council was equally positive: "This...paves the way for a really exciting future for Ilfracombe." The route is the first in series of planned services between major destinations on either side of the Bristol Channel. More routes are set to be announced in 2010.

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