<P> The Channel Ports are seaports in southern England and the facing continent, which allow for short crossings of the English Channel . There is no formal definition, but there is a general understanding of the term . Some ferry companies divide their routes into "short" and "long" crossings . The broadest definition might be from Plymouth east to Kent and from Roscoff to Zeebrugge although a tighter definition would exclude ports west of Newhaven and Dieppe . A historic group of such ports is the Cinque Ports of south - east England, most of which have ceased to be commercial ports . </P> <P> The ports vary in size and their relative importance has fluctuated during recent history . Dover has established a lead in the cross-Channel ferry routes through its geographic position and development of its facilities and hinterland . This business has been sustained despite competition from the Channel Tunnel . Other minor ports in Kent and Sussex have retained some trade but these tend to be single routes, such as Folkestone--Calais, Newhaven--Dieppe and Ramsgate--Ostend . </P>

Port and resort in france on the english channel