Not meant to be (but certainly will be) confused with the rather spectacular author, H.P. Lovecraft, who gave us the ever-scary and paralyzing Cthulhu in his short story, “The Call of Cthulhu”, but it’s only a coincidence that this post mutated into what you are reading now. Mr. Lovecraft died in 1937 after his time in New York took a toll on his mental state and financial conditions. And, in a similar sad tale, UK hovercraft services met their end in 2000. Both are missed. But, at least to some extent, the UK hovercrafts still live on in a museum devoted to them that is very much worth visiting. It’s history!
So what exactly is a hovercraft? Also known as an air-cushion vehicle or ACV, it is an amphibious craft capable of travelling over land, water, mud, ice, and various other surfaces. Hovercraft use blowers to produce a large volume of air below the hull, or air cushion, that is slightly above atmospheric pressure. Thus, they capable of travelling over land, water, mud, ice, and various other surfaces. Totally cool, but also totally loud, expensive and, at least in some ways, totally impractical (ie: expensive.)
Which is why the last owner / operators of hovercrafts were built to transport hundreds of people and vehicles across the English Channel, which was eventually usurped by the Chunnel. In our mind, we wish that they could live again. Watch the video above, courtesy of the ever-enlightening and funny Tim Traveler.
These beasts were massive, loud, fun and – most of all – unique.
Tripadvisor can show you around The Solent and the Dover Hoverport. Click here before it’s gone.
How about that? You can do it! Click here to book your hovercraft adventure, courtesy of Hovertravel.
Our affiliate friends, Ferryhopper can get to from the UK to the continent . . and beyond. Click here.
You might need a car to get down to the Hovercraft depot. Sixt gave your vehicle. Click here.