Parking in motorway service areas

We learned years ago not to use service stations except as a very last resort when towing. We prefer to use more A road links during parts of our journeys, ok it makes the drive longer, but we have a much more relaxed trip and have stopped off at some lovely places for a break, even when towing. For example, Yorkshire to Cornwall would be M1, M69, A46. We use a huge set back layby for our first break and dog walk, or stop at Evesham Country Park, then onto M5 at Tewkesbury. There's a small service station at Okehampton, on the A30 that we have never had problems getting in and out of and then it's just 90 minutes down to Penzance area.

Travelling with dogs mean we are always on the look out for good dog walk stops, so we file away possible rest stops each time we are out. The only service station with a safe, dedicated dog walk is M5 Gloucester, but it's always very busy. We use supermarket car parks as well if they are fairly quiet and on our A road route. Tesco at Stow on the Wold for example. As far as service stations go, we never buy fuel, we seldom use the shops or cafes and they are not safe for children, vulnerable adults or animals, so we avoid them as much as we can. Even with our much easier to park up MH. It's surprisingly easy once you start to look out for pull up spots, although there do seem to be more HGVs around now.

Can't help you with the services, try to never use them if we can,being a solo vanner you will have to take reasonable precautions to secure the van if you have to use the facilities. One thing i would point out though is traveling from Essex to Blackpool why would you need to use the M54, surely the M1,M6 & M55 is the best route?

Steve

Probably a slip of the finger?

I'm sure many have seen It, but if not, please see Rowena's post and fill in the questionnaire.  I think it is really important that we let the appropriate body know our thoughts, and we hope that this might inspire an action plan.

www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/welcome-hobby-talk/caravan-motorhome-chat/have-your-say-on-motorway-service-areas/?p=5

David

The best services we have stopped at are the ones at Gloucester 10/10 they even have disabled ones.

Do not stop at Bridgewater south, you either have reverse in or out, very poor.

perhaps the club could produce a guide?

As a fairly regular traveller to the SW from the Midlands, I agree entirely couchman.  We often use Gloucester on the way down and either Sedgemoor or Taunton on the way down - but never Bridgewater!!!

If only they were all like Gloucester.  Mind you.... It's pricey for a sandwich and a drink!

David

We tend to regard them as a necessity that has to be endured in most cases. Unless you know somewhere just off the motorway that is suitable you just have to use the one that works best for you.