Motorway services parking - Premier Park

Bots replied on 09/10/2021 08:07

Bots

Posted on 09/10/2021 08:07

Hi all,

First post on here but as a fairly new family to caravanning I wanted to warn people, with the same amount of experience as me, to be aware at some of these motorway caravan parking areas. We pulled into Gloucester Services (South Bound) on the way down to Cornwall (Chacewater park, lovely site).

It was late (11pm, wanted to travel when there wasn't too much traffic) we were knackered and decided to pull in for a few hours rest. Unbeknown to us there was a charge for this site and even though I checked around when we were there I could see nothing advising that. I went over to the services but it was shut (thought most were open all night) and so we assumed (naively and obviously wrongly) that this was simply a pull in and make use of the services parking area.

Great holiday but arrived but to an extremely aggressive parking charge from Premier Park, which I have now paid. I did consider challenging it but in essence I guess I didn't pay for my parking and should have. Having done some research now I can see that most the motorway parking areas charge for a stopover, so my warning to newbies like me is be aware of that. Premier Park are simply carrying out the wishes of the owners, who it seems to me, have no interest in having caravaners stop for the enjoyment of their services.

Rant over, have a great day.

By the way, we love the caravan life but will be much more careful in the future.

Paul

Moderator Edit:

I've amended your title to give a clearer idea of the topic.

8 replies

SteveL replied on 09/10/2021 09:08

Member

SteveL

Motorhomer

Posted on 09/10/2021 09:08

It’s the same with all motorway services in my experience, what ever your driving. First two hours free, then a charge, often payable by phone / App.

1 person likes this

brue replied on 09/10/2021 09:31

Member

brue

Motorhomer

Posted on 09/10/2021 09:31

It's often much cheaper to overnight on a nearby CL than pay overnight parking charges at services. Some CLs allow late arrivals.

3 people like this

Tinwheeler replied on 09/10/2021 09:52

Tinwheeler

Campervanner

Posted on 09/10/2021 09:52

CLs tend to be pleasanter and safer places too and in that area near the M5 there are dozens of them.👍

2 people like this

eurortraveller replied on 09/10/2021 10:12

Member

eurortraveller

Posted on 09/10/2021 10:12

But not at 11 pm.

brue replied on 09/10/2021 10:20

Member

brue

Motorhomer

Posted on 09/10/2021 10:20

Yes there are some Euror that allow entry till 12 midnight, especially near motorways etc.

1 person likes this

Takethedogalong replied on 09/10/2021 10:36

Member

Takethedogalong

Posted on 09/10/2021 10:36

A good little warning for newbies. Service Stations, even the much lauded Gloucester Services, are seldom wholly pleasant experiences one way or another, and some are “never again” (Gordano) as far as we are concerned. Venture slightly away from main routes and there are much nicer, more welcoming experiences. Like Brue, and many others, we now use CLs, and some are indeed very accommodating in terms of arrival times if you have a conversation.

We loathe motorways. Dirty, dangerous, expensive. Needs must at times though, but we enjoy the A roads more. Much more time consuming, mainly because there are adventures and detours to explore😁

2 people like this

brue replied on 10/10/2021 17:43

Member

brue

Motorhomer

Posted on 10/10/2021 17:43

Gloucester services are the only ones we'd consider overnight, they are well equipped and have access to clean showers and washrooms etc. Nice dog walks. They don't offer the usual open all hours fast food chains and burgers. I seem to recall they open for their in house food and bakery etc around 6am.