Motorways

Gloucester, like Tebay, is run by an independent company, which I think is family owned, and both aim to source food locally, and generally treat customers, and I believe staff too,  as if people mattered. Everything else is run by massive chains.

It's actually worth taking a diversion from your planned route where possible to include these places!
You're right, David, we need more like this.

They spent months doing the fuel area, I was hoping the rest would be revamped.  At least the northbound site is ok.

Exeter Services aren't the easiest to reach if travelling south. Travelling north of Bristol Michael Wood services (north and south) have newish areas for vans, north is slightly better. Gordano nr Bristol is always very busy.

Another vote to avoid Bridgewater at all costs. 

And another plus for Gloucester South

There was another thread running on the same subject but reading through that would take an age!  I think you have your answers here - have a great break. 

We would not park in any services here or abroad and leave the car/caravan unattended unless I had  clear view from where I was seated, personally I don`t think its worth the possible hassle but then each to their own. 

I do not know the services on your route but the simple answer is that they all provide parking for caravans and it is just where you go that varies. Some put you in with the lorries and others have dedicated areas, you just have to follow the signs.

The newer services are generally the best but you will find all sorts parking in caravan spots as they do not seem to police them.

It would be helpful if they were better policed, they are quick enough to fine a caravanner for stopping in the wrong area on some services.

Among the  culprits are AA/RAC and police vehicles, as well as ordinary cars and white van man.

There was an attendant at one services I stopped at - Harrogate?  that area anyway - and he demanded to know what the reason for my stop was - which I didn't like much as his attitude wasn't great - and he then informed me I would have a 20 minute wait for a slot to park up!!!  In the event one slot was vacated - but there would be no way I would idle for 20 minutes waiting!  AND there was oceans of room in the Bus park! 

I also think Gloucester services are very good, especially the farm shop there.

When we were there on a very busy day, the attendant was letting folk park in the bus park. They were only there a few minutes though, so, attitude apart,  the reason for his question might have been were you making a 5 min loo stop or 30 min drink / food break. We were lucky and got a space as it was vacated.

We use the Cambridge Services on the A14 and they have the drive in/out bays - but they are very short! We always hang out at the back. having said that they are clean and half way for us to Dover.