Certainly worth being picky, some services are far more caravan friendly than others. In general, few MSAs have dedicated caravan parking areas, most direct you into HGV parking! Any dedicated caravan parking bays are often occupied by a vehicle that shouldn't be there and prevent you from parking there! - have a contingency plan in case you can't get in! Often risky to try and get a caravan through dedicated solo car parking areas, as limited manoeuvring space, also often high kerbs/posts that can damage caravan if you clip them! May be more achievable with a small van like a Gober, but not for me with my large van!
Beware 'A road' services, many have dead end car parking, which requires you to turn around within the car parking area to be able to exit, not always easy with a trailer - will put your reversing skills to the test! Don't think I've ever seen a dedicated caravan parking area in one, likely you'll be in the HGV area IF it exists, and that's not assured!
I always plan my routes well, and picking my stopping and refuelling points is just part of that.
With ALL service areas, GOOGLE STREET VIEW/SATELLITE VIEW is a God send for planning! Pick a likely services, then look on Google to see the layout, signage etc. - I've put plenty on the 'avoid' list thanks to Google!
You're looking at 5.5 - 7 hours if realistic on the routes picked above, likely 2 'comfort' stops needed! Depending on car fuel consumption, you may need a refuel as well.
doing that route i would be taking the m62 wet out of hull and picking up the m18/m1 down to m42, you then have junction 11 or better till junction 10 tamworth services (great site, loads of room and and not far to walk into the services from the lorry park where they park the caravans (no reversing required), after that you take the m5 south stopping off at strensham services junction for m50 strensham has its own designated caravan only parking area, although it is a fair walk to use the services from there
I've stopped at M5 Strensham Northbound, and can confirm that has a rather nice dedicated 'drive through' caravan parking area, BUT a lot of things that should NOT have been parked there taking up bays when I used it!
Southbound is OK, again with dedicated caravan parking, but with extra long multi-vehicle lanes that mean you may have to reverse out of if parked behind someone.
Both are a little further from the facilities than solo car parking!
We always park up and use the toilet in the caravan although not easy in a Gobur. Alternatively we would go to the services separately and either take sandwiches or buy them in the services.
We don't like leaving the caravan unattended as it would be very easy to steal.
Quote: Originally posted by navver on 11/12/2024
We always park up and use the toilet in the caravan although not easy in a Gobur. Alternatively we would go to the services separately and either take sandwiches or buy them in the services.
We don't like leaving the caravan unattended as it would be very easy to steal.
This is what we've done in the past when we've been tent camping and had a trailer although then of course we could just park across two bays. We'll mainly need a couple of stops for toilet, us and the dog.
------------- May/June - Spring Valley
Aug/Sept - Leekworth
Quote: Originally posted by navver on 11/12/2024
We always park up and use the toilet in the caravan although not easy in a Gobur. Alternatively we would go to the services separately and either take sandwiches or buy them in the services.
We don't like leaving the caravan unattended as it would be very easy to steal.
This is what we've done in the past when we've been tent camping and had a trailer although then of course we could just park across two bays. We'll mainly need a couple of stops for toilet, us and the dog.
Likewise. Usually travelling alone (apart from the dog!), so no option of leaving anyone guarding the caravan if I go off and leave it. Toilet is always 'primed ready for use' on the journey anyway, and my 'personal' loo is a whole lot more appealing than many MSA ones are!
Only once or twice popped into services briefly to get some takeaway food, and then I fitted the hitch lock, and set the caravan alarm (PIR internal intrusion and van movement sensing).
Not only the risk of caravan being stolen, but most are easy to break into, so risk of contents being stolen too!
Feels even more vulnerable if parked in HGV area, as less eyes to see any nefarious activities, and neighbouring trucks screen your van from sight VERY effectively!
Quote: Originally posted by TraceyD on 22/1/2025
Got booked at Somers Wood 😊
It's a good site.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
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- 2026: FR+DE
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'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Best stops...
via mobile 11/12/2024 at 2:51pm
