Can't help i'm afraid, but i know what you mean about getting to Portsmouth. We usually get the 8am ferry and get there at about 9pm. I love loitering around ferry ports.
I know i'm sad!
We join the queue then sit round the back watching the sea and the ferries, then go to bed in the van, when we wake up just drive on the ferry.
------------- 317718
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We've been in the same position for the last few years as we have 4 bikes, a trailer and roofbox.
Upto last year we would park the car in the carpark near the Naval Dockyards as this has loads of security - unfortunately, when we went in summer 2006, they had changed policy and wouldn't let us in with our trailer.
Our solution was to park the car at the ferry terminal within the big parking area where it can be seen be every Tom, Dick & Harry. We removed the bikes and used them to get around town.
If you have to leave any bikes behind then lock them to the railings (then they would be insured)
We would be in the same position too, if it wasn't for my in laws. We're travelling from Poole but staying with the inlaws the night before with trailer and bikes parked outside their house in Bournemouth.
Along with Belinda, I think the Southsea sea front area could be somewhere that you could park up. The sea front is 2-3 miles long. There are parks & open spaces along the seafront, & I'm sure there are pubs/cafes.
Hayling Island is not too far away, and is quieter than Portsmouth. It's been a few years since I've been there, so I am not sure what facilities are there now, I'm sure someone else would know. Stick Hayling Island in Google & see what it comes back with.
Along the A3 there is the Devils Punch Bowl, near Hindhead, and that could break up your journey on the way down.
Its a dilema! I hope you find a solution.
Smudger
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
This thread reminds me why I like the tunnel so much. My wife has an obsession with being there early to make sure there aren't roadworks/accidents/burst tyres etc. We turn up and say We're a bit early- any chance of getting an earlier crossing? The tunnel people have always said - Have you come a long way? Yes, North of Scotland. Do you want the next train or do you want a chance to go to the toilet and the shop and get the following one?
This year we were not intending going, but our circumstances changed and we booked in April. By that time the tunnel was too expensive so we have booled a short crossing by ferry (Dover to Calais.) We have previously done a Felixstowe to Zeebrugge and I remember hanging about the whole afternoon in Ipswich trying to get some sleep in a roasting car while my wife tried to keep two young children entertained.
Along the A3 there is the Devils Punch Bowl, near Hindhead, and that could break up your journey on the way down.
Its a dilema! I hope you find a solution.
Smudger
It certainly should at the moment because it's single track road in both directions. The Min of Trans has finally started the long awaited tunnels - LOL
Quote: Originally posted by happybonzo on 17/6/2007
Quote: Originally posted by smudger1 on 17/6/2007
Along the A3 there is the Devils Punch Bowl, near Hindhead, and that could break up your journey on the way down.
Its a dilema! I hope you find a solution.
Smudger
It certainly should at the moment because it's single track road in both directions. The Min of Trans has finally started the long awaited tunnels - LOL
Oops, I didn't realise that!
Mind you, I nearly said watch out for the deer as well. Not far past the Devil's Punch Bowl that we hit a large deer at 5am, on route to Portsmouth Harbour.
We called in at Gosport last year whilst waiting for the ferry there is a big park there ideal for the kids to let off steam and I'm sure there was somewhere to eat in the carpark area,
------------- We ain't much money but we do see life!!!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Passing the time in Portsmouth.
