We are travelling to France in the next few weeks. Overnight crossing so we are looking for somewhere we can stop for a meal that has parking for caravans and preferably allows dogs? We have been this route before but had a day crossing and ate on the ferry.
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You can park with caravan at the Port Solent marina complex a few miles from the ferryport. There are about ten pubs and restaurants there to choose from - but I have no idea whether they accept dogs. And some people worry about leaving caravan unattended while they eat. That’s up to you.
As above, but if you don't want to leave your unit unattended, you could always take your own food to eat in the van.
Follow the signs to the marina at Port Solent and then as you get to the car parks there is a sign to one of the carparks for Campervans/Motorhomes (with a caravan you'll probably have to park "sideways" along the parking spaces like the big MHs do. There is also a great space (big field with trees round the edge) to let your dog have a run before the crossing. Then it's 10 mins max to the ferry port.
If you want to refuel, the outside pumps at theTesco fuel station just before Port Solent have
space for a car and caravan.
Otherwise, there's Sutton Scotney services on the A34, about 45 mins from Portsmouth, but your choice is limited to McDonald's! There is also a Costa but it closes at 5pm.
Appreciate the responses. I put my locks on the van when leaving it to get a bite to eat and wouldn’t be gone more than about an hour ( which will probably be take-away). We won’t be eating on the ferry as it’s a 10 p.m. departure and even allowing for boarding earlier than this, it’s too late for us having a meal. I was aware of Port Solent but as we haven’t been this route for a few years I didn’t know if they had possibly restricted access. Thanks again
In years gone by, when we took the ferry, we would take our own food. A trip to M&S before leaving home, then at the port we would settle to a nice meal of quiche and baguette. I realise this would not suit everyone, of course, but we found it the easiest answer.
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Due to Brexit restrictions on food, we planned on only taking food for our overnight stop en-route, we might re-visit this and also have something for our pre-boarding meal. The original plan was not to use the caravan fridge, but instead just use the fridge compartment in our portable freezer.
Precious little parking suitable for caravans/high vehicles (as we found to our frustration with a Land Rover with roof rack!) around Portsmouth/Southsea! Most car parks have height restrictions, and as low as 2m! Most streets without no parking at all have paid for parking bays, and many are nose/tail to kerb - no idea what the paying arrangement would be if you parallel parked across who knows how many bays with a caravan!
Port Solent claims to be dog friendly, with a number of places allowing dogs at their outdoor tables.
Definitely park in the Marina designated parking area, trying to drag a caravan through some of the ordinary car parks would not be fun!
Never seen what I would call a high security presence when I've been there, probable more CCTV than I spotted, but would be cautious of leaving the caravan unattended for extended time.
Done the overnight ferry crossing countless times, trying to eat on board is a bit of a race, the restaurants/cafes seem to close very shortly after boarding! We learnt to eat at our leisure elsewhere BEFORE boarding!
Quote: Originally posted by Netherton on 14/5/2024
The OP said his ferry was departing Portsmouth at 10pm . I wouldn’t count on any sort of “great meal” on tne ship at that time of night.
We always cross overnight (both ways) and the food has never been less than well edible, a choise of 4 hot dishes, plated salads etc.
We stopped at Southsea common, lots of cafes, restaurants and empty parks and a toilet, can't say how much will be open at 10pm though. https://maps.app.goo.gl/M63jFvhPff8cw3KY7
Hi,
We’ve stopped a few times at the Railway Inn, Botley when getting the overnight ferry to Caen. It’s about 30 mins to Portsmouth from there. It has a reasonable sized car park but not sure if it’s ok for a caravan, we’re ok in the van