Hi, were off to Northumberland next month and where looking to stop about half way which would be around Scotch Corner, so was wondering what the services where like for caravans and dogs, also thought about Durham services, the website for them isn't great poor reviews.
When we went up to Northumberland in August last year, we stopped off at what was more of a truck stop than a "proper" service station. Plenty of room to reverse the caravan into the lorry spaces at the rear. We'd got our two dogs with us, and was easy enough to take them for a little walk around. No idea what the food etc was like as we made a cuppa and a sandwich in the caravan. Toilets were okay. Looking at the map, I think it was Barton Park Truckstop. To be honest, if it's just to stop for a short break, stretch legs and take the dogs for a toiletting walk, I don't see that reviews matter over much anyway.
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to be honest there are no really decent service stations on the area you mention.
Right through scotch corner at the moment are roadworks and a 50mph limit - this lasts around 13 miles. One entrance to Scotch Corner services is blocked and they are not currently caravan friendly.
Barton Services (truckstop) has it's exit currently closed northbound with a long unfriendly detour.
Next up is Darlington North (J59) which has pretty much nothing there. A McDonalds which has no good access for caravans and a Holiday Inn Express which unless you can find 2 spaces in front of each other you wont get into. There is a truck stop there too but it is private and you wont be able to use it.
Next up would be Durham Services. They have a full coach park though state caravans arent allowed, however i have seen caravans there. You should get in ok. It's not a great service station but if you just want a coffee/break should be fine.
After that there are no service stations until Washington Services. You will definitely be able to get the caravan in there. It's expensive and a bit grotty but again for a short break should be fine.
After that it's either come off onto the Team Valley (I wouldnt recommend it) or the Metrocentre (again, not for me!) and then the next one is Gosforth which again is not caravan friendly
After gosforth there is pretty much nothing until you get to Alnwick
Your best bet would be to stop a little south of Scotch Corner at the new Wetherby Services. They have good wide access roads and it is rarely full. It is modern and reasonably clean with a variety of outlets, though the prices are definitely on the Motorway Services side of high! They definitely have caravan bays though.
I would second Wetherby as being the best. Take care when entering, its easy to miss the caravan park though it is signed. They are also pretty keen on lorries etc parking in the caravan bays. There is a guy with a camera who will book all but the shortest lorry stop. There's also a nature walk at Wetherby, signposted near the caravan park. No idea what it is though.
North of Newcastle, there are a few laybys by the roadside. OK for a second short stop as Wetherby is much further south.
Would agree with others in that Wetherby is good. Have always managed to get into the caravan bays, last time we were there they directed the caravan overflow into the truck parking area.
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I was looking for similar in March for an overnight stop and found Pembroke at Leeming bar. Was easy to get to and a small tidy site. Local pub/bar near by and was perfect for a stopover.
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hi why not stay at a proper site for i night at least it cuts downside on poor facilities etc, why pay for a rubbish stay when you could pay for a decent 1.
3rd recommendation for Whetherby services. Typical service area (£££), but we do know that there's a dog walking area over the back, as that's where we stop when heading away and it's our last stop when coming home.
if you go up the A19 instead, then at the tees flyover, take the A66 for Stockton, and then come off for Teesside park/whitewater caravan club site, rather than turning left into the site turn right into a car park, always plenty of space and a lovely walk for the dog along the river, and if you walk behind the talpore pub you can get to the big asda to pick any shopping or something to eat, and best bit is the car park is free!
The old Leeming bar services..on the left heading North..isnt to bad.The truck parking area often has caravans in it.The actual parking area surface is a bit pot-holed so take it easy.First 2 hours free.Plenty room to walk the dog and has the usual shop/macdonalds/fuel etc There is usually plenty of space due to the new truckstop opening on the other side --much preferred by the truckers.