I don't know if you are like me but I'm not keen on these services whereby you have to leave the motorway then go round a few roundabouts to get there. I prefer the ones where you drive off via a slip road and then back on again via the exit. Now there's a services in Tamworth M42 junction 10 but it's one where you have to leave the motorway although it's only one big roundabout so not too bad. I would think that this would be a good stop because the next decent services is on the M5. The majority of services on the M5 are quite good but prefer either 'Michael Wood' services after junction 13 or 'Taunton Deane' after junction 25 as I believe you will be exiting at junction 27 (A361/Tiverton). The one I always avoid is Gordano services at junction 19 as you have to leave the motorway and go round a series of roundabouts and the twice I have visited has always been rather hectic with juggernauts and trucks etc.
Hope you have a good time at Damage Barton as the site is very popular with C&CC members apparently.
I think the ones on motorways are generally ok. Good idea to look on google satellite to see where you have to go. We went to Norfolk last week via a1, a17 and a47. Really didn't see any services that you would feeling happy to tow a van in and out off on that route. Lay-bys and caravan toilet had to be used - I think this may have to become the norm when not on m roads.
Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 02/6/2014
I don't know if you are like me but I'm not keen on these services whereby you have to leave the motorway then go round a few roundabouts to get there. I prefer the ones where you drive off via a slip road and then back on again via the exit...The majority of services on the M5 are quite good but prefer either 'Michael Wood' services after junction 13 or 'Taunton Deane' after junction 25 as I believe you will be exiting at junction 27 (A361/Tiverton). The one I always avoid is Gordano services at junction 19 as you have to leave the motorway and go round a series of roundabouts and the twice I have visited has always been rather hectic with juggernauts and trucks etc.
I go in any services, as for going around roundabouts what's the problem with that! You would negotiate them when driving anyway.
As for suitable services for car and caravan, the ones on the major routes you will get in, no need to check, I've been going in them for nearly thirty years with a 44 ton truck.
I was in Sedgemoor Services yesterday they even have a dedicated parking area for caravan and Motorhomes, although judging by the amount of units in the normal car park, a lot of people can't read a sign and struggle to negotiate the cars!
The services on the A47 are a nightmare for caravans, some of the carparks are tiny, aimed at non towing cars and the quick drive through type eateries with most parking spaces being the single nose-in to the edge kind. Its a route we often travel, but like others, we much prefare to use the excellent layby network and use our own caravans facilities.
Not even this route is safe from major roadworks and delays though, work will start shortly around the Postwick area on the junction and carriageway improvements that is due to last around 10months, with major disruptions to traffic flow expected.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
On our way down we stopped off at Gordano services which was perfect. Loads of caravans in the hgv car park (most looked like the had stayed the night). Also got petrol which was really easy. Pumps located just as you leave the car park with one pump straight in front of the Exit. Really easy to manovoure.
Yes there was a roundabout, but hey, the country is full of them. No issue at all.
Living in London we stopped off at the reading services (M4) on the way back...I know not applicable, but was again really ease to park and get petrol
The final part of your journey will be the A361 to Barnstaple and this is a good road with lots of laybys.
If you want a toilet, but no fuel, there is a pleasant rest area on the A361 near Knowstone with lots of space for caravans. Use Google maps to find Knowstone, and the rest area on the A361 is marked on the map as "Log Cabin Diner" - it's just over an hour from there to Damage Barton.