First time taking the caravan to France - Ferries

almack

Hi All, I'm after a bit of advice regarding the ferries and boarding.

We are due to ship out of Portmouth at 10.45pm on Brittany ferries to Caen. Traveling down from Nottingham, I'm thinking of leaving at around 1pm to get close to the port for 5/6 pm for a bite to eat before going to the port for around 8/8.30pm.

Does anybody have any recomendations on where to stop with a caravan near to the port? Also, is 8/8.30pm to early to be getting to the port, or is it best to be front of the que so to speak!

Also, any advice for the same for our return from Caen would be great! 

Cheers, Alex