Day stop near Portsmouth

Laurelonians
Laurelonians Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited August 2017 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

We are travelling from Yorkshire to Portsmouth to catch the overnight ferry to France. We would like to break the journey by having the afternoon somewhere near to Portsmouth where we can

  • Park our long twin axle caravan 
  • Grab a bite to eat
  • Let the children run around

Does anyone have any suggestions where might fit the bill?

Comments

  • Grumblewagon
    Grumblewagon Forum Participant Posts: 246
    edited August 2017 #2

    Which route are you travelling? Not sure about travelling with a caravan, but on the M27 there are services at Swanwick, or on the A3 there are possibilities to stop opposite the Queen Elisabeth park, Morrisons just off the A3(M) at Horndean or the ASDA hypermarket just off the A3(M) at Waterlooville.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited August 2017 #3

    It's a very busy congested area, I'd just go to the services nearest to your destination. Sorry don't know your route but hope you find somewhere.

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
    500 Comments
    edited August 2017 #4

    As a local, I couldn't recommend any of these suggestions with a caravan. (I don't know what services Grumble is thinking of at Swanwick?).

    From the North, I would expect that you would come down the A34 to join the M3 at Winchester, in which case the last easy stop would be the large services at Sutton Scotney   just above Winchester.  (A few years ago they even had an large field area where caravans could stop overnight, but I don't think that is still available).

    Another possibility is Port Solent Marina just before the M275 turn off to Portsmouth and the Ferry Port. Access is easy and  there is a large public parking area with restaurants etc.You can stroll around the marina. (It's a couple of years since I was last there so I hope they haven't installed any height barriers recently!).

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited August 2017 #5

    No height barriers but a coupe of vicious sleeping policemen.  There are a number of car parks along the top of Portsdown Hill overlooking the harbour. Another option is the public car park at the northern side of Portchester Castle. It does get crowded during the summer so you would need to be there early morning to get in. The other problem is the dire parking along Castle Street. I'm not sure I'd want do it with something as big as a twin axle. Port Solent is your best bet. There are no services on M27 on your route. Last one is, as mentioned, Sutton Scotney.

  • Grumblewagon
    Grumblewagon Forum Participant Posts: 246
    edited August 2017 #6

    Vicmallows?  I once knew a Vic Mallows at work - I wonder??

    Can't think why I said Swanwick,  I of course meant Rownhams - even though it's just on the wrong side of the M3.  I'm well acqainted with the car parks on Portsdown hill, but I'm not sure if it's the best place for a large caravan.  

    Port Solent sounds good, but since it's 12 years since I lived down there, my info is somewhat out of date.

  • tigerfish
    tigerfish Forum Participant Posts: 1,362
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #7

    I catch the Portsmouth Ferries to Caen and St Malo quite often. After trying Rooksbury Park (A CC club site) Much too expensive. I have tended to use the C&CC site at Chichester, Actually at Southbourne, and within about 15 minutes of the Ferry port.  An excellent site which takes none members of the C&CC, however, I am a member of both the CC & The C&CC!  As a member of the C&CC I get Senior Citizens discount, so it is quite reasonable, certainly cheaper than CC club sites!

    But the main thing is that it is very close to the Ferry Port!

    TF

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
    500 Comments
    edited August 2017 #8

    If you worked for a major International computer company ..... then most probably YES smile

    (If you want to make contact:  CMC1@sundash.co.uk will get to me)