Service stops for caravan A303 &A30

Cavalier Caravaners

Looking for help trying to find where we can stop to refuel and have a break when towing from London to cornwall. Searched on divisions and our friend Google but I can't find list other than scrolling every service station on route- must be an easier way?

Can anyone help to provide a link of recommendations? Many thanks 

Tinwheeler

Just start looking about 30 mins before you need to stop. There are loads of places but whether they have space on the day is another matter.

allanandjean

At the moment you may find that a space for an outfit is very difficult to find so as suggested start looking early.

On that route maybe Cartgate near Yeovil? 

Rufs

not sure how far down into Cornwall you are going but we did Portsmouth - Truro in June 230 miles, on just 1 tank of diesel, took some sandwiches and flasks of hotwater, used the onboard loo and just used lay-byes of which there are plenty to squeeze into, service stations are a nightmare on that route

JVB66

We use the A303 to Devon and it is not good for stopping as most Laybys and service stations are full of HGVs on their legal breaks   and that is normally before the school holidays

brue

We're in the mid way section of this route and use it on a regular basis, including the M3 London end where the first larger services are at Fleet. 

There are a lot of small service areas on the A303 but they can be cramped and unsuitable for caravans. Solstice Services are newer and have slightly more room however this is the area which sees long delays past Stonehenge. So an early start is advisable.

Like Rufs we tend to use laybys on this route and fuel only stops if needed.

The Cartgate rest area just outside Yeovil is good, loos, cafe and picnic area but no fuel (fuel nearby in three places before you join the A30.

The A30 has good laybys after Honiton and a rest area just off the main Honiton turn.

The next big services are off the M5 at Exeter, busy but do provide more space.

The A30 onwards has smaller services again and larger laybys as you approach Whiddon Down. Much further down are Cornwall Services at Roche.

Look up this LINK and add A30/A303 this gives quite good details but can't predict available space.

After the summer travel season spaces will ease up.

eurortraveller

I spoke to a professional National Express coach driver on the regular Cornwall / London run and asked if he would ever use the A303 rather than the M5 / M4. He said No, we would never do that.

brue

Coaches do use that run Euror. In normal times there is a regular daily SW service to the Heathrow connections at Hammersmith and onto Victoria. The M3 is the nearest connection for this service. We've used it a lot in the past. 

SeasideBill

I’ve seen some ‘interesting’ activity at Cartgate after dark. Not a place I’d want to linger in the wee hours.

Cavalier Caravaners

Thank you all- very helpful

 

Rufs

surely not out "dogging" Bill?