Rest stops on A1/A1M

ronhub
ronhub Forum Participant Posts: 111
edited August 2017 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

We're  travelling down to to catch the train to France on Saturday but gave up using the M1 a few years ago because of the well-documented problems with parking spaces at motorway service areas. I have lost count of the number of times where caravan only space have been filled with cars/vans etc and we have been forced to either drive on or use a rather fragrant lorry park. Consequently we use the A1/A1M, A14, M11, M25 and M20. 

Can anyone suggest suitable rest areas on the A1, particularly lay by places which take you away from the main road?  We just need somewhere for a comfort stop and to give the dog a walk. If you could identify the position using road junctions, that would be great. 

Many thanks in advance. 

Comments

  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
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    edited August 2017 #2

    Peterborough services are good although you are mixed in the lorry park there are dedicated caravan slots but we tend to just park in the lorries.

    M11 services at Birchanger are OK too, Cambridge services on A14 fine but again you may have to go in the lorry park.  There are quite a few lay bys on all roads (except M11/25) that are OK but you obviously get the rocking of the van with passing traffic.

    Rather than M20 try A2/M2 as there are some good areas there to stop and if going tot eh ferry it takes you right into the port but you have to cut over to the M20 for the chunell.

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2017 #3

    Clumber Park. Literally just off A1M. Somewhere we often use.

    Hatfield forest same junction as Birchanger services, take the Takeley exit.

    Both NT

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,310 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2017 #4

    Clumber would be a very good stop, although it does depend if an NT member. If not it could cost you £7 for two adults. At this time of year there are a lot of roving collectors.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited August 2017 #5

    Where are you coming from and when do you want to stop which could narrow the options wink

  • ronhub
    ronhub Forum Participant Posts: 111
    edited August 2017 #6

    Thanks for your replies. I'm looking for stops say between Grantham and Peterborough. I should have been more precise in my original post. 

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2017 #7

    Whoops mine are no good then 😉

  • notite
    notite Forum Participant Posts: 96
    edited August 2017 #8

    There is Colsterworth Services although I'm not sure about caravan parking being as I live a bit to close to use the services. Other than that, I'm unable to think of anywhere that would be suitable.

    Perhaps you could check Google Map and view the road, I travel A1 quite a lot, but never think to look for somewhere to stop.

    There is Grantham Services which is just North of Grantham always seems to be plenty of parking, but once again depends which day you are travelling.

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited August 2017 #9

    I think there are a couple of proper laybys south of Colsterworth - by that I mean pull in ones - the others I consider not suitable especially if stretching dogs legs!  Too many accidents happen on those type of Laybys IMO.  I haven't used Grantham services with a caravan but it was pretty spacious last time I looked - that was before the new flyover. 

    Have a great holiday

  • redface
    redface Forum Participant Posts: 1,701
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    edited August 2017 #10

    Try the 'Ram Jam Inn' just off the side of the A1 in Rutland.  Food etc, is better than normal motorway stops and it is not so crowded.

    I always endeavour to stop there, if appropriate, whilst on my journeys.

  • paul56
    paul56 Forum Participant Posts: 937
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    edited August 2017 #11

    Is it still open? Looked closed down last time we went past.

  • paul56
    paul56 Forum Participant Posts: 937
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    edited August 2017 #12

    We don't mind using the Cambridge services just off the A14 - dedicated caravan parking (but very short in length) and there is some grass to walk the hound.

  • papgeno
    papgeno Forum Participant Posts: 2,158
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    edited August 2017 #13

    Grantham services seem to be used frequently by caravans but there are no dedicated areas. The last time I stopped there with the van I took up two parking spaces and still stuck out front and back, still nobody seemed to mind and others were doing the same.

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