Good places to stop for an hour en-route

Paul Atkins
Paul Atkins Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited July 2018 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Hi, can anyone suggest a good place to stop with a caravan or camper for an hour or two that did not have a height restriction but did have enough space to relax? The best I can recommend is Rutland Water along the A1. Superb - map ref 52.640737, -0.626581 'Edith Weston' Normanton on the south side of the lake - you pull in and drive to the overflow carpark which is a small grass field behind the shop. Parking charges apply.

But we need a whole register of places like this so members can pre-plan their trips knowing there will be a lovely break in their journey.

I will contact the club to see if a register can be started or added to the magazine each month.

 

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #2

    I just look at the map and find a likely looking spot. 

    Good luck with your plan but I’m not sure a register is needed.

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #3

    Hatfield Forest, short drive off M11 at Stansted exit. National trust.

    Clumber Park off A1

    Spring to mind immediately.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited July 2018 #4

    Best system is to use Google Earth and zoom in on an area near where you anticipate taking a break.

  • harryb
    harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
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    edited July 2018 #5

    Clumber Park has parking charges on all spaces. £5 when I was there (solo) 2 years ago

  • harryb
    harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
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    edited July 2018 #6

    I use the same system. Looking for supermarkets, large pub car parks, filling stations etc. I steer clear of lay bys because of traffic noise and vibration

  • IanTG
    IanTG Forum Participant Posts: 419
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    edited July 2018 #7

    On many occasions, I would say that determining when or where to stop is a function of time (how long have you been travelling) and driver condition/feeling.

    As both are variable on a number of factors (traffic, weather, roadworks etc) I do not plan where to stop before I set off, but instead choose somewhere en route when/ where is is needed. After all, aren’t we talking about a stop of a few minutes? It may not be perfect, but it doesn’t have to be.

    So a register wouldn’t really help me, and I certainly wouldn’t bother to consult it en route, only to find I have either just passed it, or it is still 20 miles away.

    another factor is that we all set off from different start points, so again when/where to stop will always vary.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #8

    Looking at the practicalities of compiling and maintaining such a register, I suggest it would be labour intensive, especially initially, and we need to remember that all admin and staff costs are reflected in our membership fees. Staff salaries have to be funded from somewhere and it is those very fees which people complain about year on year which foot the bill. 

    Personally, I think there are far better uses for our money than funding the costs of such a register which, in my opinion, would not fill a need or supply info that the average person cannot find out easily enough for him/herself. 

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #9

    Just drive along, when I see a likely place I pull in, never plan anything as you never know. One diversion as the best placed plans can go out the window.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited July 2018 #10

    I have a few places earmarked for a break. Cartgate on the A303, Cherwell services on the M4/A43 and South Mimms on the M25. These are all about a couple of hours from home, give or take, and provide a useful starting point in journey planning. Other than that, like Oneputt, I just keep my eyes open for a suitable spot. The only constant is that the availability of stopping places is inversely proportional to the pressure on your bladder. frown

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #11

    Both Clumber and Hatfield Forest are NT properties, parking is free if you belong. I thought with a stop of an hour or two it would be for more hand a comfort break.

    We tend not to plan just head off on the day, booking an overnight if we don't want to do a long stint on the road, and stop when we fancy.

    I agree with CY about places to stop and bladder pressure. Similarly when you want a food break with views, you stop of as you've passed a few - take your repast and head off, within a mile is a real gem, part of road realignment trees wildlife and you've just left a rubbish strewn layby 😂😂

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