Rest stops Newcastle area A1
Hi, looking for a stopping place around the A1 Newcastle area to have a break and exercise our dogs. Close to the A1 as we are heading up towards Seahouses from Lincolnshire.
Hope someone may have some information. Thanks Andy & Sal
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You could come off at the Angel of the North? Small parkland area dominated by Gormley’s iconic statue. There are parking areas, will depend on day of week and time of day as to how busy they are.
It’s one of the busiest sections of the A1 round Gateshead/Newcastle not uncommon to be in standing or slow moving traffic sometimes, so you might be better off having an earlier or later stop away from this area. If you are towing, don’t consider Scotch Corner, caravans aren’t allowed, but MHs are ok.
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With a caravan or MH? It might make a difference.
Have you checked your map and Google Earth?
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If you are towing a caravan I am not sure the Angel of the North car park would be that easy unless the coach parking is free. Mind you plenty of space to exercise the dog. On our last trip along the A1 in 2019 we tried to find somewhere to park in the Washington Services and ended up leaving as the signing for caravan/motorhome parking was so poor, we ended up at the end of the parking without finding the dedicated spaces. We carried on to Durham which was a bit chaotic as it seemed they were undertaking a major refurbishment. However this should have well completed by now so it might be the best option? I would suggest having a look at Google Earth at the options.
David
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Another possible for you might be Hardwick Country Park. Off at junction 60, head East on A689 for a mile or so, it has a big car park. Not too far off A1, and you should be ok if towing. Good place to have a break, walk the pooch. Easier than further North unless you travel right round Newcastle. (Washington services are not good for dog walking.)
Agree Brue, that’s a nice route👍
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Riverside Park at Chester-le-Street is ideal. It is the home of Durham County Cricket Club
Leave A1 at junc 63 and take 1st left at the roundabout onto A167 signed Chester-le-Street in 1 mile turn left at 2nd roundabout and it is signed. You need to use the car park on the right at mini roundabout and follow signs for bus parking. You are right alongside the river Wear for walks. It’s only about 1 mile from the motorway. Check it out on Google Earth. Just make sure there isn’t a cricket match on
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Thanks everyone. Forgot to mention now towing a caravan. Just looking at Newcastle area as this is point of journey where we need a break for dogs. Angel of the North looks promising. Used to have a camper so was easier to stop off. Thanks
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Might be tight with a van if busy at Angel, but you might drop lucky. Sure you will find somewhere, have a good trip😁
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If you think it through, your post there it's a little illogical Mikey?
Strangely enough, even though I actually live near(ish) to Newcastle I've never felt the need to find anywhere to rest up while towing in this area or driving through the A1 through Newcastle itself?
I mean why would you think I would get my caravan out of storage and then tow a few miles to have a rest?
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Good point! It's much like people asking me for a recommendation of a good site in the area where I live. Funnily enough, I don’t use the sites close to home.
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I wouldn't attempt to try and park a car/caravan at the Angel. It's only for cars at an angle. There's a parking bay for buses but it will only take two or three and it only takes one to park badly and you want get in. The other downside is the car park is at the side of a dual carriageway and when leaving you can't turn right back to the A1 you head towards Gateshead and double back at a junction. Miss it and you are heading into a heavy residential area.
Please look at my post earlier and look at Google Earth. Junc 63 is only about 4 or 5 miles further back
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