M5 South stopover

[Ginge@72]

Hi all

Heading down to Cornwall soon. Could anyone suggest the best M5 south services around the Bristol area to stop for a break and possibly an overnight stay to break a long journey up.

Thanks
Chris

 

[Mr Plodd]

Do you mean/are you seeking a motorway service area to stop at overnight? Most charge if ypu stay more than a couple of hours.. Personally there is no way on the planet I woukd want to overnight on a motorway service area, but thats me! Or are you looking for a campsite or CL near the motorway. Are you happy to stay in a layby or similar? Have you thought if a "Pub Stop"
Are you travelling with a caravan, motorhome or Camper van?

 

[Mel]

If you just want a motorway services for a loo break and a bit of food and you are towing a caravan then Gloucester services is pretty good. Large accessible caravan spaces.

Gloucester Services Farmshop & Kitchen | M5 Gloucestershire

At Gloucester Services, we celebrate our place, its people and its produce, in partnership with our community.

gloucesterservices.com

However as Mr Plodd says there are lots of non motorway alternatives worth considering, depending on what you want.

 

[Dustydog]

Check your caravan insurance regarding security requirements especially if you intend leaving the caravan unattended at a motorway services.

As per Mr Plodd’s suggestions why not stay one night at a CL or CS near Bristol and make it part of the holiday?

 

[Wonkydonkey]

Hello we always use Newton Brook Caravan site. J24 M5

Newton Brook Caravan Camping and Storage Ltd - Home

Newton Brook Caravan Camping and Storage Ltd in Bridgwater are specialists in the provision of services in the tourism sector.

www.newtonbrookcaravanandcamping.com

Its an easy tow off the M5, very good toilet/shower block. Pub/Restaurant and farm shop close by.

Can be booked via Pitch up

 

[GUMPY]

I have travelled that road a lot in the last five years, I won't even stop at a services south of Bristol let alone overnight at one😱

 

[Ginge@72]

Thanks all, from the comments think we will travel down in one go from north staffs. We will use Gloucester then any recommendations for best service station Taunton area for a short break?

Thanks again!

 

[Mr Plodd]

An overnight stop, even on a campsite is much much better than a long drive down from North Staffs on what can be a VERY busy/congested motorway that often gets blocked due to caravabs "falling over" with the inherent dangers of fatigue and dozing off. Sadly such occurrences are not unheard of on that road, especially South of Taunton. Ask yourself why that might be.
Better to arrive late than dead on time being my motto these days.

Another alternative of course is to traveling in the early hours when traffic volumes, and the presence of trucks are much less, that way you can maintain a very good average speed over long distances. But you do need to have had a good sleep first or you run the risk of nodding off due to boredom.

 

[otherclive]

Taunton Deane services are quite spacious and not a bad place to stop en route for a break. After that there is Exeter but they can be congested and serve both north and southbound.

 

[audiorob]

We usually like to leave the motorway to a garden centre nearby - for example Sanders GC just north of M5 J 22 on the A38 has ample parking restaurant and of course toilets! This might be suitable for your southbound nosh stop?
We have also stopped over at Holmans Wood (chudleigh) and at the site by the A38 at Kenn on our way south!

 

[Mr Plodd]

If it's Friday pm, or the weekend then avoid Exeter service LIKE THE PLAGUE. It gets rammed to capacity. Even getting in or out can be a nightmare. Plus the facilities are "not opitmal"

 

[Ginge@72]

Tha

Hello we always use Newton Brook Caravan site. J24 M5

Newton Brook Caravan Camping and Storage Ltd - Home

Newton Brook Caravan Camping and Storage Ltd in Bridgwater are specialists in the provision of services in the tourism sector.

www.newtonbrookcaravanandcamping.com

Its an easy tow off the M5, very good toilet/shower block. Pub/Restaurant and farm shop close by.

Can be booked via Pitch up

Thanks for that info👍

 

[Ginge@72]

Ps we are towing a four berth caravan..

 

[Dustydog]

Taunton Deane services are quite spacious and not a bad place to stop en route for a break. After that there is Exeter but they can be congested and serve both north and southbound.

Taunton Deane was a great meeting up place as family from the Midlands and us from Wiltshire met up for our onward journey to St Ives. A great place for the dogs to stretch their legs. Forget the rest going along the M5🤮

 

[Martin_E]

Bristol Caravans have a camp site not far off the motorway https://bristolcaravans.com/camping/