Rest stops with caravan between Newcastle upon Tyne and Dunbar

[CEWWTyke]

Hi

Our first three trips have been no more than hour and a half from home, so this hasn’t been an issue before, but where we can safely stop, for a pee and stretch our legs, between Newcastle and Dunbar?

 

[otherclive]

There is Willowtree north of Alnwick but it may not be far enough for your first stop from newscast

 

[Mr Plodd]

Motorway service area, or just a lay-by you come across. You have a toilet you can access when stopped

 

[Woodentop]

Motorway service area, or just a lay-by you come across. You have a toilet you can access when stopped

Are there any motorway service areas on the A1 trunk road between Newcastle and Dunbar?

 

[CEWWTyke]

There is Willowtree north of Alnwick but it may not be far enough for your first stop from newscast

Thank you very much. That will do nicely.

 

[CEWWTyke]

Motorway service area, or just a lay-by you come across. You have a toilet you can access when stopped

Accessing the toilet involves moving the awning away from the bathroom door. Other half will worry about not having the steadies down as the loo is right at the back.

 

[Mr Plodd]

Are there any motorway service areas on the A1 trunk road between Newcastle and Dunbar?

I have no idea as I live right on the south coast !!

 

[borderbilly]

Purdy lodge services A1

 

[RogerL]

Use Google Earth to check potential stopping places - some of the smaller service areas don't have parking space for caravan outfits or HGVs.

Depending on time of day, it may be quicker and less stressful to use the A19 and Tyne Tunnel rather than the A1 which has narrow congested lanes on the Western Bypass round Newcastle - the Tyne Tunnel toll is paid online and if you have a Blue Badge you can apply in advance for exemption.

 

[borderbilly]

Come of at Alnwick, 2 small roundabouts and you will find willowburn retail park, very easy access.

 

[otherclive]

Come of at Alnwick, 2 small roundabouts and you will find willowburn retail park, very easy access.

Wrt post 2 it’s Willowtree service area. Although I guess you could try Willowburn Retail Park. Although if it’s like retail parks near us I wouldn’t wish to take a caravan into it as turnings are tight and some have height limits. But as you posted Purdy services is good and a bit further north than Alnwick.

 

[Sam Vimes]

I was in the Willowburn Retail Park just 10 days ago. Bad enough just getting the car in so don't bother with a caravan in tow

We just stop in laybys but like to find one that's set back from the road a bit.

We also use the caravan toilet if necessary - which is at the rear corner - but don't bother putting the steadies down.

 

[JRT]

Accessing the toilet involves moving the awning away from the bathroom door. Other half will worry about not having the steadies down as the loo is right at the back.

If concerned just drop the rear steadies. Place whatever you use to wind them (drill or steady handle) on the driver's seat to remind you to wind them back up before you set back off.

 

[CEWWTyke]

Use Google Earth to check potential stopping places - some of the smaller service areas don't have parking space for caravan outfits or HGVs.

Depending on time of day, it may be quicker and less stressful to use the A19 and Tyne Tunnel rather than the A1 which has narrow congested lanes on the Western Bypass round Newcastle - the Tyne Tunnel toll is paid online and if you have a Blue Badge you can apply in advance for exemption.

We live north west edge of Toon so avoid all that for this next trip, but have to say it hasn’t been a problem going through the roadworks on the A1 with the caravan.

 

[CEWWTyke]

Purdy lodge services A1

Will investigate, thank you

 

[otherclive]

We live north west edge of Toon so avoid all that for this next trip, but have to say it hasn’t been a problem going through the roadworks on the A1 with the caravan.

We travelled up to Alnwick last September and the traffic flowed quite well, albeit a bit slower than normal. Saved on the fuel bill!

 

[Dustydog]

Three weeks ago we spent 14 days near Wooler. Passing through Newcastle Upon Tyne on the A1 was the only roadworks and restrictions. Thereafter it was a clear easy tow branching off at Morpeth onto the A697. Our travels took all over including Berwick Upon Tweed, on the A1 , all clear and quiet. Have a safe trip