4 replies to this topic

[franco]

We are leaving near to midnight (can't do it earlier) and want to find somewhere to sleep for a while before we sail from Dover.  We had thought of leaving home at 4 am but it means leaving van hooked up outside house as we can't get van from storage until 7 am and this is something we want to avoid.  Arriving on a site at 2 am is not really an option, I don't think (or is it?) so we were looking for a service area that is safe and where we can get a few hours sleep before we sail at 10 am.  Anybody got any ideas or suggestions please.
Franco

[klyne]

Assuming you are going via the Dartford Crossing the services there have a good caravan parking area which tends not to get clogged up with other vehicles. There is another services at junction 8 on the M20 which has a dedicated caravan parking area although its not too large and often used by other vehicles although at that time of night you might be OK. Don't forget most service staions only allow 2 hours free parking. Hawthorn Farm at Martin Mill near Dover used to offer 24 hour arrivals, its close to the Port.

David

[Beejay]

franco, on 30 April 2011 - 08:20 PM, said:

We are leaving near to midnight (can't do it earlier) and want to find somewhere to sleep for a while before we sail from Dover.  We had thought of leaving home at 4 am but it means leaving van hooked up outside house as we can't get van from storage until 7 am and this is something we want to avoid.  Arriving on a site at 2 am is not really an option, I don't think (or is it?) so we were looking for a service area that is safe and where we can get a few hours sleep before we sail at 10 am.  Anybody got any ideas or suggestions please.
Franco

Tesco Dover?  Turn right at the McDo roundabout and follow the signs for Superstore.  It's open all night.  Park at far end out of the way probably with a few other "happy campers".

Or go straight to the port and get an earlier night ferry?  Park up in Calais port car park....definitely with a lot more "happy campers".

[bi6als]

A mate of mine stayed at a CL near to that roundabout at the top of the hill before you decend to Dover Docks. I cant remember the name of the village. However, they set up and then went out to get something. They returned just in time to see some thieves hitching their van onto the back of a transit. Fortunately the thieves realised they had been caught, dumped the van and sped off.

[franco]

Blimey!  Will stay clear of that one then.   Thanks for information.
Franco