Sleeping overnight at motorway service station- anyone done it?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by t0ria, Jun 22, 2014.

  1. I'm off the Glastonbury this week- not really looking forward to it tbh, but that's another story! we're taking my prototype bay, Thurston. We want to get there on Wednesday morning but it's quite a trek from Manchester, so to save getting up at stupid o'clock we're planning on going most of the way on Tuesday night and camping. The problem is I work until 8.30 on Tuesdays, so by the time we get anywhere near it'll be too late to arrive at a campsite.

    So I have had what could possibly be a stroke of genius- we're thinking about stopping at the services overnight, either Strensham or Michaelwood, depending on how far we feel like driving. Anyone ever done it? I assume you have to pay park over night, do you park in the main carpark area or is there somewhere for overnighters (other than the lorry park?). I've got earplugs so am not too worried about the noise, does this sound do-able?
     
  2. Done it countless times in my truck. You probably better off in the truck section as it will be quieter. Just make sure you pay or you'll get shafted. Should be about £20, pay in the shop

    A better cheaper idea is (don't know you're route though) find a 24hr bp off the motorway ie an A road, almost always they have a good few parking spots for overnighting and in my experience are always free. Do not confuse these with bp on the motorway though!

    Or just come off the motorway and find a layby!
     
    Tuesday wildchild, beatnick and Birdy like this.
  3. Thousands of times!
    I expect @poptop2 has as well.
    It's the lorry drives 2nd home.
    If you don't want to pay though, turn of at jct 11a, go to the top of the hill and there's a parking site up there, 5 mins from motorway and an awesome view in the morning.
    Or come off at jct 12 head down the A38 approx 1 mile, free layby there and again 5 mins back to the motorway.
    These are both half way between Strensham and Michaelwood.
     
  4. Straightforward, M6-M5.


    Ooh thanks I'll look into those. I quite like the idea of being able to have a shower at the services though as it will be the last time I'll be able to in nearly a week!
     
  5. I stopped at the motorway services yesterday, they were advertising 24hr parking for £12.. Not a chance I'd stop there.
    If TBR is talking about jct 11a/M5 birdlip hill? That's a nice place to stop :D
     
  6. I tried to sleep at a truck stop on the way to bugjam last year. couldn't get any sleep at all
     
  7. Maybe camp where TBR has suggested then go to the services for a shower in the morning?
     
  8. So is it a carpark not a camping area? Is it attached to anything? I might give it a go :)
     
  9. No need to stay at them way services just for a shower. Stay in a layby for free then go to services for shower. Just ask for the shower key in the shop, you may be asked for a small returnable deposit, and you may be interrupted by undesirables rattling the shower door trying to get in!
     
  10. Jct 11a.. Up to the top of the hill there's a roundabout with a pub on the right.. Turn right at the roundabout..About 1/2 a mile ish there's a right turn with a viewing area. I think this is where TBR is talking about?
    I've not stopped overnight, just passed it on my bike.
    (Birdlip's a BIG hill)
     
  11. That's the one.
    Quiet and close to the motorway.
     
  12. Even better if you catch the pub for last orders :thumbsup:
     
  13. You cycled up there? Kudos!
     
  14. Cycled?

    Sort of.. On a ZX12r.
     
    minirob and Top Banana Racing like this.
  15. bernjb56

    bernjb56 Supporter

    I know it's not what you mean, but we paid £28 for a double room at the Birmingham Frankel Services Travelodge when I took the pickup down to get my tonneau cover fitted, which is not too bad.
     
  16. I've just looked at Strensham Services, the Days Inn there is £50 for the night! Bloody Glastonbury.
     
  17. Strensham services? I'd sooner staple my testicles to a hard wood floor than stay there.
     
  18. Luckily I don't have any testicles so it shouldn't be a problem
     
    zed, Merlin Cat, minirob and 2 others like this.
  19. Just clicked on your user name. My sincere apologies for using such language :oops: more apologies for assuming your gender.. I do hope you have a nice stop over wherever you choose to stay.
     
    Merlin Cat likes this.
  20. Hahahah don't worry it takes more than that to shock me! :)
     
    NewtoVW likes this.

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