Overnight near Portsmouth

Sallyf · Mar 4, 2023

We are thinking of crossing to France from Portsmouth on Brittany ferries. The boat leaves early in the morning. Can anyone recommend an overnight stop within half an hour of Portsmouth as we don’t drive in the dark. i wonder whether we are the most elderly Cali owners at 84 and 78?

ArunAlec · Mar 4, 2023

Sallyf said:
We are thinking of crossing to France from Portsmouth on Brittany ferries. The boat leaves early in the morning. Can anyone recommend an overnight stop within half an hour of Portsmouth as we don’t drive in the dark. i wonder whether we are the most elderly Cali owners at 84 and 78?

Port Solent (marina/shops/pub/restaurants). 10minutes away. Worth a call to the admin office to confirm but I understand that they allow overnighting if you call the office. Also I think the ferry port allow you to park overnight for the early ferry, so long as you arrive after the last sailing the night before. Again check (I think I read it on their website).

Barbara · Mar 4, 2023

We have stayed in the port overnight for an early morning ferry. As in the car lane you need to wake up and get the roof down before they open the check in. No facilities open so need own but it worked Ok. We once stayed in Southampton but got very worried we would not get to the ferry as the traffic was heavy.

Bellcrew · Mar 4, 2023

ArunAlec said:
Port Solent (marina/shops/pub/restaurants). 10minutes away. Worth a call to the admin office to confirm but I understand that they allow overnighting if you call the office. Also I think the ferry port allow you to park overnight for the early ferry, so long as you arrive after the last sailing the night before. Again check (I think I read it on their website).

We stayed in Port Solent last year, as you say it is good form to let the administration know you are staying overnight, fairly basic facilities at the far end of the car park. Plenty of decent restaurants and a Weatherspoons on site.

GrumpyGranddad · Mar 4, 2023

Sallyf said:
We are thinking of crossing to France from Portsmouth on Brittany ferries. The boat leaves early in the morning. Can anyone recommend an overnight stop within half an hour of Portsmouth as we don’t drive in the dark. i wonder whether we are the most elderly Cali owners at 84 and 78?

Portsmouth Truck Stop may not sound glamorous but we overnighted there last year before travelling to France. It’s a secure site with EHU, shower & toilet block and an excellent value cafe/bar. Good value and the staff very friendly.

HILL BILLYBOY · Mar 4, 2023

Sallyf said:
We are thinking of crossing to France from Portsmouth on Brittany ferries. The boat leaves early in the morning. Can anyone recommend an overnight stop within half an hour of Portsmouth as we don’t drive in the dark. i wonder whether we are the most elderly Cali owners at 84 and 78?

Hey that's wonderful. Reading your post gives us heart as at 76 and 69 we have just bought a Cali Coast.

Azteccamper · Mar 4, 2023

We stayed here. About 35 mins away.

Winchester Morn Hill Club Campsite

Book a caravan or motorhome pitch at Winchester Morn Hill Club Campsite in Winchester, Hampshire which is open to members and non members & ideal for exploring the region

www.caravanclub.co.uk

Amarillo · Mar 5, 2023

Wonderful wild camping spot here.

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ArunAlec · Mar 5, 2023

Amarillo said:
Wonderful wild camping spot here.

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Used to windsurf there! Bit shallow.

TravellingNewbury's · Mar 11, 2023

Nice camc site in Netley

B J G · Mar 11, 2023

copy of BF parking overnight rules

OTHER PARKING OPPORTUNITIES

For early morning sailings, you can park your caravan or motorhome in the check-in lanes after midnight. Your vehicle is parked at your own risk and should not be left unattended. No port facilities are open overnight.
You can find cheaper parking at the Market Way car park, (£10.00 per 24 hours). There are also other cheaper options through en.parkopedia.co.uk or justpark.com. Brittany Ferries' customers receive an exclusive 10% discount on their parking with JustPark by entering the discount code 'BRITTANYFERRIES' at the checkout.

California Dreamer · Mar 11, 2023

We’ve wimped out and booked the premier inn so we don’t have to pack up beds for 4 of us at 6am. It didn’t cost much and we’re doing 2 weeks of campsites in france so not going to feel guilty!

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B J G · Mar 11, 2023

A word of caution for anyone travelling to/from France

It would appear that on any days/dates that there are National Strikes organised also stops the Ferries running during that day. All relates to the Pension changes to retirement age.

Recent example was on March 7th with all Ferries canceled.
I was booked on March 8th on the morning Ferry from France which was so tightly loaded/packed that exit from the Cali could only be done through the side door.

SusiBus · Mar 11, 2023

ArunAlec said:
Used to windsurf there! Bit shallow.

Yes nice sunset spot, It's one we use when visiting our son. I'm surprised a height barrier hasn't been installed, the bungalow on the corner must get a little p----- off. So no more publicity please, help keep it wild.

GrumpyGranddad · Mar 12, 2023

B J G said:
A word of caution for anyone travelling to/from France

It would appear that on any days/dates that there are National Strikes organised also stops the Ferries running during that day. All relates to the Pension changes to retirement age.

Recent example was on March 7th with all Ferries canceled.
I was booked on March 8th on the morning Ferry from France which was so tightly loaded/packed that exit from the Cali could only be done through the side door.

Not just ferries.
Not sure about LeShuttle but certainly some Eurostar services cancelled at the moment due to strikes in France (luckily ours wasn’t).
And they’re not clearing rubbish in Paris :-(

B J G · Mar 12, 2023

GrumpyGranddad said:
Not just ferries.
Not sure about LeShuttle but certainly some Eurostar services cancelled at the moment due to strikes in France (luckily ours wasn’t).
And they’re not clearing rubbish in Paris :-(

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Fuel Depots were blockaded and noticed Fuel/garage at Caen Port had 000 for Gazoil price showing. Also talk of additional protests about rolling out of Emission Zones. Expecting 'Yellow Vest' action to kick off again.