Going to Bristol,(X3) and then onto Paignton tomorrow,and not been to deliver into the South West since God was a lad.
So what I want to know,is there a good lorry park between the 2 places,or should I just slum it,and park in a services?
Ken.
Last time I did a delivery in Paignton/Torquay I stopped at the lorry park down near the town centre (was well signposted). It was okay, a bit basic but there were places to eat nearby and you could get a wash. I don’t know if it’s still there as that was four years ago 
If you haven’t got time to get that far West how about Graham’s, just off the M5 nr Bridgewater. Better than the services, but don’t know if they charge you for parking?
Thanks for that Craig.
Like I’ve said,It’s years since I did the SW,and I don’t know how far up I will get after leaving Paignton,I may even get towards the West Midlands somewhere,so I’m hoping that a few more people will come on and give me some places that I may be able to get to.
Ken.
For a layby, off at junction 23, turn right and about 3/4 mile on the left. Snack bar during the day but not sure what time it opens.
If you get back as far as Michaelwood Services, walk over the bridge to the Southbound, then follow the road out and you will find a pub almost under the Motorway. Reputed to do good food.
Gloucester area, off at Jn 13, follow A38 North, then park in 2nd layby on the left, the one that swings well back from the road. Snack bar opens about 0600-0700. You’ll see a painted sign for Rick’s at the start of the layby. Get back on at Jn 12
Otherwise off at Junction 12, and follow the A38 eastern by-pass. Right at the lights with the weight limit straight ahead, and then as you come out of the second roundabout onto a dual carriageway, take a very wide swing to cut back into a layby opposite an all night Safeway garage. (with toilet). If you want a chip shop on the way through, as you come off Jn 12 follow the A38 past the first roundabout (BP garage on left), then take the slip road on the left into a residential area (No weight limits). Park before the second roundabout and there is a chip shop on your left. Aterwards, take the third exit from the roundabout and that will you take you back to the Eastern by-pass.The roundabout opposite Safeway is less than ten minutes further on.
Further north, onto the M50 and then immediately off at junction 1. Follow A38 towards Worcester and about 100 yards on the left is a veeeery large layby with a cafe alongside which opens from about 0600.
Alternatively, off the M5 at Jn 9 then follow the A435 to Teddington Hands and then left on the A46 North. About 3 miles on the right is the Vale Truck Stop. I think they sometimes have entertainment on, but I’m not sure which nights.
Excellent stuff.Just what I’m looking for,but further contributions welcome until I go to work at 04.30 tomorrow.
Many thanks Krankee.
ken.
There`s a good parking area in Tiverton, opposite Travis Perkins. Free to park, loads of pubs and take-aways within a 2 minute walk.
From the M5, it will be around a 10-mile detour- 5 each way.
When I park in Paignton, I usually park in Borough Close.
There are no facilities there, it`s just a quiet Industrial Estate.
But that`s enough for me.
Vince
Forgot to mention, the layby opposite Safeways is next to a cemetary. So any ‘tappings’ on the door are likely to be a visitation from the Undead. 
Thinking about it, I’m almost convinced that Thursday is Entertainment evening at the Vale Truck Stop, so it could fill up early. If it does, then continue North, right at the next roundabout onto the Evesham By-pass. Straight on at the next roundabout with Vale Park on the right, then straight on at the next two roundabouts to Twyford Island. Limited parking on the Esso garage but has a pub and motel next door. If full, then back to Vale Park. No facilities except for a pub the other side of the by-pass. (Strawberry Fields).
Even further North. Off at Jn 6, take the third exit signed Droitwich. Down to the traffic lights with a pub on the corner. Turn right onto the A38, and about 1/2 mile on the left is a layby next to a garden centre. Pub is within walking distance back to the lights (just about), and snack bar opens a.m. - again not sure of time.
Craig 111:
If you haven’t got time to get that far West how about Graham’s, just off the M5 nr Bridgewater. Better than the services, but don’t know if they charge you for parking?
I think they charge a fiver now 
Junction 23, A39 towards Glastonbury,
Nr Street. Albion Inn
Good truck stop and Pub, decent food, stupid guard dog 
Sort of pay if you like as long as you frequent the pub, restaurant.
Steve the gaffer is an owner driver and likes talking trucks.
South West Truckers hold their meetings there!
Update…
Stopped at J24/M5,Grahams.
Parking was a fiver,pay in the garage,which also sells all the essential goodies for your truck.
Food was spot on,and plenty of it.Sirloin steak,chips,peas,onions,pot of tea,£5,and the service was fairly quick.Can’t go wrong with that.
The downside? It closes at 8pm,as do the toilets and showers,and if you fancy a pint,then the pub is about 200 yards down the road,which is a long way when your staggering back up at 11.30pm,as I found out.
Would I stop there again? Yes.But I think I won’t have as much to drink next time, 
as I’ve had the head from hell all day.
Ken.