The National Trust is joining the drive to make the August bank holiday journeys less painful by setting up its own unique network of alternative ‘motorway service areas’.
The Bank Holiday is traditionally one of the busiest weekends for holiday traffic. According to the Highways Agency Friday evening, Saturday lunchtime and Monday afternoon are expected to be the busiest on the roads this weekend, especially on the main holiday routes, as people set out and return from short breaks or day trips.
Mark Harold, National Trust Director for the South West, explained: “This weekend many holiday makers will make the journey to the South West heading for the beautiful coast and countryside, and with Britain’s roads taking the brunt of the holiday traffic we’re encouraging people to plan around the congestion to make the journey an enjoyable part of the holiday.”
Instead of a hurried burger and loo break at a motorway service area, the National Trust has identified 30 of its places to visit which are conveniently located only a few miles from motorway junctions and A-roads.
These bank holiday places to visit, which include built properties and countryside locations, can provide a more relaxing break with plenty of space to park, picnic, take a quick countryside walk with the dog and enjoy some local, seasonal food during the holiday getaway.
Ideas include Killerton, an 18-century house with a choice of two tea-rooms, and picnic areas in its beautiful gardens and parkland, just seven miles from Junction 28 of the M5- a stretch of motorway that is expected to see more than 3,500 vehicles an hour heading for the West Country at peak times. Other suggestions include Stourhead, a magnificent landscaped garden and mansion just 2½ miles off the A303.
The National Trust initiative ties in with the - Don’t just drive, Discover - campaign launched by the Highways Agency for the summer holidays. The Agency, which manages England’s network of motorways and major A-roads, has been urging families to plan their journeys as much as they plan their holidays and take breaks to avoid tiring and stressful drives.
"In contrast to the daily commute, the holiday getaway is made up of longer, often unfamiliar journeys,” said Steve Crosthwaite, head of the Highways Agency's National Traffic Control Centre.
"The desire to arrive by a certain time, together with all the expectation that has built up over many months and a long journey ahead, mean the stress factors can be greater. No-one wants a bad start to their summer holiday, so we're encouraging drivers to help themselves to avoid delays where they can."
The full list highlighting the major holiday routes is available on the National Trust website.
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About The National Trust:
The National Trust cares for 300 inspiring historic houses and gardens across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. From former workers' cottages to the most iconic stately homes, and from mines and mills to theatres and inns, the stories of people and their heritage are at the heart of everything it does. People of all ages, individuals, schools and communities, get involved each year with its projects, events and working holidays and over
Mike Collins, The National Trust, Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 2NA, 01793 817708, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
