Solstice Park: Your A303 Pit Stop

Nestled strategically along the vital A303 westbound carriageway, precisely between the towns of Andover and Amesbury, lies Solstice Park. This bustling hub serves as a crucial service area for travellers navigating this often busy route, particularly for those heading towards the iconic Stonehenge. While primarily signposted for westbound traffic, curious motorists can still access its offerings via the Bulford exit on the A303. With a current rating of 3.26 stars based on 34 votes, Solstice Park is more than just a quick stop; it's a developing retail and service destination.

A Hub of Culinary Delights

Solstice Park boasts an impressive array of catering options, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes and cravings. Whether you're in need of a quick caffeine fix or a sit-down meal, you'll find something to satisfy your appetite. The park features multiple drive-thru facilities, making it incredibly convenient for those on the move. These include:

• Costa Drive Thru
• Greggs Drive Thru
• KFC Drive Thru
• McDonald's Drive Thru
• Taco Bell Drive Thru

For those seeking a more relaxed dining experience, Solstice Park offers:

• Amesbury Archer Harvester
• Pizza Hut
• Solstice Bar & Grill
• Toby Carvery

The sheer variety ensures that no matter when you visit or what you fancy, you're unlikely to leave hungry. The presence of multiple fast-food outlets, especially those with drive-thru capabilities, highlights the park's focus on convenience for motorists.

Essential Amenities and Accommodation

Beyond the food options, Solstice Park provides essential amenities to enhance your journey. For overnight stays or a comfortable break, the Holiday Inn offers accommodation, providing a convenient place to rest and recharge. The park also features a forecourt operated by ASDA Express, formerly Co-op Petrol, offering convenience items and fuel. You'll also find Costa Express, Rollover, a car wash, jet wash facilities, and a free cash machine, underscoring its comprehensive service offering.

State-of-the-Art Electric Vehicle Charging

In an era where electric vehicles are becoming increasingly prevalent, Solstice Park has made significant investments in EV charging infrastructure. It caters to a wide range of electric car owners with a variety of charging providers and speeds:

This extensive network of charging points, including ultra-fast 350kW chargers from GRIDSERVE and rapid 250kW chargers from Tesla, positions Solstice Park as a key destination for EV drivers needing to top up their batteries. The inclusion of multiple providers ensures greater choice and accessibility.

Parking Provisions

Solstice Park offers short-stay customer parking for cars at all its facilities. Additionally, short-stay parking for HGVs, caravans, and motorhomes is available at the filling station. It's always advisable to check with on-site staff for the most up-to-date parking information.

A Glimpse into Solstice Park's Past and Future

The development of Solstice Park began with plans for the Folly Bottom junction on the outskirts of Amesbury in 1999. The initial vision for Solstice Park included designated areas for employment, housing, and leisure. By 2003, the A303 junction was rearranged, allowing traffic to rejoin the road more easily. Early plans were ambitious, envisioning a large amenity building housing a hotel, filling station, retail units, and a restaurant, with parking surrounding the exterior – a design more akin to a motorway service area.

The final plan, settled in 2004, included a 149-bed hotel, filling station, pub, and restaurant. The service area opened in 2005 with a Somerfield filling station, Holiday Inn, Pizza Hut, and the Amesbury Archer (Brewers Fayre). The layout, while perhaps appearing a little scattered, was designed to accommodate future leisure developments on neighbouring land, now known as Mid Summer Place.

Over the years, Solstice Park has seen continuous development. A KFC Drive Thru was added around 2007, followed by Costa and McDonald's drive-thrus in 2012, and a Toby Carvery in 2015. The Amesbury Archer was converted to a Harvester in 2008. In 2010, the filling station rebranded to Texaco with the shop becoming a Co-op Food store, later changing to Co-op Petrol in 2017. The installation of Tesla Superchargers in 2020 and InstaVolt chargers in 2021 further enhanced its EV charging capabilities. More recently, in early 2022, the final parcels of land were developed into Greggs and Taco Bell drive-thrus, accompanied by the significant GRIDSERVE EV charging hub. The forecourt's rebranding to Asda Express in October 2023 marked another evolution in its retail offering.

Artistic Touches and Trivia

Solstice Park is distinguished by the presence of six Charlotte Moreton sculptures. One notable piece, 'The Ancestor', is strategically placed where traffic exits the A303 westbound. These sculptures add a unique artistic dimension to the service area, making it more than just a functional stop. The park's proximity to Stonehenge, being the last refreshment stop before the ancient monument, adds to its significance for many travellers.

A curious fact is that one of Moreton's sculptures, a dragonfly crafted from a recycled helicopter, is often mistaken for something else entirely, adding a touch of intrigue to the visitor experience. The initial lack of eastbound signage on the A303 was likely a strategic decision to avoid competing with the nearby Countess services.

What to Do at Solstice Park?

Solstice Park is designed for convenience and catering to the needs of travellers on the A303. You can:

• Dine at a wide selection of fast-food outlets and restaurants.
• Refuel your vehicle at the ASDA Express forecourt.
• Charge your electric vehicle at one of the many high-speed charging stations.
• Stay overnight at the Holiday Inn.
• Grab essentials or snacks from the ASDA Express convenience store.
• Utilise the car wash or jet wash facilities.
• Admire the unique Charlotte Moreton sculptures scattered throughout the park.
• Take a break and enjoy the small lawn area in front of the hotel.

Given its extensive facilities and recent upgrades, Solstice Park is an excellent place to stop for a meal, a charge, or simply a comfortable break during your journey along the A303.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Solstice Park signposted from the A303?

Yes, Solstice Park is signposted from the A303 westbound. There are no specific signs for eastbound traffic, but access is still possible via the Bulford exit.

What are the main facilities available at Solstice Park?

The park offers a wide range of catering options (Costa, Greggs, KFC, McDonald's, Taco Bell, Harvester, Toby Carvery, Pizza Hut, Solstice Bar & Grill), a Holiday Inn hotel, an ASDA Express forecourt, and extensive electric vehicle charging facilities from providers like BP Pulse, GRIDSERVE, InstaVolt, and Tesla.

Can I charge my electric car at Solstice Park?

Absolutely. Solstice Park has a comprehensive selection of EV chargers, including high-speed options from GRIDSERVE and Tesla, as well as chargers from BP Pulse and InstaVolt, supporting various connector types.

Is Solstice Park a good place to eat?

With numerous well-known fast-food chains and sit-down restaurants like the Amesbury Archer Harvester and Toby Carvery, Solstice Park offers a broad selection of dining choices to suit most preferences.

What is unique about Solstice Park?

Solstice Park features six Charlotte Moreton sculptures, adding an artistic element to the service area. Its location as the last service stop before Stonehenge also makes it a notable point for travellers heading to the ancient monument.