Towing long distance

The OP is already familiar with travelling to Devon & Cornwall solo so I assumed when I answered that he knows how long the journey takes when not towing and what the best route is for him.

I think the main question is about how much longer the journey will take when towing and that’s where the piece of string comes into play.

Well that bit is easy then, just ask google the travel distance between Tiverton and Damage Barton as this is the quickest route from the M5.

By the way some of us have to use the A303 and I'd suggest going north to the M4 via the M25 and ending up north of Bristol will be a nightmare at busy times....but I presume the OP has a preferred route and it's just the Devon bit that needs adding on.

Evening

Whichever route you take, as a guide and as brue above mentions, the best route is from junction 27 off the m5. There are long term roadworks from South Molton to Barnstaple with 40 mph limit ( cameras also). On a good day you're looking at Tiverton to Damage Barton being around 1 hour 20 minutes. Be aware of the arrival time at the site though.

I did that route in a car in heavy rain on Sunday which took 90 minutes

JK

Can I just add that there is a reason why Damage Barton is so called. If you're putting up an awning, take plenty of pegs and straps

The OP is asking about the total journey time when towing as he’s not towed west of Peterborough before. He is only familiar with the time taken to reach Devon/Cornwall when not towing.

Hi Dave

Going the sensible route (all motorways) I reckon you're looking at at least 7 hours driving time. If you're time rich I'd find an overnight stop, if not I'd leave at at least 4 am and do some stops at services. When you leave the m5 at j27 there are 18 large laybyes on the a361 before Barnstaple that you can stop for a good break and walk the dog. 

JK

Allowing for the vagaries of UK roads and traffic, irrespective of route selected, either a very early start or a one-stopper are the options for that distance.

I have towed a caravan from the south coast to the northern lakes (320m) in one go with the additional pressure by OH to arrive in time for the Wimbledon Mens Final. Missed half the first set. En route stops now I have a motorhome are so much easier.

Just to say when we drove back in the M/H from Burnham on Crouch to S Somerset, it took 7 hours via the route I mentioned (Dartford Crossing, M25, M3, A303 after that I would add on another 2 hours to Damage Barton via Taunton/Tiverton. However towing a caravan might take longer due to slower speeds.

Everything depends on the day, there were long queues either side of the Dartford Crossing on our last attempt.

We regularly use the route east/west via the A303. Times of day and holidays are a factor, the slow bits are past Stonehenge but the new dualling between Sparkford and Podimore will ease some congestion. The alternative M4 route via Bristol and Junc 27 can be a challenge at busy times.

As JK mentioned there are lots of laybys on the  A361 and also a rest area and cafe.

We regularly drive the 300+ miles from Cleckuddersfax to Roseland in Cornwall in one go towing the van, with elderly springer and the drivers ageing bladder…. Set off around 8.30 am and we are usually pitched and eating by 6pm and while I don’t exceed the speed limits, neither do I hang around. Some 300 mile plus journeys are doable (we happily put in 350 mile stints sur le continent), others are a challenge - we tried to get to Inverness in one stint, it was simply too much. 

Hi David

Something to keep in mind is that sometimes there is no room to park in UK service areas. Luck of the draw I know but worth considering. Personally, I try and keep to about 3 hours driving and plan overnight stops around this..

Different when I go to France as I use the toll motorways and there is usually plenty of room to stop for a nature break and to give the dogs a leg stretch.