Public toilets

[swilshire]

Sorry to ask an indelicate question, but I have a weak bladder and four kids. I'll be visiting the UK for three weeks starting 6/14. In the US, public toilet facilities are generally pretty available. On the interstate highways, there are government sponsored "rest areas" that provide them. If they are absent, one can usually find a McDonalds or the like and use the toilet there.

We'll be driving from Manchester to Cardiff to Liverpool to Glasgow to London to Devon and back to Manchester with lots of side trips. What will be our best bet for finding places to "go"?

Thanks,

Sheila

 

[Goofyish]

If you are using motorways (freeways) then there are services at regular intervals where you can get gas, food/drinks and toilets. Quality of food at these services can be a bit iffy and pricey, but some do have recognised franchises like KFC or Burger King.

Here's a site that details all the motorway services in the UK:

http://www.motorwayservices.info/

Once off the motorways, you should be able to find a McDs, KFC or Burger King in most large towns, or there may be a shopping mall with public toilets.
Some larger gas stations also have toilets.
Also, you could use the toilets in pubs or inns - although you may need to buy a drink or food before you use the facilities.

Here's a link to another useful site that list facilities available just off the motorways:

http://www.5minutesaway.co.uk/

In towns there are also public toilets provided by the local councils - although these can be a little dodgy if they haven't got an attendant!

 

[mssocks]

When I come in August I am bringing a mini toilet paper roll ( no empty center ) - you can get them at the dollar store. I still have my "sample" from the Edinburgh Sanitary Department the ONE time there was actually paper....think waxed deli paper! Different cultures, different items. I like to blend in when I travel but I draw the line at TP that slides right off. Also will be glad they've invented hand gel as I rarely found soap too.

......in other words, just like here!

 

[Dimplenose]

Not many places still use the hard loo paper any more - but I'm sure there are some. When I first started working for the Civil Service years ago we had the hard paper supplied in the staff toilets which had "Government Property" printed on every sheet!

Libby

 

[swilshire]

Thanks for the good info. I'll add TP to my packing list just in case.

Sheila