Popular Picnic Area Closes to Make Way for Highway Depot

A well-used picnic stop on the A35 has officially closed, despite months of local opposition.

National Highways confirmed earlier this year that the Eype Picnic Area, a popular rest point for motorists travelling between Devon and Dorset, would close permanently on Friday, 5 September. The site will be redeveloped into a maintenance depot.

Local Opposition and Council Approval

The decision follows extensive pushback from residents and local councils, who campaigned to keep the site open. However, Dorset Council gave final approval in July for the redevelopment plans.

Under the project, National Highways will construct a 3,000-tonne salt barn, along with new offices, workshops, and space for gritters, snow ploughs, and other vehicles needed to keep the A35 safe during the winter months. The new depot will come into operation when National Highways’ existing contract with Balfour Beatty ends in 2026.

End of a Popular Stop

The Eype Picnic Area provided travellers with a welcome break from the A35, offering free public toilets, a café, and outdoor seating. It was particularly valued by lorry drivers and long-distance motorists.

Electronic signs near the site warned drivers in advance of its closure. The nearest alternative rest stops are now much further afield — Turk’s Head in Honiton (20 miles west) and Stinsford (19 miles east).

Locals described the closure as “ridiculous” and said the removal of facilities would make the route less hospitable for drivers.

The Kabin Café, which had been operating at the site for three years, closed its doors on 1 September. Its owner expressed disappointment but said the decision was inevitable given National Highways’ ownership of the land. “I’ve had so many lorry drivers telling me they’re unhappy about it,” they added.

National Highways Response

A spokesperson for National Highways confirmed the closure was necessary to prepare for construction.

Jonny Hill, Route Manager for National Highways, said:

“The new depot at Eype is essential to ensure vital winter maintenance, such as gritting, snow clearance, and inspections of the A35. These improvements will help to keep local communities and the travelling public moving safely.We’ll continue to work closely with Dorset Council and keep residents, businesses, and other stakeholders informed as work progresses. At the same time, we will look at options to further improve the availability of roadside facilities along this important east-west route.”

The redevelopment marks the end of an era for a rest stop that served generations of travellers — but National Highways insists the move is essential for maintaining safety and reliability along the busy A35 corridor.