Van Hire Washington

Being a small downland village, Washington offers basic amenities with everyday essentials available through local stores. Additional services can be found in nearby larger towns.

Getting Around Washington

The A24 London Road is the primary artery connecting Washington to key destinations in the area. This well-maintained route ensures quick access to nearby towns like Storrington and beyond. The A24 also links Washington to major regional hubs.

For those venturing into the heart of Washington, Washington Boastal provides a scenic route, perfect for leisurely drives that showcase the natural beauty of the South Downs. Similarly, The Pike and The Street offer convenient connections to local amenities and residential areas, creating a seamless network for navigating the village.

Washington also benefits from two 24/7 Moto service stations located on the A1(M). Moto Washington Northbound, positioned at Junction 64, is a popular stop, though fuel prices at the on-site BP garage are noted to be on the higher side. Meanwhile, Moto Washington Southbound, also at Junction 64, provides a handy resting point for those travelling south. It’s frequently used by visitors heading back from longer trips, including those coming from Worthing, who appreciate its convenience.

Van Parking Options

Washington offers an array of parking options to cater to residents, visitors and those passing through with larger vehicles.The Washington Village Parking Area on Village Lane is a popular choice, offering convenient access to the heart of the village. For those heading out for a scenic stroll, the Riverside Walk Carpark is a great choice, located in a serene setting that encourages exploration of the nearby trails. Another option is the Washington “F” Pit Car Park on Albany Way. The Concord Parking Area on House Terrace offers plenty of spaces, making it a practical choice for those visiting nearby amenities. Hidden away, the Corgi Pond Car Park on Shepherd Way is perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the surrounding river paths.

Other available facilities include the Speculation Place Car Park, Car Park on Walton Road and Oxclose Village Centre Parking, all of which operate 24/7. Additionally, the Free Car Park on Brancepeth Road and the 402 Coach Rd Estate Parking round out the list, providing ample options for parking throughout Washington.

Petrol Stations And Vehicle Services

The Esso Petrol Station on Heworth Road is a popular choice for its competitive pricing, offering 24/7 service to both locals and travellers. Another convenient option is the Sainsbury’s Petrol Station, located at the Galleries Shopping Park, which combines fuel services with a well-stocked convenience store. It operates Monday to Saturday from 6 AM to 10 PM and on Sundays from 8 AM to 8 PM. For those in need of round-the-clock options, the Asda Washington Express Petrol Station on Parsons Road is available 24/7, though fuel prices have been noted as slightly higher compared to nearby areas. The JET Petrol Station on Blue House Lane provides a reliable option, also offering a car wash for added convenience.

The town is served by two BP Petrol Stations: one on the A1(M) at Portobello Road and the other on Wessington Way in Sunderland. Both locations are open 24/7, offering additional amenities such as cashpoints, cafes and car washes. For those travelling along Durham Road, the Shell Petrol Station in Birtley provides fuel and convenience store options every day from 6 AM to 11 PM.

Washington’s garages cater to a wide range of vehicle maintenance needs. Vigo Lane Garage on Wilden Road is a dependable MOT centre praised for its fast and friendly service, operating Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Another excellent option is Village Lane Garage- open seven days a week.

Turnbull Motors on Station Road has earned a reputation for excellence, with many loyal customers commending its reliability and efficiency. Drivers from Steyning often visit this garage for its top-notch service. Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, it is a trusted name in Washington. Additionally, Halls Garage, located in the Wear Industrial Estate, is a highly rated MOT centre known for its fair pricing and friendly staff. For general repairs, Little Bills on Elswick Road and Washington Auto Services on Blue House Lane are excellent choices. Both are noted for flexible hours that include Saturdays for added convenience.

Washington boasts a variety of car wash facilities, ensuring that every vehicle looks its best. The Express Hand Carwash on Elswick Road is a favourite for its thorough cleaning and quick service, operating daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. For those seeking a more detailed clean, Magic Hand Car Wash on Spout Lane is an excellent choice, offering great results at reasonable prices. Visitors from Amberley frequently choose this location for its exceptional service. It operates daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Among the top-rated options is Just Car Care LTD, located in Crowther on Harvey Close. Open Monday to Saturday with limited Sunday hours, it’s a standout choice for those seeking premium care. Washington also features two IMO Car Wash locations: one on Industrial Road in Washington and another on Washington Road in Sunderland. Additional options include Prestige Kleen Valeting Services on Faraday Close, Els Car Valeting on Redroofs and ALYAZAN Luxury Car Wash Limited in Sunderland, known for its friendly staff and meticulous cleaning.

Hardware Stores, Garden Centres And Storage Facilities

The top-rated option is C L R Fixings Ltd on Faraday Close. STC Fasteners Ltd, located in Armstrong, provides high-quality fasteners with flexible hours. Customers from Shipley often visit for their exceptional service. B&Q Washington on Armstrong Industrial Estate is a top choice for all things DIY, with extensive opening hours from Monday to Saturday and Sundays until 4 PM. The Range at The Galleries is another favourite, offering everything from homewares to garden items.

Smaller shops like Ac Dc Electricals and C F Butt & Sons provide more personalised options for those seeking hardware and key cutting services. Screwfix Washington and TradePoint Washington are excellent options for bathroom supplies. Toolstation Washington also provides a wide variety of tools and building materials, making it a trusted name among both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Washington boasts several garden centres, each offering unique products and experiences. Clay’s Garden Centre at Peel Retail Park is a popular choice, combining a well-stocked garden shop with a cosy café. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM and Sundays until 4 PM, it’s a go-to spot for gardening enthusiasts. The Elm Tree Farm Garden Nursery & Tearoom, located on Washington Road, offers a relaxing environment with high-quality plants and friendly staff. Nearby, B&M Home Store with Garden Centre at The Galleries is the most-visited garden centre in Washington.

For those willing to travel, Dobbies Garden Centre Birtley on Durham Road is a comprehensive option with a restaurant and gift shop. Open seven days a week, it’s a favourite among visitors from Houghton. Additionally, the Cottage Garden Nursery in Gateshead is a hidden gem, known for its reasonably priced plants and shrubs.

Washington’s storage facilities cater to a range of needs, from household storage to commercial requirements. Pay Less for Storage – Washington on Swan Road provides secure and easily accessible storage options, operating 24/7. Washington Container Storage on Rainhill Road is another dependable option, offering round-the-clock access.

Other facilities include Safe and Secure 24hr Storage Ltd on Whitworth Road and Pink Self Storage Washington, located at The Galleries Retail Park. For larger-scale storage, the Hillthorn Business Park is a developing site with promising potential. Finally, Safestore Self Storage on Riverside Road in Sunderland provides a mix of self-storage and packaging supplies, with extended hours Monday to Saturday and limited Sunday operations. Washington Removals & Storage is a well-reviewed 24/7 removals service, appreciated for its friendly staff and reliability.

Drive Thru, Restaurants, Shops And More

For a quick and efficient drive-thru experience, Tim Hortons at The Galleries Retail Park is a top choice. Open from Monday to Thursday until midnight and 24/7 on weekends, it’s perfect for those craving a hot coffee or snack at any time of day. McDonald’s has two locations in Washington, providing consistent quality and convenience. The Peel Centre branch operates 24/7, while the Galleries Shopping Centre location is open Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 10 PM and Sundays until 10 PM, offering a reliable stop for burgers and fries. Similarly, KFC boasts two branches: one at The Galleries Retail Park with daily hours from 11 AM to 11 PM and another at Chester-le-Street on the A1(M) Southbound, which closes an hour earlier.

If you’re near Birtley, Burger King on the A1 is another great fast-food stop, open daily from 7 AM to 11 PM. For coffee lovers, Costa Coffee at Peel Retail Park offers a drive-thru service alongside its café, operating weekdays from 5:30 AM to 8 PM and with slightly reduced hours on weekends. Fish and chips fans will enjoy Redz at The Galleries Shopping Centre, a local favourite for its fresh offerings. Visitors from Pulborough often stop here when exploring the area.

For a variety of cuisines, King Of Fast Food on West View serves up quick takeaway meals daily from 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM, making it a dependable option for dinner on the go.

Convenience is at the forefront with options like Shop’ N Drive, located on Heworth Road, which provides essentials for locals and travellers alike. For something more unique, The Green {Florist-Giftshop-Tearoom} offers a delightful blend of floristry, crafts, gifts and a charming tearoom, open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sundays until 4 PM. It’s a great spot for picking up a thoughtful gift or enjoying a relaxing tea break.

For families, Millies Magical Garden Soft Play in Concord provides a safe and fun indoor playground for children. With affordable pricing and hours from 9:30 AM on weekdays and weekends, it’s a popular spot for visitors from Lancing seeking entertainment for their little ones.