A survey conducted by Car company Isuzu surveyed 2,000 drivers, asking them to rate various aspects of service stations. The top 20 best service stations in Britain were then ranked based on the driver's opinion.
Service stations are vital for providing a place to rest, refuel and grab some food on a long journey across the country. Some are basic and offer minimal facilities to set you on the rest of your way.
But others are far more luxurious - from farm shops to dog walking areas - and new research has revealed the best in Britain. Read on to discover the top 20 service stations in the country, ranked by drivers. 1.
Gloucester Services, M5 , Gloucestershire Gloucester Services, on the M5 in Gloucestershire ranks as the best service station in Britain Car company Isuzu surveyed 2,000 drivers, asking them to rate everything from food options and cleanliness to hygienic toilets, parking, atmosphere and EV charging points The renowned Gloucester Services came out on top, impressing with its farm produce and unique appearance. Customers can browse local products from more than 130 producers sourced within 30 miles, and the family-owned establishment works with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, a community development charity.
The buildings that make up the service station have won awards for their nature-friendly architecture that honours the surrounding landscape. Another plus for hungry drivers - children under 10 eat for £1.50 with a full-priced adult meal in the restaurant that serves up freshly-prepared dishes. 2. Tebay Services, M6 , Cumbria Tebay Services, on the M6 , in Cumbria places second Owned by a Cumbrian farming family, Tebay Services is another farm shop-style service station.
Husband-and-wife team John and Barbara Dunning opened the rest stop after the M6 motorway was built through their farm. The farm still stands today and surrounds Tebay Services. The restaurant offers meals using locally sourced ingredients, including the farm's home-reared beef and lamb. It was even named Specialist Food Retailer of the Year in 2022. 3.
Beaconsfield Services, M40, Buckinghamshire Beaconsfield Services, on the M40 in Buckinghamshire, ranks third overall Located just four miles north of the M25 is Beaconsfield Services, which ranked third overall. Often described as one of the most beautiful service stations in the UK, there's a lakeside terrace and landscape garden space for drivers enjoy. It's also surrounded by preserved woodlands and has a play area for children to let off some steam. 4.
Wetherby Services, A1, West Yorkshire Wetherby Services, on the A1, West Yorkshire ranks fourth and is open 24/7 Since first opening back in 2008, Wetherby Services seems to have captured the hearts of many drivers, placing it in fourth overall. Open 24/7, it's home to a range of food vendors including Chopstix, Burger King, M&S Food, KFC, Greggs and Costa. There are 38 EV charging spots available as well as free parking for up to two hours. 5.
Rugby Services, M6, Warwickshire Rugby Services, on the M6 in Warwickshire rounds off the top five pitstops Rugby Services is highly rated on Google, with over 7,700 reviews averaging at an impressive 4.5 out of five. The rest stop has a designated dog walking area for those travelling with their pooches, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas for children. Burger King, Costa, Greggs, KFC, Pret and M&S Food are open for long hours throughout the day. 6.
Cobham Services, M25, Surrey Cobham Services, on the M25 in Surrey, places sixth and is on one of the busiest parts of the motorway Cobham Services sits on one of the busiest sections of the motorway network - between junctions nine and 10 on the M25. It's conveniently located for both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and boasts a selection of 15 food, drink and retail venues including McDonald's, Greggs and KFC.
There's a lakeside terrace to grab some fresh air, as well as landscaped grounds. 7. Stafford North Services, M6, Staffordshire Stafford North Services, on the M6 in Staffordshire ranks seventh and is a popular spot Boasting more than 8,000 reviews on Google, and a rating of four out of five, Stafford North Services is a popular spot to stop. There are a range of facilities to make the most of, including washing machines, a dog walking area and EV charging.
Drivers will be spoilt for choice with food options too - the service station is home to Greggs, Cho Zen, Pret, Costa, KFC and more. 8. Leeds Skelton Lake Services, M1, West Yorkshire Leeds Skelton Lake Services, on the M1 in West Yorkshire places eighth Another West Yorkshire spot, Leeds Skelton Lake Services places eighth in the overall rankings. There are 10 food, drink and retail options to choose from, and the service station is open 24 hours.
Picnic areas provide a nice outdoor eating spot and there is the nearby scenic Skelton Lake to check out too. 9. Oxford Services, M40, Oxfordshire Oxford Services, on the M40 in Oxfordshire, ranks ninth and has a piano drivers can play for free Oxford Services is located off junction 8A on the M40 and offers drivers two hours of free parking whilst they enjoy the food court and area.
Drivers can freshen up with the free shower facilities, or grab something to eat from KFC, Taco Bell, Subway or one of the many other venues on site. There is even a piano for travellers to play for free, provided through a partnership with charity Electric Umbrella. 10.
Fleet Services, M3, Hampshire Fleet Services, on the M3 in Hampshire, rounds off the top 10 places to stop on the road Perfect for those heading to Legoland Windsor Resort or venturing into Greater London, Fleet Services makes number 10. There's a hotel onsite, as well as a range of eateries, and just like Oxford Services, has its own piano to play too. Free shower facilities are available and drivers can enjoy two hours of free parking. 11.
South Mimms Services, A1/M25, Hertfordshire South Mimms Services, on the A1/M25 in Hertfordshire, ranks 11th overall Operated by Welcome Break, South Mimms Services ranks 11th in the research. Drivers can tuck into Pizza Express, Taco Bell and a range of other eateries during a two-hour free parking stay. 12.
Membury Services, M4, Berkshire/Wiltshire border Membury Services, on the M4 along the Berkshire/Wiltshire border, places 12th Membury Services is advertised as dog friendly and has EV charging ports, making it a suitable stop for a range of drivers. There are free shower facilities, or for those hoping to get a longer rest, a hotel on-site too. 13.
Heston Services, M4, Greater London Heston Services, on the M4 in Greater London ranks 13th and is operated by Moto With EV charging, a dog walking area and showers, Heston Services has everything to make a journey more comfortable. Operated by Moto, the spot is also home to Burger King, Greggs and Krispy Kreme, amongst other venues. 14.
Lancaster Services, M6, Lancashire Lancaster Services, on the M6 in Lancashire, places 14th overall and is home to the Pennine Tower Located on the M6, Lancaster Services is home to the futuristic-looking Pennine Tower which was reportedly designed to make the spot more visible. The service station itself has KFC, Costa, Burger King and Greggs, amongst others to help keep drivers fuelled for the road. 15.
Winchester Services, M3, Hampshire Winchester Services, on the M3 in Hampshire, is 15th and boasts an outdoor play areas as well as EV charging points Open 24/7, Winchester Services can be found on the M3 northbound and southbound between junction eight and nine. It ranks 15th overall, and has an outdoor play area as well as EV charging points. Drivers have the choice between Costa, WHSmith, Burger King, Krispy Kreme, Greggs, Pret and M&S Food. 16.
Cherwell Valley Services, M40, Oxfordshire Cherwell Valley Services, on the M40 in Oxfordshire, places 16th overall Situated in Stoke Lyne, near Bicester, in Oxfordshire Cherwell Valley Services places 16th overall. With a riverside walk nearby and plenty of food and drink options for drivers to refuel, it's a decent spot to stop during a long drive. 17.
Donington Park Services, M1, Leicestershire Donington Park Services, on the M1 in Leicestershire, ranks 17th Donington Park Services can be found on the M1 in Leicestershire and ranks 17th overall. There's a Travelodge nearby, providing a good spot to stop for East Midlands Airport. 18.
Exeter Services, M5, Devon Exeter Services, on the M5 in Devon ranks 18th and first opened back in 1977 Perfect for those heading on a coastal getaway, or returning home and needing a quick refuel stop, Exeter Services is located on the M5. The pitstop opened back in 1977 and now has 58 EV chargers, as well as 32 Tesla Superchargers. 19.
Watford Gap, M1, Northamptonshire The iconic Watford Gap services, on the M1 in Northamptonshire, ranks 19th Operated by Roadchef, Watford Gap was one of the first service stations in the country, and is described as 'iconic' by its owner. Built in 1959, several stars have made stops there including the Beatles and Rolling Stones, according to BBC. These days, drivers have the choice from several eateries including a 24/7 McDonald's. 20.
Clacket Lane Services, M25, Kent/Surrey border Clacket Lane Services, on the M25 along the Kent/Surrey border rounds off the top 20 Rounding off the list is Clacket Lane Services, located on the M25 near Kent and Surrey. It's a 24-hour stop with a McDonald's that's always open, as well as a Costa Coffee, Chozen Noodle and WHSmith.
Service Station Best In Britain Drivers Ranked By Opinion Food Options Cleanliness Hygienic Toilets Parking Atmosphere EV Charging Points
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