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Best Motorway Services in the UK

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We’re all for getting to our destination promptly - but when you next need a pit stop, the improving selection of motorway service stations are making comfort stops part of the experience!

Whether you’re a trucker, holidaying to the coast, commuting around the country, or off to the in-laws, here are a few service stations worthy of a stop-off, or maybe even a potential detour:

1. Gloucester Services, Gloucestershire (M5)

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Located between junctions 11a and 12 of the M5, on the outskirts of Gloucester, Gloucester Services are the newest addition to the Westmorland family services.

Beautifully in keeping with their surroundings, which may sound strange for a motorway service station; its award-winning architectural design blends seamlessly into the rolling hills of its Gloucestershire habitat.

Secondly, you will undoubtedly be impressed by the food. Open from 7am-9pm, the Kitchen dishes up a range of homemade soups, hot meals, a healthy deli counter and salad bar, home baked cakes plus fair trade tea and coffee and freshly squeezed fruit juice. Enjoy lamb and beef sourced from surrounding farms, chicken and eggs from local producers and seasonal items to influence an inspiring menu choice. You can even pop over to the Butcher’s counter for fresh local cuts to prepare at home.

It’s the ideal pit stop for families on the go too, providing organic baby food, dedicated family facilities and an indoor play area – plus little ones can make some feathered friends at the duck pond before setting off!

image via [Gloucester Services]

2. Tebay Services, Cumbria (M6)

Gloucester services may be an experience hard to compete with, but if you’re heading to the Lake District, their sister Tebay Services, on the M6, is equally stunning and worthy of your time (and cash!)

Much like Gloucester Services, Northbound Tebay Services features a farm shop, butchers, café and locally produced food.

Factor in Tebay's idyllic location in the heart of the Lake District, that provide unparalleled views for a service station, and you arguably have yourself the number one motorway service in the United Kingdom. Well worth a stop off for a cuppa we say!

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3. Rivington Services, Bolton (M61)

Once one of Britain’s worst coffee breaks, the northbound and southbound Rivington Services is now said to be one of the best.

Following a £12.3m investment you'll find premium brands such as Starbucks, Subway, Spar and Burger King in the glazed food court area, brand new convenience stores, a wide range of quality facilities and carefully landscaped grounds offering relaxing outdoor dining.

4. Cobham, London (M25)

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The crown jewel of M25 service stations, Cobham is a recent addition to worthy service station visitors.

Located between the M23 and M3 junctions, Cobham service station cost an estimated £75 million to build, has a sprawling open food court, which includes two large screen televisions, and a trickling water feature by the entrance, which makes Cobham services one of the more eye catching motorway stop-offs.

Plus, it boasts a range of food amenities including a Carvery Express, meaning you can get your hands on a roast dinner as you journey back from a weekend break on a Sunday afternoon!

image via [Surrey Comet]

5. Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire (M40)

Beaconsfield Service Area is located approximately 4 miles northwest of the M25 J16, at M40 Junction 2 and is said to be one of the most attractive Motorway Service Areas in Europe.

If you wish to eat al fresco or take a walk, there is a large lakeside terrace with paths into the landscaped grounds and preserved woodlands, plus a great play area for children to enjoy

Pick up the usual treats, including Wetherspoon, McDonald’s, Starbucks, or Greggs - or make a meal of it if there are hungry mouths to feed as you can enjoy Nando’s, Patisserie Valerie or Carvery Express, on route to your destination,

Should you need to stay overnight, there is also a convenient Ibis Hotel to provide some R&R.

Share your service stories!

We’d love to hear which service stations have made your journey a pleasant one! 

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