One of life's simple pleasures is arriving at a service station and it being really nice. You've been on the road for a while, and all you want to do is grab a snack and a drink and relax.
However, this isn't always the case. The UK has its fair share of poor service stations, which you should avoid.
To help make your road trips a little easier, we've created a list of the best five service stations in the UK.
First things first, we need to address a few things. We humans can be very subjective people, but one thing we do agree on is what a good service station needs:
- Parking - There needs to be lots of parking at a service station. Also, it should be close to the shops and not a nightmare to navigate.
- Fuel/EV chargers - I know this might be a stretch in the UK, but a good service station should have relatively affordable fuel. It should also include plenty of EV chargers to ensure there's always one free.
- Plenty of options - Think of a service station like a little shopping centre. It should provide a range of food and drink options to ensure everyone is kept happy.
- Clean - Finally, a good service station needs to be clean. If you've spent hours on the road, the last thing you want is to arrive at a dirty pit stop. The small details matter.
So, let's get into the nitty and gritty. Here are the top five service stations across the UK (source: Transport Focus).
Stafford South Services is the first entry on the list. Stafford South is a solid service station located on the M6 southbound between junctions 14 and 15.
It's got everything you'd need, from eateries like McDonalds to shops like WHSmiths. There's a good amount of parking, EV charging, and accommodation if you're especially tired.
Moto Wetherby is located on the A1 motorway at junction 46. It features a huge car park, accommodation, showers, and WiFi. Parking is free for up to two hours, and EV charging is available.
Inside, Wetherby features a range of eateries like Burger King, KFC, Greggs, and Chow Asian Kitchen.
But don't just take our word for it. One customer said, "It's a beautiful place to recharge while on the road". Nice work, Wetherby.
While researching this service station, I found that it's got its own dedicated page on Discovering Britain. Therefore it must be good! Located on the A74 north ease of Dumfries, Annandale Water Services is one of the best services in Scotland.
Operated by Roadchef, Annandale Water Services features McDonald's, Costa, and WHSmiths. You also get free parking for up to two hours and EV charging.
What makes Annandale Water stand out is the view you get over Annandale Water. Walk along the path around the left of the main entrance, and you will be greeted by a beautiful view over the lake.
The Killington Lake services are arguably the best-looking services I've ever seen. It reminds me of a country estate rather than a service station, and they look out over the lake, which is a fantastic view.
Located east of Kendal on the M6 between junctions 38 and 39, these services will make your road trip a little easier.
Operated by Roadchef, Killington Lake features a range of eateries such as McDonald's and Costa, as well as shops like WHSmiths. You also get free parking for up to 2 hours, and EV charging is available.
It's official: Moto Rugby in Warwickshire is the best service station in the UK. Trust me, I've been to these services, and it was awe-inspiring stuff.
The services opened in 2021, which really gives it a contemporary feel. There's plenty of parking and loads of EV charging stations, and the building has a unique design that looks great.
Inside, you can choose from Greggs, Burger King, KFC, Costa, Pret, and M&S Food. Everything is clean and neat, and the seats are extremely comfortable.
One cool feature is that some of the seats feature wireless phone charging, which is ideal for those following directions and needing some juice.
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