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5 Best UK Service Stations

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5 Best UK Service Stations

The best UK service stations will be hotly debated by those who use the motorways on a daily basis. They’re a source of sustenance and a well-earned rest, helping to keep people driving for commercial purposes safe on their long journey or giving families a way to keep the kids happy when taking a trip.

So which are the best service stations in the UK? In this article, we’ll tackle the top five.

5 Best UK Service Stations

But first, a brief history of the UK service station…

While not the most glamorous of locations in the country, the service station has been part of British culture since the first service area launched in 1959. That was the Watford Gap station on the M1 and was the first of many to open up along Britain’s major motorway. Even as recently as 2012, new service areas have been opened – Cobham services being the latest.

There are now over a hundred service areas across all the major motorways, so let’s look at 5 of the best according to recent votes on Motorway Services Online.

In at 5…

Keele Services M6 Junction 15/16

With a 4.38 from over 16 recent votes (though only 3.6 on Google), Keele Services is based west of Stoke-on-Trent on the M6 and comes with a host catering options for drivers. From your basic fast food restaurants to special drive-thru Starbucks, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There is plenty of forecourt space as well as charging point amenities for electric vehicles.

  • Mark Bennett, via Google reviews, said: “Really nice places to get to when you’ve been busting for a pee sitting in stationary traffic on the M6!”

In at 4…

Gloucester Services M5 Junction 12/11A

Also ranking a 4.38, but with over 50 votes, this new addition to the M5 has something a little different to offer. The southbound service area in particular offers a butcher’s counter, cheese counter, a farm shop and even a fishmonger. This is due to working with the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust to ensure the site supports the local region and is environmentally friendly. In addition, there are dog walking areas, electric car charging points and a cafe at this new service station.

  • Kuldip Singh, via Google reviews, said: “Great service station and easily the best that I have been to. Love the open plain and love that there is not one high street fast food shop here.”

In at 3…

Blackburn with Darwen Services M65 Junction 4

Technically, Blackburn with Darwen Services shares the second spot with Stirling, since both have a 4.50 rating from 4 recent votes. As the only service station on the M65, it has had a tumultuous time since opening in 1997. It’s owned by McDonalds and leased to Extra, but in recent years has seen newer amenities open for greater variety.

  • Elaine Kay, via Google reviews, said: “Very good service all round. Well organised and pleasant people.”

In at 2…

Stirling Services M80/M9 Junction 9

As mentioned already, Stirling Services shares second place since getting the same score as Blackburn with Darwen Services. For such a critical juncture in Scotland, it’s a pretty quiet place, between the M9 and the M80, but offers a range of eating and drinking options, as well as a motel for those needing a pitstop overnight. There are petrol forecourts as well as electric vehicle charging points.

In at 1…

Gretna Services A74M Junction 21/22

Just pipping the others to the title, Gretna Services has a 4.65 rating from six recent votes. Just over the border into Scotland on the A47(M), this means that two of our top five are Scottish entries (though many will know this station as Gretna Green). With a full range of eateries – including a Yorkshire Tea dispensing machine – electric vehicle charging points, and a Canny Scot Shop where you can pick up all sorts of treats.

  • John Sellars, via Google reviews, said: “A great place to stop when you cross the border into Scotland. A very pleasant atmosphere and first-class facilities.”

Whether you’re heading out onto the motorways for your holiday or you’re up and down the country on business, be sure to check out the top five service stations in the UK.

The Windscreen Company

To help keep you safe on your travels, at TWC Home & Drive we can repair or replace your windscreen glass when it gets damaged. Simply contact us and we’ll book an appointment to get you back on the road again in no time at all.

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