December 2024
Britain’s Best Service Stations
CamperDays, Europe’s leading camper tour operator, reveals Britain's must-visit motorway services
Motorway service stations are graced by tens of millions of Brits annually, who fondly recognise them as a welcome pit-stop on a long drive. And, with many Brits planning trips to visit friends, family and loved ones over the festive period, conversations around when to travel and where to stop will be rife. As such, CamperDays, Europe’s leading camper tour operator, has compiled a guide to Britain’s top motorway service stations.
Max Schmidt, Head of CamperDays says: “Recent data from Gridserve has found that Brits spend up to nine hours a year in motorway service stations, totalling 720 hours – or 30 days over the course of their lifetime. It comes as little surprise then that we all have a favourite service station with research showing that drivers are more likely to hold off stopping until they reach a favourite haunt.
“Forget the ‘iconic blandness’ long associated with service stations, whether it’s a favourite due to its familiarity, nostalgia signalling that you’re on your way home, or that it simply serves your favourite cup of coffee, it’s clear that a pitstop should be celebrated as an integral part of the journey.”
CamperDays’ guide to Britain’s must-visit service stations below…
Gloucester Services (M5)
Known for its iconic farm shop, locally sourced food and beautiful surroundings, Gloucester Services works with more than 130 producers within a 30-mile radius, treating guests to fresh food with a traceable origin.
Gloucester also boasts 24-hour free showers, including disabled showers, as well as being dog-friendly.
Recent reviews dub it ‘a favourite service station’ with its ‘amazing steak and ale pie’ garnering praise. Just make sure to ask for extra gravy!
Tebay Services (M6)
Based in the Lake District between junctions 38 and 39 of the M6, Tebay Service Station is the first-family run motorway service station in the UK. Owned by Cumbrian family, the Dunning’s, who opened it in 1972 after a motorway was built through their farm. It is this unique geography that allows for a farm shop with its own butcher shop and kitchen.
Whilst some reviews mention increased prices of late, it’s also received praise as ‘the best motorway service [station] in the UK’.
Cairn Lodge Services (M74)
In a similar vein to its counterparts, this iconic Scottish service station offers locally sourced Scottish goods from more than 90 producers from its local area and across Scotland.
Shops include a deli counter serving fresh food and drink, a gelato shop with ice cream made using whole milk from local cows, a sandwich counter serving freshly made sandwiches, and a lifestyle shop championing independent Scottish makers and designers.
For those in the festive spirit, look out for its ‘A Very Merry Makers Christmas’ displays championing local producers including knitters, chocolatiers and piemakers. The perfect place for a last-minute gift buying pit-stop.
Annandale Water (A74M)
Located next to the A74 motorway, Annandale Water is located in the village of Johnstonebridge, Scotland, and was voted the UK’s most recommended services in 2023.
Unusually for a service station that hosts a number of well-known fast food chains, this isn’t a place for a quick pit-stop. What sets Annandale apart is its positioning on a lake, offering its visitors scenic water views with picnic areas and even walking trails around the lake.
Add to this the fact that its staff have been dubbed ‘very kind, considerate and lovely’ – what more could you want?
Cobham Services (M25)
Situated on London’s orbital, Cobham is fondly known among the city’s regulars, being one of the UK’s largest service stations with expansive dining options and retail outlets, meaning you’ll never be short if you forget something at home.
Located between junctions eight and ten of the M25, Cobham is home to 15 well known food, drink and retail outlets, as well as a lakeside terrace and landscaped grounds for drivers to stretch their legs after a long drive.
Located in leafy Surrey and near to the Chelsea FC training ground, you’re sure to spot a celeb or two enjoying a cheeky Nando’s.
1 https://transportandenergy.com/2024/09/24/brits-spend-30-days-at-service-stations-in-lifetime/
About CamperDays
Launched in Germany in 2013, CamperDays is Europe’s leading camper tour operator, working with 150 partners in over 700 locations globally.
CamperDays facilitates access to over 35,500 vehicles available for rent worldwide, including in the UK, Europe, Australia, USA, Canada and South Africa. The platform allows customers to choose from a selection of trusted providers globally via an easy three step booking process, with rentals available from just £70 per day.
Since it was launched, CamperDays customers have booked over 1,000,000 nights in vehicles rented through the site. CamperDays provides access to a broad selection of campervans and motorhomes catering to every type of traveller, with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. All vehicles come with insurance, with excess, as standard, to allow renters a truly carefree holiday.
For more information or to make a booking, visit the website: www.camperdays.co.uk.