Autumn is here and it’s the perfect season for a good ol’ British road trip. While zipping along this country’s great scenic roads, however, there’s another thing that is just as important. That’s right, we’re talking about service stations.
Services are essential places to stop, refresh, refuel and have a wee – and the UK is dotted with plenty of ’em. But which service stations are the best (and worst)?
To find out, watchdog Transport Focus surveyed more than 30,000 visitors at 120 motorway services in the UK about their views on a bunch of factors including value for money, toilet cleanliness, customer service and electric vehicle charging facilities. Transport Focus carries out its survey every year and it is, by most regards, the gold standard of services rankings.
The best motorway service station was Moto Rugby in Warwickshire. Having opened in April 2021, Moto Rugby boasted 100 percent customer satisfaction and features swanky ‘state-of-the-art’ facilities including an ultra-rapid EV charging site and new toilets and showers. You’ll find it at junction one on the M6.
Second place went to Roadchef Killington Lake in Cumbria, while Roadchef Annandale Water in Scotland came in third. Both stations offer a scenic break from the road, with views of the natural landscapes of the north.
On the flip side, Welcome Break Hartshead Moor East on the M62 between Manchester and Leeds was the lowest-rated station out of 120 stations in the survey. Toddington North and South were also ranked as service stations best to avoid.
Best motorway service stations in the UK and its operator, according to Transport Focus.
- Rugby (Moto)
- Killington Lake (Roadchef)
- Annandale Water (Roadchef)
- Wetherby (Moto)
- Stafford South (Roadchef)
- Corley South (Welcome Break)
- Chester (Roadchef)
- Reading East (Moto)
- Leeds Skelton Lake (Extra)
- Ferrybridge (Moto)
And here are the worst.
- Hartshead Moor East (Welcome Break)
- Toddington North (Moto)
- Toddington South (Moto)
- Bridgwater (Moto)
- Hartshead Moor West (Welcome Break)
- Lancaster South (Moto)
- Sedgemoor North (Welcome Break)
- Cardiff Gate (Welcome Break)
- Sandbach South (Roadchef)
- Membury East (Welcome Break)
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