Ever been halfway through a long drive and pulled into a service station, only to be hit with sky-high prices, grimy loos, and the vibe of a horror movie set? You’re not alone.
Consumer group Which? asked 4,000 people to rate 90 UK service stations on things like food, cleanliness, EV charging, and general vibes. The results? Let’s just say some places deserve a round of applause – others, a total rebrand.
The Good News ?
Gloucester Services (M5) came out on top with an impressive 85% rating. People love it – and it’s easy to see why. Think artisan farm shop, fresh local food (hello, gelato and cheese), 24 EV chargers, and even a lake to chill by. Honestly, it sounds more like a mini holiday than a motorway stop.
10 BEST SERVICE STATIONS
1) Gloucester (M5) - 85%
2) Tebay (M6) - 77%
3) Rugby (M6) - 75%
4) Cairn Lodge (M74) - 72%
5) Leeds Skelton Lake (M1) - 68% (Bonus: Leeds has an RSPB viewing platform – who knew birdwatching would make the list?)
6) Norton Cane (M6 toll) - 59%
7) Killington Lake (M6) - 58%
8) Annandale Water (A74) - 56%
9) Beaconsfield (M40) - 56%1
10) Donington (M1) - 55%
Moto’s Rugby Services, which only opened in 2021, made waves too – clean, modern, and great on a sunny day, according to users.
The Bad News ?
At the other end of the scale, Moto Bridgwater (M5) flopped hard with just 23%. Complaints ranged from gross toilets to a general sense of it being filthy and overpriced.
10 WORST SERVICE STATIONS
1) Bridgewater (M5) -23%
2) Leeming Bar (A1) - 26%
3) Lancaster (M6) - 34%
4) Hilton Park (M6) - 34%
5) Thurrock (M25) - 35%
6) Watford Gap (M1) - 36%
7) Washington (A1) - 36%
8) Toddington (M1) - 36%
9) Kinross (M90) - 36%
10) Frankley (M5) - 36%
Big Picture
Overall, the report says the UK’s service stations are still hit and miss. Dirty loos, tired facilities, and overpriced snacks are far too common – though the good ones really shine.
EV drivers, take note: Gloucester, Rugby, and Leeds Skelton Lake scored well for having lots of fast chargers. With electric vehicles becoming more common, charging availability is now a major rating factor.
Planning a road trip? It’s worth mapping out your pit stops. Aim for Gloucester, Tebay, or Rugby if you want a decent coffee, clean facilities, and maybe even a lakeside stroll. Avoid Bridgwater unless you enjoy disappointment.
