If you’re planning a road trip, you should think about where you’re going to break the journey too, especially if you’re travelling with children. England is full of motorway services and places to stretch your legs, but you can’t always be sure of their quality.
Take a look at what we’ve found to be the best motorway service stations in England and see if you can plan them into your route.
Exeter services
Along the M5, you’ll find the excellent Exeter services with everything you need for a pleasant break to your journey. Full of lots of takeaways and a restaurant, so you can spend some time away from the car and get a good meal. It’s a great spot to recharge, you, your phone and your electric vehicle!
Cornwall Services
If you’re heading into Cornwall, a good spot to rest is at the Cornwall services on the A30. Kids will love the indoor soft play and climbing wall and you can also grab some good food and even a present or two in their on-site shops. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout and you can even clean and dry a load of washing using their self-service laundrette.
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Leigh Delamere
Eastbound of the M4, you’ll find the Leigh Delamere services which gets high satisfaction ratings from visitors. You get a great range of food, shops and services on site, as well as an indoor children’s play area. You get two hours free parking and there is space for cars, HGVs, caravans and motorhomes, plus electric vehicle charging points.
Cherwell Valley
Heading north away from London on the M40, you’ll be able to stop at the wonderful Cherwell Valley. With a secure 24 hour car park and free two hours parking, you can spend time inside knowing your belongings are safe. Enjoy the food and shopping on site and let the kids burn off some energy on the indoor or outdoor play area.
Corley Services
On the M6, the Corley services are a highly regarded place to stop for a break. As well as top food and shopping brands, you can take a break on the gaming machines or even freshen up with a shower. There’s free Wi-Fi, full accessibility and electric vehicle charging points.
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Norton Canes, M6 toll road
The services at Norton Canes topped rankings of the best service stations in 2019. There, you’ll find a wide range of shops and food options. You’ll also have the chance to fuel or charge your vehicle and free Wi-Fi. You get 2 hours free parking, it is wheel chair accessible, and this service has space for cars, caravans, coaches and HGVs.
Chester Services
The services at Chester on the M56 gets very positive feedback from visitors. It’s open 24 hours and has free Wi-Fi, 2 hours free parking and charging points for electric vehicles. There’s even meeting space available! There are plenty of places to grab food, as well as the opportunity to do a bit of shopping.
Wetherby Services
Heading north on the M1, you’ll come across the Wetherby services, close to York. As well as delicious places to eat and drink, there’s a food hall on site for extra snacks and bits for your holiday. You’ll get 2 hours free parking, access to Wi-Fi and can charge up your electric vehicle. It’s fully accessible, has shower facilities and a RADAR key scheme.
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Durham Services
The services at Durham on the A1 (M) are a great place to stop off. They’re open 24 hours and have all the amenities you need for a rest. You get two hours free parking and there are also electric vehicle charging points on site. So, head inside for some food, have a comfort break, and give the whole family a rest from the road.
Lancaster (Forton) Northbound
On the M6, the Lancaster Northbound services are a welcome spot to break a journey. There are plenty of options for food as well as opportunities to shop. It’s a fully accessible services and has a secure RADAR key scheme and an outdoor play area for kids.
Get in touch
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