Guide to the Best Service Stations

Sellmymotorhome.com have analysed the service stations across the UK that are the best for an overnight stay. The research reveals the best and worst stops as well as the roads, regions and operating companies with the best facilities for caravans and motorhomes.

The following article will explore the service stations that had the best average rating on Motorway Services Online, Tripadvisor and Google Ratings. 

The Top 10 Best Motorway Service Stations for Motorhomes

Taking the top spot for the best motorway service station is Welcome Break Service Area, Tebay. The service station received an average of 4 stars out of 5. Tebay is located on the M6, nestled between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. It’s ideally located for motorhome enthusiasts looking to rest while exploring the North of the UK.

The services have a caravan park that you can stay at for £24 per night. There are toilets and showers that are cleaned regularly as well as an electric hook-up to all pitches, fresh water, waste water disposal, and chemical disposal facilities. The rest stop also includes a farm shop and kitchen.

Motorists reviewing Tebay say, “Best services I have ever stopped at, great food and bonus of a farm shop.” 

“Reasonably priced, super friendly staff, beautiful food and lovely and clean.”

In second place is Moto Service Area, Wetherby. They also achieved an average of 4 stars out of 5. The service area sits on the A1(M), near Wetherby, and close to Harrogate, York, and Leeds. The A1 is the longest numbered road in the UK, stretching 410 miles, and connects London to Edinburgh – a popular route to take when travelling between England and Scotland.

This service station includes toilet facilities, showers, and free parking for 2 hours. It also boasts accommodation for overnight stays, washing machines, and EV charging.

Motorists reviewing Wetherby say, “Always something good to eat, good place to stop for a break, interesting stuff in the shops and clean toilets, always!”

“Easy access, parking and compact layout means you don’t have to walk far. Get a coffee and a snack and get back on the road feeling refreshed.”

Cairn Lodge Happendon Services came in third place with an average of 3.7 stars out of 5. The services is located along the M74, around 30 miles South East of Glasgow. It’s well positioned to offer motorists rest when travelling north towards Loch Lomond and the Cairngorms, or south towards the Lake District and beyond.

The Cairn Lodge services do have large parking spots that are free for up to 3 hours, specifically for caravans and motorhomes. However they don’t have facilities for fresh water, waste disposal, or electric hook-up for caravans & motorhomes. The rest stop does however include a farm shop and kitchen.

Motorists reviewing Cairn Lodge say, “Beautiful setting. Fantastic farm shop. Seriously good coffee. Highly recommend the wild boar sausage rolls.”

“Well designed services with everything you may need including a great deli, coffee as well as sit down meals. Great play area for kids.”

In fourth place is Moto Service Area, Leicester, achieving an average of 3.7 stars out of 5. This location, just north of junction 21 on the M1, provides a perfect midway rest when heading between north and south England.

This service station benefits from plenty of food court options as well as toilet and shower facilities. Caravan club members benefit from 20% off the food purchased at this rest stop, along with dedicated parking motorhomes and caravans.

Motorists reviewing Leicester say, “Very friendly place with lots of food outlets for every taste whether it’s Chinese, burgers or a sandwich that you fancy. “

“Lots of parking and food to enjoy as usual.”

Gretna Green service station takes the title for the fifth best service station in the UK with an average of 3.7 stars out of 5. The services are located just north of the Scotland-England border, where the M6 and A74(M) meet. As such, it’s a great stopping point for motorists moving between the two countries.

Gretna Green service station parking is free for up to 2 hours. Although it doesn’t have fresh water and grey water facilities, you can take advantage of the wide selection of food on offer.

Motorists reviewing Gretna Green say, “Plenty of car parking as well as for caravans. Hotel and petrol forecourt on site.”

“Nice place for a small break while on a long drive. Nice and clean”

The 10 Worst Motorway Service Stations for Motorhomes

The worst motorway service station in the UK is Moto Service Area, Woolley Edge Bretton. They achieved an average of 2.5 stars out of 5.

Motorists reviewing Woolley Edge say, “I think they have forgotten this one exists since the 70s. Staff here are also amazingly abrupt and rude.”

Roadchef Motorways Service Area, Bothwell came in second place for the worst service station in the UK. The Bothwell service station achieved an average of 2.6 stars out of 5.

Motorists reviewing Bothwell say, “Poorly managed, and I pretty much think it’s the worst motorway service station I’ve encountered.”

Tied in third, fourth and fifth place, Moto Service Area Huntsworth Business park, Toddington and Welcome Break Service Area, Membury all achieved an average of 2.7 stars out of 5.

Motorists reviewing Huntsworth say, “Really tight horrible car park. Not enough toilets.”

Motorists reviewing Toddington say, “Overall the whole place needs a severe face-lift to be brought up to date.”

Motorists reviewing Membury say, “Very poorly lit and signposted. Avoid it if it’s dark.”

The UK Roads With the Best Services

The M40 has the best service stop facilities. The stops along this road have an average total rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars. The best service stop on the M40 is Welcome Break Service Area, Oxford. 

Taking the title of second best road for service facilities is the A1, with a total average of 3.4 stars out of 5. Moto Service Area, Wetherby has the best rating for service facilities on the A1.

The M42 motorway takes the spot of third best motorway services. The services achieved an average of 3.4 stars out of 5. The best service stop on this route is Welcome Break, Hopwood Park Service Area, near birmingham. 

The M74 came in fourth place with an average of 3.3 stars out of 5. Cairn Lodge Happendon Services, is the best service stop on this route.

In fifth place is M6 achieving an average of 3.2 out of 5 stars. If you are travelling on the M6, the best service stop is Westmorland Service Area, Tebay, which came in as the top service station in the UK.

The Regions With the Best Services

Scotland, the East Midlands and the North East hold the top spots for the regions with the best service stations. The stops in these areas all achieved an average of 3.3 stars out of 5.

In Scotland, the best place to stop for a rest is Cairn Lodge Happendon Services. The Moto Service Area, Leicester is the best service station in the East Midlands. The North East’s best service stop is the Roadchef Service Area in Durham. 

The South East and Wales came in fourth and fifth place with an average of 3.2 stars out of 5.

In the South East the best place to take a rest is Welcome Break Service Area, Oxford. In Wales the best service station is Moto Service Area in West Glamorgan. 

The Operator Companies With the Best Services

The operator with the best average rating across the board is Welcome Break. This operating chain achieved an average of 3.2 stars across their facilities. Welcome break has some of the best rated service stop areas, the best services can be found in Gretna Green. 

Roadchef came in second place. Their facility also achieved 3.2 stars out of 5, with their best facility being in Durham, it achieved an average of 3.6 stars out of 5.

Moto service stops came in third place and achieved an average of 3.2 stars out of 5. The service station in Wetherby is the best rated facility.

So, that concludes the Sellmymotorhome.com guide to the best and worst UK service stations for an overnight stop.

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