A GROUP of experts have revealed the UK’s highest rated service stations – loved for their choice of food, value fuel and charging points.
Whether it’s commuting to work or you’ve set out on a road trip, millions of drivers make regular stops during their journeys each day – meaning service station essentials are as important as ever.
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New analysis from car buying service WeBuyAnyCar has looked at 95 service stations nationwide, awarding each a score out of 100 based on the number of food options, facilities, charging points and Google review ratings.
By using these ratings, they were able to create a ranking of the best motorway stops – known as the Dream Service Station report.
Their data found that Worcestershire’s Strensham Roadchef is the best-rated service station in the UK, scoring an impressive 80.6 out of 100.
Located between Worcester and Tewkesbury on the M5 Southbound, between junctions 7 and 8, it features a 24/7 McDonald’s as well as a Costa Coffee, LEON, Coco Di Mama, Chozen Noodle, Fresh Food Cafe, SPAR and a WHSmith.
Naturally, it also offers two hours free parking and EV charging.
Indeed, it is the only service station to achieve a score of above 80 – closely followed by Leigh Delamere (79.4) and Reading (74.5).
Leigh Delamere, located on the M4 near Chippenham, boasts all the favourites, including Burger King, Chow, Costa Coffee, Greggs and KFC.
Third-place Reading, meanwhile, once boasted a 100% satisfaction score for the Westbound services and 96% for the Eastbound building, according to Transport Focus.
Of the top 10, three of the services can be found on the M1 motorway; Toddington, Woodall and Newport Pagnell.
It’s worth noting that Moto Rugby, located on the M6, Junction 1, has the highest rating in terms of Google review score.
However, the location has limited options available, which sadly impacted its performance in the rankings.
At the other end of the table, Bothwell Motorway Services, found just outside Glasgow, was the lowest ranked service station in the UK, scoring only 4.8 out of 100.
According to WeBuyAnyCar’s findings, people spend an average of 16.5 minutes in a service station when they visit.
They also found that, curiously, Marks & Spencer is the nation’s preferred service station chain, followed by Greggs.
Richard Evans, head of technical services at WeBuyAnyCar, said: “While some variation in the quality of service stations is to be expected, the findings do show an inconsistency in UK service stations.
“For people who travel long distances, it’s important to have service stations with good facilities available to them.
“Taking regular breaks on long journeys is crucial for safety and well-being purposes, helping to prevent fatigue and keep drivers focused.
“Central to this safety approach is having the appropriate rest points where drivers actually want to stop and take a break.”
Britain’s 10 best service stations
Source: WeBuyAnyCar
- Strensham, Worcestershire: M5 motorway, between junctions 7 and 8.
- Leigh Delamere, Wiltshire: M4 motorway, between junctions 17 and 18.
- Reading, Berkshire: M4 motorway, between junctions 11 and 12.
- Toddington, Bedfordshire: M1 motorway, between junctions 11A and 12.
- Cobham, Surrey: M25 motorway, between junctions 9 and 10.
- Woodall, South Yorkshire: M1 motorway, between junctions 30 and 31.
- Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire: M1 motorway, between junctions 14 and 15.
- Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire: M40 motorway, at junction 2.
- Hilton Park, Staffordshire: M6 motorway, between junctions 10A and 11.
- Cherwell Valley, Oxfordshire: M40 motorway, at junction 10.
