The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the UK
Looking for dog-friendly beaches near you? Whether you’re on a UK holiday or looking for a new spot to...
by Steph Boal / Travel Tips
Join us on a journey through the heart of the UK’s motorway as we finally settle a highly contested topic: which of the UK’s service stations is the best?
Whilst they might not be the main focus of a holiday, people feel passionately about the best service stations in the UK. Countless companies have compiled data about which service station is the best. However, we’ve taken a different approach!
We’ve asked our own employees for their favorite UK service station. With employees who love to travel the UK and possess extensive experience in the travel industry, it would be unwise not to heed their advice!
Read on to discover 12 “wheely” good service stations in the UK…
Dating all the way back to 1959, Newport Pagnell is the oldest service station in the UK. However, Watford Gap services comes in at a close second as it opened a month after!
Now to settle one of the most controversial topics…
Which is better, Tebay or Gloucester services?
Both of these services stations in the UK frequently top the list of best services, so we put the question to the team here at Sykes!
When asked what their favourite service station in the UK was. Tebay was chosen 11 times whilst Gloucester was chosen 15 times!
Read on to find out more about these popular services!
The M6 is home to 18 service stations each providing an array of services. Rugby and Tebay are arguably the best services that the M6 has to offer, as both have featured in Which’s guide!
Continue reading our blog to find out more about the facilities available at both of these UK service stations.
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Kicking off our guide to the best UK service stations is Gloucester services! Resting on the M5 between Junction 12 and 11A, Gloucester services are owned by the Westmorland family who make another appearance in this guide.
Gloucester Services frequently tops the list of best service stations in the UK, with Which’s guide stating that it has an impressive 86% customer score. This rating is unsurprising considering all that Gloucester offers!
Look forward to a farm shop that works with 130 producers within a 30-mile radius and stocks charcuterie, cheese, gelato and patisserie. There’s even a kitchen that prides itself on making food from scratch with locally sourced produce.
Both the northbound and southbound services are housed in beautiful buildings boasting living roofs bursting with grass and wildflowers; allowing them to blend into the surrounding countryside. Their location also provides stunning views as well as traffic-free dog walks for you and your pooch!
Motorway: M5 between Junction 12 and 11A
Postcode: GL4 0DN
Parking: Free parking for 3 hours.
EV Charging: There are two Ecotricity machine at both Northbound and Southbounds sites. Make sure to download the Ecotricity app in advance.
Dog-friendly: Yes! Dogs are welcome in the foyers of the main building but not in the farmshop, kitchen or quick kitchen.
Facilities: Toilets and showers Accessible toilets and showers, dog walking trails, kitchen, petrol station.
Don’t miss out on these exciting attractions close to Gloucester services…
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The next service station on our list is my personal favourite! The aptly named Leeds Skelton Lake services lies around 5 miles from the centre of Leeds overlooking Skelton Country Park and its lake.
As a frequent traveller to the North East, this UK service station offers the perfect break on the M1. Offering endless walks through the countryside adorned with wild flora and wildlife as well as trails connecting to popular routes. The perfect way to reconnect with nature and stretch your legs.
The inside is just as impressive as the outside. Housed under a living roof is an array of eateries including; Pizza Express, Nandos, Leon, Tortilla, KFC, Chopstix and Starbucks. There is truly something for everyone!
On warmer days you can tuck into your food alfresco at the picnic areas and on rainy days this service station in the UK boasts an RSPB Visitor Centre and viewing deck where you can admire the far-reaching views across the countryside.
Motorway: M1, Junction 45
Postcode: LS9 0AS
Parking: Free parking for 2 hours
EV Charging: Yes! 6 x 350KW super fast chargers from Ionity
Dog-friendly: Dogs are not permitted in the food court building, but there is ample outdoor space and walks through Skelton Country Park.
Facilities: Filling Station, Toilets and showers, accessible toilets and showers, baby changing facilities, hotel, outdoor play area, picnic area, dog-walking.
Don’t miss out on these exciting attractions close to Leeds Skelton Lake…
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Killington Lake Services is another of the best UK service stations! It takes its name from Killington Reservoir which it overlooks.
Located a short drive from the more popular service, Tebay, Killington Lake is a quieter alternative! With a Costa Coffee and a Mcdonald’s, you can grab a quick refreshment to tuck into whilst enjoying the serenity of the lake.
This UK service station also boasts an unbeatable location on the edge of both the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park! With a whole host of attractions nearby, you can veer off course to discover all Kendal has to offer or lose yourself in the beauty of the Lakes.
Motorway: M6 Southbound, Junction J36 – J37
Postcode: LA8 0NW
Parking: First 2 hours free for all vehicles
EV Charging: Yes, GRIDESERVE Electric highway 50kW CCS, 50kW CHAdeMO and 22kW Type 2
Dog-friendly: Yes
Facilities: Toilets and showers, baby changing facilities, accessible toilets, filling station and hotel.
Don’t miss out on these exciting attractions near Killington Lake Services…
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Tucked off Junction 8A on the M40, the Oxford M40 Services is next up on our guide to the best service stations in the UK. Recognised by the Transport Focus Motorway Services User Survey as the best toilet on the M40, it is a great place to stop for a rest!
With an array of eateries including Pizza Express, KFC, Subway, Burger King and Starbucks you can refuel at the picnic tables as the water fountains trickle nearby.
This service station in the UK has even partnered with Electric Umbrella who have provided a free yellow piano so budding pianists can brighten up the services with music.
The thriving city of Oxford is located nearby, if you have time be sure to stop in the city to lose yourself in its history and culture. Film fans can even explore some of the Harry Potter filming locations such as the Bodleian Library!
Motorway: M40, Junction 8A
Postcode: OX33 1LJ
Parking: 2 hours free parking
EV Charging: Yes, Tesla and Gridserve available
Dog-friendly: Dogs are not permitted indoors but there are places to walk your dog
Facilities: Toilets and showers, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, filling station, hotel
Don’t miss out on these exciting attractions near Oxford M40 services…
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As the winner of Transport Focus’s UK’s best-rated motorway services, it’s unsurprising that Rugby Services features in our guide. Located at Junction 1 on the M6, this service station is a great place to stop on the way to your next adventure!
Park up, stretch your legs and refuel at places like Greggs, Pret a Manger, M&S Food and KFC. With an internal and external play area, you can let the kids burn off some pent-up energy while you savour your coffee.
There is even a grassy area with picnic benches where you can enjoy the fresh air and walk your beloved pooch; just what you need after hours in the car!
Motorway: M6, Junction 1
Postcode: CV23 0EZ
Parking: Free for up to 2 hours
EV Charging: GRIDSERVE Electric and Tesla charging available
Dog-friendly: Yes, and there are dog-friendly walking areas.
Facilities: Toilets and showers, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, filling station, external and internal play area
Don’t miss out on these exciting attractions near Rugby Services…
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Like Gloucester Services, Tebay is owned by the Westmorland family and frequently features on guides to the best service stations in the UK. It was also hugely popular amongst the Sykes family; earning its place in our guide!
Surrounded by nature and the immeasurable beauty of the Lake District, Tebay offers a homely experience. Dine by the water’s edge overlooking the Lake District mountains and savour the delicious food from the Kitchen.
Tebay prides itself on food made from local ingredients, as well as meat from their farm. They also offer £1 meals for children under the age of 11 when you buy an adult hot meal. Perfect for families travelling to and from their next family getaway in the UK.
Don’t miss out on the farm shop in this UK service station. Stocking over 70 local producers, it is a haven for foodies; there is even a lifestyle section where you can pick up clothing and homeware as a memento of your UK road trip.
Motorway: M6 between Junction 38 and Junction 39
Postcode: CA10 3SB
Parking: Free for the first 3 hours
EV Charging: GRIDSERVE Electric highway 50kW CCS, 50 kW CHAdeMO and 22 kW Type 2 and Tesla Supercharger 150kW CCS available
Dog-friendly: Yes! Dogs are welcome in the foyer areas of the main buildings in both Northbound and Southbound.
Facilities: Toilets and showers, accessible toilets, farmshop, kitchen, filling station, quick kitchen, indoor soft play area, dog walking trails and baby changing facilities.
Don’t miss out on these exciting attractions close to Tebay Services…
This Scottish service station is next on our guide to the best service stations in the UK. Overlooking the water and boasting a sought-after position next to the River Annan, Annandale can be found off the A74 M.
Annandale Water Services is dog-friendly, making it the perfect place to stop off with your pooch. Visit retailers including Costa, Chozen Noodle, McDonald’s and The Cornish Bakery before sitting outside to bask in the glorious views across the water.
If you’re looking to make the most of your journey and explore some of Scotland’s sights then this UK service station is perfectly positioned. Venture out to uncover Lochwood Castle and Drumlanrig Castle and Gardens; a great way to end your Scottish holiday.
Motorway: A74(M) Junction 16
Postcode: DG11 1HD
Parking: Free parking for up to 2 hours
EV Charging: Yes, CHAdeMO, CCS and AC up to 60kW
Dog-friendly: Yes!
Facilities: Toilets and showers, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, filling station and hotel
Don’t miss out on these exciting attractions near Annandale Water…
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Built next to the gatehouse of the ruined Douglas Castle, Cairn Lodge lies between the M74 and the A70. This is the Westmorland family’s last entry on our guide to the best UK service stations.
With the opulent gatehouse and real focus on champing local produce, Scottish craftsmanship and tasty food, Carin Lodge is a fantastic service station to break up your journey.
With a spacious kitchen offering home-cooked meals such as lasagne, fish and chips and a full Scottish breakfast, there is something delicious for everyone. Don’t forget kids eat for £1, all day, every day when you buy an adult-sized meal!
If you’re travelling with the whole family, there is an indoor and outdoor play area that the kids will love. The farm shop also offers an array of Scottish produce so you can take a taste of Scotland with you!
Motorway: M74 at Junction 11 and Junction 12
Postcode: ML11 0RJ
Parking: Free parking for up to 3 hours
EV Charging: None
Dog-friendly: Yes! Dogs are allowed in the foyer but may not enter the farmshop or kitchen
Facilities: Toilets and showers, accessible toilets, indoor play and activity area, farmshop, kitchen and filling station
Don’t miss out on these exciting attractions near Cairn Lodge Services…
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We’re breaking the rules slightly with our next entry on our guide to the best UK service stations. Although not technically a service station as there is no petrol station, the Rhug Estate is the perfect place to stop to break up your journey!
Nestled in North Wales, one of the UK’s top holiday destinations, the Rhug Estate is jam-packed with things to do during your stop. Visit the farm shop where you can stock up on a myriad of products. Delight in organic meat, a range of Welsh cheeses, wines, spirits and beers; there’s even a wild beauty range!
If you’re feeling hungry, then this UK service station has you covered. Visit Café Rhug to tuck into Welsh Rarebit, grab a takeaway from On the Hoof or if you haven’t got time to stop use the Drive Thru.
The Rhug Estate even offers one of the best dog-friendly walks in North Wales. You can join either a 30-minute or hour-long farm walk around the estate; perfect for wildlife lovers.
Motorway: A5
Postcode: LL21 0EH
Parking: Free parking available
EV Charging: 8 x 120kW DC EV rapid charging stations
Dog-friendly: Yes! But dogs must remain on a lead at all times
Facilities: Farm shop, toilets, Drive Thru, Farm tours, Rhug Farm walk, overnight camping and conference facilities.
Don’t miss out on these exciting attractions near Rhug Estate…
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Taking the next spot on our guide to the UK’s best service stations is Sarn Park. Tucked away on Junction 36 of the M4, this service station is perfect for keen shoppers!
Stop to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat at Subway, Burger King or Starbucks before making your way over to McArthur Glen Designer Outlet. Shop to your heart’s content at retailers like Adidas, Dune and The White Company.
This UK service station also lies around 25 miles from Cardiff, which is one of the cheapest holiday destinations in the UK! Take a detour to spend the day exploring the city which is home to Cardiff Castle and the Museum of Cardiff.
Motorway: M4, Junction 36
Postcode: CF32 9SY
Parking: 2 hours free parking
EV Charging: Applegreen Electric 150kW CCS, GRIDSERVE 50kW CCS, 50kW CHAdeMO and 22 kW Type 2 and Tesla Supercharger 120kW
Dog-friendly: There are dog-friendly outdoor areas
Facilities: Toilets and showers, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, filling station and hotel
Don’t miss out on these exciting attractions near Sarn Park Services…
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Taking the final place on our guide to the best service stations in the UK is Lisburn services in Northern Ireland. Nestled on the outskirts of Belfast, this service station is a great place to stop on your next Irish adventure.
With ample parking and a great selection of eateries such as The Bakewell, Subway, Greggs and Chopstix Noodle Bar, there is something for everyone!
This UK service station is also perfectly positioned for a detour into Northern Ireland’s capital! Belfast is a thriving city with a whole host of attractions including Belfast Zoo, W5 Science Museum and the Ulster Museum.
Motorway: M1 between Junction 2 and Junction 6
Postcode: BT27 5SE
Parking: 2 hours free parking
EV Charging: No
Dog-friendly: No
Facilities: Toilets, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, filling station
Don’t miss out on these exciting attraction near Lisburn Services…
Book your next getaway to one of these wonderful cottages in the UK to experience some of the best UK service stations! Use our Inspire Travel Guide to find more attractions to visit on your journey.
Image Credits: Ruth Hartnup – CC BY 2.0; gailhampshire – CC BY 2.0; Simon James – CC BY-SA 2.0; Hefin Owen – CC BY-SA 2.0
by Steph Boal / Travel Tips
Hi, I'm Steph and I joined the Sykes team in 2022. I grew up in the North East of England so unsurprisingly I love exploring the w...
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