A survey of 2,000 drivers has identified the top motorway service stations in Britain, with Gloucester Services on the M5 taking the top spot. The family-owned station, run in partnership with the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, impressed motorists with its high-quality freshly prepared food and farm shop sourcing from 130 local suppliers within 30 miles.
Tebay Services on the M6 in Cumbria came second, praised for championing local farmers and makers. Beaconsfield Services on the M40, Wetherby Services in West Yorkshire, and Rugby Services on the M6 tied for third place with 11% each. The survey, commissioned by Isuzu UK, rated factors including food, cleanliness, toilets, parking, atmosphere, and EV charging points.
Motorists visit an average of 25 service stations a year, and 38% plan journeys around stops. EV drivers spend the longest, averaging 34 minutes while charging, though 5% complained of insufficient charging points. Almost half of drivers (49%) have walked out of a service station that failed to meet expectations.
The full top 20 includes Leeds Skelton Lake Services, Oxford Services, Fleet Services, South Mimms Services, Membury Services, and Heston Services, which has staged a comeback with revamped facilities. George Wallis of Isuzu UK noted the high quality of many stations across the country.
