Millions of drivers are well acquainted with the iconic M5 landmarks, from the sculptural magnificence of the 'Willow Man' to the upmarket fare on offer at Gloucester Services. However, beyond these well-known sights lie some concealed curiosities.
YouTube channel AutoShenanigans uncovered a secret section of the M5 that appears to be exclusively for police use. The channel's presenter highlighted the peculiarity, explaining: "Between junctions 29 and 28, the southbound carriageway has a secret junction linking the motorway to the B3181. On the motorway there are signs saying 'Police Only' and it's a bit strange because usually you would expect another junction on the opposite carriageway but that's not the case here."
The presenter added: "Looking at the condition of the slip road here, it seems like it's not been used in quite a long time."
The same investigating YouTubers also discovered a ghostly abandoned stretch of road flanking the M5 near Exeter.
Guiding viewers through the route, the presenter described: "At junction 30, you come off the motorway and chuck a right down Sidmouth Road you'll arrive in the village of Clyst St Mary's. Venture further and you'll stumble upon this forgotten stretch of tarmac. It's a relic from when the A376 next to it was upgraded to a dual carriageway and a new roundabout was installed near the village entrance."
He described the presence of two ancient bridges that have withstood the passage of time along a historic 600-foot causeway, which once functioned as the main route into and out of the village.
Keen to showcase history's wonders, he explained: "This road used to be the main way in and out of the village but following the aforementioned road upgrade, the village has been bypassed leaving these two medieval bridges and stretch of road behind."
Viewers took to the video's comment section, with one person writing: "We go along the M5 a couple of times a year so this is a good one to see. Going southbound the Gloucestershire services are lovely but the food very pricey, very clean loos though. I was always fascinated as a kid by the split level bit south of Bristol when we were heading to the Cornwall summer holiday."
Another said: "When I was young my family would always holiday in south Devon driving down the M5 to get there, when I turned 18 me and my girlfriend started going to the same place as our first ever 'no grownups' holidays so the journey down the M5 is always such a nostalgic and wonderful thing for me."
A third commented: "It's so nostalgic! I always wondered what was with all those cars. And my favourite part of the M5 was always trying to spot wicker man, bit sad to see him in a bad state!"
Finally, one person said: "I once drove from Manchester to Bristol on the M5 and from Gloucester onwards the scenery looks beautiful."
Meanwhile, a hidden treasure sits beneath the bustling motorway of the Midlands, discreetly positioned between Droitwich and Bromsgrove. This obscure country lane is concealed off an unassuming lay-by; at the tightest bend nearest to the M5 on Colley Pits Lane, it follows the edge of Wychbold.
