A recent survey of 90 motorway service stations across the UK reveals that many are still dirty and underwhelming, according to visitors.
Nobody visits a motorway service station for fun—but our latest survey shows that travelers are hoping for better than overpriced snacks, poor facilities, and unclean restrooms.
Four years after our last motorway services review, the feedback continues to paint a bleak picture of an outdated and poorly maintained network—one still plagued by hygiene issues and a lack of quality services.
Even though your motorway route may limit your options, our survey—based on ratings from thousands of members—shows that stopping just one or two junctions earlier or later can make a big difference in what you find when you pull in.
Gloucester Services Tops the List in 2025
Once again, Gloucester Services on the M5, operated by the Westmorland Family, has been ranked as the best motorway service station in the UK. It earned five stars in nearly every category, including cleanliness, facilities, food quality, and outdoor space.
All three Westmorland-operated services received high ratings, making them worth going a few extra miles.
Avoid Southwaite, Choose Tebay Instead
Take the M6 as an example. If you stop at Southwaite Moto Services (junctions 41–42), you’ll find low-quality shops, subpar food outlets, and possibly unclean toilets—scoring only two out of five stars in key categories.
But just two junctions earlier (38–39), you can visit Tebay Services, also run by Westmorland, which scored a stellar 77%. Tebay offers clean restrooms, scenic open spaces, and freshly prepared meals. You’ll even find a top-notch farm shop with local gifts and healthy snacks—perfect for the rest of your journey.
What Is the Best Motorway Service Station in the UK?
Gloucester Services has once again claimed the title of the best motorway service station in the UK for 2025. Operated by the Westmorland Family, three of their sites consistently top our survey rankings thanks to their exceptional cleanliness, excellent facilities, and pleasant open spaces that travelers actually enjoy spending time in.
The Westmorland Family Services group is the only provider to be named a Which? Recommended Provider, and their standout locations include Gloucester Services, Tebay Services, and Cairn Lodge Services.
Top-Rated Motorway Services in the UK (2025)
1. Gloucester Services – Best Overall
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Location: M5
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Operated by: Westmorland Family
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Highlights: Five-star cleanliness, fresh food, scenic outdoor areas, and top-tier customer satisfaction.
2. Tebay Services – Runner-Up
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Location: M6 (Junctions 38–39)
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Operated by: Westmorland Family
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Known for: Homemade meals, local produce, clean restrooms, and a beautiful rural setting.
3. Rugby Services – Best from a National Brand
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Location: M6 (Junction 1)
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Operated by: Moto
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Standout features: Fast and plentiful EV charging, large dog walking area, modern facilities.
4. Leeds Skelton Lake Services – High Score from Extra
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Location: M1 (Junction 45)
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Operated by: Extra
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Key highlights: Clean amenities, numerous EV chargers, and the RSPB viewing platform over Skelton Lake.
These results mark a significant leap forward for national operators like Moto and Extra, with both Rugby and Leeds Skelton Lake earning praise for clean facilities, EV infrastructure, and innovative outdoor features.
