women fuelling car on a service station close to London
September 29, 2023

The Best Motorway Service Stations

If you’re hiring a Zipcar for a UK staycation this summer, make the most of the journey by stopping at one of the best UK service stations. Forget fast food and overpriced car snacks, these are the best service stations and farm shops on your route out of London!

 

Heading West

big full english breakfast with coffee and juice on the side

M4 towards Bristol, Devon and Cornwall

Three Trees farm shop and cafe is just a stone’s throw from Junction 15 off the M4. You’ll find a great selection of cakes, breakfasts and light lunches using fresh local ingredients, and you can even stock up on top-quality produce at the shop and butchery if you’ll be staying in self-catering accommodation.

Three Trees Farm Shop, The Ridgeway, Chiseldon, Swindon SN4 0HT

view of a motorway running through the cotswolds

M5 towards Devon and Cornwall

Forget about sad sandwiches and stodgy fast food at Gloucester Services. This service station boasts a farm shop and kitchen selling everything from quick food to grab on the go to sit down meals from breakfast through to dinner, all of it freshly cooked and locally sourced.

M5, Brookthorpe, Gloucester GL4 0DN

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Heading North

afternoon tea

M6 towards Manchester and the Lake District

Arguably the best services on the M6 northbound, The Lambing Shed is set in a former barn of a working farm and features a deli and café serving farm produce from burgers, bacon and sausage rolls to quiche and cake. There’s even takeaway afternoon tea and graze boxes if you fancy something to snack on for the final leg of the journey.

Moseley Hall Farm, Chelford Rd, Knutsford WA16 8RB

manor farm barn dining room

M1 towards Sheffield, Leeds and the North East

Manor Farm in Catthorpe is just minutes from junction 18 off the M1, set in a welcoming and relaxed rustic barn and serving up fresh food with a menu that’s updated daily. Expect the usual subjects for breakfast, as well as light lunches, desserts and much more. Pick up some fresh produce from the farm shop while you’re there – it’s easily the best service station by the M1.

Main St, Catthorpe, Lutterworth LE17 6DB

ploughmans lunch

A12 towards Suffolk and Norfolk

The Farm Café and Shop has everything you need for a lunch stop on your way to the Suffolk coast. Enjoy a delightful breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea at this cosy café with excellent service and delicious food.

Main Rd, Woodbridge IP13 0AG

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Heading South

busy motorway heading out of London

M25 towards Surrey and the South Coast

From street food to sushi, and an M&S Simply Food where you can pick up luxury car snacks, Cobham Services is consistently voted one of the best service stations in the UK. If you’re heading south and need a break from the busy M25, Cobham is the perfect pit stop.