Service Station Index
The UK's best and worst service stations according to reviews
On a long drive, a service station is the perfect place to stop for a rest, some food or a bathroom break. With recent uncertainty around international travel still applying in many cases, more Brits are looking for road trips or domestic getaways.
PlumbNation wanted to find out which service stations are the best to stop at in the UK, and which you should avoid, therefore we analysed user Google reviews for all motorway service stations in the UK
1. Cobham services - 9.34/10
Cobham services is officially the UK's best service station, based on facilities and Google reviews.
According to over 15,000 user Google reviews, the Extra operated service station has plenty of choices for food giving it an overall Google rating of 4.1 out of 5. 4 reviewers positively mention the cleanliness of the bathrooms, and high amount of cubicles.
Located between junctions 9 and 10 of the M25, Cobham services has 13 food outlets, a children's play area and a hotel. For those with electric cars, the service station has charging ports for electric vehicles.
2. Beaconsfield services - 9.28/10
Beaconsfield services on the M40 is one of the UK's favourites. The Extra operated services is home to 16 food outlets, a children's play area and a hotel.
Google reviewers rate the services 4.1 stars overall out of 5, with 6 reviewers positively mentioning the bathrooms and their cleanliness. The service station has shower facilities although 1 reviewer mentioned the showers appear dated and difficult to use for those with mobility restrictions.
3. Peterborough services - 8.69/10
The Extra service station at Peterborough is one of the best in the UK according to facilities and Google reviews.
The service station is rated 3.9 out of 5 overall on Google reviews, with many reviewers mentioning the food choices and number of shops. 17 users left positive reviews mentioning the toilet facilities at Peterborough, although 3 reviewers mentioned the limited number of accessible stalls.
Peterborough services houses a children's play area, electric vehicle charging stations and 11 food outlets.
3. Cherwell Valley - 8.69/10
Cherwell Valley is a Moto operated service station located on the M40 near Bicester, with a children's play area and hotel.
Rated 3.8 out of a possible 5 stars on Google reviews, Cherwell Valley services is one of the nation's favourite places to rest during a road trip or long journey. Many reviewers positively mention the bathrooms at Cherwell Valley, with some noting the distance between the entrance and toilet facilities as longer than necessary.
For drivers of electric vehicles, the service station has charging ports for electric cars.
The Worst Motorway Service Stations in the UK
1. Barton Park services - 2.37/10**
Barton Park on the A1(M) is voted one of the UK's worst service stations. Operated by Moto, the station has an overall Google review rating of 3.1 out of 5. 22 users noted the lack of cleanliness and upkeep of the bathroom facilities at the truckstop, with many urging readers to avoid the stop.
Since Barton Park services are designed for HGVs, those electric vehicles might wish to avoid the station as it lacks charging facilities.
2. Leeming Bar - 3.82/10**
Leeming Bar services, operated by Moto, has an overall Google review rating of 3.2 out of 5. Many reviewers mention the small size of the site and car park as factors that influenced low reviews. 75 reviews mention the toilet facilities, with 22 noting the lack of cleanliness.
Leeming Bar service station does not have charging points for electric vehicles or a shop inside, however, it offers showers and a cafe.
3. Todhills - 4.13/10
Todhills services could be a stop to avoid for those travelling on the M6 on a road trip.
Rated 3.7 out of 5 by users on Google, the service station has 11 user reviews that mention the toilet facilities. While 4 reviewers note the lack of cleaning, 3 reviewers left positive comments about the bathroom cleanliness.
Todhills services has no shower facilities or children's play area, however offers electric vehicle charging and a hotel on-site.
The Full Ranking of Motorway Service Stations in the UK
Below is the full ranking of the UK's best and worst motorway service stations, for those commuting long distances across the country.
Methodology
Plumbnation wanted to discover the best and worst motorway service stations across the UK, therefore sourced a list of motorway service stations and their amenities from Motorway Services.
The overall Google review rating for each station was sourced from Google and service stations with 50 reviews or fewer were removed from the list.
Each service station was given a relative score out of 10 for each factor. Each service station's overall rating is an average of its score for each factor.