YouTuber's Epic UK Motorway Service Station Tour Reveals Surprising Winner
A London-based content creator has embarked on an ambitious three-day journey across the United Kingdom to explore the nation's highest-rated motorway service stations, ultimately declaring one particular location in Cumbria as the undisputed champion. Gavin Wren, who documented his extensive travels on his popular YouTube channel, meticulously visited the ten best service stations as voted by the public, offering drivers invaluable insights and an unexpected tip that could transform any motorway break.
The Three-Day Road Trip Across Britain's Motorways
Starting from his home base in London, Gavin Wren drove west along the M40 towards Wales before heading north via the M5 and M6 motorways towards Scotland. His journey concluded with a return to the capital via the M1, covering a significant portion of the country's major road network. Interestingly, one motorway featured prominently in the official Top 10 list, which somewhat simplified his route planning. Throughout his adventure, Gavin made a fascinating discovery at nearly every service station he visited, highlighting a feature that many drivers might overlook.
The Hidden Countryside Escape Behind Service Stations
Gavin Wren revealed that tucked away behind several of the service stations he stopped at were stretches of unspoilt countryside, perfect for walking dogs, allowing children to burn off energy, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll alone. "If you walk out the back of them, there's trees, and green space," he observed. "You can just sit here and watch the sunset. I can barely hear the motorway as well. I'm incredulous... I realised there's a woodland walk over there. I just never realised that service stations had these kinds of things. I'm blown away." This tip, he emphasised, is well worth remembering for drivers anywhere in the country seeking a refreshing break from the road.
Tebay Services: The Crown Jewel of UK Motorway Stops
While impressed with every service station on his list, all of which had won over Which? Magazine readers, one location stood out dramatically for its welcoming atmosphere, impeccable facilities, and cosy ambience. Tebay Services, situated on the M6 motorway in Orton, Cumbria, is described by Gavin as "the OG bougie service station." He praised its amazing food, beautiful hotel, and the incredible countryside accessible just behind it. "Honestly," he said, "this place can't be beaten, and I would genuinely be happy going on holiday there."
Positioned between two national parks with stunning views of the Howgill Fells and Bretherdale, Tebay offers a caravan park and serves as an excellent base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. Gavin opted for an overnight stay at Tebay's hotel, noting that it transcends typical service station accommodations. "This isn't a 'service station hotel'," he commented. "This is just a nice hotel. What you don't know is that it smells nice in here. This is amazing."
Thoughtful Details and One Minor Drawback
The hotel room, though not the largest, featured considerate touches that demonstrated the owners' commitment to guest comfort. "You've got still and sparkling water," Gavin pointed out. "You've got a little pack of toffee. But then also, you've actually got proper coffee rather than instant. It's a coffee bag. You've got shortbread, local shortbread. It's just those details that make a hotel so much nicer." After a hearty lunch, Gavin decided on a "picnic" in his room instead of a full dinner, which led him to uncover the only slight downside to Tebay's offerings.
"The farm shop was an absolute treasure trove with a huge variety of really high quality foods," he explained. "But there is one little downside to shopping in farm shops in service stations... £19 for a few carrots, some hummus, a sausage roll, a zero alcohol beer, and a little dessert. And it was at 10% off. So, it would have been nearly £21 if I hadn't had the voucher!" Despite this, he insisted that Tebay services remained unmatched in overall quality.
Gavin Wren's Complete Top 10 UK Motorway Service Stations
- Tebay [M6] - "The OG bougie service station. Amazing food, a beautiful hotel, and the most incredible countryside to go for a little wander behind it. Honestly, this place can't be beaten, and I would genuinely be happy going on holiday there."
- Beaconsfield [M40] - "If we were rating these things just on pure fun, this would win. So many food choices. It's got a pub, it's got a playground, it's got places to walk, it's got another lake. This place really is off the charts good."
- Gloucester [M5] - "The farm shop was off the chart, and it had a lovely outside space as well."
- Skelton Lake [M1] - "So many food choices, so much variety, plus a lovely lake and a nice walk, too."
- Cairn Lodge [M74] - "Incredible farm shop, lovely food in the restaurant. It is a brilliant place to stop."
- Donington [M1] - "Decent choices, fairly modern, nice place, good food, nice park, and a little lake."
- Rugby [M6] - "So modern, so well-designed, but other than that, it was just like your usual place. Had the same food offerings, not much else to shout about."
- Killington Lake [M6] - "Small, and basic, but with amazing views and simple vibes."
- Annandale Water [M6] - "Beautiful grounds. Average food though."
- Norton Canes [M6] - "Food was bang average. Lovely outside space, but a bit of a weird atmosphere."
Gavin Wren's comprehensive tour not only highlights the exceptional quality of Tebay Services but also sheds light on the often-overlooked amenities available at motorway stops across the UK, encouraging drivers to explore beyond the typical fast-food outlets and fuel pumps.
