Britain’s top 10 motorway services revealed: Tebay in Westmorland on the M6 takes the crown

The age-old debate over Britain’s top motorway services has finally been put to rest, thanks to exclusive data sourced by the leading temporary car insurance provider, Cuvva.

There were 96 different motorway services competing for votes, ranging from Kinross near Edinburgh to Exeter in Devon. Over 2,000 drivers across Britain have spoken, and the results are in.

Tebay Services, situated on the M6 in the Westmorland district of Cumbria has secured the crown, topping the poll and earning the title of the country’s most beloved motorway service followed closely by Gloucester Services on the M5, Gloucestershire. Beaconsfield Extra, M40 Buckinghamshire came in third place, according to drivers surveyed.

Motorway services are great places to stop, rest, and refuel – as well as the perfect opportunity to switch drivers on a long journey.

It’s a legal requirement in the UK to ensure any driver behind the wheel is insured to drive the car. Short-term car insurance is a good option for those that want to swap drivers mid-journey. Drivers can top up almost instantly for just a few hours and share the long drive.

Darryl Bowman, from Cuvva, advises drivers: “When you hit the road on a long journey, remember to take regular breaks. Taking a break every two hours is a great rule of thumb. It will help you stay alert while you’re behind the wheel.

“If you find yourself getting tired, share the driving duties. Your friends can get insured on your car for a few hours with their own standalone, comprehensive short-term policy. You can share the drive and protect your own policy and no claims bonus, it’s a win-win.”

Here are the top 10 motorway service stations Cuvva has uncovered across Great Britain that have been voted for by drivers. Starting with their favourite, it also includes Brits’ least favourite station.

Top 10 motorway services revealed

Tebay Services Farmshop & Kitchen (M6, Cumbria). Tebay is less of a motorway service station and more of a farm shop and kitchen. They sell authentic local produce, working with dozens of local suppliers, and make all food from scratch. Nearly one in 10 drivers surveyed chose Tebay as their favourite stop. With 179 votes, Tebay won by a landslide.

Gloucester Services Farmshop & Kitchen (M5, Gloucestershire) – With 138 votes, A close second was Gloucester Service (M5, Gloucestershire) with 138 votes. Gloucester Services is housed in a genuinely beautiful setting, with a green eco-friendly turf roof, a pond, and interior wood beams. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot. Both Tebay Services and Gloucester Services are owned and run by the same independent family-owned company, Westmorland Motorway Services.

Beaconsfield Extra (M40, Buckinghamshire). Beaonsfield grabbed the bronze medal but, in truth, didn’t come close to troubling the top two. With 56 votes it was some way off claiming the top prize, but is still well deserving of a stop.

Annandale Water RoadChef (A74(M), Dumfriesshire) and Moto Birch (M62, Lancashire). A dead heat between these two with 44 votes each. Both boast plenty of options for a tasty treat when you need a break on the road.

Abington Welcome Break (M74, South Lanarkshire). With 43 votes, Abington Welcome Break is the top Scottish motorway service, located well for those travelling to and from Glasgow.

Cobham Extra (M25, Surrey) and* Moto scotch Corner (A1, North Yorkshire). Another tie for a position, with 37 votes apiece. Cobham is one of the busiest services in Britain, with a massive selection of food and shopping options to match. Scotch Corner is a bit smaller but, according to a recent Google review, is a “commendable establishment that I’d recommend to fellow road warriors”.

Moto Bridgwater (M5, Somerset) and Oxford Welcome Break (M40, Oxfordshire). A dead heat to end 2023’s motorway services leaderboard. Bridgwater had a recent refurb of its toilets, which as any desperate driver knows is a plus, while Oxford boasts outdoor seating for when the weather is nice. 36 votes each.

Britain’s least favourite motorway services

The title no motorway services wants – but Cuvva’s survey also found a clear winner here, too.

When asked for their least favourite motorway services Baldock Extra (A1(M), Hertfordshire) was the pick of the bunch with 47 votes – although they can take some solace that 31 drivers voted them their favourite, too – truly the Marmite of the motorway services world.