Gloucester Services on the M5 has been crowned the best service station in the UK according to a comprehensive survey by consumer group Which?. More than 4,000 members shared their experiences from nearly 9,000 visits to 90 service stations nationwide, evaluating factors like food and retail prices, selection, facilities, cleanliness, convenience, accessibility, and outdoor spaces.
Gloucester Services, operated by the Westmorland Family group, earned an impressive customer satisfaction score of 85%, topping the list with five stars in almost every category. Nestled between junctions 11a and 12, these services feature an eco-friendly design that harmonizes with the surrounding countryside, providing a refreshing stop for travelers heading north or south.
Visitors have praised Gloucester for its welcoming atmosphere, quality food, friendly staff, and unique amenities such as a farm shop, a garden, and scenic lakeside walks perfect for dog owners. One delighted customer remarked, “If all motorway service stations were like Gloucester, I’d be happy to spend time at any of them.” Another called it “head and shoulders above all the others I’ve used.”
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The service station has garnered attention from celebrities as well. Craig Charles, actor and BBC Six Music presenter, expressed how enjoyable his visits to Gloucester Services are, while comedians Sarah Millican, Josh Widdicombe, and Jack Whitehall have all publicly vouched for its quality and charm.
Close behind Gloucester, Tebay Services on the M6 in Cumbria scored 77%, with Cairn Lodge on the M74 in Lanarkshire achieving 72%. Rugby’s Moto Services on the M6 in Warwickshire reached 75%, marking a notable achievement as one of the first stations from a major nationwide brand to rank so highly. Leeds Skelton Lake, run by Extra, also made the top five with a 68% score.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, commented, “The best service stations combine convenience with good food and quality facilities, but unfortunately, many still fall short. Frequent complaints include high prices, poor cleanliness, and unsatisfactory facilities. To avoid disappointment, travelers should plan stops carefully and seek out the better-rated service stations.”
Gloucester Services exemplifies how motorway stops can be more than just a pit stop — they can be welcoming destinations offering comfort, quality, and a touch of nature.