Two motorway service stations near Gloucestershire have been named the best in the UK, according to a recent analysis by Webuyanycar. Strensham Roadchef on the M5 in Worcestershire scored an impressive 80.8 out of 100, while Leigh Delamere Moto on the M4, located between Swindon and Bristol, scored 79.4.
Strensham Roadchef has recently undergone significant improvements, including the addition of a new Co-op offering an in-store bakery, a floral section, and Costa Coffee Express. Alongside these enhancements, a new McDonald’s Drive-Thru has been introduced, following similar upgrades at Folkestone Services by Roadchef, which now also features Drive-Thrus for both McDonald’s and Costa. These developments add more convenience and variety for travellers stopping here.
Leigh Delamere Moto stands out with 13 dining and drink outlets and five retail stores, making it a popular stop for drivers. Positioned 20 minutes west of the M4 junction with the A419, this service station offers a broad choice of amenities, contributing to its high ranking.
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Webuyanycar’s ranking evaluated service stations based on food options, facilities, and charging points, among other factors. Their data shows drivers typically spend 16.5 minutes at service stops. M&S emerged as the nation’s favourite service chain, followed by Greggs. Interestingly, the study revealed that more drivers choose to stop for a beverage rather than a full meal.
Despite these rankings, another study released earlier this year by Which? presented quite different results. Gloucester Services was named the top motorway service station then, while Bridgwater Services in Somerset ranked lowest. Leigh Delamere was ranked only 23rd in the Which? survey, based on thousands of consumer experiences shared by Which? Connect members in late 2024.
Additionally, Leigh Delamere holds a moderate three out of five stars on Motorway Services Online, which catalogs amenities including Burger King, Costa Coffee, Greggs, KFC, Pret A Manger, Krispy Kreme, West Cornwall Pasty Co, M&S Simply Food, and WH Smith. The site notes the service station consists of two buildings on the M4 near Chippenham, with the eastbound side being larger and surrounded by trees and a small field near the hotel.
Richard Evans, head of technical services at Webuyanycar, highlighted the importance of quality service stations for long-distance travellers. “Our findings show a range of quality across UK service stations,” he said. “Having good facilities is essential for safety and well-being on long journeys, encouraging drivers to take regular breaks and avoid fatigue.”
To create their index, Webuyanycar combined data from motorwayservices.uk and Google reviews, assessing the number of catering outlets, amenities, and charging points alongside customer feedback. Each aspect was scored out of 100 to provide a comprehensive rating of UK motorway service stations.