A new survey has revealed the best and worst motorway service stations in the UK.
While we don’t usually visit them for fun, many Brits will agree that a crucial part of any long-distance journey is planning out the motorway services stations to stop off at along the way.
But out of all the service stations that are dotted across the country, which one is rated as the best? And which is the worst?
Well, with a new year now here, leading consumer choice company, Which?, recruited 2,719 people to rate a total of 70 UK service stations in a number of categories – including the range and quality of shops and food outlets, prices, convenience, parking, accessibility, cleanliness, and more.
The customer score for each service station combines the overall satisfaction and likelihood of recommending.
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Gloucester Services has been named the UK’s best service station / Credit: Gloucester Services
Topping the list as the best motorway service station in the UK is Gloucester Services, between junctions 11A and 12 on the M5, which received a whopping four out of five stars for all categories – with a customer score of 86%.
One visitor said it was “as far from a typical motorway stop as you can imagine”, with other customers praising its “fabulous” farm shop selling home-cooked meals and local produce.
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At the other end of the scale though is the Moto-owned Bridgwater Services in Somerset, which ranked the worst in Britain by Which? after it was awarded just one star out of five for all categories analysed and received an overall customer score of just 32%.
Recent visitors described the venue as “dirty” and “depressing”, and others complained of a urine smell and toilet paper strewn on the floor, while another claimed it “should be demolished”.
Tebay Services has taken the second spot on the list of the UK’s best / Credit: Tebay Services
Top 5 best motorway services in the UK
Gloucester Services (86%)
Tebay Services (83%)
Cairn Lodge Services (69%)
Norton Canes Services (65%)
Wetherby Services (61%)
Top 5 worst motorway services in the UK
Bridgwater Services (32%)
Gordano Services (40%)
Newport Pagnell Services (41%)
Sandbach Services (42%)
Keele Services (42%)
Moto’s Bridgewater Services was named the worst UK service station / Credit: Which?
Speaking on the unveiling of best and worst UK service stations, Rory Boland, Editor of Magazine Which? Travel, said: “The results of our survey show that it pays to plan ahead to avoid some of the UK’s worst motorway services.
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“It could be the difference between a home-cooked meal in peaceful surroundings or crowded queues in downright dirty facilities.
“Whether you’re zipping down the M5 towards the beaches on the south-west coast, or up the M6 towards the Scottish border, make sure your journey isn’t spoiled by a stop at a shoddy service station.”
Featured Image – Gloucester Services
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Poundland relaunches its £1 engagement rings ahead of Valentine’s Day
Emily Sergeant
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Poundland has hatched a plan to help those on a budget this year.
You can propose to your other half at any time of the year, but it’s fair to say that Valentine’s Day is a date much more popular than others – especially for those who want to surprise their partner with a gift they’ll never forget for the special occasion.
But with the cost of living crisis sadly still making its impact felt across the UK, a costly engagement ring is not something everyone is able to afford.
Luckily, for anyone keen to make the grand romantic gesture but while saving a few pennies at the same time, Poundland has decided to bring back its £1 engagement rings ahead of the season of love, so you’ll have plenty of time to get planning how you’ll pop that all-important question.
The budget retailer first launched its affordable engagement rings back in 2020, and they proved massively popular.
Poundland has brought back its £1 engagement rings ahead of Valentine’s Day / Credit: Poundland
At just £1 each, Poundland says these symbolic rings – which are available in more than 10 different designs – are a “thoughtful” way to showcase your love for Valentine’s Day and beyond, and can help make the occasion “unforgettable”, all without breaking the bank and keeping your budget intact.
From timeless solitaire designs, to romantic heart-shaped details, each ring in the 2025 range is “uniquely crafted to add a touch of charm and elegance to your Valentine’s Day proposal”, according to the retailer, so whether your partner adores classic simplicity or something with a playful edge, there’s supposedly a ring to match every style.
And the best part? Each £1 ring comes beautifully presented in a red velvet heart-shaped box, so your proposal can “feel as special as the love you’re celebrating”.
Poundland’s £1 engagement rings are now available both online and in stores nationwide, and you can view the full range here.
Featured Image – Poundland
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Live out your Traitors fantasy with this murder mystery in Greater Manchester
Thomas Melia
You can now feel like you’re a part of the hit UK TV show The Traitors with this murder mystery experience in Greater Manchester running all throughout the year.
Since we can’t all squeeze around that glamorous round table with a board and chalk at the ready, this murder mystery experience will definitely do the trick!
Hosted by East Lancashire Railway, who are known for their already incredible events and arrangements, the evening is definitely in safe hands – even if a hypothetical murder has taken place.
Each guest can expect a welcome drink on arrival and a killer three-course meal, you’ll soon realise it’s hungry work solving murders and investigating crimes.
Beginning in February and running right up until Santa Claus comes to town, all the occasions are themed and passengers are encouraged to dress up in attire fitting of starring in their own version of Murder on the Orient Express.
Guests onboard a Sherlock Holmes-themed murder mystery at East Lancashire Railway. Credit: East Lancashire Railway
‘Death at the Rock and Roll Diner’ kicks off the innovative nights as anyone who boards the train will be transported back to the 50s, all diners will have to twist the night away to solve this crime.
In April, head down to the world’s most famous Parisian night club where you’re sure to be singing “Gitchie, gitchie, ya-ya, da-da” as you shimmy, burlesque and cabaret your way to uncovering a murder.
Chocoholics this one’s for you: in June, the steam train is turning into a chocolate factory where guests can expect treats just as sweet and rewarding as revenge.
There are two opportunities to be a ‘Super Trooper’ as ‘The Killer Takes it All’ visits Bury Bolton Street Station in June and August, in this ABBA-inspired murder mystery lots of attendees will be asking, ‘Take A Chance On Me’?
With plenty more themed evenings on the cards, why not hop aboard this vintage steam train and try your hand at solving a murder mystery, just like a faithful would on the telly?
All we need now is to rent a few green cloaks and find a mate who can pull off a fringe as good as Claudia – any takers?
Starting on 21 February, anyone interested in seeing a full lineup of themes and looking to add a murder mystery to their calendar can do so with tickets on sale HERE.
Whether you’re a ‘faithful’ or your talents lie in deception, you’ll have a ball.
Emily Sergeant -
9th January 2025 
