Tebay Services has just been named the best motorway service station in England… and quite rightly so, if you ask us.
But the thing is, it’s not quite for the reason you’d expect.
Most of us will spend a good chunk of time at motorway service stations throughout our lives, whether we like it or not, but it’s fair to say that the majority of them aren’t much to write home about, and if anything, tend to be slagged off rather than given glowing reviews.
Tebay Services, on the other hand, is a massive exception to that.
Tebay Services has been named the best in the country / Credit: Tebay Services
The little slice of motorway services heaven – which is just off the M6 in Cumbria – is so much more than your average service station.
ADVERTISEMENT
A classic halfway stop-off for Mancs heading up north, the family-run Tebay is pretty much iconic at this point, and is known and loved for its lakeside setting and rural surroundings, stunning spacious interior with vaulted ceilings, the wealth of cafes and restaurants serving up dishes home-cooked on site, and its farm shop selling all sorts of local produce.
The Cumbrian gem is regularly – and if you’ve ever been, you’ll know, unsurprisingly – named among the best in the UK, but does tend to miss out on the top spot to its sister site, Gloucester Services, off the M5 in Cheltenham.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Cumbrian gem off the M6 has taken the top spot in a new ranking / Credit: Tebay Services
But a ranking by Cinch using data collated from recent reviews has now seen the original family-run services given the number one honour it truly deserves.
However, though, it’s not quite for the reasons you’d expect of a motorway services, as it’s actually scored highly for its wide range of ‘downtime’ options, rather than for being somewhere to grab a quick bite to eat and nip to the loo.
The data showed that families travelling across the country love to take the time to unwind at Tebay while taking in the fresh country air and stretching their legs in the spacious surroundings – with the famous farm shop, duck pond, children’s play area, and outdoor dining terrace are all listed as a big reason for its 4.5/5 Google rating (from 18,200 reviews).
ADVERTISEMENT
The beloved service station has scored top marks for its range of ‘downtime’ options / Credit: Tebay Services
Explaining why Tebay has taken the top spot in its 2023 ranking, Cinch wrote: “If you’re planning to stop off for a break and you’re craving an environment that offers something with a bit more pizzazz, you need to visit Tebay services.
“It’s arguably the UK’s most famous service station, which says a lot.
“Visit this family-owned site in the scenic part of the M6 and make use of beautiful views, a farm shop, a duck pond and even a barbecue shed (depending on the season).
“Sitting for too long in the car can be a major cause of fatigue, so take the opportunity to stimulate your mind and body by visiting a service station that promises more than just a big car park and a bit of grub.”
Featured Image – Tebay Services
Trending
You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
Serving as yet another fitting tribute from his beloved football club, who already honoured the late, great, Manc musician at Old Trafford, it’s rumoured to launch later this year.
Snapped alongside United’s current third kit for the 25/26 season, the rumoured ‘lifestyle’ jersey is apparently coming very soon.
This pair of images has seemingly confirmed the claims made by trusted online kit source, Footy Headlines, who specialise in sharing pictures of the football shirts, boots and more, who had already reported on the release in 2025.
As you can see, not only does the design feature a striking blue take on the band’s iconic album art style (expanded from an original painting by guitarist John Squire), but if you look closely, it also features the band’s iconic song and overriding slogan, ‘I Wanna Be Adored’, built into the crest.
You can see the rest of the existing Stone Roses collection in full down below.
We’re sure there are loads of other little details besides the twist on the badge still to be spotted, but for now, all we know is that the world-famous sporting franchise is continuing to capitalise even further on The Stone Roses connection.
Since the last batch of officially licensed adidas x Stone Roses merch quickly became collector’s items, we can only assume that this latest shirt won’t be the only new addition.
For instance, one user already commented, ‘Where’s the bucket hat?’
As for Manchester United, they’re no doubt looking to generate as much revenue as possible after having to pay another sizeable severance package following the sacking of Ruben Amorim – the question is, who is going to be next?
Emily Sergeant -
25th August 2023 
