UK's best motorway service station is rural and has no fast-food chain in sight

When most drivers think of , images of bland fast-food courts, overpriced snacks, filthy facilities and problematic parking may come to mind.

But according to the latest survey of nearly , there is one standout stop that shatters the stereotype — Gloucester Services. This rural, family-run service area defended its title to once again be crowned the UK’s best motorway service station for 2025 (it also won in 2021).

Nestled between junctions 11A and 12 on the M5, Gloucester Services is run by the Westmorland Family — renowned for taking a unique approach to motorway hospitality.

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Unlike the typical service station model dominated by , Gloucester offers something truly different: a farm shop packed with locally sourced produce and a kitchen serving freshly cooked meals. So whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meat and veg dinner, lunchtime flatbread or vegan pancakes, the food is fresh, varied and far removed from your .

The absence of fast-food chains and the usual supermarket or shop brands is a deliberate choice, so instead of the usual off-the-rack crisps, processed pasties and ready-made sandwiches you might be faced with at a standard , visitors to Gloucester Services will find shelves of artisan bread, local cheeses and handmade cakes. The result is a service station that feels more like a countryside farm shop than a .

Gloucester Services isn’t just about food — the site itself is a visual treat, seemingly built into a hillside, blending into the landscape and overlooking a tranquil lake. Its architecture and the surrounding outdoor spaces are maintained to a high standard, inviting travellers to stretch their legs or even take the dog for a walk. Local residents even visit the services just to shop, charge their cars or enjoy the scenery — a testament to the station’s appeal beyond motorway users.

In the Which? survey, Gloucester Services earned five stars in nearly every category: cleanliness, facilities, food and drink quality and outdoor space. With a customer score of 85%, it far outshines the national average and many of its competitors. The station also offers free parking for three hours and plenty of , making it a practical choice for modern motorists.

One visitor said: “If all motorway service stations were like Gloucester I’d be delighted to spend time at any. Glos is a pleasure, has great staff, nice food, a farm shop, a garden with a lakeside walk and dog walking. They deserve every success.”

Drivers in the survey described Gloucester Services as a “destination” in its own right, with some even planning their journeys around a stop there. Another customer said it was “head and shoulders above all the others that I've used”.

The Westmorland Family’s other sites — Tebay Services on the M6 and Cairn Lodge on the M74 — also scored highly in the survey, showing that a focus on local produce, cleanliness and thoughtful design resonates with customers. is set on a working farm in the Cumbrian hills and features a similar farm shop and kitchen, as well as walking routes and a soft play area for children.

In a landscape dominated by tired, dated and dirty service stations, Gloucester proves that rural charm and a commitment to quality can set a new standard in roadside conveniences. So for those seeking a motorway pit stop that’s head and shoulders above the rest, Gloucester Services is the place to go (provided you are driving in that direction).