A service station in Cumbria has been deemed the second best place to stop on a long car journey if you're travelling in the UK.

The top 10 motorway services were listed by Transport Focus after compiling the results of their Motorway Services User Survey 2023.

Over 30,000 visitors contributed to the survey, giving their opinions, both good and bad, on Britain’s 120 services.

Travellers were asked about their views on the toilets, customer service, value of the food and drink and electric vehicle charging facilities at motorway services from Kinross in Scotland to Exeter in Devon.

Overall visitors seem to have been fairly happy with their service stops, with 92 per cent of visitors satisfied with the toilets (up from 88 per cent in 2022) while more than nine in 10 visitors said staff at the services were helpful and friendly.

While motorway services are often seen as an expensive place to stop for a snack, it seems those surveyed appreciated the convenience, with nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of visitors saying they thought the food or drink available to eat in at the services was value for money.

Only 57 per cent said that the takeaway food was good value for money, however.

The two groups that were least satisfied with the level of service were electric vehicle users, who had an overall rating of 89 per cent, followed by HGV drivers at 90 per cent.

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The top service stations in the UK:

  1. Rugby
  2. Killington Lake
  3. Annandale Water
  4. Wetherby
  5. Stafford South
  6. Corley South
  7. Chester
  8. Reading East
  9. Leeds Skelton Lake
  10. Ferrybridge

Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “Our survey shows motorway services offer a great experience with friendly and helpful staff and provide drivers with the opportunity to rest, relax and take a break before continuing their journey.

“But there is still room for improvement, including making sure the range of food and drink on offer is good value for money for visitors as cost of living increases continue to bite.”