A dedicated YouTuber has shared his remarkable experience after embarking on a marathon 72-hour journey to explore Britain's highest-rated motorway service stations, with one particular venue on the M5 leaving an indelible impression.
Three-Day Motorway Expedition
Gavin Wren dedicated three full days to traversing the UK's extensive motorway network, specifically targeting the top 10 service stations as selected by public opinion. His ambitious tour covered multiple regions, providing a comprehensive snapshot of roadside hospitality across the nation.
Gloucestershire Services: A Standout Destination
The second stop on Gavin's itinerary proved particularly memorable. Gloucestershire Services on the M5, which secured an impressive 85% approval rating in a recent Which? survey to be crowned Britain's best service station, captured his attention immediately.
In his detailed YouTube video, Gavin highlighted the venue's exceptional commitment to local sourcing, noting that it "sources food from 130 different producers within 30 miles of the service station." Which? had previously celebrated this achievement on their website, describing the facility as a "true destination service station" that attracts local residents for shopping and dog walking due to its quality produce and aesthetic appeal.
Unexpected Discoveries
Gavin confessed to having "no idea what was in store" before arriving at the Gloucestershire location. Upon entry, he was immediately struck by the "massive" farm shop, which he described as being "on another level" and "nuts" in terms of scale and quality.
Beyond the commercial offerings, the natural surroundings provided another pleasant surprise. "Once I'd walked out the back doors of the service station there were hidden gems to be found," Gavin remarked. He discovered a "hidden lane" just ten minutes' walk from the building that transported him to what felt like proper countryside, describing the experience as "beautiful" and "a whole different world."
The Price of Quality
Despite his overall enthusiasm, Gavin did note one significant drawback during his Gloucestershire visit: the premium pricing. While acknowledging that "the food was incredible," he observed that it was "incredibly expensive," citing an example where he spent approximately £7-£8 on strawberries and a drink.
Comprehensive Tour Results
Gavin's extensive tour included numerous other notable service stations across the UK motorway network, including Beaconsfield on the M40, Skelton Lake on the M1, Cairn Lodge on the M74, and Rugby on the M6.
Following his three-day assessment, Gavin revealed a clear overall winner in his personal rankings: Tebay services on the M6. He was so impressed by this location that he suggested it could serve as a holiday destination, praising its "amazing food, beautiful hotel, and the most incredible countryside" accessible directly behind the facility.
Final Rankings
Gavin compiled a definitive top 10 list based on his 72-hour exploration:
- Tebay [M6]
- Beaconsfield [M40]
- Gloucestershire [M5]
- Skelton Lake [M1]
- Cairn Lodge [M74]
- Donington [M1]
- Rugby [M6]
- Killington Lake [M6]
- Annandale Water [M6]
- Norton Canes [M6]
The tour highlights how modern motorway service stations have evolved beyond mere refuelling stops to become destinations in their own right, offering quality local produce, surprising natural access, and in some cases, accommodation worthy of consideration for longer stays.
