Lorry drivers spend their days (or nights) travelling up and down the country, experiencing both the frustrations of standstill traffic and the joys of empty roads with awe-inspiring surrounding views.
However, as dictated by regulations, they must stop for regular breaks for the sake of their wellbeing, with this being measured through the use of tachographs. As such, we’ve listed three of our favourite service stations throughout the UK that would make an excellent pit-stop for any lorry driver.
Read on below to see our top picks.
1 | Gloucester M5 J11A-J12
Located just south of the city of Gloucester, Gloucester Services is renowned for its unique beauty as a service station both inside and out. Surrounded by the luscious natural beauty associated with the Cotswolds, the service station features a green roof to blend in with the surroundings and reduce its biological impact, whilst a pond and outdoor dining area allows people to enjoy this to the fullest extent as they breathe in the fresh air of the countryside.
Inside, there is a farmshop that serves a range of local produce (including fresh meat, cheese, fish, delicatessen and patisserie) along with an abundance of lifestyle products. Meanwhile, their kitchen serves freshly made, hearty meals to sit down and enjoy after a long few hours on the road, while their quick kitchen supplies a number of smaller, takeaway treats.
Parking is free for three hours, allowing you ample time to rest and stretch your legs, and there are even showers on-site that can be used free of charge for those in need of a quick refresh before getting back on the road again.
2 | Beaconsfield M40 J2
For those who will be entering the capital or joining the M25 from the West, Beaconsfield Services is a great place to make your final rest stop before continuing on to your end destination. They offer a lakeside terrace and preserved woodlands that you can stroll through to enjoy some time away from the stuffy restrictions of the lorry cabin. As for satisfying your hunger, you’re spoiled for choice thanks to the generous food court with over 10 different brands to dine with!
3 | Gretna A74(M) J21-J22
If you’re crossing the border into Scotland, then this would be a great time for a pitstop. Quite literally just after the border crossing from Carlisle, Gretna Green Services is the ideal place to fuel up, stretch your legs, have a bite to eat and even enjoy a quick kip. There is an on-site hotel (Days Inn) featuring well-equipped rooms and unlimited WiFi, which is ideal for catching up on your much needed rest after driving so many hours on end, and there’s no denying that a bed is much comfier than a lorry’s small sleeper cab.
The on-site Waitrose gives the opportunity to grab some quality snacks and drinks for the road after you’ve enjoyed a hot, filling breakfast at great value. If you’re crossing the border from Scotland back into England, then there is also the opportunity to take advantage of free cash withdrawals should you need it for any toll roads on your return journey.
Transcare Fleet Maintenance
If you own a fleet of lorries, make sure that they are road-ready for the long journeys ahead of them by ensuring you carry out the proper fleet maintenance. Here at Transcare, we offer specialist lorry servicing and repairs, ensuring that your lorries are in their best condition and safe to drive according to DVSA standards.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
