ISUZU UK DRIVES OUT BRITAIN’S TOP SERVICE STATIONS, WITH FOOD AND FARM AT THEIR HEART ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH
19 May 2026
- Britain’s service stations ranked according to new research
- Drivers champion fresh food, farm shops and outdoor spaces as well as cleanliness, good toilets and free parking
- Almost half of Britons polled have turned and walked out of services not up to standard
The motorway service station is the great leveller of British life, whether hunting for a clean loo, a decent coffee, or sustenance that’s a step up from snacking. A new survey of 2,000 drivers commissioned by Isuzu UK has uncovered the best service stations in Britain, with travellers rating facilities that matter most to them from cleanliness (55%), hygienic toilets (49%) and plenty of free parking (46%). Good quality food and restaurants (35%) and a farm shop on site (13%) were also on motorists’ wish lists.
While some of the usual suspects remain firmly at the bottom of the league tables, drivers have crowned a new set of heroes that promote fresh food and outdoor facilities.
Topping the nation’s favourite service stations is the much-loved Gloucester Services (20%), located on the M5 and family owned in partnership with community development charity, the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust.
The service station prepares high quality food from scratch in its kitchens and boasts a well-stocked farm shop, featuring items from 130 producers all located within 30 miles of the station.
Proving that a pit stop doesn’t have to be a grim experience, second on the list is the M6’s Tebay Services (17%), owned by a Cumbrian farming family that champions a community of farmers and makers with its high-quality farm shop and kitchen.
Beaconsfield Services (11%) on the M40 also made the list, deemed one of the most attractive service stations in Europe with its lakeside terrace and preserved woodlands, as well as West Yorkshire’s Wetherby Services (11%) which has its own dog walking area, EV superhub, showers and washing machines.
The list of best service stations also includes Rugby Services (11%), located on the M6 in Warwickshire; Surrey’s Cobham Services (11%) on the M25; and Stafford North Services (8%).
The research found that British motorists also recommend Leeds Skelton Lake Services (7%) on the M1; M40’s Oxford Services (7%); Hampshire’s Fleet Services (7%); the South Mimms Services (7%); based in Hertfordshire, and Membury Services (6%); which is located on the M4 on the Berkshire/ Wiltshire border.
A surprise entry on the list of the best British service stations was Heston Services (M4) (6%). Long mocked by weary commuters, it has enjoyed a remarkable comeback, with drivers applauding recent refurbishments, cleaner restrooms and a wider selection of food outlets.
The survey also suggests the importance of a good service station stop, with motorists visiting an average of 25 a year and often planning their journey around them on their route (38%).
Great coffee (29%), good atmosphere (14%) and lots of electrical charging points (8%) for EV drivers are also important. EV drivers (23%) spend the longest at service stations – an average of 34 minutes – due to charging, with 5% complaining there are never enough charging points when and where you need them. In contrast, one in five (21%) say they are plenty most of the time.
Almost half (49%) of the 2,000 Britons polled admit they have turned around and walked out of a service station that wasn’t up to the standard expected.
George Wallis, Head of Marketing Isuzu UK, said: “It’s clear there are some great quality service stations across Britain. At Isuzu UK we know drivers of our new D-Max 2.2 and D-Max Electric Vehicle pickups work hard everywhere from motorways to muddy fields, from farmers putting food on the plate and supplying farm shops as well as in industries including construction, engineering and utilities. Those opting for our new Isuzu D-Max EV, boasting an eight-year battery warranty and impressive range, can also avoid stopping to recharge at a less than desirable service station.”
TOP 20 BEST SERVICE STATIONS IN BRITAIN (ACCORDING TO MOTORISTS)
- Gloucester Services – M5 (Northbound & Southbound), Gloucestershire 20%
- Tebay Services – M6 (Northbound & Southbound), Cumbria 17%
- Beaconsfield Services – M40, Buckinghamshire 11%
- Wetherby Services – A1(M), West Yorkshire 11%
- Rugby Services – M6, Warwickshire 11%
- Cobham Services – M25, Surrey 11%
- Stafford North Services - M6, Staffordshire 8%
- Leeds Skelton Lake Services – M1, West Yorkshire 7%
- Oxford Services – M40, Oxfordshire 7%
- Fleet Services – M3, Hampshire 7%
- South Mimms Services – A1(M)/M25, Hertfordshire 7%
- Membury Services – M4, Berkshire/Wiltshire border 6%
- Heston Services – M4, Greater London 6%
- Lancaster Services - M6, Lancashire 6%
- Winchester Services – M3, Hampshire 6%
- Cherwell Valley Services – M40, Oxfordshire 5%
- Donington Park Services – M1, Leicestershire 5%
- Exeter Services – M5, Devon 5%
- Watford Gap - M1, Northamptonshire 5%
- Clacket Lane Services – M25, Kent/Surrey border 5%
ENDS
The findings presented in this release are based on a nationally representative online survey conducted for Isuzu UK via research and insights agency Perspectus Global in January 2026.
Perspectus Global adheres strictly to the highest standards of market research and insight, in full compliance with the ESOMAR principles and the Market Research Society (MRS) Code of Conduct. All data collected and processed is strictly confidential.
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ABOUT ISUZU
Isuzu was founded in 1916 in Japan and started importing vehicles to the UK in 1987, starting with the legendary Isuzu Trooper model.
In 2026, the Isuzu D-Max pick-up range is leading the charge, either powered by the new 2.2 diesel engine or the zero-tailpipe emission BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) powertrain, the UK’s first fully capable battery electric pick-up.
With towing capabilities of 3.5 tonnes, a payload that exceeds 1 tonne, and renowned 4x4 technology, the D-Max range is suitable for those who need a reliable pick-up for their everyday business requirements. Isuzu has earned a reputation as ‘The Pick-up Professionals’ and aims to meet the individual needs of every customer, with its pick-up range that is tough, strong, and built to go the distance.
Originally published by Isuzu
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