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UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Motor way services

18 replies

findingapp · 23/02/2025 13:39

Is there an app for finding motor way services? To plan a journey with appropriate stops for example from London to Manchester. Or generally anywhere around UK or at least England.

I've got little ones. Hence I would like to be prepared.

Thank you

OP posts:
Acc0untant · 23/02/2025 13:40

You can just use Google maps or whatever you use for your sat nav and there's a search option for service stations on your route.

LittleRedRidingHoody · 23/02/2025 13:44

I normally just google.

That being said, if you are looking at London-Manchester, depending on your route Rugby services are my favourite in the UK. Recently refurbished, indoor soft play, outdoor play area, plenty of seating/decent food options.

SwanOfThoseThings · 23/02/2025 13:48

The providers, e.g. Moto, have their own apps. I have just done a quick search and found one called "Motorway Services GB" on the Apple store - no idea if it's any good though!

B1indEye · 23/02/2025 13:50

When my children were younger I'd go by the signs rather than planning ahead. You know how far the next one is so I judged by that.

But as PPS have said just use a map app

findingapp · 23/02/2025 20:00

Thank you everyone. Really appreciate

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 24/02/2025 16:23

This can be useful too JustoffJunction.co.uk
Or use google maps to zoom in at places around your route and you'll often find a major supermarket or retail park near a motorway junction for towns and cities which can be a lot cheaper for fuel and snacks.

Onlygoneanddoneit · 24/02/2025 16:32

When my DC were young (but not tiny) we used to leave the motorway at a random junction and head for a church steeple. We'd find a local pub and eat amd use the loo there. Nicer and cheaper than the services, where I can't bear the noise.

You do need to factor in a bit more time, but it made the journey part of the holiday.

SwanOfThoseThings · 24/02/2025 16:34

Much as I understand the idea of finding a pub/beauty spot/nice restaurant near the motorway, there's something about a motorway service station I like. It's part of the fun of the trip for me.

BarnacleBeasley · 24/02/2025 16:36

I have little ones and a dog, so I like to plan really carefully to make sure everyone's needs are met. We have a book called The Extra Mile which lists good stops that are NOT service stations, but not too much of a detour to get to from motorways and other major roads, which can be quite good for finding a nice cafe, toilets, a walk, and cheaper petrol. But we also sometimes just plan our route, then work out how far we'll get before the toddler loses it and then zoom in on google maps to find a likely looking small market town with a few nice cafes and a playground. We basically treat the rest stop as a nice outing, ideally just over halfway to our destination. Country parks also good.

BigFatLiar · 24/02/2025 16:49

If you're not confident going off the motorway just stick to the motorway services. There are basically two Moto and Welcome Break (some others exist). You'll find a services every 20 to 30 miles. They tend to have different vendors on site such as KFC or Burger King. Depends what the kids like.

Brefugee · 24/02/2025 16:52

findingapp · 23/02/2025 13:39

Is there an app for finding motor way services? To plan a journey with appropriate stops for example from London to Manchester. Or generally anywhere around UK or at least England.

I've got little ones. Hence I would like to be prepared.

Thank you

not UK, but whenever we did long journeys over here in Germany with the small ones, we stopped at an IKEA for breaks, they are always close to a motorway exit, easy to get to the loo, could get food in a place with a play area and usually a petrol station very close by. Most of all much cheaper. Worked a treat for years.

Or use Google maps, you can search for whatever you need.

sanityisamyth · 24/02/2025 16:53

B1indEye · 23/02/2025 13:50

When my children were younger I'd go by the signs rather than planning ahead. You know how far the next one is so I judged by that.

But as PPS have said just use a map app

This. I used one when I needed to, not because it was on a plan. I also decide by which food outlets. Mornings - McDonald's for breakfast. Afternoons - BK for XL Bacon Double Cheeseburger, although not both on the same day!

roselilylavender · 24/02/2025 17:01

We tended to use services for emergency loo stops and visit somewhere off the motorway for a proper break. Garden centres with a soft play, a national trust place or a children's attraction all worked well. I would often do the journey from London to Cornwall by myself with the DC from when DC1 was about 6 months so always wanted a good break myself and I never feel that refreshed after a services stop.
We stopped at a garden centre off the M5 once and I was queuing for food with screaming 4mth old and a grumpy toddler and the whole place pretty much rallied around to sort me out. First I was ushered to the front of the queue; then a member of staff told me to sit down and she'd come & take my order and I could pay later; a customer pushed the pushchair over, put the straw in DD's drink and opened her lunch bits; another member of staff brought me a cup of tea & a glass of water; someone starting playing helping DD with the colouring in thing. They were just all lovely - which was probably something to do with us being the only young family in there and most of the others being a coach tour of pensioners!

SwanOfThoseThings · 24/02/2025 17:04

Brefugee · 24/02/2025 16:52

not UK, but whenever we did long journeys over here in Germany with the small ones, we stopped at an IKEA for breaks, they are always close to a motorway exit, easy to get to the loo, could get food in a place with a play area and usually a petrol station very close by. Most of all much cheaper. Worked a treat for years.

Or use Google maps, you can search for whatever you need.

If you come to the UK and ever find yourself on the M62 near Leeds, there's an IKEA just off it!

Brefugee · 24/02/2025 17:09

aw thanks - my DCs are all grown up and we don't need to do that now, but thanks for the tip!!

lifeisafunnyoldgame · 24/02/2025 17:27

SwanOfThoseThings · 24/02/2025 17:04

If you come to the UK and ever find yourself on the M62 near Leeds, there's an IKEA just off it!

The Manchester one is just off M60 too. In fact, is the Warrington one right by the motorway?

Brefugee · 24/02/2025 18:08

the Sheffield one is not far off the Meadowhall turn off

Wonderknicks · 24/02/2025 18:20

lifeisafunnyoldgame · 24/02/2025 17:27

The Manchester one is just off M60 too. In fact, is the Warrington one right by the motorway?

Yes, by the M62

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