Motor way services

[findingapp]

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

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.

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.

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!

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

Thank you everyone. Really appreciate

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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

the Sheffield one is not far off the Meadowhall turn off

Yes, by the M62