When we think of school holidays in the UK, we usually think busy roads, motorway bottlenecks and traffic stretching for miles in all directions, but for fleet drivers, this isn’t just an inconvenience, it can actually cost them time, fuel and money.
At Egertons, we know the importance of staying on schedule and on the road, and we believe that with a little strategic planning and the right pit stops, a fleet drivers’ journey can be far more manageable.
That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best service stations across the country, all of which are ideal for fleet drivers looking to take a break, grab a decent coffee and avoid the worst of the traffic.
Here are our top 10 recommendations, handpicked for their facilities, location, and suitability for those long-haul drives during the busiest times of the year.
Kicking off with…
Tebay Services (M6, Cumbria – Northwest England)
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Cumbria, Tebay Services offers a refreshing alternative to the usual fast food-heavy service stations. Family-run and focused on local produce, it’s ideal for fleet drivers who want a quiet, scenic stop with hearty food, clean facilities, and a proper stretch of the legs.
Best for: Northbound M6 drivers heading into or out of Scotland.
Gloucester Services (M5 – Southwest)
From the same family as Tebay, Gloucester Services on the M5 continues the theme of independent charm and locally sourced fare. It’s an excellent option for drivers tackling the Southwest routes, particularly towards Devon and Cornwall—two hot spots for bank holiday getaways.
Best for: Beating the queues to the beach with a peaceful pre-coastal pause.
Cairn Lodge Services (M74 – Scotland)
Fleet drivers navigating Scottish routes should keep Cairn Lodge on their radar. Just off the M74, this site was recently refurbished and offers modern amenities, tasty food options and plenty of parking, making it ideal for commercial vehicles and vans.
Best for: Avoiding congestion around Glasgow or en-route to central Scotland.
Peterborough Services (A1(M) – East of England)
A reliable and spacious stop for drivers covering the East Midlands and East Anglia routes, Peterborough Services offers quick access in and out, a variety of food chains and roomy lorry parking. Plus, it’s also a handy spot for those bypassing the M25 by taking the A1(M).
Best for: Drivers needing a functional, no-nonsense stop before entering East Anglia.
Beaconsfield Services (M40 – Southeast)
Positioned conveniently on the M40 and just off the M25 loop, Beaconsfield Services is a large, well-equipped service area with a Wetherspoons pub, various food outlets and ample parking, and its proximity to London also makes it a solid option for fleet drivers heading into or out of the capital too.
Best for: Southeast fleet drivers avoiding M25 snarl-ups.
Stafford Services (M6 – West Midlands)
Often overlooked but well-positioned, Stafford Services offers a useful midpoint break on the M6. With both northbound and southbound services, it’s good for refuelling, grabbing a bite or taking a quick power nap before diving back into West Midlands traffic.
Best for: Drivers tackling the notoriously congested M6 corridor.
Sedgemoor Services (M5 – Somerset)
Sedgemoor (Southbound) is a particularly helpful stop for those heading further down towards Devon as it offers decent parking, a Costa Coffee, and open spaces for a walk around, away from the crowded lay-bys.
Best for: A last stop before the Southwest rush.
Leeds Skelton Lake Services (M1 – Yorkshire)
One of the newest and most modern service stations in the UK, Skelton Lake is a welcome sight for drivers on the M1. It’s clean, bright and includes natural outdoor spaces for a breather, making it ideal for those heading towards Leeds or the Northeast.
Best for: A relaxing stop for fleet drivers avoiding the worst of the M62.
Cobham Services (M25 – Surrey)
Right on the infamously busy M25, Cobham offers everything a fleet driver could need to pause before plunging back into London’s orbital madness. While it can get busy, it’s also one of the most comprehensive service stations with a huge choice of food and retail options.
Best for: Strategic stops around London’s congestion ring.
Birchanger Green (M11 – Essex)
Located near Stansted Airport, Birchanger Green is great for those on M11 or A120 routes and is a dependable, all-in-one service station with quick food options and an easy on/off for drivers on tight schedules.
Best for: East-bound journeys and fleet drivers tackling Greater London outskirts.
Why route and stop-off planning matters:
For fleet managers and drivers, efficient route planning and strategic stops can make all the difference during a busy period, as the right service station isn’t just about grabbing a snack, it’s about managing time, vehicle condition and driver well-being.
After all, well-timed breaks can help to reduce stress, improve focus and even cut the risk of breakdowns caused by fatigue or overlooked issues, something which here at Egertons, we completely understand is essential at keeping your vehicles moving.
But we also know that sometimes, the unexpected happens, and whether you’re stuck on the A1(M), navigating the M6 in the rain or facing trouble down in Devon, we’re committed to reaching you.
Our nationwide coverage, rapid response times and 24/7 support makes this possible, and our 300 strong fleet means we’re equipped to handle any breakdown, recovery or roadside incident wherever your route takes you.
So, no matter how well you’ve planned your half-term holiday escape, we’re only ever a phone call away, and it’s our commitment that when you need us, we’ll be there, always.