M6 motorway services: the ultimate guide for UK motorists

The M6 is a mighty artery, the longest motorway in the United Kingdom, stretching for over 230 miles (370 km) entirely within England.

It begins in the Midlands, near Rugby, and snakes its way north, passing through major cities such as Coventry, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Preston, Lancaster, and Carlisle, before terminating at the Scottish border near Gretna.

The M6 is a vital link between the east and west of the country, connecting London and Glasgow via the industrial North of England. It is also a major route for freight traffic, carrying goods to and from the ports of Liverpool and Hull.

In recent years, some sections of the M6 have been converted into smart motorways, which use technology to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

 

The M6 motorway has 18 official service areas located at regular intervals along the motorway. The services are operated by a variety of companies, including Welcome Break, Moto, and Roadchef.

Each service area typically has a petrol station, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a shop, and toilets. Some service areas also have play areas for children, showers, and parking for HGVs and caravans.

Here is a list of all the key information you need to know:

Junction	Service Area	Operator	Facilities	Brands	Number of electric charger devices
1	Rugby	Moto	Baby changing facilities, disabled toilets, showers, WiFi, dog walking area, external children’s play area, EV charging, internal children’s play area, changing rooms, RADAR Key Scheme, EV Superhub	Costa Coffee, Burger King, Greggs, KFC, Pret, M&S Food, WHSmith	Tesla: 12 Gridserve: 12
10	Corley	Welcome Break	Wheelchair accessibility, accessible toilets, baby changing, cash withdrawals, EV charging, petrol forecourt, free shower, free wifi, hotel, pet-friendly outdoor areas	Starbucks, KFC, Burger King, Waitrose, Subway, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts	Insta: 8 Gridserve: 7
10A/11	Hilton Park	Moto	Accommodation, baby changing facilities, disabled toilets, wifi, showers, EV charging, radar key system, changing rooms	M&S Food, Costa, Burger King, WHSmith, Greggs, Costa Express, Krispy Kreme	Gridserve: 3 (North),  3 (South)
14/15	Stafford (South)	Roadchef	EV charging, free Wi-Fi, baby changing facilities, caravan parking, coach parking, free water, HGV parking, pet friendly, showers, wheelchair accessible, hotel, meeting rooms, parking	Chozen Noodle, Costa Coffee, The Garden Square Deli, McDonald’s, Phat Pasty Co., Calippo Burst, Costa Express, f’real Milkshakes, Krispy Kreme, Motorway Phone Gadgets, WHSmith	Gridserve: 2
14/15	Stafford (North)	Moto	Accommodation, disabled toilets, baby changing, showers, wifi, radar key scheme, internal kids play area, external kids play area, EV charging, dog walking area.	Burger King, Chozen Noodle, Costa Coffee, Greggs, KFC, Pret A Manger, West Cornwall Pasty Co., Costa Express, f’real Milkshakes, Krispy Kreme, Tango Ice Blast, Costa Drive Thru Shops, M&S Simply Food, WHSmith	Gridserve: 4 BP Pulse: 4
15/16	Keele	Welcome Break	Accessible toilets, baby changing, cash withdrawals, EV charging, forecourt, free shower facilities, free wifi, pet-friendly outdoor areas	Burger King, KFC, Starbucks, Subway, The Good Breakfast, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks on the Go, Starbucks Drive Thru, Top Gift, Waitrose & Partners, WHSmith	Tesla: 4 Gridserve: 2
16	Sandbach	Roadchef	Free wi-fi, EV charging, baby changing, cash machines, free water, HGV parking, showers, wheelchair accessible, caravan parking, coach parking, pet friendly	Costa, McDonalds, Krispy Kreme, Fresh Food Cafe, Skwishee Iced Drinks, Chozen Noodle, f’real Milkshakes, WHSmith	Gridserve: 3
18/19	Knutsford	Moto	Accommodation, baby changing, disabled toilets, showers, wifi, BookaPod, changing places, EV charging, radar key scheme	Burger King, Costa Coffee, Greggs, KFC, West Cornwall Pasty Co., Costa Express, f’real Milkshakes, Krispy Kreme, Tango Ice Blast, M&S Simply Food, WHSmith	Gridserve: 4
20	Lymm Truckstop	Moto	Accommodation, baby changing, disabled toilets, EV charging, showers, washing machines, dog walking area, wifi, changing places.	Bar & Grill, Costa Coffee, Greggs, McDonald’s Drive Thru, Costa Express, Krispy Kreme, Barber Shop, M&S Simply Food, The CB Shack Trucking Shop, WHSmith	Gridserve:3 NomadPower
27	Charnock Richard	Welcome Break	Accommodation, accessible toilets, baby changing, cash withdrawals, EV charging, forecourt, free shower facilities, free wifi, and pet-friendly outdoor areas.	Burger King, KFC, Starbucks, The Good Breakfast, Subway, Krispy Kreme, Waitrose & Partners, WHSmith	Tesla: 12 (North) Gridserve: 2 (South)
32/33	Lancaster	Moto	Accommodation, baby changing, disabled toilets, EV charging, external kids play area, radar key scheme, showers, wifi, BookaPod, dog walking area	Burger King, Costa Coffee, Greggs, West Cornwall Pasty Co., Costa Express, f’real Milkshakes, Krispy Kreme, M&S Coffee to Go, Tango Ice Blast, M&S Simply Food, Top Gift, WHSmith	Gridserve: 4
35	Carnforth	Truckhaven	Accommodation, toilets, shop.	Bar, restaurant, shop.
35/36	Burton-in-Kendal	Moto	Accommodation, baby changing, disabled toilets, EV charging – SuperHub, external kids play area, radar key scheme, showers, wifi, dog walking area	Burger King, Costa Coffee, Greggs, Costa Express, Krispy Kreme, M&S Simply Food, WHSmith	Gridserve: 10
36	Killington Lake	Roadchef	Accommodation, ev charging, baby changing, cash machines, pet friendly, showers, wheelchair accessible, caravan parking, coach parking, hgv parking, free wi-fi, changing places.	Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Phat Pasty Co. (seasonal opening), Costa Express, Krispy Kreme, WHSmith	Gridserve: 2
38	J38 Truckstop	Westmorland	Fuel, shop, coffee, bar, Food to Go4You, LPG, Jet Wash	Kitchen, cafe, food-to-go, shop.
38	Tebay	Westmorland	Fuel, shop, coffee, bar, Food to Go4You, LPG, Jet Wash	Kitchen, cafe, food-to-go, shop.	Tesla: 12 Gridserve: 2
41/42	Southwaite	Moto	Accommodation, baby changing facilities, disabled toilets, wifi, showers, EV charging, radar key system.	Burger King, Costa Coffee, Greggs, Costa Express, Krispy Kreme, West Cornwall Food Co., f’real Milkshakes, Tango Ice Blast, M&S Simply Food, WHSmith	Gridserve: 4 (South), 3 (North)
44/45	Todhills	Moto	Accommodation, baby changing facilities, disabled toilets, wifi, showers, EV charging, radar key system.	Costa	Gridserve: 3 (South)

 

Here is a detailed list of the M6 motorway services:

Rugby Service Area (junction 1)

First on our list and first in the motorway services ranking is Moto’s Rugby Services. It has been named the UK’s best motorway service station for 2022 after the site, which is operated by Moto, scored 100% in a satisfaction survey conducted by Transport Focus.

Transport Focus spoke to more than 31,000 visitors to 119 motorway services across the UK about their views on the toilets, staff, value of food and drink, electric vehicle charging and the impact their visit had on drivers’ moods.

Well, not to ruin your mood, but as for the money: the first 2 hours are free for all vehicles, after which cars are charged £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £31. HGVs can pay £34, which includes a £10 food voucher.

This service area is run by Welcome Break. It has baby changing facilities, disabled toilets, showers, WiFi, dog walking area, external and internal children’s play area, EV charging, changing rooms, RADAR Key Scheme, EV Superhub.

Corley (junction 10)

Corley services, operated by Welcome Break, is a motorway service station located between junctions 3 and 3A of the M6 motorway in Warwickshire, England.

It offers wheelchair accessibility, accessible toilets, baby changing, cash withdrawals, EV charging, a petrol forecourt, free showers, and free Wi-Fi.

The food and drink options include Starbucks, KFC, Burger King, Waitrose, Subway, and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Corley services, opened in 1972, serves both sides of the motorway through a concrete footbridge clad in green fibreglass panelling.

Approximately 2 million visitors frequent the service area annually, and it made history in December 2003 as the first motorway service station to have a permanent Police Community Support Officer, jointly funded by Welcome Break and Warwickshire Police.

Hilton Park (between J10A and 11)

Hilton Park is one of the smaller service areas on the M6 but it still offers accommodation, baby changing, disabled toilets, wifi, free showers, EV charging, a radar key scheme and changing places.

How much does it cost to park here? The first 2 hours are free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £26.18.

Stafford (between junction 14 and 15)

It is quite uncommon, but the two motorway services at Stafford are operated by different operators: the one on the southbound lanes is operated by Roadchef, while the northbound services are operated by Moto.

Both rest areas share some similarities in their offerings. They both provide travellers with crucial facilities, such as accommodation, showers, EV charging stations, and Wi-Fi access, ensuring comfort and convenience during their stop. Additionally, both locations cater to families by providing baby-changing facilities, making it easier for parents travelling with young children.

When it comes to food options, both rest areas offer a diverse range of dining choices. Travellers can find recognizable brands like Costa Coffee and Krispy Kreme at both locations, allowing them to choose from various meal and snack options.

Pet owners will find both rest areas to be pet-friendly, but Stafford (North) explicitly caters to travellers with pets by offering a designated dog walking area.

And how much does it cost to park here?

At Stafford North, the first 2 hours free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £26.

At Stafford South, the first 2 hours are also free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £13 and HGVs, caravans and coaches £28, or £31 (the HGV parking includes a £10 food voucher).

Keele (between junction 15 and 16)

Keele Services is a motorway service station located between junctions 15 and 16 of the M6 motorway near Keele, England.

Operated by Welcome Break, it features petrol stations, a WH Smith and Starbucks on both sides, as well as KFC and Burger King restaurants on the bridge over the motorway.

The service station was built in 1963, and although a hotel was planned, it was never constructed.

How much does it cost to park here? The first couple of hours are free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 for a further 24 hours. HGVs, caravans and coaches must pay £31 for up to 24 hours (or £33 to include a £12 meal voucher).

Sandbach (junction 16)

Sandbach Rest and Service Area in Cheshire also offers 2 hours free parking, EV chargers, free Wi-Fi, baby changers, showers, caravan and HGV camping.

This service station was ranked the fifth worst in the country in 2021, and the second worst on the M6 motorway. This was due to the facility failing to tick all five key boxes, with services judged on whether they had Wi-Fi, electric car charging, shower facilities, any games rooms and a hotel for weary travellers.

It has nonetheless since been upgraded and now offers electric car charging and free Wi-Fi and showers.

As for the cost: the first 2 hours of parking are free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £13 and HGVs, caravans and coaches £31, or £34 to include a £10 food voucher.

Knutsford (between junction 18 and 19)

Knutsford motorway service area, operated by Moto, holds a significant place in history as one of the country’s first service stations, opening its doors in 1963.

Situated on both sides of the carriageway and connected by a bridge housing a restaurant and shop, the station provides essential facilities such as accommodation, baby changing, disabled toilets, showers, and Wi-Fi. Travellers will find convenience with amenities like EV charging and the radar key scheme, ensuring accessibility for all.

For dining and shopping needs, Knutsford offers a variety of choices, including Burger King, Costa Coffee, Greggs, KFC, and more, along with M&S Simply Food and WHSmith outlets.

Additionally, the Cheshire Police Motorway Unit has a base at Knutsford motorway service area, situated on the southbound side, ensuring safety and security for travelers.

Fun fact: Knutsford played a role in comedian Rhod Gilbert’s special “Rhod Gilbert and the Award-Winning Mince Pie.”

And how much does it cost to park here? As usual, the first 2 hours are free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £16 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £29. HGVs can pay £32 to include a £10 food voucher, but HGVs are asked to only park here in an emergency.

Lymm Truckstop (junction 20)

The Lymm Truckstop is located at junction 20 of the M6, just off the M56.

Lymm Truck Stop caters to the needs of HGV drivers with essential facilities such as accommodation, showers, and washing machines, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

However, the truck stop is open to everybody, so you can find the usual amenities like baby changing facilities, disabled toilets, EV charging, Wi-Fi, a dog walking area, and changing places.

As for the money; the first 2 hours of parking are free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £16 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £22. HGVs can pay £25 to include a £10 food voucher. Trailer changeovers have a charge of £3 for 24 hours.

The Lymm Truckstop has also been awarded the Park Mark Safer Parking Award.

Charnock Richard (between junction 27 and 28)

Charnock Richard Services, operated by Welcome Break, is a motorway service area situated between Junctions 27 and 28 of the M6 in England. Being the first services on the M6 when it opened in 1963, it holds historical significance in the Lancashire borough of Chorley.

The facilities at Charnock Richard Services include accommodation, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, cash withdrawals, EV charging, and free shower facilities.

When it comes to the parking rates, the first 2 hours are for free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 for a further 24 hours and HGVs, caravans and coaches must pay £29 (or £31 to include a £12 meal voucher).

It is probably also worth mentioning that the 2019 Motorway Services User Survey found that the southbound side of Charnock Richard was among the worst five motorway services in the United Kingdom for customer satisfaction.

The 2022 Transport Focus survey calculated a 93% satisfaction score for the northbound services and 83% for the southbound services, making it the third-worst in the UK.

Lancaster (between junction 32 and 33)

Lancaster Motorway Service Area, operated by Moto, is located between Junctions 32 and 33 of the M6 motorway in England, near the city of Lancaster.

The service area offers a range of practical facilities for travellers, including accommodation, baby changing facilities, disabled toilets, EV charging, showers, and free Wi-Fi. Families travelling with children will appreciate the external kids’ play area, while pet owners can utilize the dog walking area.

Food and shopping options at Lancaster Motorway Service Area include Burger King, Costa Coffee, Greggs, West Cornwall Pasty Co., M&S Simply Food, and more, providing travellers with various choices for meals and snacks.

An interesting feature of the service area is The Pennine Tower, a unique hexagonal concrete tower on the northbound side. Originally housing an up-market restaurant and sun deck, the tower offers stunning views of Morecambe Bay to the west and the Trough of Bowland to the east.

Although it is no longer open to the public due to fire regulations, the tower remains a prominent local landmark and is a notable example of motorway architecture in the country.

Truck Haven, Carnforth (junction 35)

Truckhaven (Carnforth) is a privately owned and operated truck stop established in 1990, offering exceptional facilities to HGV drivers and the public.

It is situated half a mile from Junction 35 of the M6, and provides secure parking with CCTV and security patrols.

The site features high-speed fuel and Ad-Blue pumps, a forecourt shop, a restaurant serving freshly prepared food, and a comfortable bar with large screen television.

How much does it cost to stop here? Parking for the first 2 hours is free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £5 and HGVs £19 to include a £2 meal voucher. HGVs can also pay £23 to include a £6 meal voucher or £27 to include a £10 meal voucher. No parking is available for caravans or motorhomes.

Burton-in-Kendal (between junction 35 and 36)

Burton-in-Kendal motorway service area, operated by Moto, is located on the M6 motorway, bordering Cumbria and Lancashire, England.

Situated about 4 miles north of Carnforth and close to the village of Burton in Kendal, it offers essential facilities including accommodation, baby changing, disabled toilets, EV charging – SuperHub, an external kids play area, radar key scheme, showers, and Wi-Fi. Additionally, there is a dog walking area for pet owners.

The service area provides dining options like Burger King, Costa Coffee, Greggs, Krispy Kreme, M&S Simply Food, and a shop by WHSmith.

Notably, access is available to northbound traffic only, while southbound traffic can use Killington Lake services or facilities in the town of Carnforth. Burton-in-Kendal services have been in operation since 23 October 1970.

Parking rates: the first 2 hours are free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £22.

Killington Lake

Killington Lake motorway service area, operated by Roadchef, offers a range of convenient facilities, including Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Phat Pasty Co. (seasonal opening), Costa Express, Krispy Kreme, and a WHSmith shop.

The site provides accommodation, EV charging, baby changing, cash machines, pet-friendly amenities, showers, wheelchair accessibility, and parking options for caravans, coaches, and HGVs. Travellers can also enjoy free Wi-Fi, a lakeside walk, and a children’s play area.

The parking rates include 2 hours of free parking for all vehicles, with cars charged £13 and HGVs, caravans, and coaches charged £27 for extended stays, or £30 with a £10 food voucher.

J38 Truckstop and Tebay Service Area (junction 38)

The family-owned Tebay Service Area on the M6 in Cumbria has been called “the best motorway service station in the UK” and “a motorway service station from heaven.”

The service area is known for its high-quality food, its selection of local produce, and its stunning views of the Lake District. It also has a number of other amenities, including a petrol station, a Starbucks, a Costa Coffee, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

The Guardian’s article, which was published in July 2021, praised the Tebay Service Area for its “delicious food,” its “friendly staff,” and its “tranquil setting.”

The article also noted that the service area is a popular spot for cyclists and hikers, as it is located near the Lake District National Park.

The Guardian’s write up stresses that the “food is delicious” and that there is a “wide range of options to choose from”.

As far as the parking rates are concerned, the first 2 hours are free for all vehicles, after which cars are £12. HGVs must pay £13 to include a £2 food voucher or £17 to include a £6 food voucher. Trailer changeovers are also charged at £4 per trailer.

Southwaite (between junction 41 and 42)

Southwaite services, operated by Moto, is a motorway service station located between junctions 41 and 42 of the M6 motorway near Southwaite, Cumbria, England.

Positioned about 7 miles south of Carlisle, within the civil parish of Hesket, it comprises northbound and southbound bases connected by a pedestrian footbridge.

The facilities on both sides include accommodation, baby changing facilities, disabled toilets, Wi-Fi, showers, EV charging, and a radar key system.

The service station offers dining options such as Burger King, Costa Coffee, Greggs, Costa Express, Krispy Kreme, West Cornwall Food Co., f’real Milkshakes, Tango Ice Blast, M&S Simply Food, and a shop by WHSmith.

Additionally, the south side features a Travelodge for travellers’ convenience.

Todhills (between junctions 44 and 45)

Todhills Rest Area, operated by Moto, serves as a rest area between Junctions 44 and 45 of the M6 motorway in England. It is the last service area northbound on the M6 and the first southbound.

The rest area provides essential facilities, including accommodation, baby changing facilities, disabled toilets, Wi-Fi, showers, EV charging, and a radar key system.

Food is available from Costa.

Although there were concerns about a possible closure during the M6 upgrade in 2008, the service area remained open and the upgrade project was completed without affecting the Todhills service area.

Overnight parking is not available.

Tips for choosing the best motorway service:

• Consider your needs: What are you looking for in a motorway service? Do you need a petrol station? A restaurant? A shop? Once you know what you need, you can start to narrow down your options.
• Check the facilities: Once you’ve chosen a few potential service areas, check the facilities that they offer. Make sure they have what you need, and that they’re clean and well-maintained.
• Read reviews: If you’re not sure which service area to choose, read reviews online. This can give you a good idea of what other motorists think of the service area.
• Consider the location: If you’re on a tight schedule, you’ll need to choose a service area that’s conveniently located. Make sure it’s not too far off the motorway and easy to get to.

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