Motorway Service Areas are leased out to various operators, mostly companies who specialise in the subject and run dozens of similar sites. A few organisations just run one site. The areas are set about 15-30 miles apart on most motorways and some major A roads. The locations of service areas are marked on any of the main Road Atlas maps that cover the whole of the UK mainland. There are various Road Atlas books available at any bookshop in the UK.
Be warned that food and drink is heavily over-priced at these places.
Petrol is also a bit more expensive than the average price in towns,
but the difference is not that great, and petrol prices tend to vary
quite a lot anyway from one place to another.
In the main building, there will usually be a fast food chain restaurant (Burger King, Wimpy or McDonalds) along with the company's own food outlet, providing more substantial food. A newsagent will also be available, offering newspapers, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, sweets and ice-creams. Many service areas provide a basic play area for children, slot machines for adults, toilets and baby changing facilities. There will be a petrol station, separate from the main part, providing petrol (obviously), along with an air pump for tyres, water for the car engine and occasionally, a jet spray or car wash. Again, snacks and drinks are stocked here, along with in-car essentials.
A Travel Inn or Travelodge can be found at or close to some service areas. Should you be travelling late at night and feel tired, these are a good option to get some shut-eye, prices per room per night are reasonable and special offers can be had in the low season, making them a good option to take a couple of days out and explore the local area.
The operators include
- Road Chef
- Welcome Break
- Moto (these sometimes have a Marks and Spencer shop on site). Moto used to give a discount to RAC (Royal Automobile Club) members, now this is awarded to AA (Automobile Association) members, note some car hire companies give AA cover with the rental car.
If you don't fancy experiencing the delights, http://www.5minutesaway.co.uk/ has details for hotels, food and petrol within 5 minutes of a motorway juction.
