FabSwingers.com forum: Service stations

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

For the long distance roadtrippers, commuters and lorry drivers.

Do you have a favourite service station? If so why?

I travel to Edinburgh from Welsh borders regularly and always stop at Tebay or Gretna...

Tebay because it is all farm shop independent stuff and they have a duck pond complete with duckies

And Gretna because you can get a huge plate of fish and chips for £8.99 at Harry Ramsdens... and I love browsing the gift shop, bought an Aberdeen Angus fridge magnet from there.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *yron69Man
over a year ago

Fareham

Rock and roll..

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *eliWoman
over a year ago

I flipping love Tebay services. I have many fond memories of stopping there on my way to university or back to my grandparents.

Gloucester services. Whenever I visit the brother in law, it's a must stop place. Not only does it look like something out of Tolkien's brilliant mind but the food is good. Very good. Expensive but delicious. And the toilets smell nice and are clean and spacious. And they have amazing coffee.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Rock and roll.."

What is your favourite though?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *a LunaWoman
over a year ago

South

Membury and Leigh Delamare are ones that I can remember on various jaunts.

I tended to only visit the loos though, so no particular faves

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I flipping love Tebay services. I have many fond memories of stopping there on my way to university or back to my grandparents.

Ooh that sounds lovely!

I love nothing more than to grab a coffee and home made cake and sit outside at Tebay

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Membury and Leigh Delamare are ones that I can remember on various jaunts.

I tended to only visit the loos though, so no particular faves

I do feel I need to explore somewhere new to check out other service stations

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *uriousscouserWoman
over a year ago

Wirral

"I flipping love Tebay services. I have many fond memories of stopping there on my way to university or back to my grandparents.

I stopped off at Gloucester every time I went to see one of my main suppliers in my last job. It's probably my favourite.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *inkyInkedBiWoman
over a year ago

"I flipping love Tebay services. I have many fond memories of stopping there on my way to university or back to my grandparents.

Agree Gloucestershire services are lush.

Lovely outside space, farm shop and lovely food.

We broke down on the way to Cornwall and had to pull in there. We loved it and went to the one on the opposite side on the drive back

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Another

for Tebay, and Gloucester.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I think I need a Gloucester roadtrip

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Southwaite, in the morning you see the rabbits running around from the room window

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Another

for Tebay, and Gloucester.

Did you see the Duckies and Ducklings? I think one of my feet pictures is sat by the pond at Tebay

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Fleet Services!!

Food Court there is amazing and so are the toilets haha

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Southwaite, in the morning you see the rabbits running around from the room window"

I've never visited Southwaite, I see it. Might have to check it out.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *om and JennieCouple
over a year ago

Chams or Socials

Always Tebay for us when heading to see my Scottish family as it’s tradition. It started when I was a little & my grandad would let me feed the ducks

J x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Another

for Tebay, and Gloucester.

Did you see the Duckies and Ducklings? I think one of my feet pictures is sat by the pond at Tebay"

I can’t say I noticed them tbh. When I drove lorries, all I did was pull in for a snooze, and a stretch of the legs. I’ll be sure to look out for them on any trip up north in the future.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *avie65Man
over a year ago

In the west.

Abington on the M74. Blush blush.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Used to like the campsite by Tebay.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I do love Gloucester also, the shop is lovely but I can barely afford anything in it. There is a great dog walk set up over some fields.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Fleet Services!!

Food Court there is amazing and so are the toilets haha

Bit far south for Mr

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I do love Gloucester also, the shop is lovely but I can barely afford anything in it. There is a great dog walk set up over some fields. "

We used to mostly just go in there to look around

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Lounge day trip to Tebay?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Always Tebay for us when heading to see my Scottish family as it’s tradition. It started when I was a little & my grandad would let me feed the ducks

J x"

Awe I love that! Such a lovely memory

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Abington on the M74. Blush blush. "

Yes! Another good one. Been a while since I stopped at Abingdon

Cairn Lodge is also lovely. Very picturesque

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Lounge day trip to Tebay? "

To feed the Duckies?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *nywhereyouwantMan
over a year ago

Weston-Super-Mare

Always in Gloucester as it’s one of the best, and Membury

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Always in Gloucester as it’s one of the best, and Membury

Gloucester is very popular

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *avie65Man
over a year ago

In the west.

"Abington on the M74. Blush blush.

Yes! Another good one. Been a while since I stopped at Abingdon

Cairn Lodge is also lovely. Very picturesque "

Yes and very...well

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Lounge day trip to Tebay?

To feed the Duckies?"

Absolutely

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire

I love Tebay!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Abington on the M74. Blush blush.

Yes! Another good one. Been a while since I stopped at Abingdon

Cairn Lodge is also lovely. Very picturesque

Yes and very...well

What's the story? Spill??

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *parkle1974Woman
over a year ago

Leeds

Southwaite when I'm travelling home. Trowell when heading down south x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Lounge day trip to Tebay?

To feed the Duckies?

Absolutely "

Yay! And you're buying the coffee

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Lounge day trip to Tebay?

To feed the Duckies?

Absolutely

Yay! And you're buying the coffee

Deal

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I love Tebay!

Me too! It really does have beautiful views.

As soon as I have come onto the M6 and I see the signs for the Lakes I breathe

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I do love Gloucester also, the shop is lovely but I can barely afford anything in it. There is a great dog walk set up over some fields.

We used to mostly just go in there to look around

Lethal taking children in. They dont understand the pain of buying expensive crisps

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *mily36CWoman
over a year ago

Bedford (or anywhere beginning with B..!?)

Norton Cannes on M6 toll definite fav ... and Winchester M3 ... but then South Mimms is not a bad pit stop outside of school holidays

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *tephTV67TV/TS
over a year ago

Cheshire

Knutsford as it’s the first one I visited after passing my driving test.

Hilton Park is the one I’ve probably visited the most over the years. At one time telling my ex wife we’ve probably never travelled that bit of motorway between the entrance and exit.

Both of these on the M6

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Southwaite when I'm travelling home. Trowell when heading down south x"

I really do have to do some more travelling

Annandale is quite nice too x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Lounge day trip to Tebay?

To feed the Duckies?

Absolutely

Yay! And you're buying the coffee

Deal

Eeek this excites me! Coffee and Duckies

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *uriousscouserWoman
over a year ago

Wirral

"Southwaite when I'm travelling home. Trowell when heading down south x

I really do have to do some more travelling

Annandale is quite nice too x"

It's gorgeous sitting outside at Annandale in the summer.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Knutsford as it’s the first one I visited after passing my driving test.

Hilton Park is the one I’ve probably visited the most over the years. At one time telling my ex wife we’ve probably never travelled that bit of motorway between the entrance and exit.

Both of these on the M6

I never see Knutsford always join the M6 further up

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Norton Cannes on M6 toll definite fav ... and Winchester M3 ... but then South Mimms is not a bad pit stop outside of school holidays

What do you like about it?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Southwaite when I'm travelling home. Trowell when heading down south x

I really do have to do some more travelling

Annandale is quite nice too x

It's gorgeous sitting outside at Annandale in the summer."

Omg yes it is! Such a pretty place x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"For the long distance roadtrippers, commuters and lorry drivers.

Do you have a favourite service station? If so why?

I travel to Edinburgh from Welsh borders regularly and always stop at Tebay or Gretna...

Tebay because it is all farm shop independent stuff and they have a duck pond complete with duckies

And Gretna because you can get a huge plate of fish and chips for £8.99 at Harry Ramsdens... and I love browsing the gift shop, bought an Aberdeen Angus fridge magnet from there.

Tebay, oh yes! The world needs more motorway services like this! Indeed, Westmoreland Farm Shops do have other motorway services!

But Gretna, oh my goodness, what on earth are you thinking? Some sort of dodgy marriage? And Harry Ramsdens? Geez.

If you're leaving Edinburgh and feeling peckish before Tebay, then there's a half decent chippy in Moffat. There's also the world's narrowest hotel (20 foot wide), a Spitfire in the garden of a bungalow and somebody is buried in the graveyard without whom modern roads would not exist!

Other favourites include Junction 29 on M1, Red Bus cafe near Leeds, The New Hollies on the A5 near Cannock, and many, many more.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Taunton Deane…it’s a shitehole but it means I’m nearly “home” when heading back to North Devon to visit the old folks

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *oah VailMan
over a year ago

Dover

It’s a long time since I was tramping in a lorry, but in the late nineties/early noughties most of the UKs motorway services were pretty grim, and expensive, if you needed to spend the night at one.

I remember the Welcome Break chain doing a scheme where, if you bought fuel, you got vouchers you could exchange for a tea/coffee and an all-day breakfast. We used to joke that the “all day” didn’t mean available all day, but that it had spent at least 24h under the heat lamps on the counter.

I used to favour the BP truckstops, Alconbury, Lymm, Carlisle and Rugby being regular stops for me.

UK services have definitely improved, but back then the best motorway services were in France, Germany and Spain. Plenty of parking, cheap, secure and excellent food.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Lounge day trip to Tebay?

To feed the Duckies?

Absolutely

Yay! And you're buying the coffee

Deal

Eeek this excites me! Coffee and Duckies

I best start saving now, those coffees are expensive these days

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Southwaite, in the morning you see the rabbits running around from the room window"

At most motorway services, if you book into the motel, you can peer out of the window and see rats running around.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rangesmartieWoman
over a year ago

Devon

"Another

for Tebay, and Gloucester.

and another

the independent ones are the best ones

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *tarflyLouWoman
over a year ago

Preston

I used at work at Corley in my student days, mainly consisted of old ladies complaining about the cost of a pot of tea!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"For the long distance roadtrippers, commuters and lorry drivers.

Do you have a favourite service station? If so why?

I travel to Edinburgh from Welsh borders regularly and always stop at Tebay or Gretna...

Tebay because it is all farm shop independent stuff and they have a duck pond complete with duckies

And Gretna because you can get a huge plate of fish and chips for £8.99 at Harry Ramsdens... and I love browsing the gift shop, bought an Aberdeen Angus fridge magnet from there.

Tebay, oh yes! The world needs more motorway services like this! Indeed, Westmoreland Farm Shops do have other motorway services!

But Gretna, oh my goodness, what on earth are you thinking? Some sort of dodgy marriage? And Harry Ramsdens? Geez.

Other favourites include Junction 29 on M1, Red Bus cafe near Leeds, The New Hollies on the A5 near Cannock, and many, many more."

Harry R is best of a bad bunch, it's either KFC or Burger King there

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Taunton Deane…it’s a shitehole but it means I’m nearly “home” when heading back to North Devon to visit the old folks"

Aww I think the majority are shitholes. Lancaster MOTO is a shithole too

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"It’s a long time since I was tramping in a lorry, but in the late nineties/early noughties most of the UKs motorway services were pretty grim, and expensive, if you needed to spend the night at one.

I used to favour the BP truckstops, Alconbury, Lymm, Carlisle and Rugby being regular stops for me.

UK services have definitely improved, but back then the best motorway services were in France, Germany and Spain. Plenty of parking, cheap, secure and excellent food. "

A lot are still welcome break I see

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

First one that appears when nature calls or when in need of a coffee break.

More about convenience than a favourite for me but some are definitely worth avoiding.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I used to favour the BP truckstops, Alconbury, Lymm, Carlisle and Rugby being regular stops for me.

UK services have definitely improved, but back then the best motorway services were in France, Germany and Spain. Plenty of parking, cheap, secure and excellent food. "

When I last spent more time in Europe more than the UK (4 years ago) the same was still true. Indeed, when in Germany and Switzerland, I have found more than one motorway service stations complete with sex shops.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I used at work at Corley in my student days, mainly consisted of old ladies complaining about the cost of a pot of tea!"

I think I'd like that, the staff seem so happy at service stations

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I used to favour the BP truckstops, Alconbury, Lymm, Carlisle and Rugby being regular stops for me.

UK services have definitely improved, but back then the best motorway services were in France, Germany and Spain. Plenty of parking, cheap, secure and excellent food.

Heck! Brings a new meaning to the term 'one stop shop'

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"For the long distance roadtrippers, commuters and lorry drivers.

Do you have a favourite service station? If so why?

I travel to Edinburgh from Welsh borders regularly and always stop at Tebay or Gretna...

Tebay because it is all farm shop independent stuff and they have a duck pond complete with duckies

And Gretna because you can get a huge plate of fish and chips for £8.99 at Harry Ramsdens... and I love browsing the gift shop, bought an Aberdeen Angus fridge magnet from there.

Tebay, oh yes! The world needs more motorway services like this! Indeed, Westmoreland Farm Shops do have other motorway services!

But Gretna, oh my goodness, what on earth are you thinking? Some sort of dodgy marriage? And Harry Ramsdens? Geez.

Other favourites include Junction 29 on M1, Red Bus cafe near Leeds, The New Hollies on the A5 near Cannock, and many, many more.

Harry R is best of a bad bunch, it's either KFC or Burger King there

KFC mini fillet burger. Tasty, filling and cheap. (like me?) Also KFC chips are served without salt! Still shite fast food though!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ilverjagMan
over a year ago

swansea

I was born in Fife, and still have a place in the village where I was born, so obviously I'm on first name terms with every lamppost, telegraph pole, and cat's eyes on the M6, as such Tebay Services stands out in the crowd basically for the Cumberland sausage rolls that are a taste to die for, however Tebay Southbound will always have a special place because, it was there that Ken Dodd parked next to me, who as a complete stranger that I didn't actually recognise at first, started up a conversation with me about cars, commenting on the pristine condition long wheel base XJ6 that I had for getting my mum up and down to Scotland. We parted company with him giving me a signed photograph that he wrote on the back to us, "Happiness always, Ken Dodd," that's on the wall above the dining room table, and I'm looking at it now as I type this. However I see though that Leigh Delamare on the M4 gets a mention. That's an M&S Simply Food where I ended up on first name terms with the sales assistant because, it was at the time I was seeing a lady from West Sussex for twenty one month's, the lady in question had a liking for M&S cherry chocolate laqueur chocs, normally available around Christmas time. When they were on promotion 3 for the price of 2, I'd go in there and clear the deck. I've gone to the checkout with 30 boxes stacked up under my chin, hence they kinda got to know me at the checkout. Then I'd head in the direction of Rake in West Sussex on a Friday night to enjoy the distance romance. Milk Tray man didn't have a look in when I got into gear, no pun intended, so Leigh Delamare will always hold a special place.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"For the long distance roadtrippers, commuters and lorry drivers.

Do you have a favourite service station? If so why?

I travel to Edinburgh from Welsh borders regularly and always stop at Tebay or Gretna...

Tebay because it is all farm shop independent stuff and they have a duck pond complete with duckies

And Gretna because you can get a huge plate of fish and chips for £8.99 at Harry Ramsdens... and I love browsing the gift shop, bought an Aberdeen Angus fridge magnet from there.

Tebay, oh yes! The world needs more motorway services like this! Indeed, Westmoreland Farm Shops do have other motorway services!

But Gretna, oh my goodness, what on earth are you thinking? Some sort of dodgy marriage? And Harry Ramsdens? Geez.

Other favourites include Junction 29 on M1, Red Bus cafe near Leeds, The New Hollies on the A5 near Cannock, and many, many more.

Harry R is best of a bad bunch, it's either KFC or Burger King there

KFC mini fillet burger. Tasty, filling and cheap. (like me?) Also KFC chips are served without salt! Still shite fast food though!"

Omg and you rinsed me for liking Harry's fish

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I flipping love Tebay services. I have many fond memories of stopping there on my way to university or back to my grandparents.

never been Tebay -totally agree Gloucester is excellent !!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I was born in Fife, and still have a place in the village where I was born, so obviously I'm on first name terms with every lamppost, telegraph pole, and cat's eyes on the M6, as such Tebay Services stands out in the crowd basically for the Cumberland sausage rolls that are a taste to die for, however Tebay Southbound will always have a special place because, it was there that Ken Dodd parked next to me, who as a complete stranger that I didn't actually recognise at first, started up a conversation with me about cars, commenting on the pristine condition long wheel base XJ6 that I had for getting my mum up and down to Scotland. We parted company with him giving me a signed photograph that he wrote on the back to us, "Happiness always, Ken Dodd," that's on the wall above the dining room table, and I'm looking at it now as I type this. However I see though that Leigh Delamare on the M4 gets a mention. That's an M&S Simply Food where I ended up on first name terms with the sales assistant because, it was at the time I was seeing a lady from West Sussex for twenty one month's, the lady in question had a liking for M&S cherry chocolate laqueur chocs, normally available around Christmas time. When they were on promotion 3 for the price of 2, I'd go in there and clear the deck. I've gone to the checkout with 30 boxes stacked up under my chin, hence they kinda got to know me at the checkout. Then I'd head in the direction of Rake in West Sussex on a Friday night to enjoy the distance romance. Milk Tray man didn't have a look in when I got into gear, no pun intended, so Leigh Delamare will always hold a special place."

Aw amazing memories

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I used at work at Corley in my student days, mainly consisted of old ladies complaining about the cost of a pot of tea!"

That is probably because Corley is used by many coach holiday companies as a change over point.

That is why you often see shifty pensioners at Corley, swapping baggage between vehicles and trying to pass hidden tip money to coach drivers.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Beaconsfield Is also an excellent services - as is the model village down the road in the village x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *oah VailMan
over a year ago

Dover

Heck! Brings a new meaning to the term 'one stop shop'

A lot of truckstops in Europe, where prostitution is less stigmatised than here, have a cohort of ladies of “negotiable virtue”.

The place I used to like stopping at the most was a little village on the national outside of Pau in France. It was a bit grubby looking, and the first time I stopped there I only did so because I was out of hours and could drive no further. Just a little bar-tabac really, and the only thing on the menu was “plat du jour, deux ou trois courses”. You had no idea what you were going to get until it was set in front of you, but it was unfailingly excellent. Proper home cooked French country fare. The proprietor was an old fellow who’d been a long distance lorry driver but had to pack in through poor health. He always greeted me like a long lost brother and would happily chat all night about the job. My French improved massively thanks to him. I went in there two or three times a month for a year or so, then jobs changed and I never got to go back. I imagine he and his little place are long gone as he was ancient a quarter of a century ago.