The best alternatives to service stations in the UK

The humble service station definitely has a key role on the UK’s roads if you are looking for a quick break or a fuel top-up.

But what if you fancy stopping for a longer time and would like to see some of what the UK has to offer during a road trip? Fortunately, we’ve spoken to Lexus who have picked out some of the best places in the UK to stop and explore. They’re within striking distance of main roads (so they’re easy to get to), but they provide all of the fun and adventure that a family could want. Plus, these spots have the added benefit of electric vehicle charging for those EV drivers who need a top-up while they stop.

1. A30 – Strawberry Fields Farm Shop – Lifton, near Launceston

The A30 is a main artery into Devon and Cornwall, running right the way down to Land’s End. As a result, it’s a particularly popular road during the summer months, which is why breaking away for a well-earned rest is a good way of avoiding traffic for a short period.

A great place to stop is Strawberry Fields, a family-run farm shop which has its own restaurant, artisan bakery and butchery counter. During the summer months, it even has ‘Pick Your Own’ strawberry fields, too. This stop-off also has two electric car chargers available to use.

https://strawberryfieldslifton.co.uk/

01566 784 605
Summer Opening Times
Monday – Saturday
Farm Shop 8am – 6:00pm
Restaurant/Coffee Bar 8am – 5.30pm
Sunday
Farm Shop 8am – 5.30pm
Restaurant/Coffee Bar 8am – 5:00pm

2. M1 – Stockwood Discovery Centre, near Luton

If you’re after a family-friendly space to roam while taking a break from your trip then the Stockwood Discovery Centre near Luton will be right on the money. It’s got a number of themed areas, such as an Elizabethan knot garden and 17th Century garden too.

There’s also a cafe, play area and gift shop – and it’s all free to enter. You can even go and see the largest carriage collection in Europe which is hosted at the site. Plus, there are two EV chargers with four connectors in the car park.

https://www.culturetrust.com/venues/stockwood-discovery-centre
01582 548600
11am – 5pm, Monday – Sunday

3. M25 – RHS Garden Wisley – Three miles from junction 10

RHS Garden Wisley is one of the UK’s most-visited gardens and, as a result, it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re travelling on the M25 this summer. It features some of the largest plant collections in the world which is why it’s well worth taking your time to check it out. However, if you’re a little more pressed for time, then you can check out the Wisley garden centre for free.

As well as a wide selection of indoor and outdoor plants, the garden centre also has a coffee shop at its entrance. There are eight 7.2kW sockets available for EVs to charge up, too.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
Monday – Friday
10am – 6pm
Saturday – Sunday
9am – 6pm
Last entry to garden 5pm
Open daily except Christmas Day

4. M3 – National Motor Museum – Beaulieu

If you’ve got any car-mad family members then the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu should be high on your list. It has a 285-strong collection of cars, from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang right the way through to some of the stars of television’s Top Gear.

As well as an electric car charge point with six connectors, there’s also a new adventure playground called Little Beaulieu – great for the little ones. Access to Little Beaulieu is included with a standard admission ticket, which start from £23 for adults and £12 for children aged 5 to 16.

https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/
01590 612345
Sat 1 Jan – Fri 27 May 10am – 5pm
Sat 28 May – Sun 11 September 10am – 6pm
Mon 12 September onwards 10am – 5pm

5. M4 – Tredegar House, new Newport

Tredegar House – built in the late 17th century – is absolutely jam-packed with history and is set within 90 acres of gardens and parklands, making it an ideal place to stop off and explore. It has a play area too, as well as an ice cream kiosk and a cafe.

Plus, there is a 7.2kW charging point so that EV owners can get a top up while checking out the grounds.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegar-house
House 11:00 – 16:30
Garden 10:30 – 17:00
Park Dawn to dusk
Tea-room 10:00 – 17:00

6. M40 – British Motor Museum Warwick

If you’re in the Midlands and fancy checking out the world’s largest collection of historic British cars, then head to the British Motor Museum, Warwick. It has more than 400 cars on display, meaning that you can get up close and personal with motors throughout the ages.

There are free tours and interactive family activities, too. Plus, there are ten charging locations across the site’s car parks.

https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/
01926 895300
Opening Times
Open daily 10am – 5pm
Closed: 24 Dec – 1 Jan inclusive

Related articles:

https://news.motors.co.uk/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-a-summer-road-trip-5-point-checklist/

https://news.motors.co.uk/the-key-changes-to-the-highway-code-you-need-to-know-about/