Mum takes kids to UK's best motorway service station that's 'like a theme park'
The UK's best service station is so good motorists have compared it to a theme park and have been desperate not to leave.
When motoring across the UK, turning off for a coffee, a snack and a comfort break can feel a little like a lucky dip. While some service stations are light and airy with plenty of useful and clean facilities, others can harbour more than a little air of depression.
Not so for those who find themselves at Rugby Services - an M6 rest stop which has a reputation as one of the best the UK's road network has to offer. Manchester Evening News reporter Dianne Bourne recently found herself at the Warwickshire stop-off with her two kids.
"Now that I have two kids in tow for most of my long journeys or days out in the car, there's also the added problem of hoping the services we stop at will cater for their needs too. By that I mean somewhere with a bit of space for them to run around in and let off steam before the journey continues," she explained.
"Clean toilets with no queue and a decent range of food and drink options is also up there on the wishlist. But most of the time my motorway service stop offs end in disappointment and frustration."
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The impressive play area at Rugby Services (MEN)Dianne was not aware of Rugby Services before she got there. Unlike Tebay at the other end of the motorway - which has a very significant reputation thanks to its famed farm shop and eye-catching views - the Warwickshire services on the southbound side of the road don't have a cult following. But that doesn't mean they aren't excellent.
"My sister had tipped me off about this place, as she had stopped off at the services with her dog and found it to be very dog friendly. There's a dedicated dog walking area and there are even food and water bowls available for pooches outside," Dianne commented.
The new services were finished in 2021 and have been named the Best Motorway Service Station in the UK for two years in a row now. This is according to a survey of 30,000 motorway users by the independent transport watchdog Transport Focus. In their latest survey, visitors to Rugby Services in Warwickshire gave it a perfect score.
The question she wanted answering was what makes Rugby so great? When Dianne and her kids visited she found it to be "incredibly peaceful and quiet". It also had excellent facilities.
"The first thing I noticed was the large, secure play area outside as we parked up the car. The car park is also really well spaced out with lots of parent and child and disabled parking. There's also a huge bank of power charging parking spots on the way in too for those in electric vehicles," she wrote.
As it was raining during her visit the family did not get to put the park through its paces. Happily, there were other facilities inside which made up for it.
Dianne said her kids did not want to leave (MEN)"Most service stations I stop at involve the kids being let loose for a dash around a scratchy bit of grass around the back of a concrete building. Or if it's raining, letting them sit inside on a battered Percy the Pig or Thomas the Tank Engine machine while trying to avoid putting £1 in to make it move," Dianne added.
Not so at Rugby, where there is a large indoor barn structure kids can play on for free. The trio had the run of the place to themselves and had such a good time there that the kids didn't want to leave. "And since it's only two hours free parking outside, we couldn't stay and make a day of it here, even though we all probably would have liked to," the mum continued.
"The play area is surrounded by colourful seating for families. This means parents and carers can enjoy some snacks from the service station shops while watching their kids. There's also a big separate seating area for those who prefer a quieter environment."
Dianne was also particularly impressed by the food and drink offering, which included a "great mix of takeaway giants and food stores." An M&S Simply Food store with a fresh bakery section provided cinnamon buns and croissants, while Costa, Pret. Greggs, KFC and Burger King were also on hand.
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"A trip to the toilets was also hassle free. Absolutely no queues and all so clean and bright. I also liked the quirky entrance to the service station, operated by Moto, that gives a nod to Rugby's history. Notably, the fact that it's here that the sport of rugby was invented," Dianne noted.
"There's a modern art sculpture showing rugby players in action. And I really liked the little rugby jokes on the signs - 'Scrum on in' it says, which made our group smile. I'd literally found myself in motorway service station heaven here hadn't I?"
Dianne was so impressed by the service station that she is now looking to arrange a holiday specifically so she can visit it again.
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