Quick Answer
All UK motorway service toilets are free and open 24/7. Best quality: Westmorland (Tebay, Gloucester) and Extra. Major operators (Moto, Welcome Break, Roadchef) all have good facilities. Most have Changing Places and RADAR-accessible toilets. Services are located every 28 miles maximum on motorways.
Best Toilets at UK Motorway Services 2025
Who This Guide Is For
- ✓ Drivers planning long-distance journeys
- ✓ Families travelling with children
- ✓ People with medical conditions requiring frequent stops
- ✓ Wheelchair users needing accessible facilities
- ✓ Anyone wanting to know what to expect at services
UK Motorway Services: Key Facts
Motorway Service Operators Compared
| Operator | Sites | Changing Places | Cleanliness | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westmorland | 2 (Tebay, Gloucester) | Yes | Exceptional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Extra | 12 | Most sites | Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Moto | 47 | Most sites | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Welcome Break | 27 | Most sites | Very Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Roadchef | 30 | Many sites | Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
What to Expect at Motorway Services
Standard Facilities
- ✅ Multiple toilet cubicles (men's & women's)
- ✅ Accessible/disabled toilets (RADAR)
- ✅ Baby changing facilities
- ✅ Hand washing with hot water
- ✅ Hand dryers and/or paper towels
- ✅ Regular cleaning (usually hourly)
Additional Features (Many Sites)
- ✅ Changing Places (hoist, adult bench)
- ✅ Family toilets
- ✅ Showers (usually £5-6)
- ✅ Sanitary product dispensers
- ✅ Parent and child facilities
Best Services by Motorway
M1 (London to Leeds)
- 🥇 Leicester Forest East (Welcome Break) - Recently refurbished
- 🥈 Donington Park (Moto) - Good facilities, less busy
- 🥉 Watford Gap (Roadchef) - Historic services, decent toilets
M6 (Birmingham to Scotland)
- 🥇 Tebay (Westmorland) - Best in the UK, farm shop & restaurant
- 🥈 Killington Lake (Westmorland) - Excellent facilities
- 🥉 Stafford (Moto) - Good all-round, Changing Places available
M5 (Birmingham to Exeter)
- 🥇 Gloucester (Westmorland) - Farm shop, excellent facilities
- 🥈 Gordano (Welcome Break) - Good facilities near Bristol
- 🥉 Exeter (Moto) - Clean, less crowded
M4 (London to Wales)
- 🥇 Reading (Moto) - Large, well-maintained
- 🥈 Leigh Delamere (Welcome Break) - Both sides have good facilities
- 🥉 Cardiff West (Moto) - Good for accessibility
Tips for Motorway Toilet Stops
Before Your Journey
- • Plan stops roughly every 2 hours
- • Check Changing Places locations if needed
- • Bring your RADAR key for accessible toilets
- • Note which services are on your route
At the Services
- • Toilets are always to the left or right of entrance
- • Look for Changing Places signage if needed
- • Off-peak times = cleaner toilets
- • Accessible toilets often cleaner (use RADAR)
Accessibility at Motorway Services
All UK motorway services must provide accessible toilet facilities. Most now exceed minimum requirements with:
- ✅ RADAR-locked accessible toilets - Cleaner, more secure
- ✅ Changing Places facilities - At most major services
- ✅ Blue Badge parking - Close to building entrance
- ✅ Level access - Throughout the building
- ✅ Hearing loops - At service desks
Check specific Changing Places locations at changing-places.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to use motorway service toilets?
No. All UK motorway service station toilets are free to use. This is a legal requirement for motorway service areas. Some accessible toilets require a RADAR key, but there's no charge.
Are motorway services open 24 hours?
Yes. All UK motorway services must be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Toilets, fuel, and basic refreshments are always available. Some restaurants and shops may close at night.
How far apart are motorway services?
By law, motorway services must be no more than 28 miles apart. In practice, on busy motorways like the M1 and M6, they're usually every 15-20 miles.
Which operator has the best toilets?
Westmorland (Tebay and Gloucester services) are widely considered the best, but they only have two locations. Among major operators, Extra and Moto generally rate highest for cleanliness.
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