The Top 5 Truck Stops In The UK

Taking rest breaks is essential for lorry drivers, especially during long-haul journeys. Instead of pulling over in a lay-by or on a slip road, it’s best to stop at a truck stop; they offer everything you need in one place. In this guide, we’ll share the top 5 truck stops in the UK, helping you find the one that is best suited to you and your journey.

Route 74, Lesmahagow, Scotland

First, we have Route 74. This truck stop is a major service hub for professional drivers at J9 and J10 of the M74, providing a reliable stop for rest, refuelling and food after your long journey.

opening times

Route 74’s facilities have different opening hours throughout the week, so it important to check before your journey ahead. The fuel forecourt, truck parking, and showers are open 24 hours, while other services operate at set opening and closing times.

Restaurant

Sunday: 7.00 am – 9.00 pm

Monday-Thursday: 6.00 am – 9.00 pm

Friday: 6.00 am – 7.00 pm

Saturday: 7.00 am – 7.00 pm

Shop

Sunday: 6.00 am – 9.00 pm

Monday -Thursday: 24 hours

Friday: 6.00 am – 8.00 pm

Saturday: 6.00 am – 8.00 pm

Truck Wash

Monday: 7.00 am – 5.00 pm

Tuesday: 7.00 am – 5.00 pm

Wednesday: 7.00 am – 5.00 pm

Thursday: 7.00 am – 5.00 pm

Friday: 7.00 am – 5.00 pm

Saturday: Call for availability

Sunday: Closed

FACILITIES

They provide a range of facilities to ensure comfort and convenience for drivers on the road, including:

• Secure parking with onsite CCTV
• 24-hour high-flow fuel & Adblue
• Washrooms, including shower facilities
• Wheelers diner
• 2 hours of free daytime parking
• 24-hour shop and ATM
• Free WIFI

parking costs

The HGV parking prices are:

• Free Parking – 2 Hours
• Parking Only – £26.60
• Parking + Shower – £30.00
• Parking + £10.00 Meal Voucher – £34.40
• Parking + Shower + £10.00 Meal Voucher – £39.60
• Parking + Shower + £10.00 Meal Voucher + Reserved parking – £45.20

Route 74 recommends booking early to guarantee your spot and makes your stay with them hassle-free.

fuel cards

They accept several fuel cards, including UK Fuels, Key Fuels, Fastfuel, and Fleet One, ensuring a convenient and efficient fueling experience.

Chippenham, Wiltshire

Next, is Chippenham. This truck stop is an award-winning family run truck stop located at J17 on the M4, providing a home away from home when you’re out and about on the road.

OPENING TIMES

Chippenham facilities have different opening hours throughout the week, however the facility for parking and fuel is open for 24/7.

Restaurant

Monday to Thursday: 06:00 – 21:30

Friday: 06:00 – 20:00

Saturday: 08:00 – 14:30

Sunday: 08:00 – 19:00

Nisa Local Convenience Store

Monday to Thursday: 06:00 – 22:00

Friday: 06:00 – 21:00

Saturday & Sunday: 08:00 – 19:00

Facilities

Chippenham has all the necessities and more, including:

• Night security guards
• Clean and modern showers
• 24-hour access WC facilities
• Electric fridge hookup and cable hire
• Restaurant and shop
• Laundrette
• Outdoor gym
• Ionity EV chargers

parking costs

They offer 2 hours free parking then after that is:

• 2-8 hours £13.00
• More than 8 hours £16.00

fuel cards

At Chippenham Pit Stop, they accept the following well-known fuel cards: Keyfuels, UK Fuels, AS24, Silvey and International Diesel Service.

They also have an app, which allows you to add your fuel card number and automatically earn loyalty points every time you fill up with them.

Trucker’s Rest, Cannock, Staffordshire

The Trucker’s Rest is a friendly, family run café and truck stop on the A5, just a short distance from junctions 11 and 12 – A place where you can eat properly and rest comfortably.

opening times

They are open 7 days a week, with the following times:

Monday-Friday: 05:30-22:00

Sat: 05:30-15:30

Sun: 07:00-17:00

facilities

The facilities at Trucker’s Rest are designed to meet the everyday needs of a professional driver, making it one convenient stop:

• Fully licensed
• Toilets inside and outside
• Free shower with overnight parking
• Washing facilities
• Secure parking and changeovers

They also offer an excellent menu of homemade hot and cold food, as well as a selection of hot and cold drinks, with a takeaway service available.

parking costs

Trucker’s Rest offer free parking for the first 2 hours, which is great for drivers who are grabbing a bite to eat or taking a quick break. For overnight, their parking is £22 with £7 meal voucher.

fuel cards

The site accepts SNAP accounts and DKV fuel cards, making payments simple and stress-free.

Red Lion, Northampton

The Red Lion truck stop has become a go-to destination for drivers around the UK, with it being awarded Best Truck Shop in Europe in 2024. It is on the A4500, near Kislingbury, Northampton, positioned east of M1 J16.

opening times

They are open 7 days a week, with the following times:

Monday – Friday: 06:00am – 11:00pm

Saturday: 06:30am-11:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am-11:00pm

facilities

When it’s time for a break, they have all your needs covered with their facilities, so you can rest and get back on the road refreshed:

• Restaurant and bar
• Shop
• Free cash machines
• Launderette
• Meeting rooms
• Showers
• Truck wash
• Free to use ATM

parking costs

The first 2 hours of parking are free for all vehicles, after which HGVs must pay per hour for stays up to 8 hours.

Overnight parking is available for £26, or £30 which includes a 12-meal voucher.

fuel cards

The fuel cards that are accepted here are: DKA, UTA, Red Fuels, Keyfuels, My Fuels, CSC, Auto PASS and SNAP.

The Stockyard, Ravenfield, Rotherham

The Stockyard is a popular family-run truck stop, perfect for long-haul lorry drivers. It’s accessible from both directions on the M18 motorway, just off Junction 1, making it convenient to get to.

opening times

The parking here is accessible and available 24/7. The restaurant and bar have the following opening hours:

Monday: 6.00 am – 12:00pm

Tuesday – Friday: 5:00am – 12:00pm

Saturday:

Breakfast – 6:00am – 10:30am

Bar only – 4pm – 12:00pm

Sunday:

Breakfast – 7:00am – 10:30am

Bar only – 12:00pm – 11:00pm

Carvery – 12:00pm- 4:00pm

facilities

Stockyard has all the necessities and more, along with being open 365 days a year, including Christmas and Boxing Day:

• Toilets
• Showers
• WIFI
• Restaurant and bar
• 250 pitches available

parking costs

The parking is available 24/7 with the price set at £23 per 24 hours, including the use of showers when parking in the truck stop. Free parking is available in the pub; however, they recommend phoning first as this isn’t a huge carpark.

The top 5 truck stops offer everything lorry drivers need for a proper rest. It is very important to plan your breaks, especially on long haul journeys as it gives you the time to be refreshed and ready for the journey ahead.

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