Keeping fresh, sharp and motivated on the road is key to making those all-important long-haul journeys go smoothly. It’s only achievable, though, with the right stops – all it takes is a bad breakfast or dirty motel room to completely drop your mood for the rest of the journey.
That’s why the team at specialists Vardens have put together their interactive guide to some of the UK’s best truck stops. Take a look, find a new favourite and let us know where else you’d recommend your fellow drivers take a stop!
1. AWJ Penrith Truckstop
http://www.awjtruckstop.co.uk/
The AWJ Penrith stop ticks so many boxes that it was an easy addition to our list, with a slew of facilities to help break up your journeys in a genuinely enjoyable way.
It’s instantly recognisable that this stop is a modern addition to the M6; sporting solar panels on its roof, there’s a bar with TV, Wi-Fi (and PCs if you don’t have a smartphone or laptop with you), showers and even rooms for the night if you need it.
It makes a real change from a night in the cab, so you can get back on the road again full refreshed! Check out their website above for updates on facilities, events and restaurant menus; they’re also pretty active on social media, so worth a Like or Follow!
2. The Stockyard Truckstop
http://www.thestockyard.co.uk/
The main difference with The Stockyard compared with your run-of-the-mill truck stop is their approach to food, facilities and atmosphere. It’s very much a home from home, with freshly cooked food, friendly staff and an interior that’s a far cry from a greasy spoon!
They’ve got capacity for more than 200 trucks, so you’ll always find a space to feel welcome – regardless of how busy it is. Check out their website above for full details, specific location and glowing reviews.
Their opening hours are also pretty flexible, which covers you even if you’re travelling late; most days they’re open from 6am to midnight.
3. Chippenham Pit Stop
http://www.chippenhampitstop.com/
Chippenham Pit Stop is packed with facilities, but it’s the quality that makes it stand out from other similar services. Exceptional food hygiene means you know you’ll be getting a good standard from your meals, modern shower facilities with underfloor heating keep you refreshed, and their on-site barber can mean you’re looking your best regardless of how long you’re on the road.
Its loyalty card scheme makes it a good choice; if you regularly work the same or similar routes then you’ll find yourself stopping for food or fuel at the same places a lot. Points mean prizes (well, credit to redeem at the stop) as well as extra perks like free Wi-Fi and discounted tea or coffee.
4. Portsmouth Truckstop & Lorry Park
http://www.transportcafe.co.uk/truckstops/uk-motorways/142-portsmouth-truck-stop
Sometimes something simple is all you need – just decent food, a welcoming atmosphere to relax in and facilities that cater to HGV and LGV drivers. Perfect for those coastal haulage journeys, the Portsmouth Truck Stop & Lorry Park is exactly what you need to put your feet up, get fed and give yourself time to relax.
There’s a packed menu with plenty of variety, takeaway out of hours, free Wi-Fi, washrooms and even a laundrette – everything you need for an overnight stop. The location is perfect as well; it’s just ten minutes from IOW Ferries.
5. Ashford International Truck Stop
http://ashfordtruckstop.co.uk/
Their list of facilities is incredible; truck washing, cash exchange (perfect given its location), free WiFi, sports lounge, shopping, fast food and restaurants and even a fitness gym. Thanks to its modern build, there is plenty of onsite security so you can be confident your vehicle is safe overnight.
It’s easily the best we’d recommend for haulage to and from Dover; it’s only 20 miles away so it’s perfectly located to break up your journey.
These are just a few of the stops we’ve compiled – and a small number of what gems are tucked away off motorways and A-Roads. Have you got a favourite that you use regularly, or have only used once and were just blown away by?
Let us know in the comments below – and we’ll look to add it to our interactive map!
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