thepinkginpassportWhilst the UK is a small island there is so much to see. Rather than breaking up your 5/8 hour drive stopping at a generic motorway services, this guide will help you turn your journey into a highlight of the trip. For the purpose of this guide, the starting point is London but you can of course visit these places if driving in reverse (for example, Wales to London).
Driving West/ to Wales?
Driving along the M4 for almost 200 miles can be quite the slog on monotamous motorways. One of the best independent services in the UK, even featured on Top Gear, Chippenham Pit Stop is only a few minutes from the M4 and offers tasty home cooked style meals that won’t set you back much on time before you get back on the road.
However if you’d like to stretch your legs some more you can also come off at a close by junction to Castle Combe, one of England’s prettiest villages and part of the famous Cotswolds. The official car park is very cheap (£1.80 for the day when I visited summer 2025) and a short walk to the main village. The main spot for taking photos is at Water Lane with clean public toilets a few hundred yards further down the road. As I visited early on a Sunday morning none of the shops were open but Ellen’s Cottage runs an honesty box cake shop where I got a delicious carrot cake.
Driving South West (to Devon/Cornwall)?
While this won’t look far on the map, as you are reliant on smaller A and B roads compared to the motorway so it takes a lot more time. For a shower stop to stretch your legs I’d recommend Stone Henge (you will also see it from the road itself) but paying the entry fee means you can have a proper look.
If you want to break up the journey overnight, I would recommend staying Lulworth Cove close to Durdle Door. The Jurassic Coast is so beautiful and unique it’s the perfect first day on your trip to the South West of England.
Driving North?
While the Lake District is the UK’s most visited national park, the slightly less famous Peak District offers magnificent views of the heart of England. You could stop overnight in Bakewell or try a shorter hike such as Thor’s Cave or the Stepping Stones to break up your drive.
Driving South?
If you’re driving down to Southampton/Bournemouth then stopping in the New Forest is a great way to see some nature rather than endless motorways. There are a number of places to stop, and have listed my favourites on this guide.
Final tips
Check your route on Google Maps, save any locations you want to stop at and download an offline map. Make sure you’re planning where to get petrol as your not stopping at a traditional motorway services.
