According to Wikipedia (see here): “Motorway service areas (MSA) also known as services or service stations, are rest areas in the UK and Ireland where drivers can leave a motorway to refuel/recharge, rest, eat and drink, shop, use the toilet or stay in an on-site overnight hotel. They are also a safe refuge for drivers who break down alongside leaving at a motorway junction. The vast majority of motorway services in the UK are owned by one of three companies: Moto, Welcome Break and Roadchef. Smaller operators include Extra, Westmorland and EG Group. The first two service areas in the UK, Watford Gap and Newport Pagnell, opened with temporary facilities when the M1 motorway was opened, on 2 November 1959”.

I began driving a little under 50 years ago and ever since then have often driven on British motorways, notably the M1 and M6, and often stopping at an appropriate MSA on the way to break my journey, doing so as a matter of convenience even though when paying for stuff (petrol, food, supplies), using the cash machine etc, it general costs more at a MSA than outside an MSA. But clearly they meet a need, evidenced by the number of motorists and their passengers using them The thought of blogging on this subject had never occurred to me before today, given these are much of a muchness and not a subject I might identify as being of interest to my readers. Some are better than others, albeit marginally, and over the years I have cottoned on to certain favourites and often, like life itself, one goes with what one is familiar with. Also, over the years, I have seen developments in terms of sophistication and in particular the number of food outlets now available.  

In the past year I have made a number of visits to Oxford and have found one MSA that I quite like: Beaconsfield Services M40 J2. The Beaconsfield Services website introductory blurb (see here) tells us: “Enjoy Beaconsfield Services, M40 J2 located just four miles north of the M25. One of the most attractive Motorway Service Areas (MSAs) in Europe, Beaconsfield Services boasts a large lakeside terrace, landscaped grounds and preserved woodlands. There’s a great play area for children at the rear terrace offering beautiful views of the lake area” and goes on to provide other helpful information on what is on offer

Firstly, I liked Beaconsfield Services because it meets a need – an opportunity to relieve myself, take a break from my journey with minimal disruption, freshen up and eat before moving onto Oxford 30 minutes away. Secondly, it is disabled friendly, whether parking, toilet facilities or seating arrangements. Thirdly, all the staff I came across were friendly and helpful and the place was clean. Fourthly, there is a lot of interesting stuff on offer that I didn’t take up (see website) but could in future. Fifthly, there is an amazing variety of food outlets that are more than passable and not too exuberant money wise given my previous food experiences of MSAs are usually not great. I just loved its Chinese noodle bar – but there are many other food places I still might want to check out on future visits.