M1’s best service station named – and it has incredible feature

JLS member JB Gill recently called motorway services the "unsung heroes" of the British road trip as he travelled the UK for a new show highlighting the nation's top service stations

10:29, 25 May 2026

The M1's best services has a rather unique feature(Image: Channel 5)

A motorway services featuring a distinctive wildlife observation platform has been praised as a "top spot for twitchers" and the "best on the M1". JLS member JB Gill recently characterised these rest stops as the "unsung heroes" of the British road trip[1] while travelling across the UK for a new Channel 5 programme highlighting the nation's finest service stations[2].

Britain's Best Service Station, which broadcast on Sunday (May 24), saw JB investigate the "weird and wonderful" world of services. It showcased our best-loved stops and included "Services King" Rich Cross, who has invested more than GBP10,000 visiting every motorway[3] service area.

Regarding service rankings[4], consumer watchdog Which? had already "crunched the numbers" for the enthusiastic performer, placing Scotland's Cairn Lodge Services in fourth position, Rugby third, Tebay second and Gloucester in the top spot.

Leeds Skelton Lake Services represented Yorkshire on the list, securing a respectable fifth place.

JB stated: "Best on the M1, scoring highly for the convenience, accessibility and outside space. Oh, and a top spot for twitchers, too!"

The best service station on the M1 is in Yorkshire(Image: Channel 5)

The West Yorkshire service station also appeared in its own section earlier in the documentary. Approximately six miles from Leeds city centre[5] in the Aire Valley, Skelton Lake is situated alongside a bird sanctuary and was constructed with a biodiversity[6] strategy to reduce its impact on local wildlife.

The official website states the design seeks to "minimise the visual impact on the natural landscape", incorporating an undulating green roof planted with wildflower[7] turf and sedum.

JB said: "Well, one of the first things that strikes me as you walk into Leeds Skelton Lake Services is how bright it is.

You walk in here, and it feels very, very open. It feels like there's lots of room, lots of space.

Visitors to the services station have access to a RSPB viewing platform(Image: Channel 5)

"It's lots of families, and, judging by how busy the car park is, you can tell that it's a real by-product of what they're trying to achieve here, which is very unique."

He highlighted the variety of businesses[8] and the generous outdoor green space, featuring a play park, picnic benches and room to stretch your legs - and your "dog's legs, too".

On the upper level, visitors[9] can access a feature JB said he had never seen at a motorway services before: an RSPB viewing platform. The RSPB's Gavin Orr outlined the concept, describing it as a "fantastic opportunity".

JB Gill described motorway services as the "unsung heroes" of the British road trip(Image: Channel 5)

He said: "We thought this was a fantastic opportunity to connect people with the work that we do in the area, but also give people the opportunity to connect with nature.

"Because research does show that spending time in nature and wildlife does reduce stress levels, calms you down.

Food for the soul."

Gavin said the "living roofs" are "fantastic" for wildlife, with summer wildflowers attracting insects and other invertebrates, and added that they "tie in" with the local surroundings.

References

1. ^ road trip (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
2. ^ nation's finest service stations (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
3. ^ motorway (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
4. ^ Regarding service rankings (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
5. ^ city centre (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
6. ^ biodiversity (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
7. ^ wildflower (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
8. ^ businesses (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
9. ^ visitors (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)