Motorists raving about UK’s best services because of its duck pond

One UK motorway service station which regularly scoops up awards is getting attention due to its unique duck pond. Gloucester Services crowned the nation's finest, boasts a customer approval rating of 85%. Consumer watchdog Which? compiled its definitive ranking of the best motorway services across the UK in 2025, assessing nearly 90 service stations, with the M5 stopoff claiming the coveted top spot.

Gloucester Services describes itself as "a family-owned motorway services business that celebrates the people and produce of Gloucestershire". Having opened in 2014, the delightful service station has partnered with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, a community development charity, championing greater sustainability by channelling half a million pounds annually into organisations that foster sustainable, positive change within local communities. Their farm shop collaborates with more than 130 producers located within 30 miles of Gloucester Services, with the goal of utilising "real ingredients and authentic techniques".

They stock native-breed meats, bakery goods, cheeses and much more. The shop even serves Italian-style gelato and patisserie treats such as macarons and brownies, reports the Express[1].

For those seeking last-minute gifts, visitors can browse the 'Lifestyle' section, which stocks clothing, homeware, toys and wellbeing products. While the shop is open between 7.00am and 10.00pm, the main building, filling station and 'Quick Kitchen' -- dedicated to light bites -- remain open around the clock.

The larger 'Kitchen' facility functions as a seated restaurant featuring a terrace that overlooks the duck pond and the hills beyond. Dogs are permitted in the 'Quick Kitchens', entrance halls and external areas, including seating by the pond and sheltered cabins. Enthusiasts of the duck pond shared their experiences.

One Reddit user said: "Too cute and never stopped at a motorway services with a duck pond. A couple even jumped out the water to say hi as I was walking out to see them." Another, posting on X, said: "On a positive note Gloucester services are by far the best you will visit, local farm produce, great cafe and duck pool out the back, even has a grass roof so it fits with the environment."

A third added: "Had lunch at Gloucester services on way home. It was heaving inside at cafe & shop, but sat outside by the duck pond was nice." Full wheelchair access is available throughout the services, including disabled toilets and showers, with wheelchairs obtainable on request. Various discounts are on offer at the services.

Youngsters aged under 10 can purchase reduced-portion main courses for merely ?1.50 when accompanied by an adult-sized hot meal purchase. Regular visitors can benefit from Gloucester Services' loyalty scheme, enabling them to receive their seventh hot beverage free of charge or save 10p by bringing their own reusable cup. The services are located on the M5 motorway between Junction 12 and 11A.

Fancy a south west staycation?

The Cotswolds is famous for its rolling hills, honey-coloured villages and quintessential English charm. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of places to stay, starting from ?38 per night. From ?38 per night

Why not check out The Old Reading Room[3] in the Cotswolds. Available to book through Sykes Cottages[4], The Old Reading room is a bijou bolthole situated in the heart of Bledington, an archetypal Cotswold village with a quintessential village green.

It's also the perfect location from which to explore the area, including the nearby stream with Bledington ducks and the acclaimed Kings Head pub. The cottage is also handily located within a short drive from Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm[5], in Chadlington. Famous from the Amazon Prime series Clarkson's Farm, the farm offers a quirky mix of local produce at its shop, panoramic views at the Big View Caf?, and the British-only menu at The Farmer's Dog pub, in nearby Asthall Barrow, though arriving early is key to avoiding the weekend crowds, as is using main roads to get there as the pub warns that the single-track cross-country route is slower because "you'll spend half your time backing up and looking for a passing place".

So now you know. Or there's Fortnight Manor Farm in[6] Somerset. It is a Grade II listed manor set just outside of Bath, where much of the show is filmed.

Many of the historic and grand buildings in the show are iconic Bath spots such as the Royal Crescent and the Holburne Museum.

TikTok searches for 'Bath England' have increased by 178% on TikTok since sseason four part two was released, reaching nearly 1 million searches. Hidden in a quiet Somerset valley,[7] just 3.5 miles from the historic city of Bath, this Grade II-listed Georgian retreat[8] is perfect for families or friends seeking a true Bridgerton-style stay.[9] The manor, which is available to book on holidaycottages.co.uk[10], mimics the same charm of the homes of your favourite characters, while placing you very close to real filming locations. The property, which sleeps up to 14,[11] is set within Cotswolds National Landscape and features a grand drawing room with an open fire, a cosy snug/bar, a light-filled orangery, and a spacious kitchen.

It has seven beautifully finished bedrooms,[12] including two super-king en-suites and three twin zip-and-link rooms. Available for seven nights from ?5,837 (was ?6,850) or three nights from ?2,923 (was ?3,425).

You could also check out Dittisham Hut[13] in Devon. Situated in Marldon,[14] close to Totnes[15], Dittisham Hut stands out thanks to its unusual setting within a Christmas tree farm,[16] offering seasonal charm "all year round". The shepherd hut features one bedroom, one bathroom and welcomes a single well-behaved dog, whilst being conveniently positioned near the coast, reports DevonLive.[17][18]

The four-star accommodation is priced at ?394 for a week-long stay in April.[19] Bookings are available throughout the summer months, with spaces still open for the October half-term period.

Previous guests have awarded it five stars[20] for cleanliness, 4.8 for comfort, and 4.6 for both equipment and location, with overwhelmingly positive feedback, although one visitor mentioned the space was more compact than anticipated.

References

1. ^ the Express (www.express.co.uk)
2. ^ Best Cotswolds holiday cottage deals (go.skimresources.com)
3. ^ The Old Reading Room (go.skimresources.com)
4. ^ Sykes Cottages (go.skimresources.com)
5. ^ Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm (go.skimresources.com)
6. ^ Fortnight Manor Farm in (go.skimresources.com)
7. ^ in a quiet Somerset valley, (go.skimresources.com)
8. ^ Grade II-listed Georgian retreat (go.skimresources.com)
9. ^ Bridgerton-style stay. (go.skimresources.com)
10. ^ holidaycottages.co.uk (go.skimresources.com)
11. ^ which sleeps up to 14, (go.skimresources.com)
12. ^ seven beautifully finished bedrooms, (go.skimresources.com)
13. ^ Dittisham Hut (go.skimresources.com)
14. ^ Situated in Marldon, (go.skimresources.com)
15. ^ Totnes (www.devonlive.com)
16. ^ Christmas tree farm, (go.skimresources.com)
17. ^ The shepherd hut (go.skimresources.com)
18. ^ reports DevonLive. (www.devonlive.com)
19. ^ priced at ?394 for a week-long stay in April. (go.skimresources.com)
20. ^ five stars (go.skimresources.com)