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M1 Motorway Overview

The M1 Motorway is the main route from London to Leeds.  From its start at Junction 1 near Brent Cross where it meets the A406 North Circular, it runs close to Watford, Northampton, Leicester and Sheffield before terminating in Leeds where it joins the A1(M). Read on for M1 Motorway Map showing junctions, M1 Motorway Services and alternative places to stop.

M1 Map

The M1 is just under 200 miles long starting at Junction 1 in North London and finishing at J48 where it meets the A1(M) north of Leeds   

Click here for an M1 Motorway Map with Junctions, Services and nearby Attractions

M1 Services

There are 12 Service stations on the M1 spread fairly evenly along the nearly 200 mile motorway.  The M1 was the first motorway built in the UK in 1959 running from Watford to Rugby and the Watford Gap and Newport Pagnell services were the very first service station.  Newport Pagnell services might be the only one mentionned in the Smiths song “Is it really so strange” as Morrisey left his bag there. (To be fair he was probably in a rush to leave)

M1 Services Map 

Click here for an M1 Motorway Map showing the service stations on the M1

M1 Junctions

There are 55 junctions on the M1, with several secondary “a” junctions at J6a, J11a, J15a, J21a, 23a, 24a, J29a and J35a.  Intriguingly there is no Junction 3 on the M1, which was originally earmarked for a link to the A1, the London Gateway services sit where this junction would have been.     

The M1 Motorway meets the M25 Motorway at Junction 21 of the M25 and Junction 6a of the M1 – the Chiswell Interchange. The M1 Motorway continues into London after this

M1 Motorway Map – Junctions

M1 Motorway Map showing the route of the M1 from London to Leeds with junctions added on.

Click here for a Google Map of the junctions on the M1

Off Motorway stops near the M1

The M1 can be a tough slog as you travel North or South overtaking huge numbers of trucks and the M1 Motorway is home to some of the bleakest motorway services.  Here are some attractions close to junctions that might make your journey a little more enjoyable.  Please do check opening times and entry prices (where applicable) before visiting 

  1. Aldenham Country Park 

Where is it: Just off junction 4 of the M1, a good alternative to London Gateway Services

What is it: A large country park with an adventure playground, nature trails and a great Winnie the Pooh trail.  There is a fee for the car park 

Who is it for : Family Friendly / Dog Walking

Link: https://www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk/

  1. Willen Lake

Where is it: Near Junction 14 of the M1, an alternative to Newport Pagnell services

What is it: A large lake with Watersports and Boat hire as well as playground. There is a Benugo on the shore of the lake. For a longer stop there is Gullivers Land Theme park nearby  

Who is it for: Anyone breaking the journey north from London

Link: https://www.willenlake.org.uk/

  1. Everards Meadows

Where is it: Less than a mile from Junction 21 of the M1 –  an alternative to Leicester Forest East services or Donnington

What is it: A large green space on the outskirts of Leicester. There are walks and cycle routes as well as a coffee house and brewery with a restaurant in the Beer Hall.

Who is it for: Coffee for the Drivers and Beer for the passengers 

Link: https://www.everardsmeadows.co.uk/

  1. Dobbies Garden Centre and Soft Play

Where is it: Just over a mile from Junction 30 of the M1, on the edge of Chesterfield

What is it: A large garden centre with cafe, many concession stores and even a soft play.  

Who is it for: Garden Centres are a great stop off for a wide range of travellers, particularly those who need to pick up a gift on the way

Link: https://www.dobbies.com/chesterfield

  1. Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Where is it: A short drive off Junction 38 of the M1 before it begins to wrap around the outskirts of Leeds

What is it:  A Park filled with incredible sculptures from a range of leading artists including Ai WeiWei and Antony Gormley. It’s more of a destination than a stop but it is well positioned for those driving from the South of England to Scotland   

Who is it for: Anyone in need of inspiration in the middle of a long journey. It could be a good family stop as under 18’s go free.  Dogs are allowed but only in certain parts of the park

Link: https://ysp.org.uk/

See these attractions on a map here

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