Unsurprisingly the M1, as notably seen in the apocalyptic hit film 28 Days Later, was the first motorway built in the UK. Initially running from Watford to Rugby in 1959 and completed in 1999. At over 194 miles long with 48 junctions there’s plenty of opportunity to hop off for a quick adventure or a more relaxed loo break. If you’d prefer something closer to the action then listed below are all 12 Motorway services on the M1 Motorway which forms an integral part of Britain’s back bone.
M1 Services Map
List of M1 Motorway Services and Key Features
| Name | Which Junctions is it between? | Operator | Main Food Outlet | EV Charging | Hotel |
| London Gateway Services | J2 – J4 | Welcome Break | Burger King | Gridserve | Ramada |
| Toddington Services | J11 – J12 | Moto | Burger King | Gridserve, Nomad power | Travelodge |
| Newport Pagnell Services | J14 – J15 | Welcome Break | Burger King | Gridserve, Tesla | Travel Lodge |
| Northampton Services | J15a – J16 | RoadChef | McDonalds | GridServe | N/A |
| Watford Gap Services | J16 – J17 | Roadchef | McDonalds | GridServe | Days Inn (Southbound) |
| Leicester Forest East | J21 – J21a | Welcome Break | Burger King | Gridserve | Days Inn |
| Donnington Services | J23a – J24 | Moto | Burger King | Gridserve | Travelodge |
| Trowell Services | J25 – J26 | Moto | Burger King | Gridserve | Travelodge |
| Tibshelf Services | J28 – J29 | Roadchef | McDonalds | Gridserve | Days Inn |
| Woodall Services | J30 – J31 | Welcome Break | KFC | Gridserve, Tesla | Days Inn |
| Wolley Edge Services | J38 – J39 | Moto | Burger King | Gridserve | Travelodge |
| Leeds Skelton Lake Services | J45 – J46 | Extra | Burger King, KFC | Ionity | Ramada |
Which is the best Motorway Services on the M1?
Leeds Skelton Lake Services is the highest ranked motorway services (Which 2026 rankings) but as it’s at near the northbound end of the M1 we’d recommend Donnington services as the best mid way point on the M1.
What services are open Northbound on the M1?
There are 12 M1 services northbound, the service stations on the M1 are usually accessible from and open to both directions of traffic
What services are open Southbound on the M1?
There are 12 M1 services Southbound, the service stations on the M1 are usually accessible by and open to both directions of traffic
Which M1 Services have a McDonalds?
3 M1 Service Stations – Watford Gap, Nottingham and Tibshelf have a McDonalds. These are the services operated by Roadchef which has the exclusive franchise to operate McDonalds on M1 Motorway Services
Do M1 services have Hotels?
Yes all of the service stations on the M1 have a hotel on site.
What is the longest distance between M1 services?
The longest stretch on the M1 without a service stop is Watford Gap to Leicester Forrest East a total of 37 miles Thankfully you are normally within 15 miles of the next services on the rest of your journey.
We hope this small service map and guide helps you plan your next trip and find the nearest M1 services to you.
Happy Driving