The M2 exists partly because of a newspaper error. It was planned to open as the A2(M), but after the Daily Telegraph misnamed it the M2, the Ministry of Transport changed the designation to match — and later handed the M20 the job the M2 was originally meant to do as the main London-to-Channel-ports route.
Transport minister Ernest Marples opened the first stretch, junctions 2 to 5, on 29 May 1963, with the remainder built in 1965. It runs around 26 miles across Kent, bypassing the A2 through the Medway Towns, Sittingbourne and Faversham, and holds one curious distinction: it is the only motorway in England that does not meet another motorway at a junction.
The best of the drive comes early. Past Junction 1 the road descends into the Medway Valley south of Rochester, crosses the river on the Medway Viaduct running parallel to High Speed 1, then climbs the north side of the Nashenden Valley to Blue Bell Hill and onto the North Downs on a split-level carriageway. There is a single service area, opened as Farthing Corner and known today as Medway.
Every junction on the M2 has its own dedicated guide page. Find nearby fuel stations, food options, hotels, pubs, supermarkets and more — all within easy reach of the motorway.
M2 Junctions
Click a junction to explore nearby places and facilities. Each junction has its own detailed guide.