Eden District

Tebay Motorway Services, on the M6 in Cumbria, certainly offers a different experience to what one would usually find at motorway services, gone are the usual fast food brands from Burger King to Subway, and gone are the big coffee shops from Starbucks to Costa, being replaced with a Farm Shop. I like the idea of a farm shop, but for a motorway service station, I really don't think it works, as it replaces a stop on the motorway, where one could get a bite to eat or essentials like a newsagent like WHSmith. I was shocked to learn that despite having a Farm Shop, which was quite well stocked with many fresh produce items, and unique brands including the Lake District Distillery (One of the best British vodkas around), they had no gluten-free food, other than a vegan pie, and a couple of fries. I was told that despite the Farm Shop being listed as being open until 9 pm online, they only offer a full service in the morning and early afternoon, and would not be able to do a gluten-free snack or sandwich after 4 pm, which I find pretty ridiculous, they have a lot of pre-made food but if you're gluten-free, you're going to be left hungry. There is a communal seating area and toilets which are required to be open 24/7 by law, as well as coffee machines and a very small food offering for non-GF folks on their 24/7 menu, but this is only fulfilling their legal requirements as a service station. I didn't find it to be clean or inviting overall in this area. The staff member seemed friendly, she seemed to genuinely care and seemed to be upset she could not find anything for me to eat too. I do like the idea of a farm shop offering a unique range of products, and this certainly isn't terrible, but it doesn't work as a motorway services, It takes something to have me missing the likes of McDonald's and Subway, and it appears this may be it. 2*

What can I say but epic. I am currently the Duke but I expect to be overthrown as soon as I write this. The food is amazing delicious local produce at what would seem reasonable prices for a service station. I no longer stop anywhere else as no service station can beat the Cumberland sausage on offer here. Did I tell you there is a duck pond? No how did I miss that watching the ducks is an amazing break from the monotony of the drive. Shopping here is a must, quality food is available from the farm shop including my favourite the triangle black pudding. Give up stopping at crap service stations stop here :p

Tebay is the service station of dreams. Seriously. Gone is the overwhelming disappointment that so often accompanies the motorway pitstop. Step aside, so-so services with unsatisfying grub, Tebay's in town! Seriously, though, the only thing that's as expected is the price. Of course, it's not cheap. But just ogling what was on offer had me in a state of immense food euphoria, making the act of choosing a near impossibility. Why, oh why, can't all service stations be like this?! You're paying for high quality grub. I had the best service station lunch in history today. At least, it's a sure fire contender for first place. My salmon pasta salad was fresh, delicious and brought a smile to my face. The unexpectedness makes it all the more delightful. With a farm shop, gourmet fast food served up outside and what looked like a delicious cake selection, I'm sold. And service was friendly, hurrah! Oh and be sure to wander round the back and visit the pretty pond area. You may even catch sight of some little baby ducklings like I did. Two thumbs up! I hope we cross paths again soon, Tebay.

Still the best services on the M6, but It's not getting any cheaper and I wonder if perhaps they're just getting a bit too greedy... I had a (small-ish) baguette with salad (choice of 3), a bag of crisps and a small Americano, and it came to £10.10! I like the fact that it's locally-owned and run, which is the main reason I stop here. You know that all the food is home-made and locally-sourced where possible, and they are helping to maintain the local economy, provide jobs for local people etc., but the prices are getting a little steep. They have now put a burger bar outside the entrance for people who are really in a hurry, and there's a great wee 'to go' section just to the right of the door when you go in. If you just want a sandwich and a drink to take away this is the best option. The farm shop is fantastic if you want something special to take home for later. It's like your favourite delicatessen and has a huge range of stuff. Again, not that cheap, but for tasty treats it's definitely a cut above the ordinary and is well worth a look.

It is a very nice place. Best of the best when it comes to service stations. Only thing that keeps it from being a solid 5 stars is the cost. It's is on the pricey side along with every other service station I suppose. At least her you can get done great food. Wasn't too busy this time though it can be overwhelmingly busy at times. Such is the demand for their yummy pies. Today I got some pies, kippers and some single origin chocolate ( I had hoped they would have a lovely milk chocolate called femme de virunga that support female workers equality on coco projects) they didn't unfortunately but they did have some really nice other single source projects of which I know less about. The chocolate was very nice. All sorts of lively crafts from local farms and artists near by (I am fairly sure for the most part anyway). Other than that, it's clean and has good basic facilities which is avoid thing as a few years ago I was stuck here for over 8 hours when the tyre on the truck I was in exploded and we had to get aid from a near by town that had a merchant. Glamorous lifestyle of a circus traveler. Though nice been stuck in worse places. :D A must visit of your journeying past.

I'm not really sure how to say this, but Tebay is amazing! How can a motorway stop be this good? Or, maybe a better question, why aren't there more like this? Whenever driving south from Scotland or heading back north I plan my drive in order to make a stop here. There's the cafe, the takeaway counter, and the farm shop... quite an improvement on your typical Burger King and KFC combo motorway services. The baked goods are exactly what you would expect in a farm shop cafe. I highly recommend the Victoria Sponge cake. On my most recent visit, it was late on a Sunday evening and the cafe was out of much of the food that they had earlier in the day. However, I walked straight over to the takeaway counter and got some broccoli and stilton soup which was incredible. We always stop into the shop as well... mostly in order to find some sticky toffee pudding, especially if it's on reduced. I mean, how could you resist getting some sticky toffee pudding in the Lake District. By all means, don't bypass this place on the motorway. Forget the fried chicken or greasy chips at other services and stop in here and get some real food.

If you're like me you do a lot of road traveling. As you may have noticed I have been off the Yelp radar for a week or so. I have been busy people, I have been on the move. Seeing what our lovely little Island has to offer. My week has comprised of lots of road trips and I have compiled thousands of miles on the clock. A key part of my week thus has been the motorway services experience. I am here to report ladies and gentle man that this little beauty of a service station takes the biscuit over all the others. I absolutely love service stations, I really do. They seem like airports another pet love of mine (That Clooney Up in the air movie really hit the spot). Motorway service station is a safe haven, a place where you can get away from the monotony of driving, a place where you recharge batteries. It is thus of great importance that whichever humble abode you stop off to fill up and fill down, is of a certain standard. I am here to report that this services by itself could be a great reason for all of you to drive to the lake district. I mean how often do you stop at a services to find, a farm shop and butcher's counter? Only here folks, only here. Perhaps you've hired a cottage in the lakes, well this is definitely the place to stop and stock up. I have fond memories actually of witnessing live the first goal of this year's world cup here and discussing it (with comforting ease) avec pleasent total strangers on my table, classic. The place is just gorgeous, I'd even go as far as saying it's picturesque with its chillaxin views of the lake from the cafe. All this pales in comparison with its biggest plus point, the main reason why we stop off at services stations. The little boys and girls rooms were immaculate and very accommodating, rounding off a well deserved woohoo rating. It was about time some yelper reviewed a service station and I aim to please. (Someone probably has stolen my thunder and reviewed a service station. But they didn't do this one did they?!! And this one won an award for being the best in the UK 2009....so... na na na naa na!!!)

As motorway service stations go, Tebay is pretty much the king. Sure, it's still expensive, but I don't mind paying more when it's going towards a (relative) little guy, with quality produce. Their toilets are always clean, staff friendly and their farm shop is the best road trip snacks!

As far as service stations go this is one of the best. Using local foods it does provide a good range of pleasant dishes and the quality is always high. However, it is becoming a victim of its own success; bus trips sometimes clog the hall and prices have steadily climed.

Nice service station to make a stop at - there's a restaurant serving up hearty food, large seating area overlooking a duck pond (I love stopping to visit the ducks) and the Cumbrian scenery, plus some lovely produce and products to peruse and purchase!

This has to be the best Motorway Service Station...EVER!!. And being a 'foodie' the reason is simple - they have an amazing deli counter with tons or locally sourced goodies that you just cannot resist. So if you're heading up or down the M6 in Cumbria, and you're in need of a break - this is the service station to stop at! It also happens to be in the middle of a stunning valley surrounded by lovely scenery so where better to chill for a while?

Best motorway cafe off the M 6 at Carnforth .it has a farm shop which sells high quality local produce , such as Artisan bread , cheese , meat etc . The cafe is great and has an interesting selection of food and drink all wholesome and tasting great . It also has an interesting selection of gifts not the usual tat you tend to find ,and is well worth a visit . Take time out and sit and watch the ducks swimming whilst eating a delicious meal or sandwich . I don,t know why other service stops don,t take a leaf out their book and follow suite .

Excellent services. I'd say the northbound definitely shades it over the southbound though. I can probably sum it up best in a list for the problems with the southbound 1) no ducks when we visited (or far fewer) 2) everything is the wrong way round 3) they had run out of eggs on the plus side my friend Simon was given free mushy peas which didn't happen on the northbound. Overall highly recommended & a welcome change from the awful ones you get with kfcs and Starbucks in, ugh.

If you're driving southwards from Scotland, this is the place to stop. Once you've been, you won't go back to other service stations! It's one of the few (maybe the only?) independent service stations in the UK and it's miles better than the rest. The restaurant and the lovely farm shop are both stocked from their own farm; they make a point of sourcing as much local and seasonal produce as they can. The food is home cooked - nothing fancy, but good steak pie, fish and chips, mac and cheese, that kind of stuff. The home baking is impressive - if you don't stop for a meal, definitely stop for coffee and cake! It's not budget prices, obviously, but it's very reasonable for a service station and the quality of the food is better than other places. You can get a full breakfast from about £6 - £8 depending on how many items you want and I think the main courses are under £10, if I remember right. The facilities are always clean and well-maintained. Service stations can feel a bit soulless and not somewhere you want to spend much time when you stop off during a journey, but this place is now our regular stop on road trips down into England and it's as much a part of the journey as anything else.

Love tebay best stop in the motorway ! So awesome! Like a huge farm shop. Great food, great stop! Cute duck pond, lovely view of farm land! A very nice break from the drive! and did I mentioned the GREAT CAKE! yummy! And the latte was fab too! Love stopping here on drives down to England

As a previous reviewer has commented, this is the best of all services in the UK. Independently owned and run, Teebay is a joyously bright and vibrant services with good decor, lovely scenery, little streams and lakes and ducks ... and the whole space is well laid out, spacious. Indoors - a farm shop selling lots of locally sourced produce of all kinds, a restaurant with a cafe, tempting hot and cold homecooked food, lovely cakes. Whilst it is still priced at service station prices (i.e. a little above high street), you don't feel as shortchanged because the quality here is that much higher. This is proper convenience in the truest sense of the word. If you are passing through, then be sure to pay this place a visit and add some well deserved joy to the drive up or down the M6.

As motorway service stations go it has to be one of the best in Cumbria. Bare in mind that it is a motorway service station and so it's four stars are dependent on this factor.

There are Motorway Service Stations and there are Great motorway service stations. This is the latter. Beautiful setting and lovely building. They have an awesome farm shop with a great butcher, and deli counter and they stock a wide selection of produce from the local area. If you are travelling north it is a must stop rest break. My only issue is the cost of their hot food. Even by service station standards they are expensive.

Usually motorway service stations are those grim place with dodgy toilets, over cooked grub which you need a second mortgage for and just generally leave you feeling a bit grim, then fear not folks, Tebay is awesome! It is worth the early or late stop just to come here. Tebay is accessible from both the north and southbound M6 and is signposted on the motorway. The farm shop is lovely - beautiful produce you could go daft for, great cakes and savoury pies and quiches and all sorts of deli items. Service stations are usually a nightmare for GF moi - nothing deep fried, battered or breadcrumbed for me but Tebay or Westmoreland Farm Shops to give it its Sunday name, does several varieties of gluten free cake - and it's yum! I got a lovely spiced apple cake on the way down (£2 ish from the shop) which I had with a hot choc and an almond roll thing at £1.20 which was my breakfast the next morning. I actually ate my cake in the restaurant area with my hot choc - not sure this is allowed but I was hungry and it was looking good but staff passed and made no comment on my fork darting in and out of my little brown take away box. My hot choc was great too - actually a chocolate block (choice of milk or dark choc) melted into hot milk - it was lovely. I believe that Tebay is privately owned - standards in all areas appear to be high as the place was nice and clean and the toilets are decent. Outdoor areas for sitting too if it is a nice day and you fancy an extended rest. Prices I thought were ok - £2.50 for two 500ml bottles of juice which is only 50p more than Asda so pretty decent in comparison to other service areas on the motorway. So on the next trip down in the car, I know where I'll be stopping for my snacks.

Now.. I've stopped off here quite a few times & again last night for my dinner en route to home. Everytime without fail, you know when you come here that this is not your average motorway service station. Staff are local and friendly/helpful. Whilst it might not have KFC/Burger King (for a reason!), you are coming here for a family run and locally sourced company, that cooks fresh food. I had a simple lasagne and chips and you'd never know it was from a service station! My review of my lasagne at Black Sheep Bistro in Glasgow, is as close to what I ate last night here. That is simply unheard of for a service station... but thats the secret! This is not your average services. The views on a clear day will take your breath away & the food will more than pleasantly surprise you. Other motorway services take note. You are so outclassed its not funny. Not hard to see why Westmorland are winning best services year after year after year.. You Gotta STOP YOUR CAR HERE - For Sure :-D

Another trip to Nairn, Highlands, Scotland Of course a stop at Tebay or Westmorland (Receipts say Westmoreland Ltd). I just love stopping & having a look round. Must admit I have not had food from over the counter, usually sandwich & crisps for me at this point.

There is a cafe there called the Coffee Tree which is expensive, and a large gift shop with all kinds of good quality souvenirs. This used to be an alternative to the usual service stations off the motorways and a cheap place to stop but I have noticed it getting more and more up-market every year. There is even a huge and pricey delicatessen selling everything from fresh fish to chocolates. Now I prefer to stop at one of the 'Moto' services because there are more outlets to choose from and the price is no higher.

The best motorway service station in Britain, and the only independent one. The Northbound restaurant looks out over a duck pond and some fantastic scenery. The farm shop is well stocked and quite big, if a tiny bit expensive even by independent farm shop standards, but it serves quality English and Scottish foods you can take home. It's a pleasant change from the Costa / McDonalds / M&S Food alternatives. However after all the high praise about it being the king of service stations, it should be pointed out that this is still a service station. It still has the unavoidable feeling of a service station, especially in the canteen with its £9 meals. Everybody in it seems a bit dazed and it is still a bit lacking in character. You wouldn't actually come here if you weren't already on the M6, but if you're on the M6 and want to stop, do it here.

Without doubt the jewel of the British motorway network, more like a Swiss motorway services and maybe better than many of their waiter serviced offerings. I would really say that Tebay services are a more a true visitor attraction in their own right and not just a motorway services. Forget everything you think you know about Motorway services this is more like a craft fair with a rather lovely brasserie tagged on. Tebay is lucky to be on one of the quieter stretches of the Motorway network and surrounded by some of Englands most majestic countryside. Supplied by local farmers and bakers the food and shop wares are fantastic. I would love to say that it shows what can be done at the side of the motorway, There is no sign of the usual big chain fast food/coffee outlets etc but I think that would be unfair on many of the new and rebuilt hyper busy services which provide brilliant facilities up and down the country. That said do stop here if passing its a great place for a browse and stretch, you will be amazed. Be warned though it can get very busy in the summer months.

Ah yes, the king of British service stations. Not a Welcome Break, Moto, McDonalds, KFC, WH Smith in sight. Great choice of food, excellent stuff using local produce. And a farm shop as well (currently being renovated, Oct. 08). Food is a bit pricey mind, but it is a service station after all. Top marks, worth a visit even if you're not hungry.

The best service station going! A far cry from the usual service station fodder dotted across the British road network, Tebay is a welcome relief in every sense. The spacious, clean buildings welcome you in during adverse weather, whilst the open grass areas, picnic tables and duck pond are brilliant for nicer days. Food wise, the restaurant serves lovely locally sourced produce, whilst the farm shop has a wide variety on offer and there are places to pick up beautifully made sandwiches as well. I'm sure I'm not the only person who splits their journey to purposefully stop at Tebay, but there's a reason for that, it's the best service station in Britain!

Don't be put off by the Truckstop tag; this service area welcomes everyone, and not nearly as expensive as the big motorway service areas. It is independent of the Motorway service franchise and family owned and run. Car drivers are more than welcome and this is a favourite stop for the regular coach loads of Scots on their way to and from Blackpool. The restaurant serves a great choice of well-cooked meals with a large choice of beverages. Should you feel the need, there are excellent, newly installed showers: the toilets and washrooms are monitored closely and kept clean to a very high standard. Fuel is available 24/7 including LPG and there is also a power wash facility in case you have been going cross-country in the Lake District. From here you can drive N.E and join the A66 near Appleby and head East along the A66 towards Scotch Corner and the north-east. Call in once and I am sure it will be the first of many visits!

In my experience, this is the best motorway service station in the country! It's refreshingly different, based in a surprisingly good-looking rustic stone building. Set in the scenic Cumbrian hills, the tables are arranged with views out of huge picture windows. Featuring a wide range of delicious home-cooked food, made with local produce, a buffet-style servery is located in the centre of the building. There's a wide range of delicious food catering to all palates, with everything from soup to burgers, pie to chilli. The staff are fast and efficient, and the facilities are clean. If you're ever passing nearby, I would highly recommend a visit, even if just for a cup of the real coffee (no powder sachets here) or delicious hot chocolate (ditto).

Best services in Britain by far!!!! Westmorland has got a shop, fresh pies counter, toilets, cafe ( with plenty of seating ) and a on the go counter so you can just grab a quick snack. Outside has plenty of benches and a dog walk. Their is also a hotel and caravan park on site so you can stay the night and continue a long journey in the morning!!!

Having visited the Tebay for the first time I can only describe it as the Taj Mahal of the British motorway service stations. Think the Harrods of shopping, the caviar of fine dining cuisine, the platinum of precious metals, the fine cut diamond of jewels, the Maldives of the exotic destinations and the Rolls Royce of expensive cars. In a nutshell, if you haven't visited you haven't lived!

A truly remarkable service station near Junction 38 on the M6: They actually serve real food (as oppossed to the usual burger/sausages/pie'n chips) you want to tuck into. Moreover, there is also a little farm shop selling local produce so you can even take a taste of the place with you.

Motorway services renowned for the farm shop and the locally sourced food served in the cafe. I believe it's also the only privately owned motorway services in the country. The farm shop has some lovely produce including smoked salmon and meats, a butcher's counter, cheeses, olives, pastas, honeys, chutneys, jams, pickles and much more. Motorway services are always expensive and so are delicatessan style farm shops and the mix of the two naturally results in some high pricing here. Nevertheless, it makes a pleasant change from the usual Burger King and Costa Coffee outlets and I'm all for individuality! Petrol, cashpoint, dog walking area and free wi-fi also available.

Hi I use tenby north 5 nights a week . Staff in fulling station. Ar exelent. ... 2 months ago I wasn't concentrating on what I was doing and got some full on my clothes, the staff supplyed me with a csi white forensic suit , my clothes were ruined. With the smell of desil ... thanks to the staff for helping me out. . Thanks ricky

The best services in all of England. I mean that seriously. They have a farm shop with to die for pies, puddings, sandwiches, sausages, jams and other local sundries. We would stock up on cakes and various delightful goodies on the way to and from Scotland. And on the rare days it isn't raining, the northbound has a fine view. Save your potty break for this services! You won't be disappointed.

If you are on the M6 you just have to make your stop here! Its a farm shop and restaurant. Clean, airy and the food is really good. The meat on offer in the farm shop on the southbound side is top quality so make sure you have a 'coolbag' on board. Also a home and gift shop which is well worth a look including some locally crafted items. It is a service station - but not like any other. Its a real pleasure to stop here.

Motorway services stations are depressing. The food is overpriced and usually awful, the decor and demeanour of the places are dreary and uninviting. Thank goodness then for Westmorland Services. The food is homecooked and excellent and there is a great selection. It's also excellent value for money. The place is functional but also warm and inviting. The big super added bonus is there's a farm shop selling local produce. I love farm shops. All motorway sevices should be like this. And they have airblade hand dryers in the toilets! I'll echo the other reviewer - save your break for this service station. Please.

This is an excellent service station that is independent unlike other service stations. It is in a lovely setting amongst the lakeland hills. Food is great using local produce. Fry ups are amazing! We always try to stop here when on the M6.