Taking a Break on a Long Journey in the UK
Long road trips are an exciting part of British travel culture. Whether it’s driving across the country for a holiday, visiting family, or heading to a work meeting, the UK’s motorways make travel easy. But there’s one piece of advice that every motorist must remember: always take a break.
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of accidents on UK roads. Research by National Highways shows that tiredness can be as dangerous as drink driving. That’s why planning to take a break at regular intervals is not just helpful—it’s essential.
In this guide, we’ll cover why it matters to take a break, the motorway services available, hotel chains across the UK, and practical tips to make your journey safer and more enjoyable.
Why Taking a Break Matters
The phrase take a break is more than a suggestion—it’s a lifesaving habit. Fatigue affects thousands of drivers each year, causing slower reactions, poor decision-making, and accidents.
Fatigue impairs judgment: Many drivers underestimate how tired they are.
Reduced reaction times: Micro-sleeps lasting just a few seconds at motorway speeds can have devastating consequences.
Legal risks: If you cause an accident due to fatigue, you could face prosecution.
The Highway Code recommends drivers take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours. Coffee might help briefly, but it’s no substitute for rest.
Motorway Services in the UK
The UK is fortunate to have a wide network of motorway services, making it easy for drivers to take a break without leaving their route. Service stations are usually located every 20–30 miles.
Facilities at Motorway Services
When you take a break at a motorway service area, you’ll typically find:
Fuel Stations: Petrol, diesel, and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Food and Drink: Chains such as Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Greggs, McDonald’s, and Burger King.
Shops: Snacks, drinks, and travel essentials.
Rest Facilities: Toilets, baby-changing areas, and seating.
Parking: Free short-stay parking (usually up to two hours).
Hotels: Many sites include budget-friendly accommodation.
Major Motorway Service Operators
Drivers who need to take a break will likely come across one of the main service operators:
Moto – known for its range of food outlets.
Welcome Break – popular for coffee and fast food options.
Roadchef – offers food, retail, and rest spaces.
Extra – often larger stations with broad facilities.
Hotels for Longer Breaks
Sometimes a quick stop isn’t enough. For drivers on long-haul routes, the best way to avoid fatigue is to take a break overnight.
Popular Hotel Chains Near Motorways
Travelodge – Common at motorway services, ideal for affordable rest.
Premier Inn – Known for comfortable rooms at competitive prices.
Holiday Inn Express – Often near major motorway junctions.
Days Inn – Regularly linked with Welcome Break stations.
ibis Budget – Affordable stays in towns near key roads.
These chains give drivers the option to take a break and rest properly before completing their trip.
Planning Your Journey with Breaks
The best way to avoid fatigue is to plan when you will take a break before you set off.
Map out stops. Apps and maps show where services are.
Don’t wait until you’re tired. Schedule breaks every two hours.
Use breaks well. Get out, stretch, and move around.
Avoid heavy meals. They can make you drowsy.
Stay hydrated. Water helps maintain focus.
Book a hotel. For trips over six hours, plan to take a break overnight.
Safety Considerations
It’s easy to think you’ll save time by skipping stops, but failing to take a break can be dangerous.
Never stop on the hard shoulder unless it’s an emergency.
Choose official services for safety and facilities.
Travelling with children? Build in longer breaks for them.
Night driving: Plan more frequent stops to stay alert.
Alternative Rest Stops
Not all drivers want to stop at motorway services every time they take a break. Alternatives include:
A-road service stations – often quieter and cheaper.
Local cafés and pubs – ideal for a meal away from the motorway.
Country parks and National Trust sites – a great way to stretch your legs and refresh.
EV Charging and Breaks
For electric vehicle drivers, charging naturally creates opportunities to take a break. Rapid chargers at services, such as those from Gridserve, Ionity, or Tesla Superchargers, typically take 20–40 minutes. This built-in pause ensures drivers rest while their car recharges.
Balancing Time and Safety
Some motorists see breaks as wasted time. In reality, choosing to take a break makes the journey safer and often less stressful. A driver who has rested is more alert, calmer, and better able to handle traffic.
Final Thoughts
At Motor Bridge we believe whether it’s a family holiday or a long business trip, the best decision you can make is simple: take a break. UK motorway services and hotel chains provide plenty of opportunities, so there’s no need to risk driving tired.
When you plan your journey, build in time to take a break every two hours, and consider an overnight stop if needed. Safe journeys begin with smart decisions—and the smartest one is to remember that every driver should always take a break.
