Motorway Services Online

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Exeter: Difference between revisions

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{{Services
{{Services
|type = motorway
|type = motorway
|image = Exeter 2021.jpg
|image = Exeter 2024.jpg
|operator = Moto
|operator = Moto
|road = [[M5]] at J30{{newline}}(also accessible to traffic on the A376 and the A379)
|road = [[M5]] at J30{{newline}}(also accessible to traffic on the A376 and the A379)
|postcode = EX2 7HF
|postcode = EX2 7HF
|signposted = Yes
|signposted = Yes
|stype = Single site located at a junction.
|stype = Single site located at a junction
|rating = Exeter
|rating = Exeter
|coords = 50.716728, -3.463756
|coords = 50.716728, -3.463756
Line 12: Line 12:
|markerpost = 0556 }}
|markerpost = 0556 }}


The last services on the [[M5]] (located just before the road splits into two routes across Devon), Exeter sits in an industrial estate off one of the M5's large roundabouts.
If you're heading deep into the South West, you'll need to get round Exeter. That's why Exeter services, positioned on the bypass, has become an important part of the 'staycation' experience. It's a completely different place during the holiday season - but at least it means you're nearly there.
 
Exeter has become an important part of the 'staycation' experience - mainly on the basis that whenever the holiday season comes around, this place turns manically busy. The M5 is always full of caravans in the summer, but Exeter is where you'll find them celebrating that they're nearly there.


==Facilities==
==Facilities==
{{facilities | Restaurants | Bar & Grill, {{Burger King}}, {{Chow}}, {{Costa}}, {{Greggs}}, {{KFC}}, {{Pret A Manger}}, {{Costa Drive Thru}}, {{Costa Express}}, {{Krispy Kreme}}, [[M&S Coffee to Go]] }}
{{facilities| Catering | {{Burger King}}, {{Chow}}, {{Costa}}, {{Greggs}}, {{KFC}}, {{Pret A Manger}}, {{West Cornwall Pasty Company}}, {{Costa|drivethru=yes}}, {{Costa Express}}, f'real Milkshakes, {{Krispy Kreme}}, {{M&S Coffee to Go}}, Tango Ice Blast }}
{{facilities| Shops | {{M&S Simply Food}}, {{WHSmith}} }}
{{facilities| Shops | {{M&S Simply Food}}, {{WHSmith}} }}
{{facilities| Amenities | {{&Play}}, {{Changing Places}}, {{Lucky Coin}}, [[Revolution Self Service Launderette]], Showers, Randox Health Covid-19 Test Dropbox }}
{{facilities| Amenities | {{Travelodge}}, {{&Play}}, {{Changing Places}}, {{Revolution Laundry}}, Showers }}
{{facilities| Hotel | {{Travelodge||87/Exeter-M5}} }}
{{facilities| Outdoor Space | Large grass bank by building entrance }}
{{charging points| GRIDSERVE Electric Highway 50kW CCS & CHAdeMO }}
{{facilities| Charging Points | GRIDSERVE Electric Highway HPC 350kW CCS, 100kW CHAdeMO & 22kW Type 2; Tesla Supercharger 250kW }}
{{facilities| Forecourt | {{BP}}, [[Shop]], {{Costa}}, {{Costa Express}}, Air1 AdBlue, {{LPG|warning=FloGas}}, Car Wash }}
{{facilities| Forecourt | {{BP}}, Shop, {{Costa Express}}, Jet Wash }}


==Parking Prices==
==Parking Prices==
First 2 hours free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £26.50. HGVs can pay £28.50 to include a £10 food voucher.
First 2 hours free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £29. HGVs can pay £32 to include a £10 food voucher.


Prices are paid using [https://paybyphone.co.uk/how-it-works/parking PayByPhone]. The location code is 2436.
Prices are paid in the shop or by using [https://www.justpark.com/parking/products/how-it-works JustPark]. The location code is 625126.


The fees are strictly enforced by [[CP Plus]].
HGVs can also pay by using [https://snapacc.com/ SNAP]. The location code is 13488.


This information is provided to us by third parties. You should always check with staff on site.
The fees are strictly enforced by [[GroupNexus]].
 
{{Parking Disclaimer}}


==Contact Details==
==Contact Details==
Line 41: Line 41:
EX2 7HF
EX2 7HF
|telephone = 01392 436266
|telephone = 01392 436266
|gridref = SX967918
|websites =  
|website = https://moto-way.com/services/exeter/ Official Moto Website
* [https://moto-way.com/services/exeter/ Official Moto/Exeter website]
* [https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/87/Exeter-M5-hotel Official Travelodge website]
|foursquare = 4d123cd59844b60c3a0ebad4
|foursquare = 4d123cd59844b60c3a0ebad4
|3words = market.begins.pizza
|3words = stone.lamps.could
}}
}}


==Trivia and Design==
==Trivia and Design==
[[File:Country Kitchen Exeter.jpg|250px|thumb|right|alt=Exeter services restaurant.|The restaurant servery in the late 1980s.]]
[[File:Country Kitchen Exeter.jpg|250px|thumb|right|alt=Old photo of a restaurant servery with Christmas decorations hanging from the roof, and hanging sings saying Tea Bar and Hot Drinks.|The restaurant servery in the late 1980s.]]
{{fulldetails|History:Exeter}}
{{fulldetails|History:Exeter}}
Firstly, Exeter is the most southern motorway service station in the UK, and it's also England's most western. The route into the car park from the M5 southbound involves passing through eight sets of traffic lights. That's more traffic lights than you'll find at any other motorway service area, and enough to leave a lasting impression on your holiday.
Firstly, Exeter is the most southern motorway service station in the UK, and it's also England's most western.


It has the unusual challenge that its custom levels increase rapidly during the holiday season, where its car park and facilities quickly move from being slightly quiet to very overloaded. Despite it getting so busy, there is still a large grass area which is used for picnics and dog walking, though it's probably too steep to be built over.
The route into the car park from the M5 southbound involves passing through eight sets of traffic lights. That's more traffic lights than you'll find at any other motorway service area, and enough to leave a lasting impression on your holiday.


The advertisements around the site have a particular 'holiday' vibe to them, as they mainly promote tourist attractions.
It has the unusual challenge that its custom levels increase rapidly during the holiday season, where its car park and facilities quickly move from being slightly quiet to very overloaded. Despite it being such a busy site, there is still a large grass area which is used for picnics and dog walking, though it's probably too steep to be built over.


The Greater Exeter Strategic Plan, which is currently in the draft stages, is expected to propose closing Exeter services, arguing that the area is too congested and that the land is needed for housing. Land next to the M5 close to Poltimore House would be recommended as the site for a new, more modern, motorway service area instead. This would only be a proposal and would be a long way from actually happening.
===Not Moving===
An early draft of the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan, dated 2020, proposed closing Exeter services. It argued that the area is too congested and that the land is needed for housing. Land next to the M5 close to Poltimore House was recommended as the site for a new, replacement, service area. This proposal was supposedly stopped in October 2024, after numerous councillors opposed the new location, calling it "a disaster". However, East Devon District Council's final report merely said that the new location wasn't needed yet, and that the topic would have to be revisited should Exeter services ever plan to close.


===Recent Changes===
===Recent Changes===
During 2017, Moto began to redevelop the interior here with the large [[EDC]] restaurant removed and replaced by [[Chow]] and [[Arlo's]]. [[Costa]] also gained a refurbishment and a [[West Cornwall Pasty Company]] external kiosk was installed. The toilets were also refurbished, along with the addition of a Changing Places toilet.
Exeter City Council's vision came in spite of considerable investment in Exeter services.
 
The entrance was moved to a new extension in 2018, built on top of the old Costa outdoor seating area. This also allowed the West Cornwall Pasty Company store to be brought inside and the addition of a Costa takeaway only store.


Arlo's closed in late 2019 in favour of higher turnover, fast food options.
During Autumn 2021, Moto commenced a major refurbishment scheme here with a [[KFC]] opening on 6 December 2021 in the former Arlo's unit and the closure of the Costa and [[West Cornwall Pasty Co]] units inside the foyer to make way for a [[Pret A Manger]] unit, which opened on 10 January 2022. Moto also refurbished the toilets and showers in Spring 2022. West Cornwall Pasty later made a return to the site in late March 2023 in a new external unit which utilises an old shipping container. The unit reopened on 31 March 2023 and was opened by [[The Services King]].


A [[Costa Drive Thru]] opened at the back of the car park on Thursday 27 May 2021. A [[Krispy Kreme]] airstream pod was also introduced next to the amenity building entrance.
A new 24-bay GRIDSERVE electric vehicle charging hub opened here in March 2022. 12 Tesla Superchargers were also later added in December 2022 making this the current largest motorway 'superhub' in the UK. Meanwhile, Western Power Distribution unveiled a £1million project to increase site's electric capacity, which they call 'Take Charge'. They say it will eventually allow an extra 80 chargers to use a total of 12,000kW of energy, via prefabricated substations. The equipment will be trialled throughout 2023. With a total of 56 chargers live by December 2023, Moto claimed it was now the UK's largest charging point, a title it held until August 2024.


During Autumn 2021, Moto commenced a major refurbishment scheme here with a [[KFC]] opening on 6 December 2021 in the former Arlo's unit and the closure of the Costa and [[West Cornwall Pasty Co]] units inside the foyer to make way for a [[Pret A Manger]] unit, which opened on 10 January 2022. Moto will also be improving the toilets and showers here and re-introducing West Cornwall Pasty Company in a newly-designed kiosk during Spring 2022.
The disused Ladbrokes building is now used by Arnold Clark, as a car hire collection facility. Another disused unit next to the former Ladbrokes building was used by [[Phone Tech]] for a short while over winter 2022, but they have since closed.


Works also commenced on a new 24-bay electric vehicle charging hub, similar to [[Rugby]], which will include 8 GRIDSERVE Electric Highway chargers and 16 Tesla Superchargers. Western Power Distribution also intend to trial six new electric vehicle charging points here too.
Following the refurbishments, Exeter received Moto's new branding in early 2024. GRIDSERVE have {{current|started work}} on nine eHGV charging points; one of the first such setups in the UK.


==Alternatives==
==Alternatives==
{{Succession start}}
{{Succession start}}
{{Succession|1|M5| [[Cullompton]] (northbound, 12 miles){{newline}}[[Taunton Deane]] (26 miles) |
{{Succession|1|M5| [[Cullompton]] (northbound, 12 miles){{newline}}[[Taunton Deane]] (26 miles){{newline}}[[Honiton]] (A30 westbound, 14 miles) |
''none on M5''{{newline}}[[Kennford]] (A38 northbound, 8 miles){{newline}}[[Whiddon Down]] (A30, 20 miles) }}
[[Kennford]] (A38 northbound, 8 miles){{newline}}[[Whiddon Down]] (A30, 20 miles) }}
{{Succession|2|Moto| [[Tiverton]] (16 miles){{newline}}[[Bridgwater]] (38 miles) |
{{Succession|2|Moto| [[Tiverton]] (A38, 16 miles){{newline}}[[Bridgwater]] (38 miles) |
''none'' }}
none }}
</table>
</table>


{{bottomnav}}
{{bottomnav}}
[[Category:1970s]][[Category:M5]][[Category:M5 (England)]][[Category:A30]]
[[Category:1970s]][[Category:M5]][[Category:M5 (England)]][[Category:A30]]

Latest revision as of 14:28, 7 March 2025

Location:

M5 at J30
(also accessible to traffic on the A376 and the A379)

Signposted from the road.

Postcode:

EX2 7HF

map and directions

Access/Layout:

Single site located at a junction.

Rating: See the reviews


If you're heading deep into the South West, you'll need to get round Exeter. That's why Exeter services, positioned on the bypass, has become an important part of the 'staycation' experience. It's a completely different place during the holiday season - but at least it means you're nearly there.

Facilities

Catering: Burger King, Chow, Costa Coffee, Greggs, KFC, Pret A Manger, West Cornwall Pasty Co., Costa Drive Thru, Costa Express, f'real Milkshakes, Krispy Kreme, M&S Coffee to Go, Tango Ice Blast Shops: M&S Simply Food, WHSmith Amenities: Travelodge, &Play, Changing Places, Revolution Laundry, Showers Outdoor Space: Large grass bank by building entrance Charging Points: GRIDSERVE Electric Highway HPC 350kW CCS, 100kW CHAdeMO & 22kW Type 2; Tesla Supercharger 250kW Forecourt: BP, Shop, Costa Express, Jet Wash

Parking Prices

First 2 hours free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £29. HGVs can pay £32 to include a £10 food voucher.

Prices are paid in the shop or by using JustPark. The location code is 625126.

HGVs can also pay by using SNAP. The location code is 13488.

The fees are strictly enforced by GroupNexus.

This information is provided to us by third parties. You should always check with staff on site.

Contact Details

🏢 Address:
Moto Hospitality Ltd
Exeter Motorway Services Area
Sidmouth Road
Exeter
EX2 7HF

🌍 Operators & Official Websites:


Trivia and Design

Old photo of a restaurant servery with Christmas decorations hanging from the roof, and hanging sings saying Tea Bar and Hot Drinks.
The restaurant servery in the late 1980s.

See also: History:Exeter

Firstly, Exeter is the most southern motorway service station in the UK, and it's also England's most western.

The route into the car park from the M5 southbound involves passing through eight sets of traffic lights. That's more traffic lights than you'll find at any other motorway service area, and enough to leave a lasting impression on your holiday.

It has the unusual challenge that its custom levels increase rapidly during the holiday season, where its car park and facilities quickly move from being slightly quiet to very overloaded. Despite it being such a busy site, there is still a large grass area which is used for picnics and dog walking, though it's probably too steep to be built over.

Not Moving

An early draft of the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan, dated 2020, proposed closing Exeter services. It argued that the area is too congested and that the land is needed for housing. Land next to the M5 close to Poltimore House was recommended as the site for a new, replacement, service area. This proposal was supposedly stopped in October 2024, after numerous councillors opposed the new location, calling it "a disaster". However, East Devon District Council's final report merely said that the new location wasn't needed yet, and that the topic would have to be revisited should Exeter services ever plan to close.

Recent Changes

Exeter City Council's vision came in spite of considerable investment in Exeter services.

During Autumn 2021, Moto commenced a major refurbishment scheme here with a KFC opening on 6 December 2021 in the former Arlo's unit and the closure of the Costa and West Cornwall Pasty Co units inside the foyer to make way for a Pret A Manger unit, which opened on 10 January 2022. Moto also refurbished the toilets and showers in Spring 2022. West Cornwall Pasty later made a return to the site in late March 2023 in a new external unit which utilises an old shipping container. The unit reopened on 31 March 2023 and was opened by The Services King.

A new 24-bay GRIDSERVE electric vehicle charging hub opened here in March 2022. 12 Tesla Superchargers were also later added in December 2022 making this the current largest motorway 'superhub' in the UK. Meanwhile, Western Power Distribution unveiled a £1million project to increase site's electric capacity, which they call 'Take Charge'. They say it will eventually allow an extra 80 chargers to use a total of 12,000kW of energy, via prefabricated substations. The equipment will be trialled throughout 2023. With a total of 56 chargers live by December 2023, Moto claimed it was now the UK's largest charging point, a title it held until August 2024.

The disused Ladbrokes building is now used by Arnold Clark, as a car hire collection facility. Another disused unit next to the former Ladbrokes building was used by Phone Tech for a short while over winter 2022, but they have since closed.

Following the refurbishments, Exeter received Moto's new branding in early 2024. GRIDSERVE have started work on nine eHGV charging points; one of the first such setups in the UK.

Alternatives

Previous:Next:
Cullompton (northbound, 12 miles)
Taunton Deane (26 miles)
Honiton (A30 westbound, 14 miles)
Services on the M5Kennford (A38 northbound, 8 miles)
Whiddon Down (A30, 20 miles)
Tiverton (A38, 16 miles)
Bridgwater (38 miles)
Moto servicesnone

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