Exeter services
M5 at J30
(also accessible to traffic on the A376 and the A379)
Signposted from the road.
EX2 7HF
map and directions
Single site located at a junction.
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: Bar & Grill, Burger King, Chow, Costa Coffee, Greggs, KFC, Pret A Manger, Costa Drive Thru, Costa Express, Krispy Kreme, M&S Coffee to Go Shops: M&S Simply Food, WHSmith Amenities: &Play, Changing Places, Lucky Coin, Revolution Laundry, Showers, Travelodge Charging Points: GRIDSERVE Electric Highway HPC 350kW CCS, 100kW CHAdeMO & 22kW Type 2 Forecourt: BP, Shop, Costa Coffee, Costa Express, Air1 AdBlue, LPG (FloGas), Jet Wash
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.
Prices are paid using PayByPhone. The location code is 2436.
The fees are strictly enforced by CP Plus.
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
- 🌍 Official Moto Website
- Foursquare Page
- 📞 Telephone number: 01392 436266
- 📌 what3words: ///market.begins.pizza
- more map options
Trivia and Design
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 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 advertisements around the site have a particular 'holiday' vibe to them, as they mainly promote tourist attractions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. A new West Cornwall Pasty Company external kiosk is also expected to be installed before the end of 2022.
A new 24-bay GRIDSERVE electric vehicle charging hub opened here in March 2022. Western Power Distribution had been looking at trialling six new electric vehicle charging points here too, as part of a trial to see how motorway charging capacity can be improved.
Alternatives
| Previous: | Next: | |
| Cullompton (northbound, 12 miles) Taunton Deane (26 miles) | Services on the M5 | none on M5 Kennford (A38 northbound, 8 miles) Whiddon Down (A30, 20 miles) |
| Tiverton (16 miles) Bridgwater (38 miles) | Moto services | none |
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