Motorway Services Online

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{{Services
{{Services
|type = motorway
|type = motorway
|image = Magor 2020.jpg
|image = Magor 2024.jpg
|operator = Roadchef
|operator = Roadchef
|operator2 = Rontec
|road = [[M4]] at J23A{{newline}}(also accessible to traffic on the B4245)
|road = [[M4]] at J23A{{newline}}(also accessible to traffic on the B4245)
|postcode = NP26 3YL
|postcode = NP26 3YL
|signposted = Yes
|signposted = Yes
|prevop = [[Granada]], [[First]]
|stype = Single site located at a junction
|stype = Single site located at a junction.
|rating = Magor
|rating = Magor
|coords = 51.588346, -2.836339
|coords = 51.588346, -2.836339
|briefroad = M4 at J23A
|briefroad = M4 at J23A
|markerpost = 0208
|markerpost = 0208
|website = magor
|welsh = Magwyr }}
|welsh = Magwyr }}


Having received new owners in 2011, Magor was thoroughly refurbished shortly afterwards. It now offers more standard facilities, creating a new gateway for Wales.
The gateway to Wales and its busiest service area was sold to new owners in 2011.


==Facilities==
==Facilities==
{{Coronavirus|4 June 2020}}
{{facilities| Catering | {{The Breakfast Kitchen}}, {{Chozen Noodle}}, {{Costa Coffee}}, {{LEON}}, {{McDonald's}}, {{Phat Pasty|warning=seasonal opening}}, {{Costa Express}}, {{Krispy Kreme}}, {{Costa Drive Thru}} }}
{{facilities| Restaurants | [[Breakfast Kitchen]], {{Chozen Noodle}}, {{Costa Express}} }}
{{facilities| Shops | {{Phone Tech}}, {{WHSmith}} }}
{{facilities| Shops | {{WHSmith}} }}
{{facilities| Amenities | {{Days Inn}}, {{Jackpot £500}}, {{Revolution Laundry}}, Showers }}
{{facilities| Amenities | Showers }}
{{facilities| Outdoor Space | Grass area at back of car park }}
{{facilities| Hotel | {{Days Inn||newport-magor|rc=yes}} }}
{{facilities| Charging Points | GRIDSERVE Electric Highway 50kW CCS, 50kW CHAdeMO & 22kW Type 2 }}
{{charging points| Ecotricity }}
{{facilities| Forecourt | {{BP}}, {{Shop'N Drive}}, {{West Cornwall Pasty Co}}, Chicago Town Pizza, {{Costa Express}}, Tango Ice Blast, Free Cash Machine }}
{{facilities| Forecourt | {{BP}}, {{Spar}}, {{West Cornwall Pasty Company}}, {{Costa Express}}, Skwishee Iced Drinks, AdBlue4You }}


==Parking Prices==
==Parking Prices==
First 4 hours free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £12 and HGVs, caravans and coaches £27, or £30 to include a £10 food voucher.
In the main Roadchef car park, the first 2 hours are free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £33. HGVs can pay £35 to include a £10 food voucher.


Prices are paid using [[PayByPhone|PayByPhone - more details]] or in the shop or restaurant. The location code is 7002.
Prices are paid in the shop or by using [https://groupnexus.co.uk/nexuspark/nexuspay NexusPay]. The location code is 2060.
 
HGVs can also pay by using [https://snapacc.com/ SNAP]. The location code is 6205.


The fees are strictly enforced by [[GroupNexus]].
The fees are strictly enforced by [[GroupNexus]].
Parking in the forecourt is limited to 45 minutes with the maximum stay being strictly enforced.
{{Parking Disclaimer}}


==Contact Details==
==Contact Details==
Line 42: Line 46:
NP26 3YL
NP26 3YL
|telephone = 01633 881887
|telephone = 01633 881887
|gridref = ST421880
|websites =  
|websites = * [http://www.roadchef.com/motorway-service-area-magor Amenity building and motel operated by Roadchef]
* [https://www.roadchef.com/locations/magor Amenity building operated by Roadchef]
* [https://www.rontec.com/ Forecourt operated by Rontec]
* [https://www.roadchef.com/hotels/locations/newport-magor Official Days Inn Newport/Magor website]
* [https://rontec-servicestations.co.uk/ss_results-id.cfm?id=8299 Forecourt operated by Rontec]
|foursquare = 4b3794aef964a5207d4225e3
|foursquare = 4b3794aef964a5207d4225e3
|3words = fussed.reapply.assess
|3words = fussed.reapply.assess
}}
}}


==Trivia and History==
==Trivia and Design==
{{Gallery
[[File:Magor First arch.jpg|250px|thumb|right|alt=Archway with a sign saying First Motorway Services.|First signs above the entrance.]]
|image = Magor.jpg
{{fulldetails|History:Magor}}
|size = 250
|duped = yes
|caption = The services under First ownership.
|keydates = {{Key Date | 1992 | Opened by [[Granada]] }}
{{Key Date | 1996 | Sold to [[First]] }}
{{Key Date | 2011 | Sold to [[Roadchef]] }} }}
This is Wales's easternmost service station, and also its largest and busiest.
This is Wales's easternmost service station, and also its largest and busiest.


When they owned it, First used the slogan "trying that little bit harder", which given their reputation prompted a response from critics of "...trying and failing".
The site layout was unusual for its time, with an arch gateway by the entrance, a small courtyard at the front and a single building with a shop and separate shop all attached together. Inside is now much more standard, but it used to be built around a restaurant counter.
 
===Diversion Threat===
In 1991, whilst the service area was under construction, the Welsh Office announced plans to divert the M4 to the south of Newport. This idea has been cancelled and resurrected several times, and was back on the agenda again in 2013.
 
After the detail of the proposed new arrangement was published, which would have left Magor more than two miles from the nearest M4 junction, Roadchef published a detailed objection, breaking down their sales figures and arguing they would lose 80% of it. In doing so, they effectively threatened to close the services if this plan went ahead.
 
Roadchef also revealed that they were holding off a significant expansion to the service area until its future was clear, and asked customers to support their campaign to [http://www.roadchef.com/keepmagorservicesopen Save Magor].
 
From a business perspective, creating as big an objection as possible is likely to improve the compensation offered, if the plans continued in that form. However as an employer Roadchef also had a duty to protect their staff, who would have been made redundant if the service area had closed.
 
The M4 bypass project was cancelled (again) in June 2019.
 
===Design===
[[File:Magor corridor.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The original corridors around the building.|alt=Magor First services.]]
Until Roadchef took over, the service area was laid out with an unusual set-up where the restaurant servery was in the centre of the building. However, the enclosed nature of the building and all the dividing walls meant the layout wasn't obvious, and it felt like a myriad of corridors with many dining options. Granada added a [[Burger King]] in 1996.
 
This has now changed and a main corridor from the entrance leads you into a variety of stores and restaurants in the centre of the services.
 
When Roadchef took over, they set up a new [[Restbite]] (originally it was going to be Hot Food Co.) restaurant, but didn't apply any of its branding as they intend to invest in a new [[Fresh Food Cafe]] if the sales figures allow for it.
 
The restaurant area also gained [[The Burger Company]], which in March 2012 became [[McDonald's]]. The unbranded shop became [[WHSmith]]. The aim was to expand the tourist information facilities to make the service area a gateway to Wales.
 
There is an additional shop unit attached to the service area, with its own entrance. This became a [[Cotton Traders]] under Roadchef, but later closed and is now empty.
 
===Owners===
{{fulldetails|History:M4#Private Proposals|M4 Planning Applications}}
In 1988, Whitbread and [[BP]] worked on a joint application to build a service area near here, which appeared to be to the south of the M4. This was rivalled by a joint application from [[Granada]] and [[Esso]] which was approved in 1990, and was built.
 
Its design was very unusual for Granada, but it opened around the same time as [[Thurrock]], which was also an experimental design.
 
The position of the service area was chosen because Top Rank's nearby [[Severn View]] was about to lose most of its trade as the Second Severn Crossing would divert traffic away from it.
 
When they tried to purchase [[Pavilion]], Granada were set to gain four services in a row. As a result, they were instructed to sell Magor and Severn View, and a management buyout saw Magor change owners to [[First]].
 
In October 2008 First were acquired by [[Moto]], meaning that this should have become a Moto service area, however the deal fell through. Instead First went very quiet, and in August 2011, Roadchef acquired the service area.
 
Esso bought the petrol station at Magor in 2009 and sold it to Rontec in 2014. It had an On the Run store, then a Shop 'n Drive store, and then it was rebranded to Spar in 2017. It used to have Rontec's only "Stop 'n Eat" counter, which was a Rontec own-brand serving hot food. It then changed fuel brand in summer 2018 from [[Esso]] to BP.
 
Because the filling station is under different ownership to the main amenity building, there is a history of the two opposing each others' developments. In 2009, First argued that if Esso got the expansion they wanted, First would be forced to surrender their 24 hour opening obligation and make staff redundant as a result.
 
===Survey Results===
In April 2007, the members of Vans United voted Magor as the worst service station in Britain.
 
The services were inspected by [[AA Survey|The AA]] on 24 and 25 March 2007. These are their results:
{{AA survey results
|roadsafety = Very Good
|outdoorfacilities = Very Poor
|indoorfacilities = Poor
|catering = Good
|shop = Good
|service = Good
|familyfriendliness = Acceptable
|hygiene = Poor
|pricing = Poor
|finalscore = Acceptable
}}
 
The services were said to be well signed with sufficient parking spaces, but there was a lack of disabled access, high prices and poor hygiene.
 
In 2006 Magor came near the bottom of [[Which%3F Magazine|Holiday Which?]]'s survey, having provided them with a "truly miserable experience". The food was condemned too.


In 2001 the services came top in an AA survey, who rated it "acceptable".
During early 2023, the car and HGV and coach parking areas were expanded, utilising spare land that has been kept clear since the site was built. The amenity building also gained a minor extension to add additional seating, making space for a new [[LEON]] restaurant which opened on 16 February 2023 as Wales's first LEON restaurant. The new HGV parking received PSR security accreditation.


In 2000 critic [[Egon Ronay]] praised the catering at these services, having criticised just about every other service area.
[[Rontec]] are also seeking to build five electric vehicle charging points in their forecourt.


==Alternatives==
==Alternatives==
Line 130: Line 69:
{{Succession|1|M4| [[Leigh Delamere]] (31 miles){{newline}}[[Michaelwood]] (M5 north, 20 miles){{newline}}[[Gordano]] (M5 south, 15 miles){{newline}}[[Severn View]] (M48, 10 miles) |
{{Succession|1|M4| [[Leigh Delamere]] (31 miles){{newline}}[[Michaelwood]] (M5 north, 20 miles){{newline}}[[Gordano]] (M5 south, 15 miles){{newline}}[[Severn View]] (M48, 10 miles) |
[[Cardiff Gate]] (16 miles) }}
[[Cardiff Gate]] (16 miles) }}
{{Succession|2|Roadchef| [[Strensham]] (M5 north, 56 miles){{newline}}[[Sedgemoor (South)]] (M5 southbound, 35 miles) |
{{Succession|2|Roadchef| [[Strensham]] (M5 north, 56 miles){{newline}}[[Sedgemoor (South)|Sedgemoor]] (M5 southbound, 35 miles) |
[[Pont Abraham]] (68 miles) }}
[[Pont Abraham]] (68 miles) }}
</table>
</table>

Latest revision as of 15:35, 7 February 2025

(Gwasanaethau Magwyr)

Magor
Magwyr
Magor services
Camera icon
Camera icon
Many more photos in the gallery
Location:

M4 at J23A
(also accessible to traffic on the B4245)

Signposted from the road.

Postcode:

NP26 3YL

map and directions

Access/Layout:

Single site located at a junction.

Rating: See the reviews


The gateway to Wales and its busiest service area was sold to new owners in 2011.

Facilities

Catering: The Breakfast Kitchen, Chozen Noodle, Costa Coffee, LEON, McDonald's, The Phat Pasty Co. (seasonal opening), Costa Express, Krispy Kreme, Costa Drive Thru Shops: Phone Tech, WHSmith Amenities: Days Inn, Jackpot £500, Revolution Laundry, Showers Outdoor Space: Grass area at back of car park Charging Points: GRIDSERVE Electric Highway 50kW CCS, 50kW CHAdeMO & 22kW Type 2 Forecourt: BP, Shop'N Drive, West Cornwall Pasty Co., Chicago Town Pizza, Costa Express, Tango Ice Blast, Free Cash Machine

Parking Prices

In the main Roadchef car park, the first 2 hours are free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £33. HGVs can pay £35 to include a £10 food voucher.

Prices are paid in the shop or by using NexusPay. The location code is 2060.

HGVs can also pay by using SNAP. The location code is 6205.

The fees are strictly enforced by GroupNexus.

Parking in the forecourt is limited to 45 minutes with the maximum stay being strictly enforced.

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

Contact Details

🏢 Address:
Magor Motorway Services Area
M4
Magor
Caldicot
Monmouthshire
NP26 3YL

🌍 Operators & Official Websites:


Trivia and Design

Archway with a sign saying First Motorway Services.
First signs above the entrance.

See also: History:Magor

This is Wales's easternmost service station, and also its largest and busiest.

The site layout was unusual for its time, with an arch gateway by the entrance, a small courtyard at the front and a single building with a shop and separate shop all attached together. Inside is now much more standard, but it used to be built around a restaurant counter.

During early 2023, the car and HGV and coach parking areas were expanded, utilising spare land that has been kept clear since the site was built. The amenity building also gained a minor extension to add additional seating, making space for a new LEON restaurant which opened on 16 February 2023 as Wales's first LEON restaurant. The new HGV parking received PSR security accreditation.

Rontec are also seeking to build five electric vehicle charging points in their forecourt.

Alternatives

Previous:Next:
Leigh Delamere (31 miles)
Michaelwood (M5 north, 20 miles)
Gordano (M5 south, 15 miles)
Severn View (M48, 10 miles)		Services on the M4Cardiff Gate (16 miles)
Strensham (M5 north, 56 miles)
Sedgemoor (M5 southbound, 35 miles)		Roadchef servicesPont Abraham (68 miles)

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