Tebay Services (Southbound)
Sightseeing attraction | Penrith | England | United Kingdom
Motorway services with local products
The Tebay Services in Penrith, England, is an exceptional service station on the M6 that stands out from typical British motorway service areas. This southbound facility, opened in 1993, is located in the picturesque landscape of Cumbria between junctions 38 and 39, on the way from Lune Valley to Shap Summit. It is operated by the family-run Westmorland Motorway Services, a company that focuses on offering local products and a welcoming atmosphere, rather than relying on standardized fast food chains and mass-produced goods. The Tebay Services Southbound is part of a concept that benefits both travelers and the local community, and has been awarded multiple times for its quality and unique character.
Cumbrian landscape enjoying services
The history of Tebay Services began in 1972 with the opening of the northbound service station when the M6 motorway was built through the land of the Dunning family. John and Barbara Dunning, local farmers, took this opportunity to create a service station in collaboration with a local baker, offering homemade food made from regional ingredients. The southbound location followed two decades later, continuing the tradition based on sustainability, quality, and connection to the region. Unlike most service stations operated by large corporations, Tebay remains a family business, now run in its fourth generation. This independence shapes the offerings and atmosphere, often described with a sense of community and pride in the Cumbrian landscape.
Family-run motorway services in England
A central element of Tebay Services Southbound is the award-winning Farmshop, which offers an impressive selection of local products. Visitors can find fresh meat from the region, including lamb and beef, as well as homemade pies, sausages, cheeses, and baked goods. The shop places a strong emphasis on collaborating with local suppliers and producers, ensuring not only the quality of goods but also supporting the economy of Cumbria. In addition to food items, there are handcrafted gifts, such as ceramics or textiles, reflecting the area's artisanal tradition. The Farmshop recently expanded to include a gelato and patisserie area, offering fresh desserts and ice cream, enhancing the culinary experience.
Award-winning farm shop at motorway
The service station itself is architecturally designed to blend with the surroundings, with a design reminiscent of a Scandinavian country house rather than a typical motorway station. Large windows provide views of the surrounding hills and fells, part of the stunning landscape of Northern England. A small duck pond with native ducks and wild ducks, as well as a woodland area with picnic spots, create a connection to nature, inviting travelers to take a break and enjoy the surroundings. For families, there are special amenities such as a children's play area, while a short, traffic-free "Dog Walk" path provides dog owners the opportunity to exercise their pets and admire the views of the Howgill Fells.
Sustainable motorway services with restaurant
The restaurant at Tebay Services Southbound also stands out from the norm. Instead of prepackaged fast food menus, there are freshly prepared dishes highlighting regional specialties such as Cumberland sausage or Herdwick lamb. The cuisine is focused on serving "real food," often with ingredients sourced directly from the Farmshop. Meals range from hearty options to lighter choices like sandwiches and soups, with seasonal offerings emphasizing freshness and variety. The decor is spacious and clean, with wood accents and an open layout creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere - a contrast to the often sterile service stations elsewhere.
Tebay Services Southbound is also a pioneer in accessibility and sustainability. It features a "Changing Places" facility for people with disabilities equipped with special aids, as well as accessible areas making most of the facility accessible. Electric vehicle charging stations have been introduced, and plans for an expansion with a solar field demonstrate a commitment to environmentally friendly solutions. A garden project in collaboration with a local charity organization provides fresh produce for the Farmshop while offering employment opportunities for the community.
For many travelers, Tebay Services Southbound is more than just a pit stop - it is an experience that enhances the journey. The combination of high-quality food, local products, and the spectacular views of the Cumbrian landscape has earned it a reputation as one of the best service stations in the country. The park was even celebrated in a documentary series on television, highlighting its significance to the region and its unique philosophy. Whether stopping briefly or lingering longer to explore the surroundings, Tebay offers a welcome change and a touch of authenticity that sets it apart from the crowd.
