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Most motorway services are unimpressive, with nothing more than bright lights, petrol stations, and fast food. However, Tebay Services in Cumbria’s Lake District is a unique destination that attracts over four million visitors every year. Opened in 1972 on the northbound side of the M6, Tebay was the first and remains one of the only independently owned, farmer-run services in Britain. Unlike typical motorway stops, which are made of prefabricated structures, Tebay was constructed with local stone and slate, blending harmoniously with the surrounding rolling fells of Shap. The exterior boasts a picturesque lake with ducks and swans, and a coffee truck can be found in the parking lot, serving artisanal brews.
According to Sarah Dunning, Tebay’s chair and second-generation proprietor, the service station is “an escapist oasis where you can no longer hear the motorway.” It serves as a haven for travelers, making them feel like they’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem during their journey. Inside Tebay, the experience continues to impress. Instead of chain outlets, the service station offers “proper food.” Visitors can enjoy homemade shepherd’s pie, buns stuffed with locally farmed bacon, and traditional Sunday roasts. The butcher’s counter sells high-quality cuts of lamb, while the cheesemonger offers Cumbrian-style Camembert. The shop also stocks locally sourced pantry items, such as dried spelt pasta, jams, and a banana chutney made by Penrith-based Mr Vikki’s. In addition to food, Tebay carries a selection of candles, hand-carved chopping boards, and ceramics from nearby artisans.
Tebay’s story began when the Department for Transport planned to build the M6 and issued a compulsory purchase order on Dunning’s parents’ farmland. While other service stations were owned by oil companies, none were interested in Tebay. However, Dunning’s parents saw an opportunity and won the bid to operate on the site. They partnered with Birketts, a local bakery with hospitality experience, and opened a refuel site with a small café. In 1992, a southbound site was added, and Tebay now employs approximately 400 staff members. Dunning’s sister, Jane, manages the remaining farmland, supplying the café and butcher’s with sheep for their products. The sheepskins are skillfully turned into rugs and footstools, which are sold in the shop. Tebay prides itself on being innovative and utilizing every part of the animal to minimize waste.
The lifestyle section at Tebay follows the same ethos. They collaborate with around 80 producers within a 30-mile radius, offering a range of unique products. Visitors can find “Westmorland” socks made with wool from the farm’s sheep, bespoke lambswool knits by Harley in Scotland, limited edition Anglepoise lamps, and hats and bags made by Kendal-based Molly Sellars, who repurposes fabric from abandoned tents. Travelers often choose to linger at Tebay, making it a planned stop along their journey. As Dunning explains, “From the beginning, my parents were building a local business, and at the heart of that is people. Tebay is a community. And now more than ever, people want to experience that.” Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Tebay and indulge in a unique and wholesome experience.
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