24/08/2003
When embarking on a long journey across the UK, finding a reliable, well-equipped service station can make all the difference. Chieveley Services, strategically located at Junction 13 of the M4 motorway and on the A34, stands as a pivotal stop for countless drivers. Operated by Moto, this comprehensive service area offers a myriad of facilities designed to cater to every traveller's needs, from refuelling and refreshments to rest and relaxation. This article delves into the specifics of Chieveley Services, providing you with all the essential information to ensure your visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, covering everything from parking solutions and accessibility to dining options and future developments.
- Navigating Parking at Chieveley Services
- Location, Accessibility, and Directions
- A Full Range of Facilities and Amenities
- Future Horizons: Redevelopment and Enhancements
- Chieveley Services in Popular Culture
- Frequently Asked Questions About Chieveley Services
- Is Chieveley Services open 24/7?
- How long can I park for free at Chieveley Services?
- Are there electric vehicle charging points available?
- What food options are available at Chieveley Services?
- Is there accommodation at Chieveley Services?
- Can I book parking in advance at Chieveley Services?
- Are there facilities for disabled visitors?
Parking at motorway service areas can often be a source of stress, but Chieveley Services offers a range of flexible and transparent options to suit different durations and vehicle types. Understanding these choices upfront can save you time and potential fines, ensuring a hassle-free stop.
Understanding Parking Costs & Options
For those planning a quick break, the good news is that the first two hours of parking are free for all vehicles. This generous allowance is perfect for a coffee stop, a meal, or a quick stretch of the legs. However, for longer stays, charges apply, and these vary depending on your vehicle and how you choose to pay.
JustPark offers a convenient way to book your parking in advance, providing peace of mind and often securing competitive rates. With JustPark, you can find off-street parking in private driveways or secure multi-storey car parks, and critically, you know the cost upfront, eliminating unexpected charges. Parking in Chieveley via JustPark starts from a mere £0.70 per hour, rising to £5.80 for a full day. For regular visitors, monthly parking options are available from £43.20, catering to both Monday-Friday and 24/7 needs. This flexibility, combined with the ability to extend your booking from your phone, makes JustPark an incredibly user-friendly solution.
For those staying beyond the initial free two hours directly at the Moto services, the following charges are strictly enforced by GroupNexus:
- Cars: £15 after the first 2 hours.
- HGVs, Caravans, and Motorhomes: £31 after the first 2 hours.
- HGV with Food Voucher: £34, which includes a £10 food voucher, offering excellent value for long-haul drivers.
Payment for these longer stays can be made in the shop or conveniently via the JustPark app (location code: 625123). HGV drivers also have the option to pay using SNAP (location code: 13352).
Parking Cost Comparison Table
To help you quickly ascertain the best parking solution for your needs, here's a comparative overview of parking costs at Chieveley Services:
| Parking Duration/Type | Vehicle Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 2 Hours | All Vehicles | Free | Ideal for quick stops and amenities use. |
| Hourly (via JustPark) | Cars | From £0.70/hour | Book in advance for guaranteed space. |
| Daily (via JustPark) | Cars | Up to £5.80/day | Cost-effective for longer daytime stays. |
| Monthly (via JustPark) | Cars | From £43.20/month | Options for Monday-Friday or 24/7 parking. |
| After 2 Hours (Moto Services) | Cars | £15 | Paid in shop or via JustPark app (code 625123). |
| After 2 Hours (Moto Services) | HGVs, Caravans, Motorhomes | £31 | Paid in shop, JustPark app (code 625123), or SNAP (code 13352). |
| After 2 Hours (Moto Services) | HGVs (with food voucher) | £34 | Includes a £10 food voucher. |
Location, Accessibility, and Directions
Chieveley Services is renowned for its strategic location, serving a significant intersection of major road networks. Its design as a single service area, accessible from both sides of the motorway and the A34, makes it particularly convenient.
Where Exactly is Chieveley Services?
Chieveley Services is situated just off the M4 motorway at Junction 13, near Newbury in Berkshire, England. It also lies on the A34, the main route between Oxford and Winchester. This unique placement means it caters to traffic from both vital roads, making it a bustling hub for travellers.
Address:
Chieveley Motorway Services Area
Oxford Road
Hermitage
Thatcham
Berkshire
RG18 9XX
Ordnance Survey Number: SU479724
Seamless Accessibility for All Travellers
Moto is committed to making its services accessible to all. Chieveley Services provides essential facilities for disabled visitors, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience:
- Disabled Parking Bays: These are conveniently located towards the entrance of the services, providing easy access to the main building.
- Disabled Toilets: Fully equipped disabled toilets are available within the venue, designed to meet accessibility standards.
Furthermore, Moto is actively seeking to build a Changing Places facility at Chieveley, which would provide even more comprehensive amenities for individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities and other serious impairments, offering more space and specialist equipment.
Getting to Chieveley Services: Your Route Planner
Navigating to Chieveley Services is straightforward, with clear signage from both the M4 and A34. Here are detailed directions:
- From the M4 Westbound: Leave at J13 and turn left at the roundabout onto the A34 South. Take the second exit on the slip road to enter the service area.
- From the M4 Eastbound: Leave at J13 and turn right at the roundabout onto the A34 South. Take the second exit on the slip road to enter the service area.
- From the A34 Northbound: Leave at the M4 junction (signposted '(M4)/Chieveley/Services') and then take the first exit off the slip road. Turn left at the roundabout, then left again to reach the services.
- From the A34 Southbound: Leave at the M4 junction (signposted '(M4)/Services') and head straight at the roundabout to re-join the A34. Take the second exit on the slip road to enter the service area.
Not Far From:
- Chieveley (1 mile)
- Newbury Showground (2 miles)
- Newbury (4 miles)
- Newbury Racecourse (5 miles)
- Reading (19 miles)
- Swindon (24 miles)
- Oxford (24 miles)
A Full Range of Facilities and Amenities
Chieveley Services prides itself on offering a diverse array of facilities, ensuring that every visitor can find what they need, whether it's a quick bite, a comfortable rest, or essential services for their vehicle.
Dining and Refreshments
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink, with a selection that caters to various tastes and dietary requirements:
- Burger King
- Costa Coffee (recently refurbished in March 2023)
- Greggs
- KFC (newly opened on 20 August 2024)
- Pret A Manger (newly opened on 30 March 2023)
- West Cornwall Pasty Co.
- Costa Express
- f'real Milkshakes
- Krispy Kreme
- M&S Coffee to Go
- Tango Ice Blast
- Urban Legend Doughnuts
Shopping and Convenience
For those needing to pick up essentials or a treat for the road, the services offer:
- M&S Simply Food
- WHSmith
- BP Forecourt Shop
Rest, Play, and Essential Services
Beyond food and shopping, Chieveley provides numerous amenities for comfort and convenience:
- Travelodge: For overnight stays, ensuring a good night's rest before continuing your journey.
- Children's Play Area: A designated outdoor space for children to burn off some energy.
- Showers: Available for those needing to freshen up.
- Revolution Laundry: Self-service laundry facilities, ideal for long-distance travellers.
- Full Hou$e & Lucky Coin: Entertainment options for adults.
Electric Vehicle Charging
As electric vehicles become more prevalent, Chieveley Services is keeping pace with the demand for charging infrastructure:
- GRIDSERVE Electric Highway: Offers HPC 350kW CCS, 100kW CHAdeMO, and 22kW Type 2 charging points.
- Ecotricity: Additional electric vehicle charging points are also available.
Moto is actively working on developing an enhanced EV charging hub at the site to further support the growing number of electric vehicle users.
Future Horizons: Redevelopment and Enhancements
Moto is continually investing in its service areas to meet evolving customer needs and modern standards. Chieveley Services is no exception, with several exciting developments on the horizon.
As mentioned, Moto is seeking to build a Changing Places facility at Chieveley, which will significantly improve accessibility for those with complex needs. Alongside this, plans are in motion to establish a dedicated electric vehicle charging hub, expanding on the existing facilities to provide even more capacity and faster charging options.
In the longer term, Moto is developing a proposal for a full redevelopment of the entire site. This ambitious plan aims to provide a larger capacity, more modern facilities, and an even better experience for all visitors, ensuring Chieveley remains a leading service area for decades to come.
Recent years have already seen significant enhancements, with the former Arlo's restaurant area redeveloped into the new Pret A Manger store, which opened in March 2023. This was followed by a refurbishment of the existing Costa store and the opening of a new KFC store in August 2024, demonstrating Moto's commitment to regularly updating and improving its offerings.
Chieveley Services in Popular Culture
Chieveley Services has even made its mark in British popular culture, a testament to its widespread recognition. Fans of the hit TV show Gavin and Stacey might recall Smithy's enthusiastic declaration that "Chieveley's the best, it's insane," going as far as to claim he took his girlfriend there for dinner. This playful mention highlights the service area's iconic status among UK drivers. Prior to its TV fame, Chieveley also hosted BBC Radio 2's Derek Jameson breakfast show on 25 July 1988, cementing its place in the public consciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chieveley Services
Is Chieveley Services open 24/7?
Yes, Chieveley Services is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring you can stop for fuel, food, or rest at any time.
How long can I park for free at Chieveley Services?
All vehicles can park for free for the first 2 hours. After this period, charges apply as detailed in the parking section above.
Are there electric vehicle charging points available?
Yes, Chieveley Services features GRIDSERVE Electric Highway HPC charging points and Ecotricity charging points, with plans for a dedicated EV charging hub in the future.
What food options are available at Chieveley Services?
Chieveley offers a wide range of dining options including Burger King, Costa Coffee, Greggs, KFC, Pret A Manger, West Cornwall Pasty Co., and various snack and coffee outlets like Krispy Kreme and M&S Coffee to Go.
Is there accommodation at Chieveley Services?
Yes, there is a Travelodge hotel located at Chieveley Services, providing convenient overnight accommodation for travellers.
Can I book parking in advance at Chieveley Services?
Yes, you can book parking in advance using the JustPark app or website, which guarantees you a spot and allows you to know your costs upfront.
Are there facilities for disabled visitors?
Yes, Chieveley Services provides disabled parking bays and accessible toilets. Moto is also planning to build a Changing Places facility to further enhance accessibility.
In conclusion, Chieveley Services stands as a vital and well-appointed stop for anyone travelling on the M4 or A34. With its comprehensive parking solutions, extensive range of dining and retail options, dedicated accessibility features, and forward-thinking redevelopment plans, it continues to serve as an indispensable amenity for UK drivers. Whether you're making a brief stop or settling in for a longer break, Chieveley Services is equipped to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
If you want to read more articles similar to Chieveley Services: Your M4 & A34 Stop Guide, you can visit the Automotive category.