Latest news with #WelcomeBreak


The Irish Sun
23-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Summer getaway hell warning with 21MILLION drivers hitting roads from today – check map of Britain's busiest motorways
DRIVERS have been issued a huge warning as 21 million motorists are set to descend on the roads from today. With most UK schools set to 2 The roads are set to get extremely busy from today Credit: Getty 2 These are the five busiest motorways in the UK Credit: Welcome BReak Cramming all of your luggage into the car and keeping the And this is only exacerbated when your vehicle is crawling in a seemingly never-ending stream of Approximately 21 million drivers are thought to be hitting the motorways from today, until the end of the school holidays, on August 29. If you're keen for a road trip over the next few weeks, but want to avoid gridlock, Welcome Break has revealed which of the UK's motorways will be the busiest this summer . Read more motors stories 1. M11 in London/Hertfordshire The M11 is a major motorway used by millions of motorists travelling to and from the East of England . It is a popular route for those jetting off from Stanstead airport, however you may want to consider getting the train instead, as this has been named the UK's busiest motorway. 2. M40, Oxfordshire Second on the list is the M40, in Oxfordshire, which families may use to travel through the countryside between London and Birmingham. It's a handy route, but you might want to think of an alternative to avoid being stuck in traffic. Most read in Fabulous 3. M43, Hampshire In fourth place is the M3, which stretches across the south-west of England. Brits commonly use the motorway to travel to seaside spots along the south coast. Moment wrong-way driver flies down motorway into traffic for FIVE MILES 4. M40, Warwickshire Taking the fourth spot is the M40, in Warwickshire which is a popular route for those driving down to the Cotswolds for a scenic break. Motorists might prefer taking a more scenic route though, to avoid gridlock. 5. M25, Home Counties Finally, the M25, which loops its way around London, is fifth on the list. The road is used by Londoners flocking out of the city for the summer, and tourists flooding in to the city, but any drivers using this route should be warned of huge queues this summer. How to make travelling with kids a breeze IT can be stressful travelling with kids, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier. Here's five we'd recommend: Snacks It might sound simple, but it's a good idea to pack a LOT of snacks. Think of how much you might need, and double it. After all, it doesn't matter if you have too much - your kids can eat it another time - but it will be a big issue if you run out. There are also snack boxes with lots of little dividers that are great for long journeys as kids can pick at those throughout. Entertainment This covers a whole range of things - from a tablet to watch films or play games if you've got older kids, to books and colouring. It's advisable to pack a variety of options, especially if you're on a long journey or have various legs on your haul. Toys If you've got a baby or a toddler, there are some sensory-type toys you can buy that can really help keep little ones entertained. These include ones that you stick on the windows of a plane, or on a tray on a highchair, that they can spin and play with to their hearts' content. Equipment There are a whole host of things on the market that aim to make sleeping on a plane loads easier. These include a hammock that you can attack to your tray which hangs down to put your feet on. You can also get blow up cushions to turn a seat into a bed for littles, and neck cushions that boast you will be able to use for a decent night's sleep wherever you are. Yourselves! Don't underestimate how entertaining you are to your kids. Learn some games you can play with them, and songs you can sing, as kids always love the opportunity to have one-on-one time with their parents. Tips for avoiding traffic on the motorways Welcome Break has shared some top tips for avoiding congestion this summer, including advising travellers to leave before 7:30am, or after 7pm, to miss peak hours. It also advises travelling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, as these are the quietest days, and using Google Maps to check out real-time traffic.


The Sun
23-07-2025
- The Sun
Summer getaway hell warning with 21MILLION drivers hitting roads from today – check map of Britain's busiest motorways
DRIVERS have been issued a huge warning as 21 million motorists are set to descend on the roads from today. With most UK schools set to break up for the summer today, July 23, many parents will be gearing up to take the kids on UK breaks or trips abroad. 2 2 Cramming all of your luggage into the car and keeping the kids entertained for hours on end can be a nightmare for mums and dads. And this is only exacerbated when your vehicle is crawling in a seemingly never-ending stream of traffic. Approximately 21 million drivers are thought to be hitting the motorways from today, until the end of the school holidays, on August 29. If you're keen for a road trip over the next few weeks, but want to avoid gridlock, Welcome Break has revealed which of the UK's motorways will be the busiest this summer. 1. M11 in London/Hertfordshire The M11 is a major motorway used by millions of motorists travelling to and from the East of England. It is a popular route for those jetting off from Stanstead airport, however you may want to consider getting the train instead, as this has been named the UK's busiest motorway. 2. M40, Oxfordshire Second on the list is the M40, in Oxfordshire, which families may use to travel through the countryside between London and Birmingham. It's a handy route, but you might want to think of an alternative to avoid being stuck in traffic. 3. M43, Hampshire In fourth place is the M3, which stretches across the south-west of England. Brits commonly use the motorway to travel to seaside spots along the south coast. Moment wrong-way driver flies down motorway into traffic for FIVE MILES 4. M40, Warwickshire Taking the fourth spot is the M40, in Warwickshire which is a popular route for those driving down to the Cotswolds for a scenic break. Motorists might prefer taking a more scenic route though, to avoid gridlock. 5. M25, Home Counties Finally, the M25, which loops its way around London, is fifth on the list. The road is used by Londoners flocking out of the city for the summer, and tourists flooding in to the city, but any drivers using this route should be warned of huge queues this summer. How to make travelling with kids a breeze IT can be stressful travelling with kids, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier. Here's five we'd recommend: Snacks It might sound simple, but it's a good idea to pack a LOT of snacks. Think of how much you might need, and double it. After all, it doesn't matter if you have too much - your kids can eat it another time - but it will be a big issue if you run out. There are also snack boxes with lots of little dividers that are great for long journeys as kids can pick at those throughout. Entertainment This covers a whole range of things - from a tablet to watch films or play games if you've got older kids, to books and colouring. It's advisable to pack a variety of options, especially if you're on a long journey or have various legs on your haul. Toys If you've got a baby or a toddler, there are some sensory-type toys you can buy that can really help keep little ones entertained. These include ones that you stick on the windows of a plane, or on a tray on a highchair, that they can spin and play with to their hearts' content. Equipment There are a whole host of things on the market that aim to make sleeping on a plane loads easier. These include a hammock that you can attack to your tray which hangs down to put your feet on. You can also get blow up cushions to turn a seat into a bed for littles, and neck cushions that boast you will be able to use for a decent night's sleep wherever you are. Yourselves! Don't underestimate how entertaining you are to your kids. Learn some games you can play with them, and songs you can sing, as kids always love the opportunity to have one-on-one time with their parents. Tips for avoiding traffic on the motorways Welcome Break has shared some top tips for avoiding congestion this summer, including advising travellers to leave before 7:30am, or after 7pm, to miss peak hours. It also advises travelling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, as these are the quietest days, and using Google Maps to check out real-time traffic.


Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Daily Mail
The busiest road during summer holidays revealed - as major 55-mile motorway tops the list
As schools finish for the summer, plenty of families are preparing to head on holiday and make memories with their loved ones. Many will drive to their destination during the six-week holidays. From cramming cases and little ones into the car and heading to the airport, to hitting the road and spending time along the coast, plenty of people will be behind the wheel. However, be prepared for some hurdles along the way in the form of dreaded traffic. Welcome Break has revealed the roads that are most likely to be heaving with cars this summer. These are the roads that are set to be the busiest in July and August. 1. M11 in London / Hertfordshire A major motorway, the M11 is often used by travellers heading to and from the East of England. It's a perfect route for those jetting off on holiday from Stansted Airport, but be prepared for traffic as this road takes the number one spot on the list. 2. M40 in Oxfordshire Families may take this route when driving through the heart of the country between London and Birmingham. However, at number two it's expected to be busy with lots of other cars taking the same trip, both northbound and southbound. 3. M3 in Hampshire The M3 stretches across the south-west of the country and is a popular route for those hoping to enjoy the British seaside to make their way along the south coast. Be prepared, however, to face traffic along the way as Welcome Break places it third on the list. 4. M40 in Warwickshire A major motorway in the UK and a common route for those heading to the idyllic Cotswolds for a holiday, the M40 is set to be busy this summer. 5. M25 in the Home Counties Located close to London, it's used for those wanting to escape the city for the summer and others wanting to embrace it. Holidaymakers can expect busy traffic on the M25 during the summer, and should be prepared to wait in long queues as they make their way to their destination.


BBC News
24-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Cartgate service station opposes A403 Welcome Break plan
Senior staff at an independent service station have said they feel "threatened" by proposals to build a Welcome Break services next proposals suggest developing the land west of the Cartgate Lodge picnic area off the A303 near Yeovil, Somerset, to include takeaways and drive-thru has been on the site for about 20 years and used to be a caravan park until it expanded into a bigger building with a picnic area and toilet Adam Thurgood said: "I'm all for the little man. This is a David-and-Goliath situation. It is not needed." Mr Thurgood said the 12 members of staff who work at the lodge have become "a family", and dreads having to reduce his payroll if revenue falls. "Every member of staff has been here for years. We are family here, people know our names when they come in," he said."Everyone here is really, really upset about it all." Mr Thurgood said the picnic area has become a hub for people to meet and socialise, creating an atmosphere "you would not get in a service station". "Who needs more fast food? Everything here is sourced locally and homemade by our chefs," he continued.." Jenny Essom said she and her husband visit Cartgate each time they drive down to Cornwall in their caravan. "The food is absolutely beautiful, so fresh and lovely. It's just wonderful," she said."We don't need another Welcome Break to stop at - they're all around the area. There's one just across the road. "It really isn't fair because of the people that work so hard here [at Cartgate]. If they keep going we will still come, but not everyone will obviously." A spokesman for ADS Design, which is representing the developer, previously told the BBC: "The proposed services will positively promote the area and provide a safe and comfortable refuge to visiting motorists."
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New service station planned for busy A-road
A service station could be built on the A303 in Somerset, after plans were submitted to the council. Under the new proposal the Cartgate Picnic Area near Yeovil would be developed by Welcome Break and include takeaways and drive-thru services. It comes as the company plans to build a new facility on the M5 at junction 24 Bridgwater. It is thought the plans, if approved, could bring up to 90 jobs to the area, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset The main building within the centre of the site (near the petrol pumps) would include Greggs, Taco Bell and a drive-thru KFC with a large public seating area, toilets, showers and gaming zone. There will also be 145 parking spaces, including electric charging points. A spokesman for ADS Design, which is representing the developer, said: "The proposed trunk road service area meets the needs of the location while maximising the potential of the site and delivering a building of significant design merit. "The proposed services will positively promote the area and provide a safe and comfortable refuge to visiting motorists. "These proposals represent a unique service area which engages modern building materials in a timeless fashion, to create a space that injects a little flourish into refuelling and provides an important economic investment to the area," they added. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. New M5 services to provide 150 local jobs Services with cult following marks tenth anniversary Local Democracy Reporting Service