East Midlands
Watford Gap Northbound M1 Services
The iconic Roadchef Watford Gap Northbound is a motorway services located on the M1 between junctions 16/17. Opened in the 1960's, Roadchef Watford Gap is open 24/7 and welcomes customers from all over the globe each year. The site features a 24/7 McDonald's alongside a Costa Coffee, Chozen Noodle, Coco di Mama, Fresh Food Cafe and WHSmith.
Giving you more
We're open 24 hours
2 hours free parking
You can relax and enjoy our facilities with 2 hours free parking at all sites.
Open 24 hours
We're open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Free Wi-Fi
Unlimited, fast, free Wi-Fi is available at all Roadchef locations.
High-powered Charging Hub
We've upgraded our EV chargers to 350kW with contactless payment. Powered by 100% renewable energy.
EV charging
Medium Power Charging point 1
- Chademo 1
- CCS 1
- AC 1
Charge rate
Up to 60kW
Price
AC: 49p per kWh Medium: 85p per kWh
High Powered Charging Point 1 - 6
- CCS 5
- CCS and Chademo 1
Charge rate
350kw
Price
85p per kWh
Brands you'll love
Parking
Available spaces
Cars
154
HGV
38
Coaches
8
Caravans
51
Cars and small vans
Charges apply after 2 hours
Park your vehicle for up to 24 hours
£21
Caravans
Charges apply after 2 hours
Park your vehicle and caravan for up to 24 hours
£32
Caravans with food voucher
Charges apply after 2 hours
Get £10 to spend on food and drink, plus parking for your vehicle and caravan for up to 24 hours
£35
HGV
Charges apply after 2 hours
Park your truck for up to 24 hours
£32
HGV with food voucher
Charges apply after 2 hours
Get £10 to spend on food and drink, plus parking for your truck for up to 24 hours
£35
Site contact info
Telephone
Duty Manager
Duty Manager Watford Gap North
Charity Contact
Watford Gap Charity Contact
Site Director
Matt Embleton
Address
Watford Gap Motorway Service Area
M1 junction 16/17
Northampton
NN6 7UZ
EV Charging Accessibility Support: 7am-10pm
If you require assistance with accessibility to our chargers then please contact our Duty Manager between 7am-10pm. Their number is listed above. When you arrive please let us know the following: colour and model of car and how we can support you. For all other assistance with charging please call Gridserve on 0333 1234 333.
Accessibility Guide
We recognise that knowing the accessibility at our sites prior to a visit helps with planning and allows our customers to relax and enjoy our facilities. We’re delighted to work in collaboration with Highways England and AccessAble to provide detailed access guides for our service areas, as we strive to improve access for all.
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Where are Watford Gap services located?
Watford Gap Services is located on the M1 motorway, in both directions, between Junction 16 and Junction 17.
What junction is Watford Gap Services?
In both directions, Watford Gap Services is located on the M1 motorway, in both directions, between Junction 16 and Junction 17.
Is Watford Gap Services good for caravans?
Yes, Watford Gap Services is good for caravans. Watford Gap services has caravan facilities for those making a quick visit or for those looking to stay overnight. There are 51 caravan parking spaces at Watford Gap Services Northbound and 48 caravan parking spaces at Watford Gap Services Southbound. For a small charge, vehicles towing a caravan can park overnight at Watford Gap Services. You can buy a parking for your caravan at Watford Gap Services with or without a food voucher.
Can I get food at Watford Gap Services at night?
Yes, food is available overnight at Watford Gap Services. McDonald’s at Watford Gap Services is open 24/7 for warm meals. WHSmith at Watford Gap Services is open 24/7 for snacks, drinks and essentials.
Are there toilet facilities at Watford Gap services?
Yes, there are male, female and accessible toilets at Watford Gap Services. You will find Changing Places facilities at Watford Gap Services in both directions.
Is Watford Gap services dog friendly?
Yes, Watford Gap Services is a dog friendly motorway services. Dogs can enter all public areas at Watford Gap Services. There are great outdoor facilities for dog walking at Watford Gap Services. The Days Inn by Wyndham Watford Gap hotel, found at Watford Gap Services Southbound, is a dog friendly hotel, allowing dogs to stay with guests for a small charge.
Does Watford Gap Services have McDonald’s?
Yes, Watford Gap Services has McDonald’s. McDonald’s at Watford Gap Services is open 24/7.
What junction is Watford Gap Services?
Watford Gap Services is between Junction 16 and Junction 17 of the M1 motorway.
Are there EV Chargers at Watford Gap Services?
Yes, there are high-powered EV Chargers at Watford Gap Services. There are six high-powered EV chargers at Watford Gap Services Northbound twelve high-powered EV chargers at Watford Gap Services Southbound. Watford Gap Services Northbound is also the location of Roadchef’s new EV innovation hub.
How many HGV spaces at Watford Gap Services?
There are 38 HGV parking spaces at Watford Gap Services Northbound and 39 HGV parking spaces at Watford Gap Services Southbound. HGV facilities at Watford Gap Services were improved in 2025 with increased security, in partnership with the Northampton Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office.
Are there Changing Places at Watford Gap Services?
Yes, there are Changing Places available at Watford Gap Services Northbound. There are currently no Changing Places facilities at Watford Gap Services Southbound.
Are there showers at Watford Gap Services?
Yes, there are shower facilities at Watford Gap Services. These can be accessed 24/7 by speaking to the duty manager.
Is Watford Gap Services on Snap?
Yes, Watford Gap Services is available on SNAP. HGV Drivers can book and pay for parking using SNAP at Watford Gap Services.
Is Watford Gap Services closing?
No, Watford Gap Services is not closing. Our iconic M1 location will remain a motorway services ensuring motorists have a great, comfortable and safe journey.
Why is Watford Gap Services called that?
Despite popular belief, Watford Gap isn’t named after the town in Hertfordshire. Watford Gap is in Northamptonshire. Watford Gap is named after a low-lying hill area, near the motorway services and Daventry.