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Our Welcome Break Story and where we started
Our journey began in 1959, when Charles Forte joined forces with Blue Star Petroleum to create something truly pioneering. Just a year later, Welcome Break opened its very first service area at Newport Pagnell – a place designed to offer comfort and convenience to travellers on the move.
Over the decades, we’ve evolved with the times, introducing new brands, fresh ideas, and innovative services to make every stop more than just a break.
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Our Welcome Break Story and how it's going
Those early days feel almost cinematic now: silver‑service dining, bow‑tied waiters and full table service and with that, Newport Pagnell earned a quiet claim to fame as the UK’s first motorway service station, a pioneering site that set the tone for comfort and care on Britain’s roads.
In 1986, the original Newport Pagnell site took on its modern identity under the expanding Welcome Break brand. proof that a good idea can evolve without losing its heart.
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From 1959 to today, the journey of Welcome Break
Our Keele site opened in 1963, warmly welcoming families and truck drivers as the motorway extended north. By 1969, London Gateway greeted travellers heading in and out of the capital, while Leicester Forest East, with its iconic bridge, had been charming visitors since 1966. Corley joined the journey in 1972.
Together, these sites tell the story of a motorway network coming to life, each one a milestone in the history of travel, hospitality, and the simple pleasure of a well-timed stop along the way.
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Still welcoming, still familiar
Welcome Break isn’t just about fuel and food, it's the warm moment in the middle of the miles. A place where journeys pause, families regroup, and memories are made.
Wherever you’re headed, there’s always a Welcome Break waiting to make your journey a little brighter.
Welcome Break began with just a few sites and a simple brief, that people on the move deserve a warm, welcoming place to stop.
We built on strong foundations with a clear purpose, evolving from a single idea into a business with multiple brands.
Back then, Welcome Break was just beginning its journey.
Now
Today, Welcome break supports millions of journeys across the UK.
Our team is the heart of our mission, making everyday travel moments special.
With 61 sites, and 31 hotels across the country, we're here for travellers with our dedicated brands, passionate people, and a promise of great service.
We're growing into new places and experiences.
Next
As we continue to grow, our focus remains on investing in our team, their development, and strengthening our brands within our company.
We're dedicated to growing and innovating while building skills for the future.
The next chapter of our story has been crafted by the amazing people here, and we’d love for you to be part of it.