Charnock Richard Services on the M6
Charnock Richard is in Lancashire, just south of Preston, and has been looking after M6 drivers for longer than any other stop on the road.
| Where | M6, between Junctions 27 and 28 |
| Which side | A site on each side, joined by a bridge |
| Operator | Welcome Break |
Who Runs Charnock Richard Services
Charnock Richard is run by Welcome Break, which calls it Charnock Richard (Chorley South). The food counters are on the bridge across the motorway, so drivers in both directions can reach them. Welcome Break lists its brands for the whole site rather than side by side. The Ramada hotel is on the northbound side, and there is Calor gas on the southbound forecourt.
Food and Shops at Charnock Richard Services
| Outlet | What it sells | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Burger King | Burgers, fries, chicken and breakfasts | On the site (Welcome Break does not say which side) |
| KFC | Fried chicken, burgers, wraps and fries | On the site (Welcome Break does not say which side) |
| Starbucks | Coffee, tea, pastries and sandwiches | On the site (Welcome Break does not say which side) |
| Subway | Made-to-order sub rolls and salads | On the site (Welcome Break does not say which side) |
| Taco Bell | Tacos, burritos and other Mexican-style food | On the site (Welcome Break does not say which side) |
| Chopstix | Noodles, rice and Asian-style dishes | On the site (Welcome Break does not say which side) |
| The Good Breakfast | Cooked breakfasts | On the site (Welcome Break does not say which side) |
| Waitrose & Partners | A food shop: sandwiches, snacks, drinks and groceries | On the site (Welcome Break does not say which side) |
| WHSmith | Newspapers, magazines, books, snacks, drinks and travel essentials | On the site (Welcome Break does not say which side) |
| Krispy Kreme | Doughnuts (sold in WHSmith at Moto sites) | On the site (Welcome Break does not say which side) |
| Toys R Us | Toys and games | On the site (Welcome Break does not say which side) |
| Fuel | Welcome Break forecourt |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Ramada (northbound side) |
| EV charging | GRIDSERVE Electric Highway and Tesla |
Got a Favourite? The Next One Along the M6
Some drivers would rather wait for a particular brand. This table shows whether you can get it at Charnock Richard, and the next M6 services where you can, in each direction.
| Brand | At Charnock Richard | Next heading north | Next heading south |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burger King | Yes | Lancaster (Forton) (J32–J33) | Knutsford (J18–J19) |
| McDonald's | No | None further on the M6 | Sandbach (J16–J17) |
| KFC | Yes | Lancaster (Forton) (J32–J33) | Knutsford (J18–J19) |
| Greggs | No | Lancaster (Forton) (J32–J33) | Knutsford (J18–J19) |
| Pret | No | Lancaster (Forton) (J32–J33) | Knutsford (J18–J19) |
| Costa | No | Lancaster (Forton) (J32–J33) | Knutsford (J18–J19) |
| M&S Food | No | Lancaster (Forton) (J32–J33) | Knutsford (J18–J19) |
| Starbucks | Yes | None further on the M6 | Keele (J15–J16) |
| Subway | Yes | None further on the M6 | Keele (J15–J16) |
| Waitrose & Partners | Yes | None further on the M6 | Keele (J15–J16) |
From the operator’s own website, checked against motorwayservices.uk, on 16/10/2026. Claims such as awards and opening hours are the operator’s own. Outlets and opening hours change, so check with the operator if you are relying on one. Sources: welcomebreak.co.uk · motorwayservices.uk
Worth Knowing
Charnock Richard opened on 29 July 1963. It was the first service area on the M6, and the first in Britain with a restaurant on a bridge across the motorway.
The Nearest Services Either Side
Heading south, the next stop you can use is Knutsford (between Junctions 18 and 19). Heading north, the next stop you can use is Lancaster (Forton) (between Junctions 32 and 33). See all M6 services for the full list, from Rugby to the border.
Check the M6 Before You Stop
A quick look at the latest M6 traffic news tells you whether there is a closure or queue between you and Charnock Richard. You can also check M6 roadworks, M6 accidents and M6 closures tonight.