WHSmith opens at Extra’s Leeds Skelton Lake Services

WHSmith has opened at Leeds Skelton Lake services (J45, M1), operated by Extra Motorway Service Area (MSA). This is the seventh store to open in its network, with units already present at its Baldock, Beaconsfield, Cambridge, Cobham, Cullompton, and Peterborough locations.

Designed to support customers at every stage of their journey, the new store offers a comprehensive range of food and drink, health and beauty essentials, books, technology and travel accessories, providing everything visitors need for a convenient and enjoyable stop.

The opening brings six new jobs to the local area and occupies the unit formerly home to Urban Express. WHSmith joins a strong line-up of well-known brands at Leeds Skelton Lake, including Nando’s, Greggs, M&S, Starbucks and McDonald’s, further strengthening the services’ position as a leading motorway destination.

First opened in 2020, Leeds Skelton Lake was revealed to be among the top five service stations in the UK according to a 2025 Which? Survey, achieving full marks for its convenience and accessibility. It has also been praised by respondents of the Transport Focus Motorway Service Users survey for its award-winning design, including a living green roof, extensive EV charging bays, children’s outdoor play area and RSPB visitor centre.

Tom Dobson, CEO at Extra MSA Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome WHSmith to our Leeds Skelton Lake services, strengthening our offer of a comfortable, convenient and well-rounded pitstop for customers. WHSmith will be a great addition to our strong lineup of popular brands, providing visitors with a wide range of travel essentials and on-the-go necessities.

We’re committed to always going the ‘Extra mile’, and that means listening closely to our customers. Bringing WHSmith to our location is a direct result of the feedback we’ve received. We’re proud to offer customers a choice of brands that they love, clean and accessible restrooms, and welcoming outdoor facilities including walking routes and children’s play areas.”

Ben Green, Business Development Director at WHSmith, said: “We’re excited to be opening at Leeds Skelton Lake and to be part of such a popular service destination. Whether customers are setting off on a long journey or stopping for a quick break, our aim is to make it easy for them to find the essentials they need, from food, drink and technology to great books and everyday travel items. This opening strengthens our partnership with Extra and reflects our ongoing commitment to making every journey better for our customers.”