The August Bank Holiday is the ultimate last-chance summer getaway, and Motorway Service Areas (MSAs) sit right at the centre of the action. Families, friends and couples hit the road for day trips, short breaks and holidays, creating a vibrant energy that brands can tap into.
Far more than simple rest stops, MSAs are lively hubs where visitors spend over 20 minutes eating, shopping and refuelling. That dwell time creates a natural space for brands to connect with people when they’re most receptive. The Friday before the Bank Holiday records the highest audience visits of the year, with August as a whole averaging 7.9 million weekly visits. By Sunday, family travel is at its peak, as people make the most of summer’s final days.
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This surge translates directly into spend. The Friday ahead of the long weekend delivers the highest retail sales of the year, while August contributes more than 11% of annual sales on its own. MSAs capture this momentum in real time, combining scale, reach and influence to shape both planned and impulse purchases.
For brands, the August Bank Holiday isn’t just another date in the calendar, it’s a concentrated, high-energy moment to engage audiences when they are most relaxed, social and ready to spend. With millions on the move, MSAs transform everyday journeys into meaningful brand experiences, helping you end summer on a high.
