Work on the Cheshire motorway section started on Wednesday 28 June 1961, officially by Sir Wesley Emberton, from junctions 18 to 20.

The bishop prayed "that drivers would exercise courtesy and consideration for others, and that without fear or suffering they might come safely to their journey's end".

As with many services of the time, there are two sites located on either side of the carriageway, linked by a bridge which features a restaurant and shop.

Coaches of north-west football fans would call in on their journey to London, and on the way back, occasionally requiring extra police.

In June 2019, four bikers were stabbed at Knutsford Services, which led to the M6 northbound being closed off for some time between junctions 18 and 19.