Where would you stay en route from London to Blackpool?

[snackattack]

We are planning a bit of a road trip having had to cancel our USA holiday due to dd contracting swine flu. Have decided to visit various friends and to spend a few nights here and there in lovely kid friendly hotels with a pool! We are going to visit my aunt in Blackpool but can anyone suggest anywhere around middle of England or en route from London where we might stop off for a night or two? We are happy to spend money on a really nice hotel with a pool for the kids - and a bit of luxury preferably!!
Any ideas v. welcome!
Thanks

[mumblechum]

London to Blackpool is, as you've probably worked out, not that long, you could do it in about 3 or 4 hours BUT if you want to make quite a dogleg, you could go via the Cotswolds. Charingworth Manor just outside Chipping Campden is a lovely country house hotel with an indoor pool and spa & Chipping Camden is an olde worlde village with tea shops & nice countryside.

[paisleyleaf]

Shropshire's nice
I've stayed at B&Bs there and camped, so can't recommend good hotels.

[Lilymaid]

What about the Peak District ... you could then fit in a trip to Alton Towers (or not as you prefer).

[serinBrightside]

Rookery Hall in Nantwich is great and is close (ish) to Chester and the zoo.

As is Nunsmere Hall hotel and lovely walks around Delamere forest close by.