Where's a good place for a afternoon out just off the M1?

[Titsywoo]

We're going to visit FIL in Wakefield this half term and will be driving back to London on a Sunday which happens to be my birthday. I'd like to stop somewhere for a few hours on the way back to do something and have a bite to eat but have no idea what there is! Kids are 12 and 15 so slightly tricky ages to keep happy. I looked at the Space Centre but not sure if it's best for younger kids? If we can't find an attraction to visit then really good shopping will suffice!

Any suggestions very welcome!

Could Conkers be an option...

www.visitconkers.com/

What do your kids enjoy? Milton Keynes has a bit of everything - Bletchley Park is amazing, Great big shopping centre, Top Jump inflatable park, Willen Lake with Wakeboarding and Aerial Course if the weather is good, Xscape with indoor ski slope (skiing, snowboarding or sledging) and indoor skidiving. Also a couple of VR/Computer games places (Vertigo VR and Rush VR), Locked in a room.....etc etc

Conkers and the Space Centre might be a bit young for them. I'd look at Xscape.

Oh actually Leicester city centre might be a good bet too. Adventure golf/shopping/lots of nice places to eat etc.

I expect that the Yorkshire Sculpture Park will be too far north to visit on the trip back? Although if you want a day out with FIL that's a nice place to go.

Depending on where around Wakefield you are starting from and where in London you are aiming for, the A1 can be just as quick, if not quicker than the M1 and would open up Rutland Water as an option if the weather is favourable. I'm sure there will be a nice pub in the area to eat at.

Hardwick Hall is a NT property less than 1 mile from junction 29. Follow the exit on to the A617 (to Mansfield), at the lights turn right onto Rowthorne Lane (signposted to Ault Hucknall), then follow the brown signs. It’s got sculpture trails in the parkland and beautiful gardens to wander around. In the school holidays there are family games on the lawns. There’s den building and plenty of space for football and frisbee in the Stableyard. If it’s wet, the house has history quizzes and portrait drawing.

Woburn Safari Park is 6 miles from junction 13.

Rother Valley country park is just over 2 miles from junction 31. It’s a watersports hub with five lakes, so it’s quite fun to watch the jetskiers pose, windsurfers topple and the model boats. You can hire a pedal boat, rowing boat or canoe. There is also a large adventure playground and miniature ride-on train. You can eat at The Stables cafe. It’s free, but car parking is £3.50.

Attenborough Nature Reserve is about 5 miles from junction 25. There is so much going on for children and families so its worth checking the website to see if your visit will coincide with one of the many activities. Otherwise, enjoy the beautiful scenery, check out the visitor centre information and displays and grab a coffee and bite to eat at the cafe. Parking is a suggested donation of £3.

Why M1 not A1? More options on A1?