journey break on the A1(M)

[fatsatsuma]

Kids and dog and I are driving up the A1(M) from south Midlands to Northumberland, and need somewhere to break the journey for a picnic and leg stretch. Aware that we are driving through some fantastic countryside but don't want to add hours to the journey!

Can anyone recommend somewhere within 20 mins drive of the A1(M) in the stretch between, say Doncaster and Richmond? Don't need lots of facilities, just somewhere lovely to eat a picnic and run around. Thinking possibly Fountains Abbey but maybe somewhere a bit south of that?

Have a look at Lotherton Hall. It's not far from the A1. Cheap with good play areas. Dogs are allowed but not in the bird garden or under 12s playground

Thanks, that's a good location!

Cusworth Park is about 5 minutes from J37, just north of Doncaster. There is a tea room, toilets, playground and lots of space to run around. I think you pay for parking. You used to be able to go into the house which is a museum but I don't think it's reopened since covid.

Thank you Loughrigg

Clumber Park? May be a bit too far south.
This site has some good places:
www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2020/08/places-to-stop-off-driving-from-newcastle.html?m=1

Lotherton has cool stuff for older kids too, which are in an open area and dogs are allowed.
Also has a nice cafe and the toilets are ok.
We used to have an annual pass

Bogey that's a brilliant webpage! Loads of ideas.