Any ideas of fun things to break an A1 journey, probably in Yorkshire

[Hottytotty]

Just that really - I’m driving up to the Borders with my 10 yo DS later this week, and we want to break the journey somewhere near the A1, for about an hour or so. Any ideas?!

Slightly north of Doncaster is a complex with bowling alley and swimming pool etc - might be nice?

I always plan on stopping somewhere for a proper visit when doing long drives, but once we get on the road we all just want to get from A - B asap so stops are for wees/food and at the most a quick walk along a riverbank then back on it.

Forbidden corner isn't far from Scotch Corner though you'd need more than an hour!

https://www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk/

Yes, you’re right that we might change our minds once actually on the road - it’s probably me that will need the break more than him!

That looks amazing! Weird but amazing
I’ll show him tomorrow…

I second The Forbidden Corner. There are some Roman excavations (Iron Age fort) near Scotch Corner area too. That could be an interesting thing to see out your window as you drive past

Much further South, is Elscar Museum in Barnsley area.

I think Thirsk is not too far off the A1 (10 miles?) So there's the James Herriot Museum.

Well as you’ll be in Gods own county, surely just breathing in the air and admiring the Yorkshire scenery should be enough 😂😂

Lotherton Hall. Just a few minutes from the A1 🙂

Xscape

Leeds - Roundhay Park is not too far from the A1.

Suppose it depends what you want to do. Just some fresh air and nice scenery?

Yorkshire Sculpture Park is off the M1 not long before it becomes A1M, is that a suitable location? It’s an amazing place.

It’s brilliant.

Lightwater Valley is a fun theme park just north of Ripon. V v close to A1

Or for something more calming, there's Richmond (castle tea rooms, etc) or the Nationa Trust property Fountains Abbey (about 20 mins from A1)

The OK Diner (there are about 3 on the A1 - in Lincolnshire though) does superb burgers! A great place for lunch.

Clumber Park, 2 mins off the a1 in Notts, just south of Yorkshire border.

Not sure if it's still tthe case but with Forbidden Corner you used to have to book in advance, and getting tickets could be difficult.

The Forbidden Corner is fab may take over an hour and usually need to book.

Are you taking bikes with you? To the left of the A1 at Doncaster is a nice river bike route, parking is easy and theres a pub too. Not sure of what its actually called.

Just to warn you the road works just north of Doncaster are particularly soul destroying you may need a break afterwards!

I second both the OK Diner, which would be fun for your son and the food is pretty good too.

If you're more of an outdoorsy family, Clumber Park (national trust) has great walking and biking plus a nice cafe.

I think you might mean Sprotborough Gorge and The Boat Inn.

The bridleway, the pub and the cottages there were flooded at the weekend. Pub may not be open for a while. Worth checking beforehand.

OMG Wentbridge Viaduct is worth rerouting to the M1 or M18 to avoid!!
Soul destroying indeed.

Where are you driving from/to op?

The borders is a massive area, as is Yorkshire. Not sure I'd fancy a 30 min drive off the A1 to head to some of these places just to break the journey, unless you're planning a full half day break? Richmond is lovely but can be a nightmare to park, bonkers busy and quite a trek from the A1.

For a quick leg-stretch very close to the A1, Wetherby is a good location, grab some lunch and eat by the river. Literally 5 mins off the A1.

The A1 gets wierd the further north you go, down to single carriageway - I'd be doing the longest leg whilst you still have motorway/dual carriageway.

Another warning... A1 in Nottinghamshire was closed due to flooding over last few days, and there has been new floid warnings in the area so check your route!

The Forbidden Corner is huge fun but a long drive off the A1 down windy roads, and an hour wouldn’t scratch the surface. Far better to do as a proper trip.