Somewhere fun, cheap / free, and not far off the motorway between London and Leeds

[breakmeoffapieceofthat]

Travelling up tomorrow afternoon from south London to the Leeds area, trying to find somewhere to break the journey for the kids (4, 8) to run around and let off steam. We're not precious about exactly where we stop - anywhere north of the M25 and an hour south of Leeds will be fine. Weather looks good so happy to be outside. Bonus points for a decent coffee. Anyone have any gems they're willing to share?

Yorkshire sculpture park?

Agree with @ruthieness Yorkshire Sculpture Park is great. Lots of outdoor space to let off steam.

Highly recommend Cannon Hall Farm too.

Wentworth Castle also good. My personal choice would be Cannon Hall in terms of variety… And decent coffee!

Depends what you like but in the past we've stopped at Attenborough Nature Reserve (parking the only cost I recall), Yorkshire Sculpture Park (kids free), Wollaton Hall (parking cost, free natural history museum), Highfields Park (Nottingham). We do a lot of stopping at National Trust places on journeys but that's only free if you're already a member!

Thank you for these! Apologies, my OP could have been clearer!

I'm looking for suggestions that are between the M25 and the point of the journey that is an hour south of Leeds. I don't know the area so please correct me, but I think that means I'm looking for things south of Sheffield(ish)?

Belton House has a wonderful adventure playground for that age.

I think the Sculpture park is dreadful!

How about the parkland outside Chatsworth? There’s a café in their old stables, which would have your coffee. It’s about 15 mins off the M1. And gorgeous. Although it might be busy as I think they have Xmas markets on.

Beacon Hill Country Park near Loughborough is good and quite near the motorway, high up with great views, and toilet and cafe.

Space Centre in Leicester. Bolsover Castle. Sculpture Park and Canon Hall both fab but only 20 mins from Leeds.

Another vote for Belton House if you have Natiobal Trust membership. Clumber Park is also good. Burghley House, which might be too far south for you, is also a good stop off and you can access the parkland for free for a run about - the Orangery cafe is good for lunch/coffee.