Stop off between London and Hull (A1)

[Croissantsandpistachio]

Driving from SE London to Hull tomorrow, up the A1 (usually works out quicker). I'm driving the whole way so would like a decent stop off somewhere to have a runabout with the DCs, ideally about halfway (so sort of between Cambridge and Grantham). We usually get the train so not that familiar with the drive.

Any suggestions? Bonus points for excellent coffee.

If you’re members of the National Trust this place is about 10-15 mins off the A1. We’ve stopped a few times although not recently but remember it was good when DS was a toddler/pre-schooler

signposted from A1 (brown signs)
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/belton-house

Oh we're not NT members which is a shame as that looks great but a bit expensive for a short stopoff!

Driven that route far too many times. For service stations... avoid Stansted. Cambridge OK. Peterborough has a new play park which is quite good.

Rutland water isn't too far off route but probably more of a sumner stop off.

Clumber park , also NT but stick to the main Limetree Ave, don’t turn left for the visitor facilities and park for free where everyone else does on Limetree. Fine for a run around. If you pick the right spot it’s a ten min walk max to the visitor facilities.

I’d do Rutland Water if the weather is nice. They can really let off some steam there.

Stamford? ..... park in the Cattlemarket carpark then walk across the meadows onto town (literally 5 mins). Plenty of space for kids to run around on the meadows .... ducks, sometimes swans and geese, to feed. Loads of coffee shops, good bakeries (Cornish bakery in High Street for example).

Stamford or Rutland Water. 👍

Another vote for Stamford. It's a lovely town

Ferry Meadows or Sacrewell are good & just off the A1.

Burghley Estate is open for walking (think it's free entry for the grounds). Lots of space for DC to run around. 🙂

Stamford is lovely with plenty of nice places for coffee.

Stamford is nice, but the services at Peterborough were OK last time I stopped.

J12, Grantchester. There is a pretty cafe in an orchard, not far from the river. Gorgeous in summer, clean and outdoor space at least in winter: https://www.theorchardteagarden.co.uk

I can't remember if there is a play area.

Off the M11, not the A1 - sorry, don't drive on the motorway often.

Wow a lot of Stamford love. Thanks everyone, have added these options to Google maps and will decide based on progress.

(In case anyone else is looking, it looks like pretty much everything in Burghley, including the toilets, is closed over xmas/NY and the playground closed until March 2024. But otherwise looks fab next time!).

DP has also just reminded me of that run of American diners in Lincs as well so will try and get some pancakes...

The ok diners are fab. Milkshakes are amazing

Yes, we love OK Diners, sadly we don’t live far enough away to use them as pit stops when traveling north.