Winter mini-break with 4yo ideas please?

[whatstrue]

I know we've left this really late, but, notwithstanding availability, does anyone have any nice ideas for a few nights away over New Year for me, my DH and our DC aged 4? We can drive and we live in London so a 4hr journey from there tops I think.

DH likes the idea of Centre Parcs which still has some spaces, but the price is a lot for what you get (crappy accommodation, horrible unhealthy food and eye-wateringly expensive activities).

I'm happy to pay those prices but would prefer better value for money.

Any ideas for either locations / areas with lots to see and do (where we could try to find a holiday let) or actual places to stay?

My DC loves swimming and we love nature, but would also like cosy accommodation considering time of year. NYE is not on our radar so that's not a factor.

See if 'Another Place' on the edge of Ullswater has any spaces over the festive period, possibly not NYE itself. It's pricey, probably no different to Centre Parcs but the accomodation will be better, although it's probably pushing the boundaries of your max driving time but I only ever hear good things about it. Maybe there is something similar in the Peak district.

Ooh yes I've seen Another Place and it looks amazing. But yes it's too far - it takes about 7 hours which is too much for a short break.

In 5 hours you could drive to toddler (and adults) dream world efteling.
Spend your money there you can't go wrong, superb place, quality accmd and just utterly gorgeous. Get euro star train for cars or ferry to Dunkirk.
Stop at bruges for lunch or the night.