Where to stop M5 Liverpool-Devon

[Greentomatoes21]

We are travelling by car from the docks in Liverpool to Exeter with two kids aged 9 and 4. Looking for recommendations for a good brunch spot/space to run around or spend a couple of hours - probably somewhere around Cheltenham. We don't want it to take us too far from the motorway and so add to our overall travel time, but equally want somewhere we can spend a bit of time so not services. (We will stop at services in addition to this main stop). We have Nat Trust membership if that might help!

Croome? NT, about 15 minutes off J7 of the M5.

Will check it out, thanks! We are travelling from N.I. so don't really know of anywhere!

If its just a quick stop, Gloucester services is lovely, it has a small soft play, a lovely pond to walk around, farm shop and fresh food. We often stop there.

Whatever you do, don't stop at Bridgewater services as it's dire.

I've found some lovely places using this website. Basically aimed at people who want to stop somewhere nice that's not a service station

https://venues.theextramile.guide/

Gloucester services is great and has a nice area outside and good food.

There's a PYO just off junction 11a which might suit. https://primrosevale.com/

Gloucester services are excellent , agreed.

A little further on , Junction 19 ( Gordano Services, which are unfortunately not excellent ) will get you to either Tyntesfield House and gardens (NT, highly recommended ) or Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm within 15 minutes .
Noah’s Ark may work out rather expensive for a short visit, suggest a longer stop on the way home ?

It’s not really a runaround option but just in case it’s useful, we’ve stopped at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol before, which is a shopping centre with a wide range of eateries, plus it’s super easy to get on and off the M5.

tynetesfield is under 10 mins from junction 19. There’s also cribbs causeway at junction 17 which has everything from bowling, mall, 2 McDonald’s branches, ninja warrior place (apparently good) proper restaurants etc etc - if weather is poor it’s a useful stopping off point.

Not a massive stop over. But the Gloucester service stop is amazing. It has a play area, outdoor pond, farm foods and healthy meals. We always stop there.

Bromsgrove junction 4 there are some great pubs. The Wildmoor Oak is 2 mins off the motorway lovely gastro pub. Or further down The Bell at "Bell End" (yes really) there's also a Miller & Carter ont eh A38 into Bromsgrove and an Ego pub.

Another vote for Gloucester Services!

I recommend Tyntesfield or Gloucester services.As a pp mentioned, Bridgwater services are to be avoided!

Definitely Gloucester services! Wonderful food and a nice outside space.

My daughter does that journey frequently. Her services of choice are Gloucester usually, but she also stops at Stafford sometimes - and last time she stopped at Michaelwood. I think it's going to be not so much choosing where you would like to stop as where you NEED to stop! Toilet stops, food etc.

When we go up to Liverpool we usually choose to use the M6 toll road around Birmingham. It's a longer but much less stressful journey, and doesn't take any more time usually as there is less traffic.

Gloucester services for sure!

Gloucester Services is nice but really just a farm shop and is very expensive. I actually prefer Michael Wood and it's quieter.

Also, Cheltenham isn't far off the motorway and you could go to Pittville Park and there's a cafe.

I'd also suggest stopping twice - maybe at Stafford as well as a pp said. Also second the toll road, definitely worth it.

Hanbury Hall is also a NT just off the motorway near Droitwich (<10mins).

Woodchester is a NT place, no house/property as such (that’s Historic Houses) but plenty of running around space and a lovely cafe which does excellent looking pizzas. A little further off the motorway around Gloucestershire (around 20 mins), but a lovely spot.

Gloucester Services can also be incredibly busy - it’s not particularly relaxing when it is!

Bell End is also pleasingly close to Lickey End.

Webbs at Wychbold is a nice garden centre that can be a pleasant stop. Woodland walk, a restaurant or food to take away, ice creams. About 5 mins from J5.

It’s compulsory to stop at Gloucester services if you’re going to Cornwall or Devon.

We have stopped at Portishead marina near Bristol. Has several places to eat and you can also visit the nearby nature reserve. It’s around 10 mins off M5 south of Bristol and rarely overrun.

Tyntesfield is NT and has gardens, parkland and a cafe. House is huge. Can get busy though but definitely worth a stop if you have time. Close to Bristol.

Junction 17 (Cribbs Causeway, Bristol). The Wild Place (zoo) is there,the others side of the junction is Asda and Morrisons (both have petrol stations and are usually the cheapest in the area). There is a small playground around the back of the Mall.

Worcester woods country park - 2 mins from M5 J7, nice walks, playground and cafe (Orchard Cafe)