Sussex to Norfolk stop-off points (M25 > M11 > A11)

[TheWittySquid]

We’re off on holiday next week and travelling with two little ones from Sussex to Norfolk so looking for a couple of places not too far off the main roads to break up our journey. Anyone familiar with the route and can make any recommendations please?

We’re not National Trust members, and don’t mind paying to visit somewhere if it’s worth staying for a few hours, otherwise just somehwere to stretch our legs and go for a wee would be great!

Thank you.

Birchanger services at Bishop Storford for a wee/ something to eat.

High Lodge/ Elveden Forest (which is basically in Norfolk, right on the Suffolk border so could still be an hour/ hour and a half or so away from where you’re staying if you’re staying in North Norfolk for instance. It’s beautiful with plenty to do, nature trails, bike trails, play areas, gorgeous walks through the sandy forest and a lovely big restaurant/ cafe.

Weald Park (CM14 5QS) is lovely for a stop off and wander. Toilets, cafe, park. Pay for car park but not expensive.

Thank you. I’ll look into these recommendations.

Audley End house near Saffron Walden?

Duxford Imperial War museum is wonderful, but there's so much to see you could spend all day there! Its a bit further north on the M11.

Anglesey Abbey at Lode is really nice too.

Or you could get off the M11 at Barton, and go to Grantchester to spend some time by the river. The Orchard tea rooms are a lovely setting, or maybe lunch at the Blue Ball pub.

La Hogue farm shop & cafe on the A11 before Red Lodge is a nice non-services pit stop.

I second High Lodge if you want a longer break.

Just thought of another - if you get off the M11 at Barton, you could go to Burwash Manor - lots of independent shops and a cafe in converted farm buildings.

Great, thanks all. We can stop somewhere different on the way there and back, and might even get to see both the Gruffalo and the Stick Man!

If you've got children with you, there's Mountfitchet castle near Stansted too. That's great fun.

Assuming coming via Dartford crossing, if you’re looking for a stopping south of the river then Lullingstone Country Park is nice.

We like to break our journey from Wesf Sussex to North Norfolk at Ely. We go to Peacocks Tea rooms. Plenty to do in terms of walking round in the Carhedral grounds and down by the river. We go there with our daughter, son in law and two year old granddaughter.

Just be aware that there are very bad delays all along the A11 at the moment due to a knock on effect of roadworks on the A47. I have done this route 3 times in the last week (live in Norfolk and travelling to Norfolk and Norwich hospital) and you may wish to try and avoid the A11 if you can.