Long ago I had a moderate liking for service stations but post-child this has congealed into loathing. I drive with ds as little as possible, but if i have to, I want to take a break regularly and let him run around and stretch his legs. The Moto stations' alleged 'kids' area drives me mad - gives children a break from being confined sitting in a small space by - confining them in a small space and giving them 2 sitting activities to do. Now we are short of cash too, so the horrible charges are out in favour of picnics and a thermos.
Are there any good service stations? I know some do have outdoor playgrounds - which ones? And if you have any good ideas for alternative stops, post them here!
M25 Junction 10 - Painshill Park. Ideal for under 5s. 5 mins drive from junction, take A3 towards London and follow signs. 10am to 6pm daily access to large free car park and plenty of space to run around or picnic, with river, bridge, walled garden. Also shop, cafe and toilets plus 18th c landscaped gardens, but I think you have to pay for access to all these.
M25 Junction 5 - King's Head Bessels Green and the Bessels Green itself. For slightly older children as the village green is open to roads on three sides, but there's plenty of room for a picnic and a runaround. Take A21 towards Sevenoaks and Reading, and the pub and village green come up very quickly on your right. Don't know what the food is like in the King's Head though, sorry.