Travelling from Bournemouth to Warrington and want to break up the journey somewhere after Birmingham - where to visit?

[Hangingbellyofbabylon]

thread title says it all really! we're doing the journey with two very restless dd's - 4 and 2 and we've decided to try and get to at least Birmingham or beyond before stopping for a proper stop somewhere - zoo? wildlife type place? farm park? I guess we wouldn't want to go too far off the motorway but are looking for somewhere nice for a good couple of hours. Any ideas?

Alton Towers

Maybe a bit young and pricey for the amout of time you would spend there.

Trentham Gardens Near Stoke
maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

If you are coming via M40 then
Warwick Castle
www.warwick-castle.co.uk/default.asp

There is Stockley Farm next to Arley House
If you are going after 29th March

but that might be more for when you get to Warrington

How about Drayton Manor? Has a zoo and there is a Thomas Land opening this week.

West Midlands safari park or Cadburys world.

RAF Cosford near Telford is Fab, Fab, Fab.
Free, tons of aircraft on display, lots of interactive stuff, cafe with picnic area and best of all lots of weird landscaping involving lawned hills that the kids love running up and down.
2 yrs might be a bit young? but you will probably love it.

Hoo Farm, can't set up a link for you but it's okay for little children.

Iron bridge?

cadbury World?