Nice stop-offs between Manchester & Cornwall

[reikizen]

Anyone have any suggestions for places to stop between Manchester and Cornwall with a 3 year old and a 6 year old? I am aware of the existance of service stations but wondered if anyone had happened on a nice pub with a playground etc?

Bitter experience has taught us to travel overnight and not stop at all!

Tewkesbury is nice, you can get to the town without too much deviation from the motorway. nice pubs and cafes and a big park or space to run around iirc.

oh or a walk along the river we've done before with the kids.

It's not very glamorous but the main service stations at Exeter on the M4 (I think) have a M&S and some space to stretch your legs. There's a large grassy verge and I saw kids and dogs having a run around last week.

once in devon there is the turtley corn mill a few miles before plymouth. it's not terribly family friendly and a bit pricy but does have a garden, outdoor games and a pond with ducks. so if weather's nice it's good.

a cheaper option is the south devon tennis centre just off the motorway at ivybridge, the tennis club does unfancy food, childrens menu and there is a park and playing field outside.

The Swan at Whittington, Worcester is a nice pub. Less than 5 minutes off J7 of the M5. Good food, nice little play area for the dc's

Gloucester Docks could be fun as well...

Have you recovered from your saddle sores ??

not really, been out twice already this week. my new women's group ride is tomorrow morning.

tsm, i don't have CAT anymore, can you contact me via it if i'm not signed up to it anymore?

I haven't got it either ! I'm on the mumsnet group on FB (Last page of what's your username on discussions) www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2468355711&v=app_2373072738

found you!

Sorry for hijack OP

Another good one to consider is Worcester Woods Country Park. Its between J6 and J7 of the M5. If you came off at J6 it would be about 5-10 mins and then another 5-10 mins to get back on at J7 iyswim ?

Its a lovely big park, good play area, fields and woods to run around in and a great cafe which does lovely food and has an indoor play area is the weather is rubbish.