Where to break our journey between London Wales and Scotland?

[Fridayschild]

The DSs and I are going from London to Snowdonia for a couple of days, then up to Dunblane and back to London. We have a night at Tebay services hotel between Snowdonia and Dunblane.

Any recommendations for nice places to stop for an hour or so, not too far from the M6? Boys are 10 and 8.

Brockholes is a nature reserve with loads of children's activites going on. Some indoor things if the weather is bad. It's free to get in and has a great cafe too
It's right next to Junction 31 of the M6 at Samlesbury, Preston, PR5 0AG. Can't get closer than that!!!

That looks great, thanks very much.

If you are a National Trust/English Heritage member, you should be spoilt for choice.