west London to south Devon on a Friday to Friday rental

[sacbina]

2 dcs, aged 2 and 3.10, cannot seem to last more than 2 hours before we have to stop for at least 30 mins, thus adding another 1.5 to 2 hours to any journey. going back to same place in south Devon for first time and want to avoid it taking 7 blinkin hours!

had an idea we could stop somewhere on Thursday night but where off the m4? won't be able to pick dh up from work until 6 and will leave via a40,
have suggested the idea of early rising to dh but he did this face

we can't check in until 3 but are staying practically on the beach so can happily while away a few hours, rain or shine would also be nice not to have to rush around like a blue address arsed fly!

any wise ideas my lovely MNers?

Can DH get a train part of the way - then you can pick him up from a station further down the line?

We have found Basingstoke or Winchester good places. The you can park up at the station and play the 'wait for Daddy' game - but that would be if you're doing the A303.

I'd suggest Reading for the M4.

Aztec Hotel at Bristol near M4/M5 junction. Family rooms, swimming pool and sauna etc, great breakfasts, 5 mins from Cribbs Causeway for selection of family friendly restaurants (think TGI etc) if hotel restaurant too grown up. We often break our journey there.

brilliant suggestions, thank you