Driving north to south - any recommendations for good places to stop?

[Tatties]

It's a long drive south, and we've never done it before, so was wondering if anyone could recommend anywhere decent to stop for a break / food / run about / overnight stay along (or not far from) the M1?

this is a very handy site

whereabouts you going to tatties?

Ta MrsBadger. We are going to the south coast

Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire? It is immediately east of junctions 21, 22, 23 of M1.
Good for a run about. There are also some reasonable pubs, though I don't have up to date information. Bradgate Park is good for a picnic, runabout for children.

Thanks for that Lilymaid! Will check it out

Any more little gems?

Another wee bump - any more suggestions?

Where is about half way? You could do a lot worse than a Travelodge, their family rooms have a double bed and a double sofa bed and would be fine for a family for one night. And you can get them for £46 or less sometimes.

I agree with www! the travelodge is usually absolutely fine. Afterall, all you want to do is sleep and recouperate and they are usually next to a pub (well travel inns are) so you can eat aswell

Thanks WWW & GPG, that's kind of what I was thinking... I think half way will probably be a bit south of Birmimgham

If you go and put M1 into travelodge site it gives you a lost of all hotels and the junction numbers. Or you can search by map.

Hi, we do the Aberdeen to South West journey frequently. In the past we have stayed at a four star country house hotel called Redworth Hall Hotel in County Durham just off the A1. Part of the Paramount group.

It's lovely because it has a pool, very nice spacious rooms and children stay for free. Most of all, we seem to always be able to stay cheaply (they have loads of offers). The food was very good and we found it a very child friendly place. I always feel that after such a long drive it's so nice to really relax and unwind before the next leg!!

Stay in the Premium rooms if you can, they're nice, spacious and modern.

www.paramount-hotels.co.uk/hotels/northern-england/paramount-redworth-hall-hotel/

Another good place for a stop (rather than a stay) is to turn off at J29 (Chesterfield) and follow signs to Hardwick Hall. National Trust house with gardens/grounds, restaurant (with children's menu, baby changing and feeding facilities etc. The house is visible from the M1 so you don't have to go far off route.

Thanks again Lilymaid, think you have our trip sorted

TTT - we won't be passing Durham this time, but we often do that journey too so will bear that in mind, thanks