Breaking journey - Midlands to Folkestone

[rollonoctober]

We're travelling down to Folkestone from the midlands on Thursday this week and staying in a hotel ready for an early eurotunnel departure Friday morning.

Google maps is saying the journey will be about 4 hours and we have all day so no need to rush. My thinking was to drive for a couple of hours, then stop somewhere for lunch and for the kids to have a run around for a couple of hours, then back into the car to complete the journey. But I'm
not sure where to break the journey! Looking at the map, half way looks to be around London, but obviously don't want to go into the city or get too caught up in London traffic.

Does anyone have any ideas? We're national trust members so I was half hoping there might be a NT property in the right kind of area that would fit the bill, but would be happy with any kind of big park or child friendly place.

Not used the eurotunnel before either, so if anyone wants to share any tips for that then any hints gratefully received!

Hatfield House and Gardens is an attractive stately home with large beautiful gardens to explore. There's a farm park as well with tractor rides and animals to pet and feed. Lots of space to run about and a play area with sand pits, tractor tyres, wooden tractor, treehouse and obstacle course. There's a miniature train which gives rides around the estate. www.hatfield-house.co.uk
It's 7 miles North of the M25 motorway (junction 23) and 2 miles East of the A1(M) (junction 4). Exit the A1(M) at junction 4 (after the Hatfield Tunnel if travelling from the South) and follow the brown leisure signs for Hatfield House.