Breaking the journey between London & Yorkshire Dales

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Somewhere to stop for an hour or two? Yorkshire Sculpture Park looks a good option (3.5 hours into our 5 hour drive) and just off the M1 so not too much of a detour.

Expensive parking though. Any other options? We have NT membership if that helps.

Thanks!

Hardwick Hall is a NT property less than 1 mile from junction 29. Follow the exit on to the A617 (to Mansfield), at the lights turn right onto Rowthorne Lane (signposted to Ault Hucknall), then follow the brown signs. It’s got sculpture trails in the parkland and beautiful gardens to wander around. In the school holidays there are family games on the lawns. There’s den building and plenty of space for football and frisbee in the Stableyard. If it’s wet, the house provides dressing up, history quizzes and portrait drawing. The Great Barn restaurant offers a kid’s menu too.

Rother Valley country park is just over 2 miles from junction 31. As it’s a nature reserve there are masses of birds and wild rabbits to spot. It’s also a watersports hub with five lakes, so it’s quite fun to watch the jetskiers pose, windsurfers topple and the model boats. You can hire a pedal boat, rowing boat or canoe. There is also a large adventure playground and miniature ride-on train. You can bring your own barbecue or try The Stables cafe, which has a kids’ menu. It’s free, but car parking is £3.50.

Attenborough Nature Reserve is about 5 miles from junction 25. There is so much going on for children and families so its worth checking the website to see if your visit will coincide with one of the many activities. Otherwise, enjoy the beautiful scenery, check out the visitor centre information and displays and grab a coffee and bite to eat at the cafe. Parking is a suggested donation of £3.