Stop-over/detour between Manchester and Cambridge

[R00tat00tt00t]

We will be travelling from Manchester to Cambridge this week and wondered if anyone has any suggestions for pleasant places to stop for lunch and a little explore along the way e.g. pretty villages/small towns or National Trust properties/gardens not too far from our route, roughly midway. We'll likely take the M6 and A14 but could take M1 or A1 if better.

There are quite a few National Trust places along the A1. We've used Clumber Park and Woolsthorpe Manor in the past when we had DC who needed to run about.

Belton House? (National Trust)

Foxton Locks

Clumber Park.

Belton house, it has a very good adventure playground, there is also a garden centre over the road that has a nice cafe, playground and icecream parlour.

Thanks everyone, have looked those up and think Belton is a good call this time. Will let you know if we find anywhere else worth adding.

Hardwick hall has a nice cafe and space to explore. Closer to the m1 than clumber so you’re going less out of your way.

Shugborough would fit the bill