Stops on the M6

[SFRSmum]

We travel up and down the M6 regularly when going on holiday, usually starting at Carlisle all the way down to Birmingham.

Just wondering if anyone has any hidden gems to stop at just off the motorway. (Happy to travel a few miles off route)

Looking for as cheap as possible, ideally free, large parks, estates, visitor centres ect

We've stopped at Brockholes before and Williamson Park in Lancaster.

Anybody got any others?

Well there was always meant to be an exit into the uni land but they never let it/made it happen

Like when they closed the J32-33 stretch for a weekend but didn't tell 95% of the northbound residents and wondered where there was a 10+ hour delay. They seem to be oblivious that it's not the quiet motorway it once was.

Rivington Pike is miles away from the M6 🤔

Thank you all for your suggestions, plenty to try out here!

For the poster who asked why we want to stop, our journey isn't just that section of the m6, we actually live 3 hours away from the motorway, its just whenever we seem to go anywhere we end up on that stretch.

We like to stop for a few hours and explore somewhere new, to break up the journey usually to or from a holiday destination, not as a necessary we HAVE to stop, more of a get out and discover a bit more of our country. I said close to the motorway as I don't want 2 hr detour off the main leg of the journey to go somewhere and as the replies show, there are plenty of places to go en route.

If you are with kids - Worden Park in Leyland is good! And not far off the M6 www.southribble.gov.uk/wordenpark

Also recommend Haigh Hall - huge play area even if the house is closed off.

Trentham Gardens is meant to be nice too!