Ideas for a cheap family stop-off between Leicester and Oxford

[Yummymummy456]

Hi. We are travelling Scotland to Southampton soon and we are looking for a stop off between Leicester/Oxford area, for the kids to stretch their legs. We usually just stop at services but thought we’d look for somewhere more exciting! Preferably somewhere free/cheap, like a huge play park, forest etc, bonus points if it has a cafe for dinner! Many thanks!

Burton dasset hills and the lost pug at north end if you want something to eat

its just of the M40 get of at Gaydon junction 12

Brixworth Country Park near Northampton could work well for this. It has a big reservoir, plenty of space for the children to run around, walking paths and a play area, and there is usually a café too. It is much nicer than stopping at services and should not take you too far off the route, although I would check the café opening hours before setting off.

Sandwell Valley park is a nice walk and only a few minutes off the motorway at West Bromwich.

Are you National Trust members? We always plan long journeys via a NT property. Guaranteed clean loos, cafe and lots of running around space.