Stopping between Scotland and ED

[KatsuQueen]

Hi, we have been invited to a wedding in Scotland (near Dumfries) and can't face the drive in one go with 2.5 year old MiniKatsu.

On the way up we are stopping for one night in Blackpool, but I am a bit stuck for ideas on where to stop on the way back. Ideally we would split the journey in two, proably drive 3-4 hours in the morning, and so have the afternoon/early evening to mooch around where we stopped. I thought of Blackpool for the way up because I thought it might be fun, at least we can "ooh-aah" at the roller coaster if nothing else....

Some one suggested the Peak district, but where? Any suggestions gratefully received!

[nunheadmum]

We'll be doing this in the summer too - with a 3 & 5 year old. Used to just motor up but won't get away with that now! Any good stopping places appreciated.

Hadn't thought of Blackpool!!

[Belle]

Hi Katsuqueen! hope you and little one are well.

We did this drive in May - similar length though to the SE rather than SW of Scotland. We actually bit the bullet in the end and did both ways in a oner. I felt that way it was just one day out of the week, but it was different for us as we were going to see my mum so basically didn't want to delay on way there. Places you could think about stopping for both short/overnight stays: Yorkshire, the Lakes? Which way are you coming back? (We went via the m6 both ways).

Things we found helpful (might still apply even if doing in two legs): portable DVD player and special holder, so it was strapped between our two headrests. Was at the peak of my son's Toy Story obsession and he basically watched it on loop. It worked. It meant with that plus a nap, apart from one tantrum he was basically happy. And that was 10 hrs (we hit several bad traffic problems)! he's a hyper little boy so we thought one meltdown was not a bad result. mini breadsticks and berries (for handing back to him at judiciously timed moments). Two proper stops so he could go a bit mental in a service station/have something to eat etc. Tebay services in Westmorland are absolutely brilliant (both sides of M6) - think the S bound one even has a kids play area, though we were only there for lunch so didn't stop to investigate. We also used music (nursery rhyme CDs etc) when we wanted to encourage a nap/chilling out between Toy Story marathons. What I did find surprising was that when,d ue to traffic, we ended up travelling through his bedtime and on until 11pm on the way up, he didn't go to sleep at all - was wide awake when we arrived at my mum's. Was fine just v wide eyed . Wonder if that was because we hadn't bothered stopping to change him into PJs etc.

anyway good luck - we have the WoRST traveller in the world and totally survived, so take heart! The nice thing is not having to deal with the looks (real or imagined) of other travellers if they do have a meltdown, unlike the train/plane.

[Alec John Moore]

Hi

We've stayed in this place en route to Ayrshire:

http://primrosecottagecumbria.co.uk/

It's been a few years but the woman who runs it is lovely and really likes children. The accommodation was fine and views are great. Very handy for the M6 but perhaps a bit far north.

Alec

[ad2000]

http://www.westmorland.com/about-us

... not quite a long stopover, but I drive up to Scotland fairly regularly and this is by far the best service station, especially the southbound side. Lots of families stop there and there is a hotel - seeing the message above reminded me as it too is in Tebay....

[Belle]

yup, that's the one I mean - good farmshop! and properly nice food in the restaurant - so unexpected in a service station!

[Dodo1]

Would also recommend doing trip either way in 1 go. Leave early (5 ish) and you'll be in Scotland early pm- saving hotel costs.

[Smiler]

We've also done it in one go, with long-ish stops for lunch/play. We also try to drive at night.

Clumber park near Nottingham is v nice, great playground, facilities, various eating options and accommodation.

[KatsuQueen]

Thanks everyone.

Belle - we are very well, thanks. I know what you mean about wasting another day travelling, but it could easily be a 10 hours journey (with traffic etc) and I'd be going mad, let alone Mini Katsu. Thanks for the tips, and esp about Westmorland services, will bear that in mind.

Smiler, Dodo1 - yikes 5am! We are really crap at leaving the house, with all the best preparations it always takes us at least 2 hours to get out the door from getting up. So we'd have to get up 3am. The other thing is that we are not really a "driving" family and not sure we could cope with the long drive. I know what you mean about the hotel rooms though, I am gnashing my teeth thinking about the expense.

(We did think about flying but that has its own problems!)

[Tufty]

Tebay services in Westmorland are amazing - I think this might possibly be the nicest service station in Britain.

We drive to the Dumfries area every year with two young children. Our two are not great at long journeys so we prefer to split the journey with an overnight stop. We sometimes camp in the Lakes, sometimes we stay in a cheap hotel, or stay over night with friends. This year we are stopping off at Thomas Land (not my idea!).

Good luck - Galloway is well worth the long drive. It's beautiful!

[Dodo1]

It's not so bad.... especially if it's a nice day with the sun rising. Stop for breakfast at B'ham. Lunch at Cumbria and then hot foot it all the rest of the way. Assuming no delays on the M6 you'll get to Stirling by 2pm. Your kinds will probably sleep the 1st part of the journey. Load up the night before.

[Belle]

Oh yes was going to suggest thomas land - we know someone who just took their 2.5 yr old and he loved it (nr Birmingham I think?)

[helena handbasket]

Thomasland is actually pretty fabulous if you have a little boy. We took our son for his third birthday and he was absolutely beside himself. Worth it just to see them so excited. Loads to do there too.

It's slightly north (I think?) of Birmingham.

[KatsuQueen]

Thanks guys! Thomasland sounds fab, this is why I love the forum. Now to look for some cheap hotels round there!

[helena handbasket]

Tamworth is the nearest town and there are quite a few reasonable hotels there.

Can't recommend the Globe Inn though. Our room was over the function room during a karaoke wedding. And that was the good part.