Stops on the M4 / M5?

[nunheadmum]

We'll be heading down the M4 / M5 to South Wales. Does anyone know of good stopping places which are virtually as convenient as a service station? I'd love to go more off the beaten track but hubby on a journey is a man with a mission. Although he also detests service stations - which makes for a rather fractious journey. (Kids are great - it's just us!)

Can be picnic area or nice pub etc. Just needs loos and a chance to stretch our legs. Kids are 6 & 8 so no need for baby facilities.

Thanks!

[BeccaL]

This is quite a good one (http://www.yeolderedlion.com/) - food not too badly priced (especially if your alternative is a service station!!) - I wouldn't say cheap, but OK. Plenty of choice - sandwiches, nibbly things, full meals as well.

Directions here (http://www.yeolderedlion.com/location/) but basically it's about 5 minutes off the M4 at Jn 13 and easy to find!

[Pamela78]

Spotted something in The Guardian recently which was all about family friendly stop offs along major motorways

M4 - http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/jul/05/motorway-breaks-m3-m4-family-holidays

M5 - http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/jun/28/motorways-family-breaks-the-m5

Can't vouch for any of them (except the brilliant Look Out off the M3), but some interesting looking ideas.

[????]

I wouldn't get on the M5 if you're heading to South wales unless you want to go somewhere else!

[????]

...but, The Stag at Ford in Wiltshire (near Combe Castle) used to be great (not to far off M4), picturesque and about half way

[Carrie]

If you are National Trust members Dyrham Park is only about a mile away from Junction 18 on the M4 (down the A46 towards Bath) which has a great picnic and play area and loads of room to run around and let off steam!

[oimissus]

having recently had a nightmare journey down the M4, I would personally suggest getting as many miles under your belt as you possibly can before stopping - I would try to slog on through to Bristol at least before stopping (and yes, don't go down the M5 unless you;re heading to Exeter!).

[nunheadmum]

Yes, getting mixed up between Wales and Devon

Thankfully hubby driving!

Thanks for all the suggestions. We're usually with you Oimissus, trying to get as far as possible before we stop. Got Disney blasting out so hoping to get a good few miles done. Fingers crossed!