Off to the western lakes tomorrow and want a stop off so the kids don’t smash the car up in contained frustration. a bit more than half way is around Preston so thinking a stop off somewhere near there that is very close to the m-way. Not a service station….somewhere where they can run about and we can get something nice to eat. any ideas? anywhere between Manchester and Lancaster would be a good shout.

Just off the M6 at Preston is Brockholes nature reserve, kind of a floating visitors centre. Not cheap but cheaper than Moto services 😆

Once you’re past Preston you’re almost at the Lakes. Press on for another 30 minutes and drop into Kendal or somewhere…

The junctions are a bit far apart there. 34 is already south Lancaster and from there it’s 30 minutes max to Kendal.

Scorton isn’t bad, there’s a big cafe there and a playground but it’s right between junctions so it means coming off at 33, up the A6 and then traipsing through country lanes for a bit. I’d rather just stay on the motorway and get there.

Brockholes is what you’re after. It’s right on the m6, junction 31, although the roundabout is a swine to navigate! Nice walk, playground, cafe, gift shop etc

Tebay services (North ) ..generally regarded as one of the best motorway services on any motorway ..

Brockholes….perfect. that will be just the trick.

off to the wild west of Cumbria so from Preston its still over 2 hours.

Just off the M6 at Preston is Brockholes nature reserve, kind of a floating visitors centre. Not cheap but cheaper than Moto services

Brockholes ticks all your boxes. Its a Lancashire Wildlife Trust reserve. Mrs Binners works for them, and thats where she’s lucky enough to spend her working days. You’ve got lovely walks, hides to watch the migrating birds – and there are a lot of kites etc – and the cafe is indeed lovely

Look out for the ducks while you’re eating. The devious little buggers have sussed out that if they approach the automatic doors en masse , they’ll open, allowing them to surround your table and quack at you until you feed them 🙂

ha ha, brilliant. the kids will love that. doing the usual long trip up there for xmas but wife will need a driving break and kids need exercising.

I’ve just been informed that Santa is in the cafe tomorrow, for an added festive feel

Merry Christmas and have a safe journey Rob 😀

Tebay services (North ) ..generally regarded as one of the best motorway services on any motorway ..

Surely the only answer? Named after that Lancashire online auction website.

Cheers Binners, even better. merry xmas to you too.

The only logical answer is Brockholes AND Tebay.

If you’ve got a bike with you, turn right out of Brockholes carpark onto the Preston Wheel and there’s a steep little climb that’s fun at this time of year..bit muddy though.

Tebay is the only service station in the UK I look forward to visiting, just for the food.

So both.

I’d say Brockholes on the way, Tebay on the way back

That way, as you’re on your way home, you’ll be able to stock up on sausages and growlers. Mmmmmmm…. growlers…..

😀

Appreciate you said no services, but these are no ordinary services