We’ve booked a cottage in North Northumberland for next week and looking for somewhere to stop off for a night en route from Devon.

Anyone got any decent recommendations for a small hotel or pub, – decent grub and beer – child and dog friendly with somewhere to have a nice stroll nearby?

Halfway point would be around Nottingham via A1M but we’d be happy to push on for a bit further – was thinking maybe Peaks or North York Moors.

Any advice gratefully received. Ta.

Taking surfing kit so no room for bikes on this trip unfortunately 🙁

Ripon Harrogate area, not to far from A1. Should be able to find somewhere where you can park the car where your not worried about leaving the boards etc. Masham is really nice and so is the black sheep brewery!

Nottingham via A1M or via M1? The first puts you close to Grantham/Newark area, maybe Lincoln. The latter puts you more Derbyshire way, though the Peaks are a bit off the motorway tbh.

450-500 miles?
I’d rather do it in a day, have a decent break at 1pm ish, dinner, walk etc, and you only have another 3 hours or less to go?

Or, if a definite overnighter, do around 250-300 miles, leaving 150 for the next day.
So roughly Notts to Yorkshire.
Wakefield area would suit me, if a nice day, then the Yorkshire Sculpture Park would be a good break for 2 hours, they have a decent cafe too.
If overnighting, then the Hepworth in town is worth a visit.
Cant comment on places to stay, as have never stayed in the area (too close), but there are loads of B+B in the area.

Thanks all. We may try to do it in one go but not ideal with 5 year old and puppy in car. Ripon and Masham both good shouts. Was also looking at a place near Matlock. Off to have a Google…

Stamford is rather nice. Haycock or the George. Just off the A1.

I can’t help but think that if you’re on the A1 anywhere south of the M18, you’re doing it wrong. A38 or M42/A42 depending on which way round Brum you fancy, and a stopover somewhere between M62 and Thirsk.