Long car journeys mean nothing to do
Why not stop somewhere nice and take in a view
The kids will feel happier and very refreshed
And everyone will get to stretch those legs too!
Mottisfont Abbey & Garden, Hampshire
Approx 15 minute drive leaving M27 Junction 3
Credit: National Trust
Killerton, Exeter, Devon
Approx 15 minute drive leaving M5 Junction 28
Credit: National Trust
With a massive 6,400 acres, 20 farms and over 200 cottages, children (and adults) will love a pit-stop visit to Killerton! The house has been decorated with wonderful festive displays inspired by the famous story ‘The Wind in the Willows’ written by Kenneth Grahame. Find out more.
Basildon Park, Berkshire
Approx 15 minute drive leaving M4 Junction 12
Escape the motorway with a visit to this beautiful Georgian mansion, which will be festively dressed for Christmas! Children will love exploring the winter gardens on an illuminated woodland trail, what better way to wear them out! Find out more.
Chartwell, Kent
Approx 10 minute drive leaving M25 Junction 5
Credit: National Ttrust, Paul Harris
Escape the usual M25 chaos with a visit to the once family home of Winston Churchill. Stretch your legs with a walk through the picturesque gardens and if yu have time on selected dates you can follow a festive family trail. Step back in time to celebrate Christmas as the Winston Churchill and his family would have! Find out more.
Croome, Worcestershire
Approx 15 minute drive leaving M5 Junction 7
Credit: National Trust, John Hubble
Take a break from driving and visit this secret wartime airbase where kids can roam around enjoying the fresh air or explore the RAF themed playground and natural play area. For Christmas, Croome will be hosting a fun ‘Gingerbread Tail’ with a chance to win a prize! Find out more.
Tredegar House, Newport
Approx 10 minute drive leaving M4 Junction 28
Credit: National Trust
This stunning 17th Century mansion will certainly leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a long drive. Perfect for all the family there is so much of the estate to explore and for the little ones a play area to let off some steam! Find out more.
Erddig, Wrexham
Close to the A483 and A5 roads
Credit: National Trust, Robert Morris
Escape boring roads with a detour to this wonderful 18th century country house, where you can explore the upstairs and downstairs life of a family who resided there for over 250 years! This year you can enjoy an amazing toy collection that will fill the grounds including oversized babushka dolls! Find out more.
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Approx 2 minutes leaving M1 Junction 29
Credit: National Trust
This beautiful Elizabethan country house is a perfect place to escape the motorway for a few hours with the family. See how many snowmen you can spot and enjoy a trail of festive songs and carols throughout the Hall and gardens. Find out more.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
Approx 20 minutes leaving A1 (M) Junction 48
Credit: National Trust
Visit this fantastic World Heritage Site with a historic Abbey, water garden, and deer park. The kids will enjoy the play area located near the visitor centre, perfect for stretching their little legs after a long journey. Come and marvel at their Music and Lights event, which sees the house lit up in beautiful twinkling Christmas lights! Find out more.
Gibside, Tyne and Wear
Approx 20 minutes leaving A1 (M) Junction 63
Credit: National Trust
Park the car and explore the parkland, which has an incredible 15 miles of footpaths suitable for all requirements and abilities. A perfect excuse for a festive stroll enjoying the great outdoors! If you have time follow the Christmas chaos trail spotting things that just aren’t right! Find out more.
Know any more perfect pitstop’s that we’ve missed? We’d really love to know! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!
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