It’s always nice to break up longer journeys for kids. But services are usually lacking their need for fun and fresh air! Here are three suggestions of places we like to stop off the A1 to make travelling a bit more interesting.
1. Switch Scotch Corner for Cross Lanes Organic Farm.
Ok, so this is a bit of a detour… but don’t let the fact it’s 12 miles off the A1 put you off. Really it’s only 15 minutes from Scotch Corner services where you can fill up with petrol, and SURELY it’s worth it?
Website: http://www.crosslanesorganics.co.uk
What’s it got? A fantastic farm shop, which to be fair is worth the visit itself! It’s organic restaurant has a great menu, and with outdoor seating much more preferable than a motorway meal. There’s a decent play area, and being a farm there will be animals around to spot.
2. Passing Newcastle? A few minutes from the Cramlington services joining the A1 and A19 is the rather unusual but spectacular Northumberlandia
If you’re going past this way there’s really no reason not to stop at the world’s largest human landform sculpture (which is also a lovely country park).
Website: https://www.northumberlandia.com/
What’s it got? A visitor centre with cafe (closed Mondays) means toilets! Car parking is free, and there are even spaces for electric car charging. Walk through the smaller woodland area (spot animal homes in the trees and you could follow the woodland trail) to reach the sculpture itself. Decent paths and lots of climbing to wear out little legs. PLUS picnic benches if you’d rather sit out. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads.
3. Sunnyhills Farm shop in Belford is just 500m from the A1.
It might be a smaller farm shop than Cross Lanes, but its proximity to your route makes it an easy choice for a stop.
Website: https://sunnyhillsfarmshop.co.uk/
What’s it got? A play area, cafe with kids menu and delicious deli (amazing cake).
Hopefully these suggestions will help you on your travels! If you find them useful let me know and I can do some more on other well-travelled routes.
