Cheshire to Whitby with a toddler

[dancecaller]

We usually go to Whitby from Cheshire via the M62,A1(M), A64 (York bypass complete with traffic jams), Pickering and over the moor.
A journey of more than 3 hours plus stops and delays.
Google maps suggests M62, A1(M), Thirsk and coming to the North of the moors. Also over 3 hours
This year my daughter is bringing her 2 year old who gets restless after an hour in the car.
Has anyone any suggestions of suitable stops? On their trip to N Wales they found the Colwyn Bay Zoo handy at 1 hour from home. But a park with playground equipment not too far from the route would do. Our usual stop on the M62 at Hartshead is fairly bleak, and the cafe on the York bypass has grass but not much else I can think of.
We will be travelling on Sat Aug 13, she is going back on19th or 20th, I'm staying till so 27th,information on events causing delays to be avoided at particular times, times when York byepass is at it's worst etc. would also be helpful
Thanks

[TWR]

You can take the A1 (M) to the A174>>>>> A19>> the A172 at Northallerton over the tops to Guisborough>>Then the A171 TO Whitby.

[Buenchico]

Scheduled roadworks:
http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic/7936.aspx

Stick to the basic Google Maps route but make a minor detour into Halifax:
http://www.dayoutwith...ungle_Experience/1588

and possibly to Mother Shipton's Cave in Knaresborough:
http://www.mothershiptonscave.com/intro.php

Chris

[denis567]

regarding Chris's suggestion to do a minor detour to Halifax, I would agree, but visit Eureka!, it is superb for children of all ages

[mike11111]

Halifax is just after Hell and Hull.
"From Hell, Hull and Halifax, Good Lord Deliver Us"
(Ancient prayer of the Church of England)

[Buenchico]

I did think of Eureka but I wasn't too sure about its suitability for a toddler.

Here's the link anyway:
http://www.eureka.org.uk/
(It's great fun for grown-ups too!)

[dancecaller]

Thanks. Sounds as if we have entertainments here for many journeys, now and as he grows.
I like the idea of 'pay once, come back all year' at Eureka. Museums become mind-numbing after a while, but if you've paid you want to see it all.

[WELSHYORKIE]

Dancecaller, there is a place called Lotherton Hall just off the A1M about halfway between Leeds & York. Has a play area and also a collection of exotic birds as well as a deer park. Cost 3.70 to park but no admission charge to the bird area or the kiddies play area. Also plenty of room to have a picnic and it also has cafe and toilets. Was there last week for a quick stop - stayed over 2 hours!!! Info from their web site :
By Car: We are located 1 mile off the A1 at Aberford on the B1217. The postcode to put into your sat nav is LS25 3EB.

Hope this is of use

[dancecaller]

Thanks. That one is about half way, so it depends if they want one stop or two