2.5hrs

[Wormella]

We've just come back from a lovely 24hrs in Caernarfon - we left Stafford at 4, drove, got there, had dinner at a great B&B ( The Anglesey Arms if you're ever in Caernarfon) slept, got up early and did the castle, the town, a picnic lunch by the sea and we were home in time for tea.

So where else in that rough time frame could you suggest? Nice places to stay and daytime things that would entertain a 5 year old?

 

[Trumpet]

Worth keeping an eye on Cheltenham Park, lots of events on during the summer months and Cheltenham is a generally nice place to be.

A drive home 'the pretty way' taking in Cotswolds villages is always nice.

Was there again this week-end.

 

[BobClay]

I like Caernarfon. The big square in the town with that castle is really something. There's another Edward 1st castle at Conway, up the road a bit. One thing you can say about old Ted the One is he knew how to build a castle.

 

[Withnail]

How about up to Carnforth?

Leaving ~4 you'd be there by 6ish - can't advise on anywhere to stay actually in Carnforth, but if you can find a place for just a night at a place called Pine Lake, then that's a nice place to stay if you are 5.

Up and out, go to the Carnforth Station Heritage Centre, which is actually rather lovely, and more lovely than it is twee. Easily spend an hour or so there. Take a train (cause it is also actually a station) to Grange-over-Sands - the line is lovely, passing over Morecombe Bay - and stop for lunch. Promenade in Grange for a bit, then take the train back to Carnforth and head back home.

Pretty nice 24 hrs i reckon.

 

[Withnail]

Down to the Forest of Dean.

Stay overnight in St Briavels Castle, which is AWESOME!

In the morning go to Puzzlewood - drive back through Chepstow the back way, past the castle and then over the Severn Bridge back onto the M5.

Come home and watch episodes of Tree Fu Tom and then The Force Awakens!