m5 tourist attractions

Me And B Make Tea

Family, travel and fun in the uk, top things to do off the m5 motorway – junctions 16 and 24.

Updated and all stops checked – June 2022

So the M5 is a long motorway and I’m familiar with it because I used to drive up and down it most days for work. In fact, I’ve been driving between Junction 21 and Junction 16 for ten years now. Ten years of my life driving between Weston-super-Mare and the Almondsbury interchange.

Today I share some of my hidden motorway gems that are  perfect for anyone navigating this stretch of UK motorway.

Yep, that’s right. Places to visit which are just off the M5 motorway . They make the perfect stop off if you’re on a long journey and fed up with the same old service station.

So, service station alternatives, here we come…

Now don’t be fooled, I’m not doing the whole flipping motorway but the bit I am most familiar with. So from Junction 16 which is Bristol/Bradley Stoke, down to Bridgwater at Junction 24 .

I also cover the M4 too – Bristol to Swindon , Swindon to Reading and Reading to London .

Junction 16 – M5 Almondsbury interchange

So first up, Junction 16. Now junction 16 is the Almondsbury interchange. Anyone local to the area knows that this junction gets incredibly busy at peak times. If you need to take a break from the motorway, hop off and head along the A38 towards Bristol and Filton.

Head into the Aztec West Business Park complex where you’ll find the Aztec Hotel and Spa and a small Starbucks. There is also a duck pond and lake to have a walk around. Now don’t quote me and please use your common sense but I am pretty sure you can park in the main Aztec West car park for free for a set amount of time. Check though!

This is perfect for a quick stop off and refuel before heading back on to the M5 or M4. It gives you a chance to let the kids stretch their legs and have a run around.

Junction 17 – M5 Cribbs Causeway Shopping Mall

Just off Junction 17 is Cribbs Causeway . Basically, Bristol’s out-of-town shopping mall. Now here you have the mall as well as other outlet shops and a huge ASDA. There are loads of fast-food restaurants and places to stop for a bite to eat. Basically, if you need to stop for food and a wee then Cribbs is ideal. Beware though that it can get busy at the weekend. I typically avoid the place like the plague.

Parking at the mall is free.

Junction 18 – Avonmouth

Yes, yes, I have technically missed out Junction 18a but unless you’re heading to Wales, you don’t need to worry about this one.

If you want to spend a little longer off the motorway and enjoy one of my most favourite outdoor spaces in Bristol then get off at Junction 18 and head towards Blaise Castle Estate . The postcard you’ll need is BS10 7QS. It’s a fantastic stop for stretching your legs and having a walk.

Blaise Castle Estate is awesome for a number of reasons. Entry to the site is free – yep, zero cost! There is a car park on-site which used to be free but I think it’s paid now, an epic playground, free toilets and a café. Blaise Castle Estate is also dog-friendly, so if you have pooches in the car, they’ll enjoy a walk here. In fact, it’s one of the most popular places to walk the dog in the Bristol area.

Junction 19 – The services and Portishead

Now technically you do have the services right here so if that’s all you’re after then head to those. If you want to spend a bit longer, then  Portishead is excellent for a break.  It doesn’t really have a beach as such but there are a few things you can do here too.

Portishead Marina

If you want to stretch your legs then the Marina area is nice for a walk. You can park for free in a number of car parks opposite and head for a spot of lunch in Waitrose, Subway or the Weatherspoons pub. If you fancy something else, AQUA and Bottelinos are across the road.

The Lakeground

I love the lake ground in Portishead. It has ample parking, a fun playground, duck seed and a café. You can walk along the river estuary too and take in the views of Wales and Avonmouth Docks…My boy loves watching the ships sail past.

Junction 20 – Clevedon

We love Clevedon and often go up there on a weekend for a walk and a play. I’ve written a few posts on Clevedon and you can find a full write-up and photos here.

I have fond memories of potty training and the little man sitting on the potty having a poo along the front. Nice.

If the sun is shining and you want a break from the motorway then head towards the Salthouse Fields . There is a car park or park along the street for free if you can find a space.

There is a lovely playground for babies, toddlers and older children. We love the sandpit there. You’ll also find a miniature railway. I’m not sure if it runs all the time but whenever we’ve been on a Saturday, little b has been on it.

Junction 21 – Weston-super-Mare

My home town. When we first moved to Weston, I wasn’t fussed. Since having B, I love it. The town has grown on me. You can read my reasons why here . You could spend a whole day here but if you want a quick stop off from the M5 then you’ll find so many things to do.

Head towards the seafront and enjoy a walk along the front. Head towards the quieter end of the beach for off-street parking. Beware though that during peak times, weekends and any hint of the sun, the route into Weston from the M5 can get VERY busy.

If you want a “quick” stop off then don’t drive into the town. Instead head to Ashcombe park, Worklebury woods or simply stop at the Super Mare or Landing Light pubs which are along the A370, the main route in and out of Weston.

Junction 22 – Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge

The distance between junction 21 and 22 is actually longer than I always think it is. You have the Sedgemoor services between these junctions but if you want something different and don’t want to pay the overinflated prices then hop off at junction 22 and head into Burnham .

The seafront is quaint and boasts a fab ice cream parlour. You can read more about our ice cream fun here.

If you don’t fancy the seafront then head over to Apex Park in Highbridge. There’s free parking, a toilet (I think there is just one and it’s a bit gross), a duck pond and a fab children’s playground. In fact, Apex is so lovely it is probably worthy of its own blog post.

If you don’t want to drive for too long off the M5 and just want a quick stop off then Sanders Garden Centre might be a better choice. It’s five minutes from the motorway junction and has a café, outdoor play area, toilets and free parking. Perfect.

Junction 23 – Puriton and Bridgwater

Now I know junction 23 well because that’s where the in-laws live. Just hop off the motorway and pop in and see them haha. Junction 23 will take you either to Bridgwater or heading towards Glastonbury and Street. You have a couple of options.

Option 1, head towards Glastonbury and Street and turn the first left into a little village called Puriton . immediately on the left, another turn takes you to the Puriton Inn , a local village pub, serving food and a selection of ales. Drive a little past the pub (before you take a left) and you’ll find a children’s playground with a toddler area. You can park along the road or walk down from the pub. It would make a perfect stop off if you want a change from the services.

Alternatively, option 2 would be to head towards Bridgwater on the A38. Immediately on the left is another pub called the Admirals Table . It’s a Marston pub, offers 2 for 1 at certain times on food and there’s loads of parking.

Junction 24 – Bridgwater

Junction 24 is still a Bridgwater junction and there are services off the motorway here too. One place that is near the junction and ideal if it is a typical British weather type of day (peeing it down), is the soft play, Jolly Jumpers . Now I haven’t been myself but B LOVES Jolly Jumpers. Grandma takes him often and he non-stop talks about it.

So there you have it, a complete rundown of junction fun. You’re welcome. Junction 25 is the Taunton junction so you could get off here and have a mooch around. I’m not so familiar with it though which is why I stopped at 24.

What motorway hidden gems would you recommend? Do you travel anywhere regularly and know the perfect place to stop with little ones?! Be sure to share with me in the comments or on social media.

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Brilliant wish we’d had information like this when we drove North with our two little ones .

Great post! This is going to be so handy for us in the future as we travel that way occasionally to see family 🙂

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16 top notch places to stop, just off the motorway

The summer holidays approach and, with them, the prospect of motorway hell. It doesn’t have to be that way, says Jason Goodwin, who presents his favourite civilised pitstops.

Time was when bright young things would leap into their E-Types and tear up the newly built M1, not so much for the thrill of driving fast as for the excitement of hanging out in motorway service stations. So cool they appeared, so up to date, with their leatherette seats and 24-hour cafes.

It’s fair to say the glamour has departed. Nobody descends these days on Woolley Edge Services with excited peals of laughter or thinks moodily of lighting up a Gauloise at Newport Pagnell.

The trouble with motorway driving is that everything is everywhere the same: the lanes, your speed, the bridges, the gantries, the hard shoulder, a strip of green, the Norbert Dentressangle lorry again. Britain dissolves into a grey ribbon. Cones are cones, from Spaghetti Junction to the Tingley Interchange, and service stations cannot break the spell – except on the M6.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tebay Services (@tebayservices)

The famous stop at Tebay, near Kendal , opened almost 50 years ago, when local farmers John and Barbara Dunning heard about the new motorway slicing through the Pennines and decided to try their hand at serving good local food to travellers.

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Instead of a gallery of chains, a single cafe offers everything from Welsh rarebit to curry, at recognisably ordinary prices. It’s all sourced from a 30-mile radius and has the flavour of Cumbria, with sausages, pies and local cheeses in the excellent farm shop.

“You have not only a cafe, but a farm shop with butcher, baker and, southbound, even a fishmonger…”

Opinions differ on whether northbound is better than southbound – it’s even been whispered that service in both has slipped a little in recent years – but there’s no doubt that Tebay has only one rival: the new Gloucester Services on the M5 .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gloucester Services (@gloucesterservices)

This happens to be run by the same family and bears out the Dunnings’ determination to make these stops reflect the character of the region. A sheet of Cotswold dry-stone walling, 20ft high, sweeps the forecourt. Behind the glass, you have not only a cafe, but a farm shop with butcher, baker and, southbound, even a fishmonger who gets fresh fish in daily from Newlyn.

Unless you’re in Cumbria or Gloucestershire, however, that’s it: the other 112 service stations on Britain’s 2,000 miles of motorway are perfectly charmless. However, with a little planning and perhaps extra time, you can break free – and, once you’ve decided to let your journey become an education and an entertainment, then it’s opportunity all the way.

“Vernacular is more than a bit of bargeboarding on the side of a Harvester”

Moments from many motorway junctions lie pearls of architecture, lovely landscapes, cheerful bars and bustling cafes unknown to the thousands who thunder by, oblivious, on their way to the next non-recyclable coffee cup and cow pie from more than one country of origin.

My favourites cleave to a few simple rules. These alternative stops must deliver you directly to the landscape, where vernacular is more than a bit of bargeboarding on the side of a Harvester, and must be less than 10 minutes from a junction, serve tea as a minimum and let you walk the dog.

When you’re tired of staring through the windscreen on the M1, why not look out across Derbyshire from Hardwick Hall , more glass than wall? The Elizabethan prodigy house is less than a mile from Junction 29. If pressed for time, you can wander the park, eat at the restaurant and admire the vegetables growing in the garden.

Hardwick belongs to the National Trust, membership of which gives you instant access to what might be described as a secret network of grand motorway service stations.

Like many Welcome Breaks and Motos, they may not be open 24 hours – and perhaps not at all in winter – but from Dyrham Park in Gloucestershire (two miles from junction 18 on the M4) to Nostell Priory in West Yorkshire (less than five miles from junction 32 on the M62, junction 38 on the A1(M) and junction 39 on the M1), the Trust has a wealth of treasure houses equipped with grounds and good cafes. There’s even a website dedicated to finding them: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/calm-places-to-pause .

When you’re on the M1, Kirby Muxloe Castle in Leicestershire (one mile from junction 21a, northbound exit only) is a proper ruined castle, begun during the Wars of the Roses and cared for by English Heritage. Work stopped when Richard III executed its owner for treason. There hasn’t been good food there since, but the Royal Oak, a short walk down the road, supplies the want.

The M6, our longest motorway – 232 miles from Rugby to the Borders – is also England’s spookiest road, according to a 2006 survey. There are some suitably ancient houses to explore off it, including Sizergh Castle (five miles from junction 36), a very English jumble. It’s a medieval house with Elizabethan wings, crenellations, panelled rooms and 1,600 acres for the dogs.

Just outside Wolverhampton, only seconds from the motorway (two miles from junction 10a), Moseley Old Hall is another Elizabethan house, which hid Charles II in 1651; its knot garden and contemporary planting evoke that dramatic period.

At the north end of the M5, between Worcester and Birmingham, you could inspect the gardens at Hanbury Hall (five miles from junction 5), which date from William and Mary’s reign. The gardens, laid out by the plantsman and Baroque designer George London, have been recently restored by the Trust.

Where the M5 slides through Bristol, Blaise Castle estate (two miles from junction 17) is a parkland of gorges, caves and rocks, offering a chance to peer at John Nash’s celebrated cottage ornée at Blaise Hamlet, a 10-minute walk from the cafe.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Winchester Cathedral (@winchestercathedral)

In 1966, Barbara Castle, our Transport Minister, rather weirdly described motorway interchanges as ‘the cathedrals of the modern world’. More plausibly, they can be gateways to the cathedrals of the real world: Winchester is 10 minutes off the M3 (junction 9), Worcester is slightly quicker off the M5, with parking on the square, and Wakefield (M1) a few minutes more.

“Travel is like compost: you can only get out what you put in”

Speaking of Wakefield, motorway drivers can sometimes experience the illusion that their car is stationary and the road is a ribbon being slowly reeled in and tucked away under the bonnet. At this point, sculpture therapy could bring relief: the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a mile from the M1 (junction 38) with a collection of shapes by the likes of Antony Gormley, Ai Weiwei and Dame Elisabeth Frink – all utterly unlike the hard shoulder of the M1.

There’s a shop to pick up recherché presents for your hosts, too: ostrich-feather dusters, tea towels or a book on Barbara Hepworth and Yorkshire. Entry is free, parking starts at £3.

Fractious children and anxious parents are found at every service station, the children slouched and fed up, gorging on chocolate, the parents harried and barely speaking, paying over the odds for a snack nobody much likes.

However, were you to find yourself in daylight hours in season, Kenyon Hall Farm , a mile off the M6 (junction 22), is the place for you all. You can send the children into the pick-your-own allotments to gorge on fresh peas as you have tea. If they won’t go picking, unleash them for nothing on the maize maze or the bale mountain.

Travel is like compost: you can only get out what you put in. None of these stops is as quick as a dash to the pumps and the Costa coffee machine, but that’s not what you’ll remember. It’ll be the bale mountain, the glimpse of Charles II in a knot garden or a sunset across the moors.

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The country life guide to dorset: where to go, what to see, where to stay and where to eat, holm is where the heart is: a triumphant restaurant with rooms in somerset’s south petherton.

Family travel adventures

Just off the motorway: family-friendly places to stop

• smudgedpostcard
• 28th February 2019
• days out , Holiday tips , UK , UK holidays

Table of Contents

Just off the motorway: the best family-friendly places to stop

When you’re munching on dodgy fast food with lots of other glum parents at a motorway service station, do you ever wish you’d done a bit of research to find somewhere better to break your journey? And as you chase your toddler through the service station car park, do you wonder if there’s somewhere just off the motorway which is ever so slightly more child friendly? 

Well, these thoughts have come into my mind countless times, particularly on the M1 motorway when I drive from Hertfordshire to Derbyshire to visit friends each summer. We’ve ended up at the Watford Gap far too many times so I’ve finally done some research and put together some of the top family-friendly places to stop off near motorway junctions, brilliant alternatives to motorway services. Thanks to all the family travel bloggers, friends and family members for their input into this mammoth list!

There are lots of free and affordable places to break your motorway journey in the UK as well as some pricier places which are worth incorporating into a trip if you have time. This list includes a selection of both: country parks, picnic spots and farm cafes just off the motorway plus museums and castles near motorway junctions.  The National Trust and English Heritage have some top notch places to stop just off the motorway and if you have annual membership it’s an affordable way to have a coffee, use the loo and the playground, and be back on your journey with everyone feeling refreshed and exercised. I hope you’ll find some great motorway stop offs in this list.

As well as family-friendly stops just off motorway junctions, I’ve also included places to break the journey near major roads such as the A30 and the A1. Some of the attractions listed have seasonal opening times and some offer cheaper prices when you book online, please check online or call ahead before visiting. 

If you’re in need of packing inspiration, I’ve put together a checklist of what to pack for a road trip with kids .

Pin for later:

Looking for travel toys for kids to take on a long car journey? Check out this list!

Just off the M2 motorway 

The M2 motorway is only 26 miles long so you’d think there’d be no need to find somewhere to stop near the motorway. However, it can get busy during the school holidays and the mad dash to Dover.

M2 Junction 1, merging with the A2: Shorne Woods Country Park, near Gravesend, Kent

This is a great option on route to Dover. Shorne Woods is perfect for letting off a bit of steam; there are woodlands to wander through, a fab play area plus a cafe if it’s not picnic weather. 

• 2 miles from junction
• Use postcode DA12 3HX
• Cost: £3 parking
• Cafe and toilets
• Find out more about Shorne Woods

Just off the M3 motorway 

The M3 is the main route west towards Devon and Cornwall so it can get pretty busy in the summertime. With a car full of over-exciting children, it’s important to find motorway stop offs where you can burn some energy so in this list you’ll find some great things to do near M3 junctions which all the family can enjoy.

M3 Junction 3: Lightwater Country Park, Surrey

Lightwater Country Park is perfect if you need a quick break from the M3 near London. There’s plenty of space for a walk with heathland, woodland, meadow and wetland. There’s a cafe and a children’s play area. 

• One mile from junction
• Use postcode GU18 5YL
• Cost: free parking and free entry
• Find out more about Lightwater Country Park

M3 Junction 4: Farnborough Air Sciences Trust

This free museum charting the history of aviation has cockpits to clamber into and flight simulators to test your flying skills. It’s usually pretty quiet – not many people know about this museum – so it’s a brilliant place to pop into for a short visit if you have children with an interest in planes and helicopters. You can also tour the wind tunnels for a charge (pre-booking required).

• Four miles from junction
• Use postcode GU14 6TH
• Cost: free parking and free entry (certain attractions carry a charge)
• Cafe, picnic area and toilets
• Find out more about Farnborough Air Sciences Trust

M3 Junction 4A: Fleet Pond, Hampshire

When I tell people I come from Fleet, the response tends to be: “Ah yes, I know Fleet, we stop at the services there”. Not a great claim to fame for this little town. I’d much rather it was known for its lovely nature reserve, Fleet Pond.  It’s a great place for a picnic and a walk with kids and / or your dog. It takes about 45 minutes to walk around the pond or you can just go and play in the woods for 20 minutes where you’ll find picnic benches and views over the water. There are no facilities if you park at the dedicated car park so if you’re in need of more facilities than a tree to wee behind, Fleet train station is a mile away or you can head to nearby family-friendly pub / restaurant  Heron on the Lake for a coffee or lunch.

• 1 mile from junction
• Use postcode GU51 2RR (follow the brown duck sign)
• Toilets can be found at Fleet train station or head to Heron on the Lake for refreshments
• Find out more about Fleet Pond

M3 Junction 5: King John’s Castle, Waterwitch pub, Odiham and Newlyns farm shop and cafe, near Basingstoke, Hampshire

I love this little castle, hidden among the trees near the banks of the River Whitewater and the Basingstoke Canal. King John’s Castle, or Odiham Castle as it’s also known is a proper ruin, dating back to the 13th century, which we often have to ourselves when we visit. There’s also a ford for splashing in (I wouldn’t fancy trying to get my car across it). If it’s not picnicking weather, head into the nearby village of Odiham (lovely) which has a range of pubs and cafes including the Waterwitch.

The Waterwitch pub has a lovely garden overlooking the Basingstoke Canal and it has the most extensive kids’ menu I’ve ever come across. Alternatively, head to the excellent Newlyns Farm cafe. To reach the castle, abandon your car on Tunnel Lane in North Warnborough and follow the signs towards the ford. 

• Use postcode RG29 1JT for the castle and RG29 1HA for the farm shop
• No facilities at the castle so head to the farm shop or into Odiham for refreshments and toilets.
• Find out more about Odiham Castle
• Find out more about Newlyns Farm Cafe
• Find out more about the Waterwitch

M3 Junction 6: Old Basing, the River Loddon and Bartons Mill Pub

Just off junction 6 of the M3 is the pretty village of Old Basing. If you fancy some Tudor history, there’s the ruins of Basing House to explore. Alternatively, take a walk along the pretty River Lodden which handily leads to the beautifully situated Bartons Mill Pub. There’s a play area in the field next to the pub so it’s perfect for families.

If you’re just looking for somewhere to picnic without parting with any cash, the village recreation ground has lots of space for a game of footie and there’s a play ground and toilets there too.

• Use postcode RG24 8AE for Basing House
• Cost: there is a charge for Basing House
• Parking: there are various free places to park in Old Basing
• Find out more about Old Basing 

M3 Junctions 6 or 7: Milestones Museum, Basingstoke, Hampshire

Why can’t we have more museums like Milestones ? One of my children loves history while the other one is currently indifferent to it but they both love exploring this indoor world of Victorian Basingstoke. This is our favourite destination on a rainy day when we’re visiting my family who live nearby. If you’re heading this way, read what we love about Milestones . This is one of the best places to visit near M3.

• 5 miles from either junction
• Use postcode RG22 6PG
• Cost: £15 per adult, £10 for children over 5 (ticket valid for a year)
• Toilets and cafe
• Find out more about Milestones

M3 Junction 7: the villages of North Waltham and Dummer, Hampshire

Despite their proximity to the M3, these two affluent villages are a delightful place to break the journey near junction 7. Each has several pubs to choose from as well as recreation grounds with play areas where the kids can stretch their legs. The Fox pub in North Waltham has a play area.

There’s a farm cafe and shop at Dummer – Honesty at Dummer Down – which sounds great for a light lunch. There are plenty of places close by for a quick country walk.

• 2 miles from junction 7
• Use postcode RG25 2AR for Honesty at Dummer Down
• Toilets and cafe at Honesty at Dummer Down

Just off the M4 motorway 

There are some great places to visit off the M4 motorway. It has a particularly good selection of National Trust Properties. But if you’re not a member of this hallowed charity, fear not, the M4 has plenty of alternatives to motorway services.

M4 Junction 2 (from London) or 3 (from the west): Osterley Park and House National Trust, near Isleworth, London

Located just inside the M25 on the edge of west London, this country estate (one of the last surviving in London) is at the top of my list of half way places for my extended family to meet at this year. The most appealing aspect of Osterley Park (for my family anyway) is that it offers very good value bike hire for children and grown ups so if you’re a bit lazy like me and can’t face strapping your bikes to your car, you can borrow bicycles for just £3 for two hours or £6 for the day. Balance bikes are free! There’s a lovely sounding cycle path through the estate which looks perfect for children and at weekends in certain months there are canoes for hire on the lake.

• 5 miles from junction
• Use postcode TW7 4RD
• Cost: £7 car park (free to members), park and grounds are free to enter
• Toilets and cafe 
• Find out more about Osterley Park

M4 Junction 2 (from London) or 3 (from the west): Hare and Hounds pub in Osterley

We visited the Hare and Hounds after a fun day out at Osterley Park. The pub does good food including a kids’ menu and there’s an attractive outdoor seating area with a well equipped play area. If you’re looking for pubs off the M4, this is a good one.

• Use postcode TW7 5PR
• Find out more about the Hare and Hounds

M4 Junction 11: Wellington Farm Shop or Wellington Country Park, between Reading and Basingstoke

Wellington Farm Shop is a very family-friendly farm shop and cafe. And when I say family-friendly I mean you’ll feel out of place if you come here without kids as my husband and I once did after dropping our brood off with my parents at nearby Wellington Country Park . We were starving and dashed into the farm shop before setting off on a child-free weekend. The food was good but next time we’ll bring the kids. There’s indoor and outdoor seating plus a playground and the chance for children to meet some of the animals who, after a happy life, will one day end up in someone’s sandwich.

Wellington Country Park meanwhile, is a wonderful day out: multiple play areas, a little train, lots of space and a small farm. We’ve been there in (heavy) rain and shine and always have a great time. Note: it’s not cheap so plan to spend several hours there to justify the cost.

• Use postcode RG7 1SP for the country park, RG27 0LT for the farm shop
• Cost: from £9.75 per person for the country park, prices vary
• Toilets and cafe at both
• Find out more about Wellington Farm Shop
• Find out more about Wellington Country Park

M4 Junction 16: Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park, near Swindon

This is a brilliant place for families – aside from the garden centre (where you’ll find the cafe), there’s soft play for rainy days and a farm to explore for sunnier outings. There’s also a butterfly house and a craft “village”.

• Use postcode SN4 9QT
• Free parking
• Toilets and café
• Find out more about Studley Grange

M4 Junction 16: Lydiard Park near Swindon

This huge park on the edge of Swindon is great for a quick stop to stretch your legs or for a longer break from the motorway. Amid the historic parkland there’s lakes, woods and pastures plus playing fields and a play area. The park is free to visit but there’s an additional charge to enter the Palladian mansion, walled garden and the museum.

• 3 miles from junction
• Use postcode SN5 3PA
• Pay and display parking from £2.10 to £4.40
• Find out more about Lydiard Park

M4 Junction 17: Castle Combe village, near Chippenham, Wiltshire

If you want to tick off one of England’s prettiest villages, Castle Combe in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Naturally Beauty is a great place to wander and stretch your legs. As you’d expect from a Cotswold village, there’s a good range of places to eat.

• 8 miles from junction
• Use postcode SN14 7HU for Dunns Lane car park (slightly out of the centre)
• Free parking (according to Wiltshire council )
• Apparently there are public toilets in the village, otherwise head to one of the pubs for refreshments.
• Find out more about Castle Combe

M4 Junction 18: Dyrham Park National Trust, between Chippenham and Bath, Wiltshire

Debbie from Grand Adventure Story has written an excellent review of Dyrham Park . The great thing about National Trust properties such as this one is that if you’re a member, you can pop in and use the play area, grab a coffee or have a picnic lunch and then hop back in your car to continue your journey. Dyrham sounds great for kids who need to burn some energy after a couple of hours in the car: there’s tons of space, hills to climb, fabulous views over the Bristol Channel and a farm-themed play area.

• Use postcode SN14 8HY
• Cost: free to members or £15 for adults, £7.50 for children, parking £2 for 2 hours or £4 all day
• Find out more about Dyrham Park

M4 Junction 28 : Tredegar House National Trust, near Newport in Wales

Another recommendation from Nicky at Go Live Young, 17th century Tredegar House has extensive parklands, a play area (crucially, with ice cream kiosk in peak months) and a cafe. Although some National Trust properties have one entry charge for everything, Tredegar offers free access to the 90 acres park with just a charge for parking.

• Use postcode NP10 8YW
• Cost: pay and display car parking (free to members), access to park is free
• Toilets and cafe (check in advance if these are open out of season)
• Find out more about Tredegar House

Just off the M5 motorway 

Home to one of the few good service stations (Gloucester Services, see below), there are plenty of great attractions along the M5, particularly around Bristol.

M5 between junctions 6 and 7: Worcester Woods Country Park

Country parks are brilliant: fresh air, lots of space and free toilets! And Worcester Woods is a great example: there’s bluebells in the spring, a good adventure playground for various age groups (older kids are covered here), the impressive looking Orchard Cafe and two nature reserves.

• 3 miles from junction 6 if you’re coming from Birmingham or 2 miles from junction 7 if you’re heading north.
• Use postcode WR3 2LG
• Find out more about Worcester Woods
• Find out more about the Orchard Cafe

M5 between junctions 11a and 12: Gloucester Services

Along with its sister, Tebay Services (on the M6), this is a refreshing departure from the usual motorway  service station. Gloucester Services has a farmshop, cafe (with free WiFi), a butcher’s and a fishmonger (south bound only). There’s also an indoor and an outdoor play area.

• Just off the motorway
• Use postcode GL4 0DN
• Find out more about Tebay Services

M5 Junction 13: Eastington Farm Shop

This has been recommended by one of my readers. Good coffee, cake and amenities plus local produce for sale. There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around and say hello to some calves and chickens.

• Use postcode GL10 3AY
• Cafe with toilet
• Find out more about Eastington Farm Shop

M5 Junctions 13 to 21: a whole host of fantastic places off the motorway near Bristol!

Angharad from This Bristol Brood has put together a great selection of stop offs close to Bristol . From wetland centres to the largest trampoline centre in the world and emergency soft play locations, there’s something for everyone on this list. I know already that my kids will want to head for the elephant playground at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm (junction 19), now there’s a playground designer in tune with what makes children tick…

Just off the M6 motorway 

Here’s my list of things to do near M6 including (amazingly) a very good service station: Tebay Services.

M6 Junction 10A southbound, 11 northbound: Moseley Old Hall National Trust near Wolverhampton

There’s an Elizabethan farmhouse to explore here and an interesting history involving King Charles II. As usual for the National Trust, there’s plenty of space for kids to run around and they will enjoy clambering around in the three storey tree hide.

• 4 miles from junction
• Use postcode ST19 9AR
• Cost: £23.75 for a family (free for National Trust members)
• Find out more about Moseley Old Hall

M6 Junction 12: Boscobel House and the Royal Oak near Telford

Ever wondered why there are so many pubs called The Royal Oak? Well, here’s your answer. Charles II hid in one when he fled from Oliver Cromwell’s soldiers. THE oak hasn’t survived but you can apparently see one of its relatives. There’s a hunting lodge to explore at this English Heritage site plus farm animals to visit along with a play area.

• Use postcode WV10 7HY
• Cost: £28.60 for a family (free for English Heritage members) plus £3 parking
• Café and toilets
• Find out more about Boscobel House and the Royal Oak

M6 Junction 19: Tatton Park National Trust near Knutsford, Cheshire

Set amid hundreds of acres of grounds, there’s rather a lot to take in at Tatton Park , with its neo-classical mansion, formal gardens and Old Hall. But if you’re only after a quick break, you’ll find parklands to explore, a farm and a play area plus several eateries. 

• Use postcode WA16 6QN
• Cost: £7 car parking (including for National Trust members)
• Find out more about Tatton Park

M6 Junction 22: Kenyon Hall Farm, near Warrington 

This is one of those perfect family-friendly motorway stops – there’s a café, farm shop, walks and a play area. You can also go fruit picking in the summer months plus there’s a pumpkin patch and a seasonal maize maze.

• 1 mile from junction 
• Use postcode WA3 7ED
• Cost: free parking
• Find out more about Kenyon Hall Farm

M6 Junction 31: Brockholes Nature Reserve, near Preston 

As well as the usual facilities you’d expect from a nature reserve – lovely walks, hides in which to spy creatures and peaceful views, a trip to Brockholes also includes the floating visitor centre and a children’s play area. It’s free to visit and there are places for a picnic. Dogs are not permitted.

• Use postcode PR5 0AG
• Cost: parking is £5
• Find out more about Brockholes Nature Reserve

M6 Southbound between junctions 36 and 37: Killington Lake services, near Kendal, Cumbria

Now, I’m afraid this is a traditional service station with the usual mass market chains. However, I’ve included it, on a friend’s recommendation, for its lovely setting overlooking Killington Lake reservoir where, in good weather you can picnic and enjoy a waterside walk.

• Use postcode LA8 0NW
• Find out more about Killington Lake Services

M6 Between junctions 38 and 39: Tebay Services, Cumbria

Katy from Otis and Us recommends  Tebay Services . “It’s a lovely service station with an outdoor area, small indoor play area for the kids, homemade food and a farm shop -it is definitely our favourite family friendly service station!”

• Use postcode CA10 3SB
• Cost: free 

M6 Junction 40 / A66: Rheged Centre, near Penrith, Cumbria

The grass-covered Rheged Centre is an arts and heritage site with shops, cafes, indoor and outdoor play areas. If the weather isn’t on your side and that 10 mile walk you planned isn’t happening, there’s a 3D cinema, exhibitions and children’s activity workshops in the school holidays. There’s also a petrol station.

• Use postcode CA11 0DQ
• Cost: free to park, soft play is £3 per hour (or £5 unlimited if you can’t get them out)
• Find out more about the Rheged Centre

Just off the M9 motorway 

M9 junction 9: battle of bannockburn near stirling, scotland.

Jenny from Monkey and Mouse recommends stopping at the site of the Battle of Bannockburn: “You can walk around the battle site free of charge and admire the statue of Robert The Bruce. If you have more time the Bannockburn visitor centre has a great 3D battle experience (7+ years), plus there’s a great little cafe in the visitor centre.”

• Use postcode FK7 0LJ
• Cost: free (pay in advance for the 3D experience: £11.50 for adults, £8.50 for children)
• Find out more about the Battle of Bannockburn

Just off the M11 motorway 

I live quite near the M11 so I’ve found some particularly good alternatives to motorway services in this part of the world. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to stretch your legs or places to eat off M11, read on.

M11 Junction 8: National Trust Hatfield Forest, near Bishop’s Stortford, Essex

Yes, this is the junction for Stansted airport. But if you’re not a plane spotter, another place to visit is Hatfield Forest, a National Nature Reserve with woodlands and a lake. It’s a great place for a walk or den building, we always seem to visit in wintertime but still manage to sit outdoors and enjoy lunch and a hot drink.

• Use postcode CM22 6NE
• Cost: £8 car parking (members free)
• Toilets and cafe (they’re a bit of a walk from the car park)
• Find out more about Hatfield Forest

M11 Junction 10 Duxford Imperial War Museum, Cambridgeshire

If you’re not in a hurry and your kids are keen on aviation or military history, I can highly recommend Duxford Imperial War Museum which is literally a stone’s throw from junction 10. After our first visit there, my older son convinced me to return 5 times in the space of a year (we live quite nearby). Well, we certainly got our money’s worth. If you buy an annual pass, the ticket includes entry to all of the other museums in the group including HMS Belfast in London.

• Just off junction
• Use postcode CB22 4QR
• Cost: adults £18, children £9 (valid for a year)
• Find out more about Duxford

M11 Junction 11 or 12: Wimpole Estate National Trust, near Royston, Hertfordshire

This is a truly lovely place to have a walk, particularly in wintertime when the stroll across the fields to the 18th century folly really blows away the cobwebs. Wimpole has a great farm cafe where little ones can play on toy tractors, bring a spare set of clothes if it’s a muddy day, my kids came away filthy (but very happy).

• 9 miles from junction 11 (heading north) or 7 miles from junction 12 (heading south)
• Use postcode SG8 0BW
• Cost: £2 parking if you’re just going for a walk without visiting the farm
• Find out more about Wimpole Estate

Just off the M20 motorway

If you’re heading to the tunnel at Folkestone and you fancy a quick stop off on the M20, here are a couple of great places to pause.

M20 Junction 6: Kent Life

Kent Life is a 28 acre working heritage farm, part of what was originally the huge Allington Castle estate. Now, it is a fun family day out featuring a vintage village with cottages, church and village hall; traditional Kent gardens and plenty of farm animals. 

• 1 mile from junction 6
• Use postcode ME14 3AU
• Cost: £35 for a family of four
• Find out more about Kent Life

M20 Junction 6: Kent Wildlife Trust Tyland Barn Visitor Centre

This nature reserve near Maidstone has good facilities for families as well as the usual bird watching and nature trails. There’s a cafe, toilets and even a play area. Picnics are welcome too.

• 2 miles from junction 6
• Use postcode ME14 3BD
• Find out more about Tyland Barn

Just off the M25 motorway 

Do you hate the M25? I have to use this motorway on a regular basis to visit my family so I’m always on the lookout for a good halfway point for us to meet up at. There are many brilliant stop offs and days out near the M25. I’ll be adding to this list as I discover more.

M25 Junction 1: Cotton Lake and Wharf pub, near Dartford, Kent

Has anyone else had a newly potty trained toddler howling for the toilet whilst you’re queuing for the Dartford Tunnel? Don’t feel you need to resort to visiting Bluewater shopping centre, a great alternative is this little fishing lake which you can wander around or have a picnic at, after visiting the the Wharf pub for refreshments and a trip to the toilet!

• Use postcode DA2 6QE
• Pub for refreshments and toilets
• Find out more about the Wharf

M25 Junction 3 /M20 junction 1: villages of Farningham and Eynsford, Kent

One of my friends has recommended the pretty villages of Farningham and Eynsford near Swanley. In summer, you can picnic by the river and go for a paddle or if that toddler needs the loo, head to one of the village pubs: Farningham has The Lion and in Eynsford you could try the Plough .

• Use postcode DA4 0DP
• Cost: free high street parking
• Pubs for refreshments and toilets
• Find out more about the Lion at Farningham
• Find out more about the Plough at Eynsford

M25 Junction 5 (anticlockwise) or 6 (clockwise) Chartwell National Trust near Sevenoaks, Kent

Gretta from Mums do Travel recommends a visit to Chartwell, the family home of Winston Churchill and after visiting there ourselves recently I agree that it’s a fabulous place for kids to burn some energy. There are extensive woodland trails to explore, natural play areas, den building and even the childhood playhouse which Churchill had built for his daughter. My children were particularly taken by the large bomb crater which has ropes to climb down and balance beams to totter across.

• Use postcode TN16 1PS
• Cost: car parking £4, plus £8 for adults and £4 for children if you just visit the gardens, play area and cafe (all free to National Trust members)
• Find out more about Chartwell

M25 Junction 5 / A21: Hever Castle, between Gatwick and Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Hever Castle is a bit further from a motorway than my other listings on this post but if you’ve had it with the M25 and want to escape, Clare from Suitcases and Sandcastles  describes Hever Castle as “one of the prettiest castles in the UK. It’s only about 20 minutes from the M25 so it makes a fabulous detour for a couple of hours. There’s lots for kids to explore here, from getting lost in the mazes to running around the gorgeous grounds (the perfect spot for a picnic) and playing in the excellent adventure playgrounds. On hot summer days you can go rowing on the lake, watch jousting tournaments and cool off in the water maze.”  

• 14 miles from junction
• Use postcode TN8 7NG
• Cost: various prices depending on which parts you visit, for the castle and gardens it’s £44.30 per family
• Find out more about Hever Castle

M25 Junction 10 or 11: Mercedes-Benz World, or Brooklands, Weybridge

Plenty of choice  here – if you just want to stop briefly, there’s a free car park and toilets plus picnic tables outside Mercedes Benz World. However, you’re unlikely to come away with all your cash in tack. If you have little children, there’s the Little Learners indoor race track. Older kids (and grown up kids) will love the Mercedes simulators on the top floor. There are of course lots of cars to admire and outside you can watch people having fun on one of the many driving experiences. My kids enjoyed the off road experience. 

Next door is Brooklands. This is a full day out but a good one – we were there from 11am until 5pm. It’s not somewhere to go for a quick visit as there’s so much to see and do (and an entrance charge to match). It’s a great place to meet friends and family if you’re looking for a half way spot along the M25. 

And finally, there are plenty of enticing pubs to try in Weybridge.

• Use postcode KT13 0SL
• Cost: free parking and entry, pay for attractions and experiences 
• Toilets and cafe at Mercedes-Benz World
• Find out more about Mercedes-Benz World and Brooklands Museum

M25 Junction 13: Runnymede National Trust, near Windsor

Catherine from Cultural Wednesdays has recommended the National Trust’s Runnymede on the River Thames where the Magna Carta was sealed some 800 years ago. This is a great place for long walks and picnics but there’s also a cafe should the weather not be on your side.

• Use postcode TW20 0AE
• Cost: parking £1.50 per hour (free to National Trust members)
• Find out more about Runnymede

M25 Junction 16 (or junction 1 of M40) Denham Country Park

Part of the Colne Valley Regional Park which stretches Rickmansworth to Staines, Denham Country Park has a visitor centre and riverside cafe. There are walks through the woods, next to the rivers and the canal plus cycle routes and a play area with a sand pit. There is also a shop selling river-dipping nets and buckets and spades. 

• Use postcode UB9 5PG
• Cost: parking is from £2.70
• Find out more about Denham Country Park
• Find out more about the Riverside Cafe and Visitor Centre at Colne Valley Regional Park

M25 Junction 17 Rickmansworth town

If you’re looking for somewhere to stop just off the M25 near the M40 turn off, Rickmansworth, just to the north, is a good bet. We’ve stopped there on the way home from visiting family after deciding the kids’ tummies wouldn’t make it all the way back to our home near Hertford. For its size, the town has a really good selection of restaurants including several family-friendly Italians.

• Usual car parking charges (or try one of the supermarkets)
• Various cafes and restaurants in Rickmansworth
• Use postcode WD3 1FX to get you to Waitrose which is in the centre of the town

M25 Junction 19 Cassiobury Park, Watford, Hertfordshire

If your budget (or time) doesn’t quite stretch to the nearby Warner Bros Studios, a more cost effective option is Watford’s lovely Cassiobury Park. If only more city parks could get everything this right: woodlands with bluebells, a splash park, playground and cafe. Note, the car park will be full on sunny weekend afternoons so you need to time your visit or find parking elsewhere (see below).

• Use postcode WD18 7LG
• Find out more about Cassiobury Park

M25 Junction 23 (or A1 junction 4): Hatfield House, Hertfordshire

When you join the A1 from the M25, don’t be tempted to break your journey at the Galleria shopping centre, (unless you’re after a cheap winter coat or walking boots, in which case go ahead, you’ll find some excellent bargains), instead drive a bit further to Hatfield House . Here you’ll find a brilliant playground, “the Bloody Hollow” and a little farm as well as extensive parklands to explore. If you get your entry tickets stamped, you’ll have free return entry for the rest of the year making it a good option if you’re passing through again.

• 7 miles from M25 or 2 miles from A1
• Use postcode AL9 5HX
• Cost: £11 adults, £7 children, under 5s free (have your tickets stamped for annual free return entry)
• Toilets and various eateries
• ***Seasonal opening from April to September***
• Find out more about Hatfield House

M25 Junction 25 (A10 junction): Cedars Park, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire

Recommended by one of my neighbours as a great space for taking little kids on a bike ride (it’s not too far from us), you’ll find 19 acres of parkland at Cedars Park . There are woodland walks, a maze, play trail, a nature trail and a nature centre. Not only that, parking is free and there’s a cafe and toilets.

• Use postcode EN8 8RU
• Cost: free (small charge for nature centre)
• Find out more about Cedars Park

M25 Junction 25 (A10 junction): Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, near Enfield

If you find the volume of children at the London Transport Museum a little overwhelming (I always expect to loose my children in there), Whitewebbs Museum of Transport is a great, if rather old fashioned and modest, alternative. It’s usually empty when we visit but the limited opening hours could play a part in that. There are several floors of exhibits with everything from bicycles to London double decker buses. The cafe is rather basic but there’s a good picnic area next to an old railway carriage in which you’ll find a charming little model railway.

• Use postcode EN2 9HP
• Cost: £5 for over 12s, under 12s free
• *** Only open on Tuesdays plus some Sundays ***
• Find out more about Whitewebbs Museum of Transport

Just off the M40 motorway 

Linking London to Oxford and Birmingham, the M40 often gets really busy and we try to travel across country to avoid it whenever possible. However, it does contains one of my favourite childhood motorway stop offs. 

M40 Junction 2: Beaconsfield town and Bekonscot Model Village and Railway

The town of Beaconsfield is a pleasant place to stop just off the M40 at junction 2. If you have a bit of time, I can highly recommend Bekonscot Model Village. We’ve met up with family here on a few occasions and the kids love it. The model village is extensive, the best one I’ve seen (if you discount Legoland) and there’s also a great cafe and a good play area. 

• Use postcode HP9 2PL
• Cost: £36 for a family of four
• Find out more about Bekonscot Model Village

M40 Junction 4: Little Marlow Lakes Country Park

There’s nothing like a bit of fresh air when you’ve been stuck on the motorway for a while. This country park near Marlow is perfect – there’s free parking, the River Thames, a nature reserve and lots of space to tear around. We saw a kingfisher and a heron during our walk (as well as plenty of other birds).

This is gastropub territory – in the tiny village of Little Marlow (great for a short walk if you’re short of time) there are three pubs to choose from. If you’re on a budget, park for free, have a picnic and then then use the toilets in the High Wycombe Waitrose or Asda before re-joining the motorway.

I don’t have an accurate car park location but What3Words should be able to help – or use the map on the link below, we reached it using this.

• Use postcode SL8 5PS (this is the postcode for the Spade Oak pub – the country park car park is near by)
• Free parking, no toilets – try Waitrose or Asda at High Wycombe
• Find out more about Little Marlow Country Park (including useful map showing car park)

M40 Junction 7 westbound or 8A eastbound: Thame town

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Oxford services and you don’t mind a ten minute drive from the M40, Thame is well worth the drive. This pretty market town has tons of places to eat from the trendy Black Goo café (a smashed avo type of place) to the more down to earth Treacles Tea Rooms (jacket potato territory). We had a good value meal at the latter.

If your kids need more than a wander along Thame high street to stretch their legs, there is a little play area at the recreation ground on Southern Road which you can walk to from the high street.

• 6 miles from junctions
• Use postcode OX9 2AA
• Cost: prices for cafes vary 
• Public toilets on North Street
• Cafes galore and play area
• Find out more about Thame

M40 Junction 8A and A40: Waterperry Gardens near Oxford

This is the perfect place to stop near Oxford for families. Although the gardens have an entrance charge, there’s no cost to play in the surrounding fields – which have a wooden climbing frame and slide. There’s a brilliant tea room serving those all important jacket potatoes as well as other tasty savoury meals plus some delicious looking cakes. There’s indoor and outdoor seating – plenty of covered seating and lots of space for picnics. During our visit in December 2021, the tea room was proving very popular with families. 

As well as the gardens to admire, there’s a small museum of rural artefacts and a garden centre. 

• Use postcode OX33 1LA (this takes you to Waterperry village – drive through it to reach the gardens)
• Cost: there is a charge for the gardens but parking is free
• Find out more about Waterperry Gardens

M40 Junction 12: Burton Dassett, between Banbury and Warwick 

I feel slightly nostalgic writing about Burton Dassett. Located midway between Banbury and Leamington Spa, the park’s steep hills, beacon and quarry bring back childhood memories of picnics with my grandmother who lived near by. We always knew our journey along the M40 was nearly over when we caught sight of Burton Dassett’s beacon perched on the hilltop overlooking the motorway. My brother and I loved running up and down the hills and searching for fossils .

• Use postcode CV47 2AB
• Cost: £2 parking
• Ice cream van and coffee van during peak seasons
• Find out more about Burton Dassett

M40 Junction 12: British Motor Museum, near Warwick

If it’s not picnicking weather and you have time and cash to spend, the British Motor Museum is worth considering. The museum houses over 300 British classic cars and traces the history of the motor industry. It’s not a cheap stop off but the entry price, if you do gift aid, is valid for a whole year making it a good option if you pass through regularly. Some cars can be sat in, there’s an interactive zone for children plus themed events in the school holidays as well as an outdoor play area.

• Use postcode CV35 0BJ
• Cost: £40 annual family pass
• Find out more about the British Motor Museum

Just off the M54 motorway

Please check out stops on the M6 for ideas of where to break your journey on the M54.

Just off the M74 motorway 

M74 junction 6 or 7: chatelherault country park, near hamilton, south lanarkshire.

Jenny at Monkey and Mouse  says “Chatelherault Country Park has plenty of nature trails through beautiful ancient woodlands and along the River Avon. There’s also an adventure play park and a cafe, so the perfect stop for stretching legs!”

• Use postcode ML3 7UE
• Find out more about Chatelherault Country Park

Just off the A1 motorway 

Another one of my local motorways so to speak, the A1 is a good alternative to the M1 as it’s much easier to get off the motorway and explore the surrounding areas on your journey. I’ve found lots of affordable places to stop on A1 including playgrounds, museums and picnic spots. Have a read through this list of the best things to do off the A1.

A1 Junctions 3 or 4: Mill Green Museum, near Hatfield, Hertfordshire

This is a great little museum about a working 18th century water mill. Mill Green is usually pretty quiet, I somehow managed to wander round it with a two and a four year old without damaging anything despite some steep steps to the top of the mill. There’s also a little garden outside for picnics.

• 2 mile from junction
• Use postcode AL9 5PD
• Cost: adults £3.50, kids free ***closed Friday, Saturday, Monday***
• Toilets and picnic area
• Find out more about Mill Green

A1 Junction 6: Welwyn Roman Baths, near Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire

Hidden beneath the A1, in a specially designed steel vault, you’ll find several Roman bath remains including cold, warm and hot rooms plus a well preserved heating system. There are various Roman artefacts on display and visitors can learn about how the vault was constructed too.

• Use postcode AL6 9FG
• Cost: adults £3.50, kids free
• ***open 2pm to 5pm Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays plus all week during Hertfordshire school holidays, check the website for full details***
• Toilets (eco) and baby change facilities, picnic area
• Find out more about Welwyn Roman Baths

A1 Junction 7: Stevenage Museum, Hertfordshire

No doubt every town near every motorway has a good value museum worth stopping at but I’ve included Stevenage Museum  because it’s near to where we live and I think it’s a particularly good example of a local museum. My kids spent quite some time exploring all the exhibits and really enjoyed the visit: there’s a 1950s kitchen where you can recreate The Tiger Who Came to Tea plus highwaymen artefacts and a “man trap” for catching poachers.

• Use postcode SG1 1XX
• Cost: free but you’ll need to pay for parking, just avoid the long stay car park which is considerably more expensive than all the others!
• ***closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday*** 
• Toilets (various good value eateries across the road near the car parks)
• Find out more about Stevenage Museum

A1 Junction 7: Knebworth House, near Stevenage, Hertfordshire

Don’t be fooled by the name, you’ll find Knebworth House when you exit the A1 at Stevenage. And it’s literally just off junction 7, accessed by its own private road past the Novotel. It’s not a cheap day out (see Stevenage Museum above if that’s what you’re after) and it does open rather late in the morning (11am) which can result in queues at the gate. However, once you’re inside it’s a child’s paradise: Knebworth Fort play area, giant slides which kids and grown ups alike will enjoy whizzing down and acres of space to run around. When you’ve had your fill of playing, hop back in your car and head up towards the house where you can explore the gardens and discover the dinosaurs. 

• Use postcode SG1 2AX
• Cost: adults and children age 3 upwards £10pp
• ***Seasonal opening hours: end of March to end of September***
• Play area has ice cream kiosk and toilets, main house has cafe, shop and toilets. 
• Find out more about Knebworth House

A1 Junction 9: Howard Park and Gardens Letchworth , Hertfordshire

Howard Park and Gardens  is what every town centre park should look like: a large green tree-lined space, ideal for a picnic but with a small cafe and toilets too. There’s an excellent splash park for little children but my boys always prefer the playground which is really popular with local children in the summertime. I’ve also come to realise that the lack of fence around the park is a good thing: I actually have to keep a close eye on my kids and hang out with them rather than letting my mind wander to something pointless on my phone…

• Use postcode SG6 1NY
• Cost: free (there is free street parking or you can pay to park in the dedicated car park)
• Find out more about Howard Park

A1 Junction with the A14: Hemingford Abbots village, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

This small Cambridgeshire village lies just off the A1, three miles from Huntingdon. If the dreary motorway has you hankering after a piece of twee English prettiness, then Hemingford Abbots has it in droves. Think thatched 16th century cottages, and a low-beamed country pub (the Axe and Compass) with a decent playground and a roaring fire. The River Ouse runs along the village outskirts, so you can stretch your legs before setting off back on your travels.

• Use postcode PE28 9AH
• Cost: free parking on the High Street
• Pub in the village or tea room at neighbouring Hemingford Grey
• Find out more about Hemingford Abbots

A1 Junction with A47, between Peterborough and Stamford: Sacrewell Heritage Farm and Country Centre

As well as the usual farm animal experience, Sacrewell Farm offers rather a lot more and at a pretty reasonable price too. Expect to learn about farming history from Roman settlers to the present day. There’s also a recently restored 18th century water mill and an indoor soft play area should the weather not be on your side. 

• Use postcode PE8 6LB 9 (but follow the signs as the postcode isn’t totally accurate)
• Cost: prices vary depending on the season, from £17.99 for a family, under 2s free
• Find out more about Sacrewell Farm

A1 near Stamford: Burghley House, Lincolnshire

Burghley House is an impressive Elizabethan stately home just off the A1 near Stamford. You could easily spend a whole day here exploring the house and gardens but if you’re just after a quick pitstop the parkland is free to explore.

• Use postcode PE9 3JY
• Cost: free entry to parkland and car park, various charges to visit the house and gardens
• Restaurant with toilet facilities
• Find out more about Burghley House

A1 between Stamford and Grantham: Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire

I generally find it difficult to drag my children inside when we visit a National Trust property, such are the attractions outdoors. However, I may have more success at Woolsthorpe Manor thanks to the Science Centre set up in homage to Sir Isaac Newton, who lived at the manor. The 17th century scientist explored many of his theories here and children have the chance to learn about gravity and play with light at this hands-on centre. 

• Use postcode NG33 5PD
• Cost: £24.20 for a family or free to National Trust members
• Find out more about Woolsthorpe Manor

A1 near Grantham: Belton House National Trust, Lincolnshire

So, Belton House is billed as a perfect example of an English country house estate. More importantly for bored children who’ve been confined to a car for too long, it also boasts the National Trust’s largest adventure playground. There are a number of places to refuel at including the Muddy Hands food kiosk at the play area.

• Use postcode NG32 2LW
• Cost: free to members or £37 for a family
• Various cafes and toilets
• Find out more about Belton House

A1 near Worksop: Blyth village, Nottinghamshire

Skip the Blyth services and head into the village itself where friends tell me there’s a range of good places to eat.

• Various eateries

A1 near Doncaster: Cusworth Hall, Museum and Park, Yorkshire

This historic parkland just off the A1 near Doncaster is perfect for a quick motorway stop with kids. Cusworth Hall is an 18th century mansion with a museum should you wish to explore the history of the area. Outside you’ll find play areas for kids and plenty of space for dog walks or picnics. 

• Use postcode DN5 7TU
• Cost: admission to the park is free, just pay for parking
• Find out more about Cusworth Hall

A1 Junction 42: Fairburn Ings RSPB nature reserve, between Leeds, York and Wakefield, Yorkshire

Surrounded by motorways on all sides: A1M, M1 and M62, this former coal mining area is an important habitat for a wide range of bird species. Families will find discovery trails, bird hides, play area and pond dipping (April to October). Walks will encompass open water, wetlands and woodland. There’s a visitor centre, picnic spots and cafe facilities. 

• Use postcode WF10 2BH
• Cost: £4 parking for non-members
• Cafe facilities
• Find out more about Fairburn Ings

A1 Junction 45: Wetherby village, between Leeds and York, Yorkshire

The lovely market town of Wetherby gets a vote from a friend of mine who lives close by. She recommends the town for its range of independent cafes, huge playing fields, picnic areas beside the river and the free parking!

• Use postcode LS22 6RF
• Cost: free car parks
• Cafes and public toilets
• Find out more about Wetherby

A1 Junction with A66 Scotch Corner: Mainsgill Farm Shop, North Yorkshire

Sam from Travels with my boys uses Mainsgill Farm Shop when they’re driving between Scotland and the port at Hull: “It is a great place to stop with a play area, farm animals to see (we saw new born lambs on one occasion!) and the food is delicious, especially the cakes.”

• Use postcode DL11 7PN
• Cafe and toilets 
• Find out more about Mainsgill

A1 Near Alnwick: Chillingham Castle, Northumberland

If you’ve got a bit more time to spare, Lucy from Kids of the Wild recommends heading to Chillingham Castle:  ” With wild cattle and woodland walks, manicured gardens and a Minstrel’s gallery cafe, dungeons, a torture chamber, armour and weapons  you can actually touch and hold , a chapel, real skeletons, a vast collection of historical memorabilia, ghosts, curses, prehistoric fossils, a gift shop, a museum, cannons, Kingly visits, Capability Brown and a brilliantly informative personal visitor’s guide written by the owner, Sir Humphrey Wakefield Bt, himself, it’s hard to beat this unique 12th century castle (built on pre-Christian cave foundations) for a hands-on foray into grim, grisly and engagingly real history at it’s most accessible.” 

• 7 mile from junction
• Use postcode NE66 5NJ
• Cost: £10.50 adults, £6.50 children over 5, there’s no charge if you’re just visiting the cafe
• Find out more about Chillingham Castle

A1 Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

This is another of my not so quick stopover options but Alnwick Castle is so fantastic, and so close to the A1 it would be a shame to miss it if you’re driving through Northumberland. The castle was used for some of the Hogwarts scenes in the Harry Potter films so if you need a big bargaining stick in exchange for pinning your children into the car for several hours, you could promise them a broomstick training session at Alnwick. With a history dating back to Norman times, there are grand interiors to explore and expansive grounds to run off any pent-up energy.

• Use postcode NE66 1NQ
• Cost: various prices but if you go for castle and grounds it’s £65.41 for a family of up to 2 adults and 4 children
• Find out more about Alnwick Castle

A1 Near Belford: Sunnyhills Farm Shop and Cafe, Northumberland

Samantha from North East Family Fun recommends Sunnyhills Farm Shop and Cafe near Belford: “It’s perfect for those travelling North to Scotland. The farm shop has a lovely playground for children to burn off energy, an ice cream kiosk, gorgeous tearoom serving locally sourced food and a farm shop where you can pick up a few treats for your onward journey. It can get busy when the sun is shining though.” 

• Use postcode NE70 7PD
• Find out more about Sunnyhills

Just off the main road in East Anglia

A11 junction with a14: la hogue farm shop and cafe near newmarket, suffolk.

Catherine from Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays has recommended the same great farm shop and cafe which we ate at on our way to Norfolk recently. La Hogue Farm Shop and Cafe sells all day breakfasts, jacket potatoes and cream teas among other heartening dishes and there’s a kids’ menu too. 

• Use postcode CB7 5PZ
• Find out more about La Hogue

A11 Near Thetford: Elveden Estate, Norfolk

Elveden is perhaps more well known for the Suffolk branch of Center Parcs but if you’re looking for a quick break from the A11, Elveden Estate has nature trails through the woods and various eateries to choose from along with a selection of shops including a farm shop.

• Use postcode IP24 3TQ 
• Find out more about Elveden Estate

A120 Between Braintree and Colchester: Coggeshall town, Essex

Coggeshall is a good half way point for us on route to Frinton-on-Sea, the closest patch of sand from our home in Hertfordshire. It’s also a good place to stop if you’re taking the A120 to the port at Harwich. Coggeshall is a charming town with lots of medieval timber-framed buildings, some of which are managed by the National Trust . The opening times of the historical spots have yet to fit with our schedule but we’ve made good use of the village play area and the local pubs! 

• Use postcode CO6 1NS
• Free parking on the main road
• Selection of pubs and cafes
• Find out more about Coggeshall

Just off the main road in South West England

A30 honiton, devon.

On our recent trip to Cornwall , we set off from our home in Hertfordshire at 5am. We passed families queuing for the American diner cafes which are a strange feature of the A30 and continued driving until we reached Honiton. And I’m so glad we did as we discovered the excellent Boston Tea Party  just a couple of minutes from the A30. There’s a great brunch menu and a lovely garden for the kids to run around in while they’re waiting for their pancakes to cook. My brother also stops in Honiton on his trips to Cornwall and highly recommends Toast Cafe which looks equally lovely and also has a garden. Both of these cafes are dog friendly.

• Use postcode EX14 1PW

A38 Newton Abbot: Trago Mills, Devon

Devon expert Clare, from Devon with kids , has this to say about Trago Mills: “Legendary in the West Country is Trago Mills. There are three in Devon and Cornwall, but two are close to the A38. Trago Mills is a retail park come family attraction with a value for money food court. They are a great place to stop to eat and shop for anything you have forgotten to pack. And I mean ANYTHING! The Trago Mills in Devon also has a train ride, bumper boats and and adventure playground. You’ll find Trago Mills at Newton Abbot off the A38 in Devon and at Liskeard off the A38 in Cornwall.” 

• Use postcode TQ12 6JD
• Find out more about Trago Mills

A38 Avonwick: The Turtley Corn Mill

For a good country pub and restaurant, turn off the A38 at Avonwick/South Brent where you’ll find The Turtley Corn Mill. This is a beautifully converted mill serving home cooked food. The prices reflect the quality of the food but you can get a really good value meal if you choose two or three courses from their special board.

• Use postcode TQ10 9ES
• Pub serving food and drink
• Find out more about Turtley Corn Mill

A38 Bodmin: Lanhydrock National Trust, Cornwall

Lanhydrock National Trust is an excellent National Trust property where you can break up a journey into Cornwall. There are cycle route and walks from the car park which also has a small cafe and adventure playground for kids. If you have longer you can walk to the stunning Victorian house in the middle of the parkland. It’s formal gardens are beautiful whatever the time of year and the house kitchens are among the best in the National Trust’s collection. Find out more about Lanhydrock from Clare at Tinbox Traveller .

• Use postcode PL30 4AB
• Free parking for National Trust members
• Find out more about Lanhydrock 

A303 / A34 junction: Whitchurch Silk Museum

This 19th century silk mill is a lovely place to while away a couple of hours – silk is still made here today on the traditional looms. There’s a shop and cafe along with walking trails in the surrounding area. The museum carries a charge but visitors can just use the café if they prefer.

• Use postcode RG28 7AL
• The museum carries a charge but the cafe can be used without entering the museum
• Find out more about Whitchurch Silk Museum

Other useful websites about places to stop just off the motorway

I could continue this post forever as there are endless places to stop close to motorway junctions. However, to save me a bit of work, here are some links to other websites which offer some great ideas.

The Nation a l Trust

Canal River Trust

English Heritage

Have you discovered any brilliant places to stop just off the motorway? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll add them to the list.

If you’re looking for UK holiday inspiration, have a read of my blog post about family friendly short break ideas . I’ve also written about my favourite UK beach breaks in case you’re looking for seaside ideas.

Amazing family adventure holidays in the UK for 2024

• 18th June 2024

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• 29th May 2024

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• 25th May 2024

• Hertfordshire

Outdoor swimming Hertfordshire: lidos, rivers, lakes 2024

• 27th April 2024

Pubs in Hertfordshire with play areas

• 25th April 2024

• UK holidays

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• 21st April 2024

53 thoughts on “ Just off the motorway: family-friendly places to stop ”

What a list!!! I will definitely be saving this for future road trips around the country. Thank you so much for including me also!

Pleasure Angharad! I’ll definitely be trying out some of the Bristol places when I’m next in the area.

What a fantastic comprehensive post – some great ideas, and really useful when you’re trundling up and down motorways. Thanks for including my post too!

Thanks Cathy. Driving along the M1 inspired this post so I’m looking forward to stopping at some of these places now!

Wow what a fantastic comprehensive guide! Definitely going to come back to this time and time again x

Thanks Sam. I think the farm shops such as the one you recommended are really key places. Satisfying to eat there and gratifying knowing that you’re spending money locally.

Wow Annabel this is an impressive piece of research and writing, and brilliant for families looking to break long journeys away from motorway cafes. Thanks for including Kids of the Wild in there too!

Thanks Lucy. I hope you find it useful. And if you find any good fields to recommend on your travels up and down the country, let me know!

What a great idea for a post! Very helpful information here, and thank you for including my tip.

Thanks for your input, we all loved our recent trip to Chartwell, such stunning scenery.

This is possibly the most helpful travel guide I’ve seen!! Motorway journeys can be hellish with kids, and stopping at services is always a dreary prospect. So it’s great to have so many alternative options. Almost enough to plan a road trip just for the stops!

Thanks Nell. I thought it would never be finished! Actually, I think it will be a permanent work in progress as people keep telling me about more places. I’ve already made use of it!

This is such a useful post, Annabel. I hate getting stuck in traffic on motorways so this will be a godsend next time we’re travelling around the UK. Thanks too for including my post on Hever Castle.

Thanks Clare. I’m looking forward to visiting a whole new selection of places I’d never heard of!

Thank you so much for including my tip! What a fab guide!!!

Thanks Katy. I wish there were more places like Tebay!

A cracking post filled with motorways I know and don’t necessarily love! You’ve reminded me of some great places I’ve visited and many more that are new to me. I really must pay another visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park – that might be worth hitting the M1 again! #farawayfiles

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is top of my list too! There’s so many reasons to visit Yorkshire.

This is such a great idea! We’re often on a road trip and I wish we could just fit in a little pit stop to stretch our legs, that would also include seeing something not too far off the highway! #FarawayFiles

Wow this is extensive! Well done, I will be sharing with my friends who travel with kids. I love that you found NT and EH sites that can be utilized as a rest stop, I hadn’t thought of using those properties in that way but def worthwhile especially if you have membership. You’ve certainly opened my eyes to what’s out there beyond “service areas” – thanks for sharing. #FarawayFiles

Yes, NT and EH are great for a coffee and playground stop when you have membership. We went to Chartwell recently and didn’t even step inside the house as it was such a beautiful day and we didn’t have time. Must go back on a rainy day!

This is well worth reading again for #FarawayFiles. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Wow, this must have taken ages to research and write! The place I’m most excited finding out about is Burton Dassett. Never heard of it even though I live in Oxfordshire. #farawayfiles

It did take rather a long time and I already have places to add to it, when I get a chance…! I used to absolutely love Burton Dassett and haven’t been for a long time. Need to find a reason to pass by again.

Such an extensive guide! We use the M4 when we visit family in Wales, and there’s places new to me on the list. Will definitely be adding a stop in Castle Combe next time! #CulturedKids

Castle Combe is lovely!

What a fabulous selection, I am a big fan of breaking the journey just off the motorway. Thank you for including our suggestion too! #CulturedKids

I hope to make it to Runnymede this year!

Such a pretty spot and so close to the M25!

Holy wow – what a fab resource for your UK road trip. I’d probably get pulled by our crew to stop at motor museums although I’d prefer the more pastoral pauses. Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles. Cheers from Copenhagen.

It sounds like your family has the same preferences to mine Erin!

What a brilliant list! I always dread long motorway journeys when the only break is at a service station. Am pinning this for future ref and it’ll be a must-read for any family with younger children that need to let off steam mid-drive.

Thanks. Yes, I always dread long boring motorway drives, avoiding them was definitely the inspiration for this post.

What a useful post! We’re always looking for family friendly stops on any road trip #CulturedKids

Such a useful post with so many great suggestions – have pinned! #culturedkids

This is such a useful post – will definitely make use of it. Some amazing suggestions here.

What a brilliant list! Will pin this for next time we’re on the road! These will make a very pleasant change from an ordinary motorway stop! #mondayescaped

Thanks. I’ve used quite a few already!

Oh wow, what a fantastic resource!! Definitely bookmarking this for next time we take a long journey 😊 My kids will definitely vouch for Wellington Country Park being a great place to stop, they love it there! Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes

Yes, Wellington Country Park is very popular in our family too. I wish we had something like that nearer to us.

What an absolutely awesome post!!! Thank you so much for including my tip of Tebay Services, we always HAVE to stop there! Thanks so much for linking up to Monday Escapes

Really helpful, will definitely be referring to this in the future! My local tip would be Worcester woods country park (between junction 6 and 7 of the M5). Free parking, great cafe, good play area even for older children. http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/directory_record/3312/worcester_woods_country_park

Brilliant, thanks for that tip, it looks perfect. I’ll add it to the blog post.

Love this idea! Eastington farm shop, 2 miles from junction 13 on the m5 is also a great stop off. Good coffee, cake and amenities. Also space for children to have a run around and say hello to some calves and chickens! GL103AY

Thanks! I’ll add it on.

Wow, this is a comprehensive list, and a very useful one, thank you! We actually live near to Tatton Park, and we discovered Tebay Services earlier this year on our family travels. I will make use of your recommendations in the future 🙂

Thanks. And if you find anywhere which should be added to the list, please do get in touch.

Excellent post, thank you! I can now add to the Southampton to Glasgow journey list on my phone!

Our favourite is Kenyon Hall Farm, just 1 mile off the M6 at junction 22.

Farm shop and great café, playground for the kids, ice cream and even a pick your own and a Maize Maze! It’s a great place! It does close at 5.30pm ish though.

Thanks so much for the recommendation – it sounds great and I’ll definitely add it to the list.

Excellent site, nice to get off the motorway for a break especially as all planned and postcodes already done. Thank you, any chance of doing the same for the A36?

I’d definitely like to expand the list – if you have any suggestions do let me know!

What a fantastic list! Found it accidentally. More people need to know about Smudgedpostcard frankly

Thanks – glad you found it useful!

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Motorway breaks … near the M5

Hanbury Hall Distance from junction 4 miles Follow signs for A38 Droitwich This beautiful, 300-year-old Dutch-style country pile has 20 acres of recreated early-18th-century gardens, a church and a canal within its 400 acres of parkland. Children can play hide and seek in the fruit garden, orangery and orchard, or work off pent-up energy on the adventure playground and nature trails. The house offers puzzles to solve and traditional toys to play with. There's a bowling green, giant games of chess and dominoes, plus a tea room dishing up summery flans, chutneys, jam and cakes made from ingredients grown in the kitchen garden. nationaltrust.org.uk/hanbury-hall ; adult £10.60, child £5.30, family £26.50; garden and park only £7/£3.50/ £17.50

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Worcester Woods Country Park Distance from junction 1 mile Follow brown signs Just five minutes from the motorway, you can stretch your legs on circular walks through these 100 acres of ancient shady woodland and wildflower meadows. Two large adventure playgrounds will please journey-jaded children. The Orchard Cafe serves organic and locally sourced food, with a good veggie range and legendary cakes. The cafe also organises a forest treasure hunt and hosts regular craft activities. There's a small soft play area for tots. worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside ; free

Junction 13

Slimbridge Wetland Centre Distance from junction 4 miles Follow brown duck signs on the A38 Summer holiday activities at this huge (120 acres) wetland reserve include pond dipping and amphibian handling, as well as wildlife-themed arts and crafts. Families can hire binoculars for bird spotting from a hide or go on a canoe safari. The brave let the kids build dams, shut sluice gates and splash about at Welly Boot Land. On wet days, try the Discovery Centre to measure your wingspan or dress up as an otter. The Water's Edge restaurant has fab views of the Caribbean flamingos, but you can also just grab a bacon butty at one of the snack kiosks dotted about. wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge ; adult £12.30, child £6.70, family £34.50

Junction 17

Blaise Castle Estate Distance from junction 2 miles Follow signs for Bristol More than woods and rolling grassland, these Grade II-listed parklands have dramatic rock faces, a deep limestone gorge, precarious overhangs and mysterious caves. There are short circular walks via an Iron Age hill fort, a castle folly and giant's footprints. Two lovely children's play areas have places for parents to chill with a cuppa from the estate cafe. Tipping it down? Try the social history museum housed in an 18th-century mansion, with dresses, doll's houses, lead solders and train sets. Threaten misbehaving kids with the Victorian schoolroom. Ten minutes' walk away is the wonderful Blaise Hamlet (open dawn until dusk). It consists of nine unique early 19th-century storybook cottages (pictured) designed by John Nash as homes for retired staff from the castle estate. They are still occupied, but you can ogle their exteriors. blaisecastleestate.co.uk ; entry free but parking £1.20. nationaltrust.org.uk/blaise-hamlet

Junction 19/20

Tyntesfield Distance from junction 2½ miles from 19 (southbound); 6 miles from 20 (northbound) Follow signs for Bristol (off B3128) This mysterious Victorian gothic revival house and estate has layers of terraced lawns with flower-filled borders and a hidden kitchen garden, plus parkland with an arboretum and dens, all surrounded by lush Somerset hills. The Cow Barn restaurant serves locally sourced and estate-grown food. Or have afternoon tea at the Pavilion Café before bonding over classic garden games. nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield ; adult £15.30, child £7.70, family £38.45; garden and estate only £9.45/£4.75/£23.65, closed Thursdays

Junction 21

Puxton Park Distance from junction less than 1 mile Follow A370 to Bristol If the weather's grim you'll be glad of this award-winning family-run adventure park with indoor play (climbing, sliding, swinging and diving into ball pools). If the weather's kinder, outside there's mini golf, mini railway, mini tractors and a giant wooden fort. Bigger kids will appreciate the maze, zip wires and adventure course, or taking to the water on a rowing boat or zorb. Animals? Yes – rabbits and guinea pigs to feed and pet, as well as falcons to fly, ponies to ride and owls to be met. The Meadows Restaurant can get noisy, so stock up at the farm shop for a picnic. puxton.co.uk ; adult £6.70, child £7.70, family £26

Junction 27

Diggerland Distance from junction 3 miles Follow A38 towards Wellington, then right at roundabout on to B3181 Consider carefully before bringing certain family members here, as it might eclipse the rest of their holiday. Heaven for young kids (and possibly dad), it's a place where you can ride and drive real, yes real, full-size tractors, dumper trucks and diggers. There are also construction-vehicle-themed fairground rides. But be warned, there's restricted access for anyone under 90cm tall, usually because they can't reach the pedals. There are picnic areas and a cafe, but they might be too excited to eat. diggerland.com ; adults and children over 90cm £19.95, under 90cm free

Junction 28/30

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The 2025 BMW M5 Touring is coming to the U.S., but don’t call it a station wagon

If you liked the m5 sedan, you'll love the m5 touring.

BMW enthusiasts in the U.S. who favor the big extra helping of high-performance in the BMW M model will have good reason to celebrate this fall. BMW confirmed this week that when the seventh generation of the M5 platform completes final testing and goes into production, U.S. model shipments for the first time will include the M5 Touring model and the M5 Sedan.

Why the BMW M5 Touring coming to the U.S. matters

• It’s the BMW 5 Touring; don’t call it a station wagon
• What’s new with the seventh-generation BMW M5?

BMW M5 Sedan and M5 Touring coming this fall

Americans haven’t entirely abandoned sedans in the last decade, but a glance in parking lots and city streets reveals few sedans. SUVs and light trucks outnumber sedans and coupes by wide margins on U.S. roadways. The BMW 5 Series, including the M5 variant, has long enjoyed a reputation as one of, if not the best, performance sedans available, but BMW chose not to ship the M5 Touring model to our shores. Until now.

BMW devotees have been able to buy an X5 M SUV , but without a station-wagon-style version of the M5 Sedan, switching to the  SUV platform was the only choice for BMW drivers needing more interior cargo space than the M5 sedan.

It’s the BMW 5 Touring; don’t call it a station wagon

What’s new with the seventh-generation bmw m5.

The seventh-generation M5 models will have a hybrid powertrain with a performance-tuned chassis for the agile driving dynamics M-class owners expect. According to BMW the hybrid powertrain has characteristics similar to the BMW M Hybrid V8 GTP race car.

The new M5 represents a step in BMW’s transition to 5-Series electrification . “We are now also installing a hybrid drive system with typical M performance in other high-performance cars,” BMW M Head of Development Dirk Häcker stated in the M5 Touring news release.

The M5 Sedan and M5 Touring prototypes are currently testing on autobahns, mountain roads, and in city traffic in Germany and the U.S. In the next stages the M5 platform vehicles run on Nürburgring’s Nordschleife North loop Grand Prix track in the Eifel mountains. This round of testing aims to ensure the M5 balances sporting track performance and ride comfort on demanding routes.

Extensive details and pricing for the 2025 M5 Sedan and M5 Touring will be available close to the expected delivery to U.S. dealers in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Editors’ Recommendations

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• Subaru unveils performance-tuned 2025 Subaru WRX tS
• 2025 BMW M3: Sixth-generation performance car gains power, poise, and ferocity

I can imagine BMW M4 engineers sitting around a table, saying, "OK, now let's give them THIS!" followed by laughter with vicarious diabolical joy, thinking about how much fun drivers will have. BMW intentionally designed the 2025 BMW M4 CS to deliver "a more intense, emotional driving experience." The strategy to reach that goal was two-fold: less weight and more power. Why the BMW M4 CS matters

With BMW's deep bench of M series cars for enthusiasts, the automaker can focus on the needs and preferences of specific groups of drivers for each model or variant. BMW slots the stunning M4 CS between the M4 Competition Coupe with M xDrive and the track-focused, limited-edition BMW M4 CSL. The M4 CS is lighter, has tighter handling, and produces 20 hp more than the Competition Coupe with M xDrive, but it stops short of the race car harshness of the Nurburgring-record-setting M4 CSL. 2025 BMW M4 CS: the defining features

Hot on the heels of Mercedes-Benz EQS update announcement, we now know the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships this spring with new safety technology, optimized aerodynamics, and the next-generation MBUX infotainment system. Powered by mild hybrid engines, the CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet and CLE 450 4MATIC Cabriolet are also larger than the previous models. Why the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet matters

Not many large automakers could get away with introducing a new-generation vehicle today that's not a pickup truck, SUV, battery-electric vehicle, or plug-in hybrid. However, it is arguable that Mercedes sets the standard for four-seat medium-luxury European convertibles. BMW convertible four-seaters are a bit sportier, and Audis are less costly, but the Mercedes CLE Cabriolet fits the drop-top dream car profile nicely. 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: lets' talk about power

The new all-electric Mercedes G class features four individually controlled electric motors, superior underbody protection, and a U.S.-exclusive trim. The luxury automaker has announced that the EDITION ONE special edition, which expands on the SUV's standard equipment and adds unique design elements, is only available in the States.

The vehicle’s four-motor setup provides a total of 579 horsepower and 859 lb-ft of torque -- along with more control over where that power goes. The ability to manage the output of each wheel is particularly useful on difficult terrain, off-road, and in situations that require precise maneuvering. The power for the motors comes from a116-kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which is integrated into the vehicle’s ladder frame and drops its center of gravity as a result.

Learn more about BMW models, products and services:

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THE M5 TOURING

The final stage.

The multi-year development phase of the BMW M5 Sedan and BMW M5 Touring is coming to an end. Take a look behind the scenes.

One last big winter testing.

Start in Munich. Follow the BMW M5 and BMW M5 Touring prototypes on an exciting journey from Munich, Germany to Arjeplog, Sweden. Both drivers and cars are constantly being pushed to their limits in a wide variety of weather conditions. Join them on their final big winter test.

> Watch Episode 1 > Watch Episode 2 > Watch Episode 3

ENDURANCE TESTING WORLDWIDE.

The prototype is carefully disguised, but it cannot conceal its character as high-performance car. The future generation of the BMW M5 Touring has entered the practical phase of its series development process. The new high-performance model from BMW M is now completing its test drives on public roads, BMW Group proving grounds and racetracks around the world.

NEW DRIVE, M TYPICAL PERFORMANCE.

The M5 Touring will feature a completely newly developed partially electrified drive system. Its M typical performance characteristics as well as the precisely tuned chassis technology refined with innovative systems facilitate driving dynamics and agility at a level unique in this vehicle class. Thus, BMW M GmbH is steadily progressing on its path to electrification.

We are now also installing a hybrid drive system with typical M performance in other high-performance cars.

HISTORY OF THE BMW M5 TOURING.

For almost 40 years now, the BMW M5 has been the benchmark for driving dynamics, agility and precision in the high-performance sedan and touring segment. Evolutionary progress, development know-how from racing and pioneering innovations in the areas of drive, suspension, aerodynamics and lightweight construction have shaped the history of the BMW M5. Engines with six, eight and ten cylinders, M TwinPower Turbo technology and high-revving characteristics, the compound brake system with M Carbon ceramic brakes and M xDrive four-wheel drive are just some of the technological milestones with which this model has repeatedly redefined top performance in a sedan that is unconditionally suitable for everyday use. The third generation of the BMW M5 Touring takes up on this – with fascinating innovations for an even more intense performance experience.

The forefather of all BMW M Touring models.

The first BMW M5 Touring was launched back in 1992 on the basis of the second-generation BMW M5 Sedan (E34) and has since stood for a combination of high performance and everyday practicality on four wheels. With 340 hp, six cylinders and a superb propensity for long-distance travel.

Motorsport and transport in perfect harmony.

Dynamic sportscar, comfortable touring sedan, roomy cargo artist: In 2007, BMW M GmbH also added a Touring variant to the fourth-generation BMW M5. A portrait of one of the fastest series estates of its time.

The models illustrated include optional equipment. Due to regular software updates, screen designs in the communication may differ from the actual screen design in your car. Official data on power consumption and electric range were determined in accordance with the mandatory measurement procedure and comply with Regulation (EU) 715/2007 valid at the time of type approval. In case of a range, figures in the NEDC take into account differences in the selected wheel and tire size; figures in the WLTP take into account any optional equipment. WLTP values are used for assessing taxes and other vehicle-related charges that are (also) based on CO2 emissions, as well as for the purposes of vehicle-specific subsidies, if applicable. Where applicable, the NEDC values listed were calculated based on the new WLTP measurement procedure and then converted back to the NEDC measurement procedure for comparability reasons. For newly type-tested vehicles since 01.01.2021, the official data no longer exist according to NEDC, but only according to WLTP. For more information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures, see https://www.bmw.com/wltp . For further information about the official fuel consumption and the specific CO2 emission of new passenger cars can be taken out of the "handbook of fuel consumption, the CO2 emission and power consumption of new passenger cars", which is available at all selling points and at https://www.dat.de/co2/ . All vehicles, equipment, combination possibilities and varieties shown here are examples and can differ in your country. In no way do they constitute a binding offer by the BMW M GmbH. Visit your local BMW website or see your authorised BMW M Retailer for accurate details on the offers in your country.

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The Return Of The BMW M5 Touring. Here's What You Need To Know

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• The next-generation BMW M5 Touring will be offered as a wagon alongside the sedan, marking a return to the wagon format after several generations.
• The M5 Touring is expected to have a visually appealing design with a wider body, hunkered-down stance, and aggressive styling that enhances the current 5 Series's aesthetics.
• The next-generation M5 Touring will likely be the most powerful M5 ever, incorporating electrification as standard and possibly featuring a plug-in hybrid V-8 drivetrain similar to the BMW XM.

The BMW M5 has been one of the quintessential luxury sports sedans. The sports sedan term is so strongly associated with the M5 nameplate that it's hard to imagine a world where the M5 was never conceived. In 2024, the M5's long-storied history continues, and you can expect quite a lot of changes when the next-generation M5 comes out.

That's because, for the first time since the E60 generation, which came with a Formula One-derived V-10 , the next-generation M5 is confirmed to once again be offered as a wagon (or Touring in BMW's marketing speak) alongside the sedan. The German automaker, in fact, recently teased over the holiday season an M5 Touring that's been gift-wrapped and ready for Christmas.

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In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including BMW and BMWBlog.

The BMW M5 Touring Is Coming

So, the BMW M5 Touring is coming to town, and though it's arriving way after the Christmas season, there are still plenty of reasons to be festive as the next-generation M5 Touring is set to arrive sometime this year. Apart from the fact that turning anything into a wagon instantly makes a car a thousand times better, the M5 Touring is set to come with a broader breadth of capabilities.

It Should Look Sick From Every Angle

Whether you agree with me or not, the current G60 BMW 5 Series looks really good--well, unless it's specced in a way that it comes with small wheels, then yeah, the 5 Series can look dorky. With the bigger wheels, though, the 5 Series looks very striking and sporty--especially with the optional M Sport package. Turn it into a wagon, however, and things get more visually interesting.

We have yet to see what the all-new 5 Series will look like in Touring form, but we're confident that--as with every other wagon in the BMW stable, it'll subjectively look better than its sedan sibling. In fact, if these teaser shots showcasing a camouflaged M5 Touring are any indication, then we can already tell that its long roof silhouette is already doing justice to the proportions of the current 5 Series.

Combine that with the wider body, hunkered-down stance, and aggressiveness of a BMW M car, then you've got a wagon that will look good from any angle. It also certainly helps that the 5 Series thankfully didn't inherit the large kidney grilles of the M3 and M4, so that's a bonus, too.

It'll Be Luxurious And Practical As Hell

The current G60 5 Series has one of the nicest interiors in the segment. The materials are great and in typical BMW fashion, the build quality is sublime. It also looks great, and while the climate control switches have been integrated into the iDrive 8.5 infotainment screen, BMW has kept a few physical controls such as the volume scroller and the iDrive controller knob intact, so it's not all bad when it comes to the user interface.

The 5 Series is also quite spacious at the back, but in wagon form, it's an even better place for both humans and cargo. So, not only do you get a nicer-looking car, but you also get a very practical luxury car with supercar-like performance. Indeed, wagons are the best of all worlds.

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It Could Be The Most Powerful M5 Ever

The outgoing F90 BMW M5 already had a lot of power. It produced anywhere from 591 in the standard M5, all the way to 626 horsepower in the M5 CS. Therefore, you should only expect the next-generation M5 to be more powerful and more capable in every way, but in order to achieve that in an age of stricter emissions regulations, BMW M will be seeing help from the power of electrification.

Electrification Comes As Standard

For the first time, the BMW M5 and M5 Touring will be coming with electrification as standard. No, not pure electric, but electrification. While BMW M has confirmed the M5's electrified direction, the company has not yet revealed any details on what we can expect. In a an official announcement when the company started teasing the M5 Touring, BMW said:

Just like the future BMW M5 Sedan, the Touring variant will also feature a completely newly developed partially electrified drive system. Its M-typical performance characteristics as well as the precisely tuned chassis technology refined with innovative systems facilitate driving dynamics and agility at a level unique in this vehicle class. Thus, BMW M GmbH is steadily progressing on its path to electrification.

Although we cannot confirm this yet, the next-generation M5 getting a plug-in hybrid V-8 drivetrain is a possibility. If that sounds familiar, that's because it's a setup that the current BMW XM already utilizes. It is possible that this could be the setup that the M5 might adopt since this is an electrified drivetrain that the German automaker doesn't need to develop from the ground up--thus saving on development costs.

Expect The M5 Touring To Be Very Powerful

In the XM, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain produces anywhere from 644 horsepower for the standard model, all the way to a whopping 738 horses in the range-topping Label Red . We're not sure if the XM Label Red's tuning will make its way into the M5 Touring or in any M5 version for that matter, but imagine the performance of this model if it inherited that same output in a much lighter, sleeker wagon body.

Again, while concrete details have yet to be laid out, the XM's V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain is, unsurprisingly, linked to a ZF eight-speed automatic and an all-wheel drive (AWD) system called M xDrive in the case of these BMW M cars. This system is rear-biased for most of the time.

It's only when the system thinks that the rear wheels can't handle all that power that it starts sending power to the front wheels. However, where the F90 M5 stood out is its ability to go fully rear-wheel drive (RWD) if you want to execute those tail-happy drifts. We're not sure if the next-generation M5 will still come with this drive mode, but we won't be surprised if it still does.

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And There's A High Probability It's Coming To America

We know how much Americans are so obsessed with SUVs, which is why we're not surprised that BMW's bestseller for the American market is the X5 midsize SUV . The demand for SUVs has prevented brands from offering their wagons in the United States, but ever since the Audi RS6's recent success, it's now understood that in the higher-end segment, there's a legitimate business case for offering a wagon.

Yes, The M5 Touring Is Being Tested In The States

Further adding confidence to the possibility of the M5 Touring being sold in the United States is this spy shot of the said high-performance wagon being tested on American soil. Initially posted on BMWBlog, the M5 Touring was caught testing in Los Angeles . Sure, the heavy camouflage does hide some of the design details of the M5 Touring, but there's no way around its wider body, aggressive front and rear fascias, flushed door handles, and beautiful long roof proportions.

It also must be noted that the M5 Touring won't be the only wagon 5 Series to exist for this generation because, for the first time, an i5 Touring will also be offered. BMW's first-ever electric wagon is still yet to be confirmed for the United States, nor have any prototypes been spotted on American soil, so the i5 Touring's fate in America is still unknown.

More Details To Be Revealed This Year

BMW M has already confirmed that the M5 Touring will debut this year alongside the M5 sedan, though giving us an early glimpse of what the M5 Touring could look like is the reveal of the standard 5 Series Touring. BMW has already confirmed that the standard 5 Series Touring (and potentially the i5 Touring) will be revealed in the spring of 2024 , while the M5 Touring and sedan could follow shortly, most likely in the summer of 2024. If everything goes to plan, it's safe to predict that the M5 Touring will hit showrooms in late 2024 for the 2025 model year.

If you can't wait for the M5 to arrive, the next best thing to wait for is the M Performance version of the 5 Series called the M560e . Unlike the M550i it's replacing, this will come with a plug-in hybrid inline-six, with 565 horses and a four-second 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time.

At the other end of the M Performance spectrum is the i5 M60, which is purely electric and comes with two electric motors that produce a total of 593 horses and a 0-62 mph time of just 3.8 seconds. With these numbers already nearly as fast as the outgoing F90 M5, we can only expect BMW M to pull out all the stops and make the M5 and M5 Touring the fastest M5 models ever.

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14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Minnesota

Written by Lana Law Updated May 11, 2023

From the lake-laden North Country to the marble exterior of the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota is brimming with natural and cultural beauty. Plan to explore the wilderness areas of Minnesota, including Superior National Forest and the North Shore of Lake Superior, or cultural attractions, like the Minneapolis Institute of Art or the outstanding Munsinger Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud.

Whether it's wandering down the hiking trails , paddling the waterways, gliding down the ski hills , or shopping at Mall of America, Minnesota is more than a land of 10,000 lakes, it's a state with unlimited things to do. Discover more places to visit with our list of top tourist attractions.

1. Superior National Forest & Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

2. see the sights along the north shore scenic drive, 3. paddle voyageurs national park, 4. international wolf center, 5. minnesota state capitol building, 6. go shopping at the mall of america, 7. como park zoo & conservatory, 8. minneapolis institute of art, 9. split rock lighthouse state park, 10. stroll through munsinger clemens gardens, 11. duluth aerial lift bridge, 12. go camping at itasca state park, 13. cathedral of st. paul, 14. minnehaha park.

Superior National Forest , with pristine lakes and rivers, covers large areas of northeast Minnesota. The town of Ely, home to the International Wolf Center , is an excellent base from which to explore the unspoiled landscape. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which lies within the forest, is well known among paddlers in the United States and Canada.

It is located along the boundary between the two countries and is a great area for backcountry canoe and kayaking trips , as well as fishing. This area is remote and supports a great deal of wildlife, including bears, moose, and wolves. Superior National Forest covers more than three million acres, of which 445,000 acres or almost 700 square miles are made up of water.

The North Shore Scenic Drive near Duluth follows the north shore of Lake Superior from Duluth to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Along this route are many of the top state parks in Minnesota , including Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, and Grand Portage State Park . Waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and great views of the seemingly never-ending Lake Superior accompany the long drive.

Recreational activities like boating, fishing, and mountain biking are easily accessed along the route, including downhill skiing , snowshoeing, and ice-fishing throughout the long winters. For those not interested in automobile travel, the 300-plus-mile Superior Hiking Trail extends along the Minnesota shoreline and can only be traveled by foot.

Voyageurs National Park is a pristine wilderness area that combines natural beauty with history. This mainly backcountry park, accessed primarily by water or air, is a wonderful place for canoeing, boating, fishing , and other outdoor pursuits.

The park is remote and offers great opportunities to see wildlife , such as bears, moose, loons, and much more. Historically, this area was important during the fur trade, when the French-Canadian Voyageurs traveled these waters in huge birch bark canoes.

Adventures by boat and by land abound at Voyagers, and like the waterfront Wooden Frog Campground, some of the best campgrounds in Minnesota can be found lining the shores.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Voyageurs National Park, MN

The International Wolf Center near Ely, one of the best small towns in Minnesota , is an educational center that supports and promotes the survival of wolves. Hands-on exhibits, demonstrations of wolf tracking methods, and all kinds of information on wolves is presented.

Visitors learn about the natural history of wolves by observing the resident wolf pack. The center also offers a wide variety of programs and other visitor experiences, including Wolf Photography Workshops , Geocache Adventures, and overnight visits for groups of eight or more (call ahead to schedule).

Address: 1396 Hwy 169, Ely, Minnesota

Constructed between 1896 and 1905, the Minnesota State Capitol building recently underwent renovations to restore this historic structure back to its original glamour. Besides repairs to the exterior marble and restored furnishings of the interior, the 2013 to 2017 renovations also added more public space and accessibility for visitors.

Guided tours are available every day of the week except Sunday, and self-guided tours of areas like the Rotunda, the second "Grand" floor, and the Governor's Reception Room are always encouraged.

On the exterior main entrance of the Capitol, The Quadriga is a golden four-horse chariot statue and always a visitor favorite. Admission and visits are free but a donation is always appreciated.

Address: 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, St. Paul, Minnesota

Located on the outskirts of St. Paul, in the suburb of Bloomington, is the Mall of America . When it opened in 1992, it was one of the largest malls in the United States. In addition to more than 520 shops and dozens of restaurants , the facility includes theaters, hotel accommodations, and other amusements .

More than 400 events happen at the mall each year, ranging from dance parties to Minnesota Viking fans' celebrations. Numerous "Stay and Shop" packages can be booked with nearby hotels.

Address: 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, Minnesota

The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is one of the best family attractions in Minnesota. Here, you'll find everything for a complete day of fun for all ages. It's also budget-friendly; both are free to enter but donations are encouraged.

The zoo has a variety of animals from around the world, ranging from monkeys through to polar bears. One of the most enjoyable animal interactions is feeding the giraffes. Available to visitors of all ages, these gentle giants eat Romaine lettuce right out of your hand.

The zoo recently completed a 20-million-dollar expansion, with the addition of the new Como Harbor exhibit. This is the new home of seals and sea lions and features amphitheater-style seating in front of a 250,000-gallon tank complete with acrylic glass viewing windows. Two shows take place daily, and one of the star performers is Sparky the sea lion.

There is more to the park than the zoo. Be sure to swing by the conservatory to see a riot of heat-loving plants. A visit to this beautiful glass building makes you feel like you've stepped into the tropics. The Sunken Garden is a colorful area full of fragrant and beautiful plants that change throughout the seasons, and is an ideal place to snap a picture or two.

Hosting more than 700,000 visitors a year, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) has a wide range of art and attractions, all with free admission to explore. The collection at Mia features more than 89,000 artworks, and the permanent and temporary exhibits span everything from American modernism to ancient artifacts from around the world .

Among many other installations, visitors can check out Japanese and Korean art, decorative art and textiles, and the Doryphoros - one of four surviving Roman copies of an ancient Greek sculpture. Mia also hosts free daily public tours , family programs, and a four-day Art in Bloom festival each year in the spring.

Address: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is located 20 miles northeast of Two Harbors on the North Shore of Lake Superior . It is home to Split Rock Lighthouse, which was built in 1910 to protect Lake Superior shipping. Visitors can tour the lighthouse , foghorn building, keeper's house, tower, and light.

Numerous hiking options line the park, which lead through forest, pebble beaches, and great viewpoints of the shoreline. Come winter, the trails at Split Rock become designated for fat tire biking . A cart-in campground is also available, with a few sites offering personal views of the lighthouse.

Address: 3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, Minnesota

The Munsinger Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud are some of the summertime delights of the city. The Munsinger Gardens feature approximately 80,000 annual plants within a setting of trees, benches, swings, fountains, and ponds. The Clemens Gardens are known for having more than 1,100 rose bushes and an all-white garden devoted to white flowers and flowering shrubs.

Music in the Gardens , every other Sunday in the summer, is a fun way to enhance the experience, and the annual Art Fair in the Gardens is a popular event featuring artists and musicians from across the state.

Address: 1515 Riverside Drive SE, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Originally constructed between 1901 and 1905 as an aerial transfer bridge with a cable car, the bridge expanded into an entire roadway in 1929 and has been a prominent icon of Duluth ever since.

The bridge allows residents of Minnesota Point to reach the mainland and it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is operated 24 hours of the day, and watching it rise and lower for freight ships, sailboats, and tour boats is part of the spectacle.

Address: 601 S Lake Ave, Duluth, Minnesota

Read More: Top Things to Do in Duluth

As Minnesota's oldest state park, Itasca encompasses more than 32,000 acres of wildlands and lakes, including the headwaters of the Mississippi River . Outdoor recreation opportunities are easily found at this northern Minnesota state park, and visitor favorites include hiking trails, fire towers, and old-growth Red Pine forests .

The one-way Wilderness Drive and Bike Route makes a loop through the mainstay of the park, providing plenty of parking areas and trailheads along the way. Overnight accommodations at Itasca include developed and backpack-only campsites, various lodges, cabins, and the year-round Mississippi Headwaters Hostel .

The Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center and the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center are both good places to begin exploring.

Address: 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, Minnesota

The imposing St. Paul Cathedral in St. Paul was built in the early 1900s and is today the National Shrine of the Apostle Paul and a pilgrimage site. The design is Classical Renaissance, and the large interior can hold up to 3,000 people.

An active place of worship, the cathedral is open to the public for much of the day, though tourist visits are discouraged during Masses and other holy services. One-hour guided tours are available at 1pm, Tuesday through Friday, and are a good way to gain some historical perspective on the cathedral.

Address: 239 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Paul, MN

No trip to Minnesota and Minneapolis in particular, would be complete without a stop in Minnehaha Park, one of the best parks in Minneapolis .

This 167-acre park is especially known for its famous waterfall, Minnehaha Falls , which plunges 53 feet off a limestone ledge. The base of the falls can be easily accessed via a walking trail or, if you prefer, they can be viewed from the top at a lookout. The falls are best viewed in the spring, when water levels in the creek are at their highest.

The park is a popular place to visit for families, especially in the summer when the wading ponds are a magnet for small children.

Other park attractions include extensive walking trails , three ornamental gardens , a dog park , and the pleasant Sea Salt restaurant (open seasonally).

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At Long Last, the BMW M5 Touring Is Officially Coming to the US

By José Rodríguez Jr

Updated on Apr 4, 2024 5:11 PM EDT

3 minute read

Wagon lovers, rejoice! A new performance wagon is upon us in America, which is an unlikely twist in today’s auto market saturated by crossovers and SUVs. BMW has confirmed that the upcoming M5 Touring will be coming to the United States, where it will compete with the likes of the Audi RS6 Avant and the Mercedes-AMG E63 wagon . This is the first time that an M5 Touring has been sold in America, in the model’s long history going back to the legendary E34 wagon from 1992.

It’s not exactly a surprise that the BMW M5 Touring has been confirmed for the States—rumors to that effect had circulated for months—but the official confirmation is welcome news. Sedans and wagons have taken a backseat to trucks, crossovers, and SUVs on the U.S. market lately, forcing such stalwart wagon makers like Volvo to abandon them in favor of other vehicles. Audi shocked the auto world with its RS6 Avant, but fans implicitly understood such a vehicle was a moonshot that was unlikely to inspire rival automakers to bring out their own fire-breathing wagons.

That’s what BMW is doing with the release of the M5 Touring, which is both a product of the German carmaker’s storied M division and the latest revival of the Touring badge. This new model marks the third generation of the M5 Touring, and the latest wagon will succeed the E34 and E61 models, released in 1992 and 2007, respectively. Neither of those were sold in the U.S., likely due to little demand from buyers here for performance wagons.

The full design of the new M5 wagon is still cloaked in a livery of squiggles and lines that carmakers use to conceal new cars, but we can make much of it out in a new video that BMW shared. It follows a BMW M5 sedan and M5 Touring out on test drives in their native Germany. Watch the wagon rip:

The upcoming M5 takes on the looks of the current 5 Series G60, but has more aggressive styling. BMW says that the new M5 wagon will be powered by a hybrid powertrain, which may be similar to that of the BMW XM SUV. The most powerful version of that M car is the XM Red Label plug-in hybrid, which makes up to 738 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It’s unclear how much of that power the new M5 Touring will inherit, but it’ll have the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with at least one electric motor. It could also be a PHEV model, but the range is still unknown.

The BMW M5 Touring’s price is also unknown for now. The prior-gen M5 F90 started just shy of $110,000, and that was for the sedan. You can imagine that a new, possibly plug-in hybrid M5 with a long roof will blow past that dollar figure, maybe into the low $120,000 range. Still, it might be worth it for those who’ve waited decades to see a new M5 Touring make it to the American market. Long live the wagon.

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A Look Back at the BMW M5 Touring

Home » A Look Back at the BMW M5 Touring

Andrei Nedelea

April 15, 2024 / 3 minutes read

Even though there have been six generations of BMW M5, with a seventh one on the horizon, only two of them were available as a more practical Touring model. This meant that for the last few decades, BMW’s rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz have had the performance wagon segment all to themselves. Fans of the Bavarian brand have always thought that BMW should offer a rival for the Audi RS6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG models and now is one of those rare occasions when the manufacturer has listened to them (and probably the market, which has changed in the last decade) as it prepares to launch the G99 BMW M5 Touring .

E34 BMW M5 Touring

BMW’s first M5 wagon was the E34-based model launched in 1992, along with the Touring model for that generation 5 Series. It looked a lot like its non-M siblings, but it packed the mighty S38B38 3.8-liter under its hood. It got the upgraded engine from the revised 1991 E34 M5, which initially featured a 3.5-liter version of the engine with the code name S38B36. BMW upped the capacity from 3.5 to 3.8 liter and power was increased from 311 to 335 horsepower, while torque went up from 266 pound-feet (360 Nm) to 295 pound-feet (400 Nm).

These were remarkable numbers for an early 1990s family wagon, which could sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds, and it had to be pegged back at the top end because it would exceed the 155 mph (250 km/h) gentlemen’s agreement speed. It’s the combination of these performance numbers, the unmistakable bark of the straight-six, and the enhanced handling that made the E34 M5 a thoroughly unique wagon experience for its day.

For the M5, BMW fitted stiffened and upgraded suspension, as well as a limited-slip differential that made it notably sharper and more entertaining to drive than other versions. However, back in the early 1990s, when it was launched, people apparently weren’t ready for such a vehicle, and it didn’t sell well at all, only managing to sell 891 vehicles, compared to over 11,000 E34 M5 sedans. Its rarity makes the E34 M5 Touring considerably more expensive than the sedan variant if you were to buy one today.

E61 BMW M5 Touring

Because of the model’s low sales numbers, BMW decided against making an M5 Touring based on the V8-powered E39 M5, which is regarded by many fans as the single best M car ever produced, but it gave the green light for one to be made based on the next generation E60 model. The E60 M5 debuted in 2007 and remained in production until 2010.

It was based on the E61 wagon, which is a vehicle from the Chris Bangle era of BMW design, and it bears all the trademarks. However, it was the first M5 to feature flared fenders and more prominent wheel arches that accommodated a wider front and rear track, which made it look quite different from the standard 5 wagons of the time. The craziest thing about it was not how it looked, though, but rather what powered it.

Under the hood, this generation M5 had an absolute screamer of an engine (literally), the 100-horsepower-per-liter S85 5-liter V10. With its uneven firing order, it provided a soundtrack only matched by the Porsche Carrera GT as it accelerates to its 8,250 rpm redline. Its maximum power of 500 horsepower arrived slightly lower, at 7,750 rpm, and you still had to rev it to 6,100 rpm for it to produce its peak torque rating of 384 pound-feet (520 Nm).

Unlike the old E34 that only came with a six-speed manual, BMW offered the E60 and E61 M5 exclusively with its SMG-III automated manual transmission, which was great when you were really on it, but it wasn’t the best when you were just cruising around or you wanted to set off from a slight incline. For the US market, BMW also offered a six-speed manual as a no-cost option, but this was never officially available in Europe.

However, the E61 M5 Touring was never officially sold in the US, so all M5 wagons from this generation get the SMG transmission. Of the 20,589 units produced over its five-year production run, just 1,025 examples were Tourings, which is an even smaller proportion of the total than in the case of the original M5 Touring. That’s why you may have never seen the wagon in real life while having seen countless sedans.

G99 BMW M5 Touring Coming Soon

We’re happy BMW is bringing back the M5 wagon with the G99 , although it is again making some important changes to the formula—probably the most important changes in the model’s history. The G99 will be all-wheel drive only, plug-in hybrid only, and it will be the biggest and tallest M5 Touring to date. It’s also going to be the most powerful, featuring a version of the plug-in powertrain from the mighty XM super SUV. Being all-wheel drive-only, it will be more of a direct rival to the popular Audi RS6, and it will be interesting to see how the two models will compare head-to-head.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Michigan (MI) » 25 Best Things to Do in Detroit (Michigan)

25 Best Things to Do in Detroit (Michigan)

The city of Detroit may not be on top of everyone’s “to see” lists in the United States, in fact many citizens of the States will think you crazy if you confide in them your plans to visit the city. Detroit is certainly going through a tough time, with a high number of abandoned homes and an equally high crime rate.

However if it is a lively city with energy that you crave, Detroit is the place to go. The city is on the mend thanks to young entrepreneurs and artists determined to turn the abandoned buildings into cafes, museums and other exciting ventures.

The people that made Detroit great in the first place also deserve credit, there are still a large number of museums, art galleries and parks that have been around for years and are just as good as ever. Don’t let skeptics put you off visiting Detroit, it may not be Disneyland, but not everyone wants to visit Disneyland, do they? If you are still in doubt of whether to visit the city, here is our list of the best things to do in Detroit to whet your appetite:

1. Visit the Belle Isle Island

Situated in the Detroit River, Belle Isle is a relatively small island measuring about 3 miles in length and only a mile wide, there is however plenty to keep visitors to the island entertained. The parkland on the island is stunning and is a great pace for hikers to enjoy a long walk, the island also has facilities for a number of other sports.

After enjoying the terrain and the scenery, why not visit the island aquarium or the Great Lakes Museum which features models and other artifacts to explore the history of commercial shipping on the Great Lakes.

Included in this tour: Detroit: Undiscovered Beauty & Architecture Gems in Detroit

2. See the Detroit Temple

The Detroit Masonic Temple is visually impressive. It is the largest of its kind in the world and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the United States.

The temple, which is located on Temple Avenue and built from fine Indiana limestone, has three main areas to explore: the ritualistic tower, the so-called Shrine Club and the auditorium.

The temple is presently used for hosting concerts and other events.

3. Be a bookworm in the Detroit Public Library

When the Detroit Public Library first opened its doors in 1865 its collection consisted of 5,000 books, all of which were contained in a room within the old Capital High School building.

The library has now moved and did so almost a century ago in 1921. Since then it has been the one of the prides of Detroit and a popular tourist attraction.

The Library is home to a staggering number of books but the main reason to visit is the building itself, which is as impressive inside at is it imposing outside. Detroit Public Library is rightfully listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places.

4. Immerse yourself in the history of Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne can be found in West Jefferson and, dating back to 1840, is rightfully named Historic Fort Wayne.

A tour of the site includes exploring the old military barracks, dry moat and tunnel as well as the impressive parade ground and the long stone building which was once the Commanding Officer’s House.

Throughout the year a number of events are held at the fort, particularly in the summer months.

5. Get clued up on the city of Detroit

Detroit has had an eventful history and played an important part in the industrial age in the United States.

The perfect place to learn about this history, and other defining events within the city, is the Detroit Historical Museum.

The Museum is situated on Woodward Avenue opposite the Detroit Institute of Arts and features accurate models of old Detroit railways and streets as well as different exhibitions from various periods throughout the city’s history.

6. Witness the rise of technology in the Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum, although not entirely focused on Ford himself is still very aptly named as it focuses on the technological and industrial inventions and achievements of the United States throughout history.

Some of the most notable exhibits within the museum are the very first steam locomotive, built in 1829 by George Stephenson, the car in which John F Kennedy was assassinated and of course the first ever Ford car.

7. Step back in time to visit Greenfield Village

Technically part of the Henry Ford museum but deserving of its own mention, the Greenfield Village in Detroit is a unique experience and certainly a must-visit attraction when visiting the city of Detroit.

Located near the Henry Ford Museum on Oakwood Boulevard, the museum houses almost 100 historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries in an open air museum environment.

The buildings within the museum are from various places throughout the United States and have been rebuilt in Greenfield.

The most notable buildings include the building in which Henry Ford was born and the bicycle factory of the pioneering Wright brothers

8. Learn about African Americans within the city of Detroit

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History tells the story of blacks within the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan.

The museum has a wide range of exhibits from various periods throughout history. One of the most memorable exhibits is the underground railway that gave slaves a means of escape from Michigan to Canada.

9. Get arty at Pewabic Pottery

Founded in 1903 by Mary CP Stratton and Horace Caulkins, Pewabic Pottery ran successfully for almost 60 years until the death of Stratton in 1961.

Today Pewabic Pottery is a great place to learn about the history of ceramics in Detroit and the United States as well as viewing the impressive gallery workshop and maybe even trying your hand at making your own piece.

10. Get funky at the Motown Museum

This small museum on West Grand Boulevard packs in a lot of history. Between the years of 1957 and 1972 Motown records were produced here and the studio was home to many a legend including Marvin Gaye who recorded a number of hits here.

The museum itself pays homage to the founder of the studio as well as telling the story of the Motown genre and the artists that made it so popular.

11. Be awestruck by the Renaissance Centre

Although there are many impressive and large skyscrapers lining the river in Detroit, the Renaissance Centre is without a doubt the skyscraper epicenter of the city.

At the Renaissance Centre, you can simply stand and marvel at the staggering 7 towers, one of which is the 73 storey Marriott Hotel, or visit one of the many theaters, restaurants or shops which occupy real estate at this iconic location.

12. Pop in to Henry and Clara Ford’s former home

The Ford’s settled into their Fair Lane home, in Dearborn, in around 1915 and lived together here until their deaths in 1947 and 1950.

A tour of the estate is a great way to spend a few hours whilst in Detroit and offers a chance to see the man-made lake, pony house, five hundred birdhouses and the impressive hydropower station which allowed the estate to create and use its own power. The property itself is currently undergoing restoration work.

13. Enter a Tiger’s Lair

A Detroit Tiger that is. The Detroit Tigers baseball team play in Comerica Park but aside from watching a game of baseball, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Comerica Park whilst in Detroit.

The park has a museum of baseball history which is a must see for any fans of the sport, there is also a carousel and ferris wheel situated here to entice anybody who is not a fan of baseball.

14. Appreciate a varied collection of art in the Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts, located on Woodward Boulevard has an extensive and varied collection of art which spans the earliest human cultures to present day works.

The permanent collections here explore many different countries and continents including works from Africa, the Americas and Oceania.

There are also a number of European masterpieces housed within the Institute including works by Van Gogh and Picasso. Whether you are an art aficionado or not, this museum is highly recommended.

15. Go Antique Shopping

Detroit is a paradise for antique lovers. Whether you are a serious dealer or just a part time bargain hunter, Detroit has a number of places to shop for collectibles and memorabilia.

The Detroit Antique Mall is widely regarded as the best spot for antique shopping in the city while the Eastern Market is also very popular.

There is something for everyone at each of these locations and the phrase “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” will never be far from your thoughts.

16. Be a big kid at the Morley Candy Factory

Morley Candy Makers are the people responsible for delicious Sanders Candy and the free factory tour is not only entertaining but obviously great value too.

After a short film about how the company got started, guests move on to the 150-foot long Observation Hallway to view the creation of candy such as Pecan Torties and Coconut Custers.

There is, of course, plenty of free samples to enjoy before the tour concludes in the obligatory gift shop, which has candy and ice cream souvenirs and plenty more samples.

17. Watch a movie in the New Centre Park

The New Centre Park can be found opposite the Fisher Building in Detroit on the corner of West Grand Boulevard and Second Avenue.

Open from around 8am until dusk, the park is a great hangout spot in the summer when free film screenings and live music take place regularly.

The park also has a bar and grill, giving guests the opportunity to refuel without leaving the serene park setting.

18. Learn about beads and more

The MBAD African Bead Museum is situated on Grand River Avenue in Detroit and houses a large and intriguing collection of African Artifacts ranging from sculptures and pottery to textiles and beads.

The various pieces date back hundreds of years and are from many different fascinating cultures.

A guided tour of this museum is highly recommended in order to fully understand and appreciate the art and cultures housed here.

19. Discover the story of Arab Americans

Located in Dearborn, about 8 miles from Downtown Detroit, is the Arab American National Museum, which endeavors to tell the story of Arab Americans as well as highlighting their contributions to society during the history of the United States.

The museum is the only one of its kind in the country and contains wonderful multi-media exhibits that ensure visitors are fully immersed and enthralled by the Arab-American story.

The museum is open Wednesday through to Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

20. Tour the Automotive Hall of Fame

There is no doubt that the city of Detroit has played an important role in the development of the automobile but this is just one of the reasons to visit the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn.

The museum tells the story of the development of the motor vehicle through history as well as the pioneers who made it happen.

The many exhibits in the Hall of Fame include interactive visual displays as well as artifacts from automotive history.

21. Attempt to visit the Belle Isle Aquarium

At the time of writing the Belle Isle aquarium is closed due to budget cut however, if the aquarium re-opens, it is a must-see on any visit to Detroit.

Located in the heart of Downtown Detroit, the aquarium used to be open all year round and housed an impressive collection including stunning coral reef fish and electric eels.

If the aquarium does not re-open, the building itself is well worth a look and makes for a nice photograph.

22. See the animals of the world in one place

Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak has not been closed down and, as well as being the temporary home for the sea creatures from Belle Isle Aquarium, it is a great day out in the city of Detroit.

The 125 acres of city zoo imitates various animal habitats from around the globe and includes enclosures such as the Arctic Ring of Life and Great Apes of Harambee.

Take some spare cash along as walking around the vat zoo is hungry work and there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.

23. Cruise with Diamond Jack

Head to Downtown Detroit for an affordable and entertaining river cruise courtesy of Diamond Jack.

The sightseeing tours last around two hours and are narrated by knowledgeable and interesting staff. Large groups can be accommodated and even weddings are possible on the cruise.

This is a great way to relax but see many of Detroit’s landmarks and iconic buildings.

24. Eat a Coney Dog

This iconic Detroit food is an absolute must when visiting the city. Although you have most likely eaten a hot dog previously in your life, Coney Island is the birthplace of this famous food and arguably has the best Dogs going.

Either Lafayette or American Coney Island are seen as the best places to get a Coney Dog. If authenticity is key however, American Coney Island is known to be the first place in the city to serve the mighty Coney Dog.

25. Eat Greek

The food in Detroit keeps getting better and better and on your visit to the city you will not be short of places to eat. However, Greektown deserves a special mention.

Due to the high number of Greek immigrants that moved to Detroit in the 20th Century, the amount of quality Greek restaurants is staggering. All of the restaurants offer traditional Greek fare in a lively, authentic atmosphere which could easily be mistaken for Greece itself.

Greektown is not just a good place to eat but a great experience and night out. For an authentic (and tasty) Greek bakery experience try the renowned Astoria.

25 Best Things to Do in Detroit (Michigan):

• Visit the Belle Isle Island
• See the Detroit Temple
• Be a bookworm in the Detroit Public Library
• Immerse yourself in the history of Fort Wayne
• Get clued up on the city of Detroit
• Witness the rise of technology in the Henry Ford Museum
• Step back in time to visit Greenfield Village
• Learn about African Americans within the city of Detroit
• Get arty at Pewabic Pottery
• Get funky at the Motown Museum
• Be awestruck by the Renaissance Centre
• Pop in to Henry and Clara Ford's former home
• Enter a Tiger's Lair
• Appreciate a varied collection of art in the Detroit Institute of Arts
• Go Antique Shopping
• Be a big kid at the Morley Candy Factory
• Watch a movie in the New Centre Park
• Learn about beads and more
• Discover the story of Arab Americans
• Tour the Automotive Hall of Fame
• Attempt to visit the Belle Isle Aquarium
• See the animals of the world in one place
• Cruise with Diamond Jack
• Eat a Coney Dog

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10 Montréal “musts” for first-time visitors

Daniel Baylis

To simplify your initial Montréal visit, we’ve compiled a simple list of crowd-pleasin’ attractions. Think of it as a “ greatest hits ” list of what to see and do in a diverse and exciting city.

In no particular order, here are 10 activities and attractions that first-time Montréal visitors might want to put on their “must see” list.

Climb Mount Royal (the lookout)

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same landscape architect who crafted New York’s Central Park), the “mountain” park at the heart of the city is the city’s most iconic landmark — and the most popular place to snap a Montréal selfie. Reach the viewpoint at the top of  Mount Royal Park  by walking up the stairs or with a guided tour. In the chalet at the summit, visitors will find washrooms and a small canteen for refreshments. Give yourself at least two hours.

Spree on Sainte-Catherine Street

As one of the longest commercial strips in Canada, Sainte-Catherine Street is the perfect place for retail rehabilitation. You’ll find international fashion mainstays such as Zara, Victoria’s Secret and H&M. But don’t miss the regional retailers, such as Montréal-made leather goods at  M0851 , the coolest kicks at  Little Burgundy  and a plethora of options at beloved department store  Simons . Plus, don’t miss the shops in Centre Eaton de Montréal , Complexe Desjardins , and Place Montréal Trust .

Eat emblematic Montréal cuisine

Part of the  joie de vivre  culture of Montréal includes chowing down on great grub. Sink your teeth into a juicy smoked-meat sandwich at world-famous  Schwartz’s  deli. Discover why Montréal locals fervently adore their bagels at the wood-fire bakeries of  Fairmount Bagel Bakery   or  St-Viateur Bagel . (Clue: the bagels are dipped in honey water before baking). Sample our notorious poutine at  La Banquise . Finally, quench your thirst with a locally produced beverage, such as  Rise kombucha  or  1642 Cola .

Head back in time (in Old Montréal)

A first-timer’s visit to Montréal is not complete without meandering through the charming cobblestone streets of the  city’s old district . With juxtaposed architecture dating back as far as 1685, visitors have the opportunity to see — quite literally — how the city first began developing. Stop at  Notre-Dame Basilica   for a glimpse at the incredible stained glass art (and for a moment of stillness). Then head to historic  Place Jacques-Cartier  and install yourself on a terrace, where you’ll be perfectly positioned to watch street performers and portrait artists — and where the sangria floweth freely.

Ascend to Saint Joseph’s Oratory

Saint Joseph is often viewed as the saint of everyday life. It’s not everyday, however, that you can visit one of the most popular catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.  Saint Joseph’s Oratory  is a Montréal masterpiece — the  pièce de résistance  among a city of one thousand stunning churches. The oratory is home to a magnificent Rudolf von Beckerath organ, which is ranked among the ten most prestigious in the world. Also, the basilica’s huge dome reaches 97 meters making it second only in height to Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Temporary exhibitions are available throughout the year. Ride the metro to Côte-des-Neiges station and then walk the divine staircase to the oratory.

Go “underground”

Montréal contains  a vast network of pedestrian walkways  — 32 kilometres (20 miles) of connecting passageways, to be exact — beneath street level. During the winter months, approximately 500,000 people circulate on this network daily, using the passages to connect with offices, trains, shops, and restaurants. Referred to as RÉSO (“network”  en français ), the system connects the city’s convention centre, 10 major hotels and a handful of shopping malls, such as the Centre Eaton de Montréal, Complexe Desjardins , and Place Montréal Trust .  Grab a PDF map  and get started on a truly “sub” urban adventure.

Market yourself

Montréalers love to eat. Sure we’ve got our characteristic local food (see above), but one of the best ways to savour the city is to visit one of the   local public markets . With a wide range of regional products from across Québec,  Marché Jean-Talon  — located in the heart of Little Italy — is the largest and most culturally diverse market in Montréal. For a smaller yet equally delicious option, the art deco-style  Marché Atwater  offers an array of specialty products and delicatessen treats. (Plus, it’s located beside the picturesque Lachine Canal.) Wherever you go, be sure to sample seasonal treats such as maple syrup in the spring, strawberries in the summer, and Macintosh apples in the autumn.

Hit a new plateau

The spiral staircases of the colourful  Plateau  neighbourhood present an iconic image of Montréal. In this  quartier  you’ll find a predominantly French-speaking community featuring an eclectic mix of artists, international students, and young professionals, spiced with a healthy dose of other cultures and languages to raise the diversity quotient that much higher. For a glimpse of the Plateau, walk along Avenue Mont-Royal, stopping for a recharge at Kouign Amann Bakery , or eat a meal at stylish bistro  Chez Victoire . If it’s a sunny day, we recommend doing as the locals do: grab a picnic and lounge beneath the leafy trees in peaceful  Parc La Fontaine .

Go East (for a feast of attractions)

Montréal’s eastside neighbourhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is home to a handful of awesome attractions — all within walking distance to each other. Firstly, the  Olympic Stadium  is a grandiose remnant from the history-making 1976 summer games, and arguably the most recognizable architectural structure in the entire city. At the soaring inclined tower of the stadium (even taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa), visitors can ride an elevator for a bird’s eye view of the cityscape. Also in the neighbourhood are the internationally-lauded  Montréal Botanical Garden , which feature seasonal installations such as the much-loved Chinese lantern festival in the autumn months. Last but not least, the kids will go wild for the critters at the  Biodôme , where five ecosystems are home to over 250 different species of animals.

Find your art beat

Montréal is a creative city. Artistic-inclined visitors will relish the multiple museums and galleries, home to both historic and modern works. 

As one of the most important institutions in North America, the  Montréal Museum of Fine Arts  is the premier stop for any art aficionado. The multiple rooms contain painting, sculpture, graphic art, photography, and decorative art objects, and the gallery prides itself on world-class temporary exhibits.

For a more modern approach, visit Canada’s leading museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. The  Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal  (MAC) features a permanent collection, however the curators truly flex their “modern” muscles with the numerous multimedia events. 

Musée d'art contemporain

Finally, the  Phi Centre  showcases art in all its glorious forms — check out the event schedule for a listing of live performances.

Daniel Baylis is a writer, poet, and musician. Several years ago he moved to Montréal to chase silly bohemian dreams. And he’s still at it.   Facebook  /  Instagram  /  Twitter

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The 50 best tourist attractions in the u.s..

See which American landmarks are worthy of your bucket list.

(Getty Images) |

From national parks to iconic symbols of freedom and democracy, these popular and highly regarded U.S. tourist attractions cannot be missed.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Huntsville, Alabama

Denali National Park and Preserve: Alaska

Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona

Hot Springs National Park: Arkansas

Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco, California

Pikes Peak: Cascade, Colorado

(Courtesy of Mystic Aquarium) |

Mystic Aquarium: Mystic, Connecticut

DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum: Fenwick Island, Delaware

(Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort) |

Walt Disney World Resort: Orlando, Florida

(Courtesy of Coca Cola) |

World of Coca-Cola: Atlanta, Georgia

Road to Hana: Hana, Maui, Hawaii

(Courtesy of Idaho Tourism) |

Kirkham Hot Springs: Lowman, Idaho

Chicago River: Chicago, Illinois

Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Indianapolis, Indiana

The Field of Dreams: Dyersville, Iowa

(Courtesy of Oz Museum) |

Oz Museum: Wamego, Kansas

Kentucky Horse Park: Lexington, Kentucky

French Quarter: New Orleans, Louisiana

Acadia National Park: Bar Harbor, Maine

National Aquarium: Baltimore, Maryland

Freedom Trail: Boston, Massachusetts

Mackinac Island: Michigan

(Courtesy of Mall of America) |

Mall of America: Bloomington, Minnesota

(Courtesy of Elvis Presley Birthplace) |

Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum: Tupelo, Mississippi

Gateway Arch: St. Louis, Missouri

Glacier National Park: West Glacier, Montana

Chimney Rock National Historic Site: Bayard, Nebraska

Las Vegas Strip: Las Vegas, Nevada

Mount Washington Cog Railway: Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Cape May: New Jersey

White Sands National Park: Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

Statue of Liberty: New York City, New York

Wright Brothers National Memorial: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Dakota

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Cleveland, Ohio

(Courtesy of First Americans Museum) |

First Americans Museum: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Mount Hood: Oregon

Liberty Bell: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Breakers: Newport, Rhode Island

Fort Sumter National Monument: Charleston, South Carolina

Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Keystone, South Dakota

(Courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) |

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Nashville, Tennessee

The Alamo: San Antonio, Texas

Zion National Park: Utah

(Courtesy of Smugglers' Notch Resort) |

Smugglers' Notch Resort: Jeffersonville, Vermont

Colonial Williamsburg: Williamsburg, Virginia

Space Needle: Seattle, Washington

White House and the National Mall: Washington, D.C.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Lambeau Field: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming

You might also be interested in:

• The Best National Parks in the U.S.
• The Best Hiking Trail in Every State
• Vacation Ideas for Every Type of Traveler
• The World's Best Tourist Attractions
• The Most Famous Landmarks in the World

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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