can anyone recommend a place to stop over between Norfolk and Cumbria?

[MegBusset]

We're doing this journey next month and are considering breaking it overnight - can anyone recommend somewhere to stop asking the way? Ideally a nice village/small town where we can get something to eat/have a wander/find a pub. Accommodation recommendations welcome - reasonable B&B/guest house/hotel with family rooms would be ideal.

I've had a look on the map but can't see anywhere obvious... help please!

[LadyOnARooftop]

Kyte Hotel, Darrington, off the A1? Not much in Darrington itself but there are a couple of other pubs and it's a short run into Pontefract. There's a Premier Inn next door too. It's also near Junction 32 off the M62, there's loads of chain restaurants, cinema, shopping outlet etc..