meeting spot between London and Leicester?
 

Tough question here . . . I'm going to be in London next week and want to meet a dear friend who lives in Leicester. We'd like to spend a few hours together, hanging out somewhere, have lunch, etc. Problem is we'll both be bringing our 3 year olds. We will be taking the train, she will be driving. Any ideas on a location that will be a reasonable distance from both places? Obviously we'll need something that kids can handle, but it could even be a child friendly museum, park, or some place to run around. Should I bite the bullet and do LegoLand? Is that a reasonable distance from Leicester? Thanks so much.

Why not go to Leicester by train and spend 5 or 6 hours in her home. Leicester is just over an hour by train and you would have all the comforts of her house, essential if it rains. Kids could have a nap after lunch and you would be far more relaxed and comfortable.

This was our original plan, but for unintersting reasons it isn't going to work out!

Legoloand is west of London, so more of a burden for your friend to get to than for you... two other suggestions -1) Drayton Manor theme park in Tamworth (a family-sized amusement park, but probably dependant on good weather), or 2) Warwick Castle (or is such a thing too old for 3yo?)

If Warwick castle is too much, think about Kenilworth castle instead. It's a few miles south of Coventry and more manageable with kids.

You would take the train from Euston to Coventry (just over an hour); maybe your friend could meet you there. Then, it's a drive of ten minutes or so.

The castle is great but not overwhelming; there is also a huge park in the middle of town (Abbey Fields) where the kids could run around; and some nice restaurants in the old part of town.

Get her to come to you

i agree re Kenilworth Castle, it's wonderful!
Also, Foxton Locks (in Leics) which features a lovely pub and river walk and watching those canal boats. (Watch the kid, though!)