I'm picking up a car in Leeds (after spending a couple days there) and then driving south. I could overnight on a Friday in Nottingham, Derby or Leicester (or therabouts; and stroll a city for a bit; and visit a couple pubs). I would normally also consider staying in surrounding countryside, but it will be early December, so nature will not beckon, and it will be largely dark. Any preferences?

How far south are you going and what day will this be ( as in day of the week)

DD lived in Southwell for a while when she was at uni - some great pubs, at least one nice BnB and [I should imagine] a lovely atmosphere at Christmas, with the Minster.

Where are you eventually going -- none of those cities are very far. Nottingham and Derby only about 90 minutes, and Leicester maybe 2 hours on a good day.

So if you are headed south -- I'd go a lot farther before stopping (where depends on your ultimate destination)

If you just want to stop -- Instead of any of those - consider Oakham or Stamford near Rutland Water

Sound like you are intending driving down the M1? If so, have. A look at this website for pubs to stay http://www.stayinapub.com/Pub-Accomm...ts-M1-M45.html.

Personally I wouldn't bother with any of the three cities mention. Well perhaps Nottinghmam but definitely not Leicester.

As Smeagol has already asked, it would be useful to know your ultimate destination. If, perchance you are heading towards London. Then consider a diversion to Birmingham which has and amazing city centre with lots of options to stay and eat and is a great place for wandering around with way more to see and do than the other three cities put together. You could then head on south down the M40Just a thought!

Great info, thanks all! The Oakham/Stamford/Southwell suggestions got me onto booking.com exploring those towns and others in the area, and I booked the Old Pheasant in the village of Glaston for £35 (nice ratings and the single is 35 m2 in size!). [That motorway pub site is really great too - - thanks for that.]

[Only going as far south as Sharnbrook near Bedford to see friends; went to B'ham last year and really enjoyed it, though this year wanted to check out a new area so am flying in and out of Leeds/Bradford; on the way back up I'll spend a night in Sheffield which is supposed to have a great beer scene: http://sabotagetimes.com/travel/little-shef-big-beer ]

I guess I just don't understand the stop over - Leeds all the way to Sharnbrook only takes 3 hours.

Leeds airport Taxis are getting a bit more expensive since they have to pay a fee to pick up, are you ok with using the buses to get around as the there is no train on top of the Chevin.

Buses and trains here at http://www.wymetro.com/BusTravel/

Traffic on the M1 on a Friday night is horrific, currently lots of road works but I too would skip that stop and push on! But of the 3 agree with Crellston, Nottingham .

Crell nice to hear you give a thumbs up to my place of birth ��

>>>>>>>I guess I just don't understand the stop over - Leeds all the way to Sharnbrook only takes 3 hours.

I wasn't asking whether I should drive straight through, I was asking for perspectives on Nottingham, Derby, Leicester or parts nearby - - and got very good information - - thanks again everybody.

If you prefer to drive straight through, that's your option next time you happen to be going from Leeds to Sharnbrook.