Ever thought about a park holiday? Since the heyday of the 1950s and 60s holiday camp the all-inclusive everything in one place chalet vacation the whole concept has changed dramatically.
The idea of a two weeks away from home and work with the family is now outmoded and many of us take more short breaks interspersed with foreign travel. Our expectations are much higher so the basic “Hi-De-Hi” type chalet is now unacceptable.
Offered a stay in a Parkdean holiday park my husband and I opted for a weekend break in the forest near Wareham, Dorset. We were allocated a lodge in a tree-lined road within easy walking distance of all the facilities with a parking space just outside.
Despite plenty of other lodges and chalets close by we were hardly overlooked. The unit was very well appointed with two bedrooms. Two toilet and shower rooms, central heating, cosy carpets, fridge freezer and even a dishwasher: better than at home.
There was a large flat screened television and a range cooker if I felt like cooking, which I didn’t. It was all spotlessly clean and equipped with all crockery, glasses and utensils.
So, despite the self-catering opportunities we decided to eat in the restaurant and although the food was not to our taste it does have to cater for families so basic food is what you get.
The staff were all extremely helpful and went out of their way to be welcoming and even engage us in conversation. Obviously they were well trained.
We were lucky as the weather was relatively warm and sunny so walks around the park were pleasant. There are designated areas where dogs are welcome which means you can take your four legged family member on holiday as well.
From the location of this park we took the chance to do some sightseeing and visit some local places of interest of which there are plenty. We also took the chance to use the free entertainment passes to have my children and grandchildren to the site for the day.
Once we’d been in the indoor pool and the outdoor playgrounds we were all tired and hungry so moved to the restaurant for the Sunday Carvery. The canteen atmosphere helped to quell my disquiet over the chaos of feeding fussy children.
The family were impressed by the accommodation and urged us to buy a holiday home on this site because it was easily accessible to them. I can see this would be a good option as there is room to have the little ones to stay and plenty to keep them occupied on the campsite as well as easy access to other amusements.
I could not fault the site and there are plenty of good eating places around as well as the choice to cook in the accommodation.
A short break on this or a similar site around the country is a far more attractive option that I have previously considered. In fact, I did not think this would be my” sort of thing”, but since staying there I have changed my mind and with the high quality of accommodation; I would stay at a Parkdean resort again.
It is also worth noting that Park Resorts has now amalgamated with them to offer a wide-ranging choice of 73 different locations in the UK.
To find out more about what they have to offer you and where visit www.parkdeanholidays.co.uk.
