ELTIPS AV R T

Checking five of us in at Haven’s Rockley Park site in Dorset – my friend, me and three kids between us – was quick and efficient.

The receptionist gave us the lowdown on the park’s offerings, and which activities we needed to book and those we didn’t.

Each of the kids was then handed a lollipop, cue shrieks of excitement, and a guide to five days of fun at this award- winning park just a few minutes from Poole Harbour.

Some people can be a bit snobby about caravan parks – I bet they’ve never been to Rockley.

The site has a five- star rating, Haven’s highest, and feels luxurious. It is beautifully set out with lots of trees and open grassy areas.

Environmental campaigner David Bellamy became a consultant for Haven in 1996 and he took the chance to promote nature at its parks. He did a good job.

Rockley Park has its very own nature reserve and many kids’ activities are nature- based. Despite having a lot of caravans, there’s a real sense of space.

The children couldn’t have been more impressed with our platinum grade caravan. I’ve stayed in some where adults can’t help bumping into each other, but at 12ft wide this felt fantastically spacious.

The decor was far from expected. With muted shades, modern prints and fluffy cushions, we could have been in a boutique hotel.

We had a three-bed – two twins and a double – with two bathrooms as there’s an en suite off the third bedroom. With three children, one still being potty trained, that extra bathroom makes a big difference.

The kids loved the large lounge with its huge TV and DVD player. The kitchen was well equipped too, with a trendy little island workspace.

But the pièce de résistance was the outside decking area. This is the first time I’ve stayed in a caravan with a proper outside area and it made such a difference. We had mostly great weather so enjoyed most of our meals outside.

Our caravan was on a hilly area giving superb views and little, if any, noise – so evenings al fresco were tranquil and chilled.

One of the loveliest things about Rockley Park is its small private beach with views over Poole harbour and the Purbecks. There’s a shop BOOK your activities as soon as you arrive. The popular ones fill up quickly. And go for an “activity bundle” if you want to try a few different things because it will give worthwhile savings on price. TRY to get off the park at least once during your stay because the beaches nearby – especially at Sandbanks – really are absolutely stunning. IF you fancy a pool session, get there as early as possible so that you don’t end up having to queue. and cafe and the jetty is fantastic for crab fishing. They sell all the crabbing gear in the beach shop.

My daughter Lily-Rose, 11, whiled away many happy hours crab hunting while I sunbathed. She was proud to have caught 52.

The park has its own sailing school and watersports centre on the beach, including windsurfing, kayaking and stand- up paddle boarding. Kids under 13 need an adult with them.

Kayak

We booked various activities – Lily-Rose and I absolutely loved our target practice. Our competitive streak came out as we took turns shooting tin can targets and were pitched against other families.

The younger children, three and five, did a couple of organised activities. The nature collage was a big hit, sourcing materials from the reserve and gluing and sticking under the watchful eye of Haven’s Park Ranger. They also thoroughly enjoyed the sand sculpture session on the beach.

Nature is a really big thing at the park and its Nature Rocz activities promote that, with loads of activities based on exploring wildlife.

There is so much to do at Rockley that it would be hard to get round it all. Choose carefully and book on arrival. Options include a climbing wall, tennis courts, archery, fencing and a football academy.

For rainy days there’s a “pick and paint pottery” where we spent a good couple of hours.

There are two good-sized heated pools, indoor and outdoor, with a splash zone grotto linking the two, though they can get busy.

There are also pool activities, all age-restricted, so check before you book, including kayaking, turbo paddlers and pool parties. Aqua jets were a big hit with Lily-Rose.

We ate in the Mash and Barrel restaurant – its pub- style food offered plenty of choice for all ages.

There is also a “posh” restaurant, perhaps more for older kids and adults, plus takeaway fish and chips.

If you can manage a bit of time out from the kids there is a spa. My friend loved it.

We had a fantastic time at Rockley Park. It has wonderful accommodation and, despite being a hive of activity, still achieves a peaceful air. We’ll definitely be back. FACTFILE Haven offer three and four night self-catering breaks from £299. Price is per family and is valid until September 1, and includes familyfriendly entertainment. To find out more, or to book, visit haven.com or give them a call on 0333 202 5305.