Discover Dorset with a family-fun trip to Parkdean Resort’s Sandford Holiday Park
Treat yourself to a holiday home with all the mod-cons, including heating and double-glazing, digital telly and beds made up with fresh linen
“I HAD visions of us chilling on the veranda, sipping wine . . . ” my friend Maria said wistfully as we prepared to drive home.
How I laughed. What was she thinking? With two adults and five kids aged from three months to ten years in one caravan, it was only ever going to be crazy.
We were escaping London for a weekend break at Parkdean Resort’s Sandford Holiday Park in Dorset.
I was keen to spend time with my girls and Maria was convinced a change of scene would magic her newborn to sleep.
Arriving separately, Maria had already made herself at home in the spacious caravan and toddler George gave us a tour, excitedly opening each drawer and cupboard.
Our holiday home had all the mod-cons, including heating and double-glazing, digital telly and beds made up with fresh linen.
The Sandford park is small but perfectly formed and manages to pack a lot in. As well as an adventure playground, 18-hole crazy-golf course and sports court, there’s an entertainment complex, bike hire and even pony rides.
The indoor and outdoor pools are the main attractions and Maria reported how calm and quiet the morning toddler session was.
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When I later followed with my kids to the family session, it was not so serene.
The park is a great base from which to explore the delights of Dorset and top of my hit list was Corfe Castle, 15 minutes up the road.
We were lucky to have a volunteer history group there too, bringing the castle to life with archery, medieval cooking demos, sample weapons and medieval tents.
Corfe Castle is in a picture-postcard village which is lovely to wander around — and had I not had five children with me, I would have taken some time to enjoy the pub.
After an eventful first night, I agreed to clear my kids out of the way so Maria could put the babies to bed. So the girls and I checked out the entertainment.
Unfortunately, the pool party I had booked was cancelled but the 30-minute muck-about session that replaced it was just as fun.
The enthusiastic staff let the girls try out kayaks and created fun games. The kids’ disco and arcade was also a hit. Who knew two quid could go so far and last so long?
We made the most of our last day, hitting Swanage beach by 9am, packed lunch and toys at the ready.
Swanage is perfect for little ones — sandy beach and a lovely town, not to mention delicious ice cream.
We had a fantastic morning soaking up as much fresh air, sun and sea as possible and trying to forget our imminent journey home.
I left Maria to enjoy one more night, with me and the girls heading home in time for school the next day.
On the drive home, the girls recounted all the fun things they had done over the weekend.
It was a long list but sadly, sipping wine on the veranda was not included. Next time . . .
Go: Dorset
GETTING / STAYING THERE: A three-night break this summer is from £343 in total staying in a Sherborne two-bed caravan sleeping six.
October half-term breaks are from £249 for three nights, arriving October 20.
To book and for details, see or call 0330 123 4850.