I had my first caravan park/camp holiday with my husband and mum-in-law last week. I have heard so much about it that I was quite looking forward to it. 

My husband always spoke fondly of the many holidays he had had with his parents and sister. I think, for him, it was the childhood memory and association of freedom and fun. Wondering about, playing, swimming and excitedly attending an under 12 disco (yes when it was still called disco), mostly unsupervised. With very few do’s and dont’s to abide by. Two compelling USP’s that any young child would buy into, and cherish.  It was mainly possible because the caravan parks were safe and self-contained with many kid-friendly facilities like swimming pools, trampolines and amusement arcades, and snacks and fish and chips shops.

It is the same with my mum-in-law. She too remembers the family getaways fondly. There is an immediate enthusiasm at the thought and mention of all things caravan related.  I think, for her, it was the anticipated two weeks away from work sans cooking, washing and cleaning. Leisurely visits to touristy places near and around the caravan site. Going to amusement centres. Picking out games to play. Accumulating tickets to exchange for prizes – that were not worth much in value – but for the thrill of the win. Happy memories of a carefree and relaxing two-week summer holiday out of the 52 weeks in a year.

I understand the appeal now. I saw, first hand, how and why it could be a lot of fun for children and a much-needed break for parents. For instance, Hoburne Devon Bay, where we stayed for seven nights, caters more for families. Parents with young children (who still needed/wanted their mum and dad) and other slightly older under 16 children (who still didn’t mind too much being on a holiday with mum and dad).

The park’s facilities, activities and entertainment were varied, and mindfully targeted at all ages. There was a heated indoor pool (for when the weather is cold, wet and rainy like it was many days when we were there), an outdoor pool for the hardier (we saw one brave soul who might have had a swim), a fitness suite, adventure golf, a basketball and a mini football court plus aqua rollers, kayaks and paddle boats. For toddlers, a soft room to play and jump about safely – supervised by park hosts/staff.  For younger children, there were organised interactive activities like arts and crafts and hunts. For parents and other adults, there were entertainment options such as performances, retro games and quizzes.

Also on-site were cafes and a brasserie that offered hot food. A store for groceries and souvenirs. A launderette. One other upside was a week’s caravan holiday cost less than vacations in B&B’s or hotels. A relevant consideration for the budget conscious and/or cash strapped.

For us, it was a free and easy holiday. No children to entertain. No fixed itinerary. We went where we wanted, when we wanted. Did what we wanted, when we wanted. Which are what holidays should be. We visited Paignton, Dartmouth, Totnes, Torquay, Brixham and Dartmoor. Oddly, all three of us had patchy recollections despite visiting these postcard perfect mainly coastal towns with marinas and harbours, together and separately, over the years. No matter. What we found rather unusual was more shops than not were closed on Sunday in Totnes. Similarly, they were closed after 5pm in Torquay on a Monday. This, in late June, when there were already a number of touristy-looking people milling about.  No matter.

That said, we liked Brixham but our unanimous favourite was Dartmouth. We liked it enough that we drove there one morning, and took the Dartmouth Steam Railway on another. Riding the ‘Braveheart’ steam engine between Paignton and Kingswear was a memorable experience. We conquered every amusement arcade that we came across. Played and replayed numerous games, particularly my mother-in-law, who was in her element at the machines. She successfully ratcheted up more than 2,000 tickets that were exchanged for some ‘interesting’ prizes. We enjoyed some exceptional desserts, and good food served up at quaint little cafes, pubs and restaurants. 

But what made the holiday special, at least for me, was not so much the beautiful scenery or yummy desserts, it was the easiness, silliness and infectious laughter we shared between us. I will remember for a long time yet, the three of us killing ourselves laughing while standing outside The Torbay Inn in Paignton, after we discovered that my husband had mistakenly made our dinner reservation at The Torbay Inn, not in Paignton but in Llandudno, Wales. Yes, Wales. No, we didn’t make that dinner reservation.

It has been a long while since I’ve had so many belly aching laughs packed into one week.