For our family holiday we looked at a range of options to try to find somewhere that was both affordable and also had a number of the things to keep our 4 year old occupied, and also to keep us adults ocupied. I found out aboutVauxhall on line, and the wide range of amenities as well as being close to Great Yarmouth and the beach were key. Also we have been to the South West many times and felt like a change. This site seemed to have a lot indoors, swimming, play areas, entertainment, food outlets etc, and this is something to think about if the weather is poor.
Booking was very simple, you ring them and discuss your requirements, and you are sent a simple form to fill in to finalise the booking. We got there a little before the time we should have (2pm), and got straight into the caravan. I was a little surprised (And pleased) as normally you have to wait.
ACCOMODATION All of the accomodation has a rating from Bronze to
Platinum. Bronze are the older mainly 10ft width caravans that are basic with slightly older fittings at a very keen price. Next up is the Silver range, which are mainly 12ft width, and have a good standard of modern fittings. We went for the Sandpiper 4 in this range. The Gold range includes a number of quality caravans as well as holidays homes/chalets. Important point is though that the homes/chalets seem to be at the back of the site, some distance from the entrance and entertainment area. I would say they would be quiet, but perhaps a bit of a trek if you want all of the amentiies regularly. There are also pitches with all of the amemities for quite a large number of mobile caravans. Accomodation Rating - I rate the accomodation excellent.
OUR ACCOMODATION Our caravan was a sandpiper very clean and as good as any caravan I have been in before. It had one double and one twin bedroon, microwave, central heating, TV and a shower. The styling was modern and fresh, with a nice bench deated section for watching TV. One little touch I liked was a channel on the TV, telling you about the site and the amenities.
THE SITE I found it a little hard to find at first (Its right near a big island by Tescos), and there is a large fence around the site. My first thought was are they trying to keep the holiday makers in or someone else out! However, once on the site it is very well laid out and welcoming. It has a lot of greenery as you come in. When you check in, you get a map and you can see that it is a big site. Luckily we were quite close to the main entertainment area. The site is very clean, and I felt due to the low speed limit (5mph) very safe for young children. Site rating - I rate the site excellent
AMENITIES/FACILITIES The site has a very large entertainment area. Attached to this are a Laundrette, Phones, a wide number of take away food places that do all of the usual, as well as pizza and chinese/indian , a shop, a decent arcade, with a super ten pin bowling game. The siter also has a decent crazy golf course, as well as a range of bikes for up to four people. The indoor swimming pool is one of the best things about the site. It was superbly laid out, and has a range of pools for different ages, a small and large slide - and its heated. My son loved it; I think we went virtually every day of our two week stay! The Outdoor pool was deserted in early June, and is probably only fully used in mid summer on really hot days. The restarant is slightly seperate from the main area, and had a good range of food, though the price looked a little higher than I expected. This is right over from the outdoor adventureplay area, suitable for over 5's, and has a large type of tree house. There is also a small area for under 5's, but this is a little limited. AMENITIES/FACILITIES RATING - Superb.
ENTERTAINMENT The site has two main entertainment areas. The Regency Room for families and the Starlight for Adults only. I can only comment on the Regency, but the standard of entertainers was superb. We saw well known artists such as Dr & the Medics and The Searchers as well as a hilarious Wrestling show (The kids loved it). The entertainment early evening is aimed at the kids, with Louie the Lion (The site mascot) and friends providing some decent entertainment. The Regency room is enromous, and I would have though could cater for at least 3-400 people at a push. The entertainment goes on generally till about midnight or so. ENTERTAINMENT RATING - Excellent.
TRANSPORT The site has a regular bus service to Great Yarmouth, with the stop near the reception. Also just down the road in the training station in Great Yarmouth, making short stays possible without a car. Another good point about the bus service, was it was quite cheap, and when you consider the parking proce in Great Yarmouth, it is definitely worth considering. TRANSPORT RATING - Superb.
WHATS TO SEE NEARBY Great Yarmouth has a superb beach, as good as any I have seen in the UK. There is a good indoor shopping area, and a super rac track for Stock cars (My favourite) and Grey Hound racing, both of whcih i think are weekly. About 6-7 miles away is Lowesoft, and though the town is OK, it has a good park. In the park we were surprised and entertained by power boat racing. This free to watch every Thursday evening, and was a real treat - me and my son loved it. Hemsby is about 10 miles north on the coast and also has a decent beach, and some quaint 1970's style rides for kids. My son didn't know quite what to make if it!. The boat rides on the broads are available at a few locations, and are quite relaxing and pleasant. There are all the usual farms and play barn type places for children, as well as god quaint towns to visit. Its not quite as commercial as Cornwall, and also not quite as spread out. WHATS TO SEE RATING - Very good.
OVERALL I have to admit we weren't too sure what to expect, when we booked. All in all, it was the best holiday we have ever had as a family, and we have booked to go again in 2006 already. If you want great value for money, the widest range of facilities, good entertainment then this is a holiday park you should consider.
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Hope you enjoy it this year too. Living about 20 mins away I go past the park on occasions but you never take much notice when its on your doorstep. Sounds a good place to holday. x
6chris6 03.02.2006 15:07
Sounds like you really enjoyed it,which is what holidays are for.You didn't mention if it was a private site or one of these big chains like haven? My kids love places like this...chris...
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