The kids were slightly confused when we told them we were going on holiday to a place ten minutes down the road.

But as soon as we turned off onto Hoburne’s Bashley site, we could have been a million miles away from home.

The huge plot on which the park is based means it feels spacious and peaceful, despite the large number of static caravans and touring pitches. We felt as if we were in the middle of nowhere – without the stress of a long car journey.

We enjoyed the use of one of the park’s platinum caravans during our mid-week break, which was wonderfully plush inside and out, with two flatscreen TVs, iPod dock, fully equipped kitchen, good sized living space and heating throughout.

Our two girls, aged eight and five, were desperate to explore so, after unpacking, we wandered over to the entertainment complex for lunch.

Here, as well as some tasty paninis and chips, we picked up all the info we needed about the kids’ clubs on offer, evening entertainment and daily family activities, as well as taking a peek at the mini bowling and indoor and outdoor heated pools.

With the rain bucketing it down, we decided there was nothing else for it but to go for a dip, much to the girls’ delight.

My husband and I both remarked on how clean the family changing rooms were, while I was particularly pleased to find the pool was lovely and warm.

The children busied themselves diving to the bottom of the pool, in between darting around the indoor splash park, and we even managed a dip in the jacuzzi.

After a quick bite to eat in our cosy kitchen, we headed back to the main building so the girls could meet Sammy the Seahorse and enjoy children’s games, before we all tried the nightly bingo.

Next morning the rain held off just long enough for myself and our eldest to try our hand at tree climbing – one of a number of activities also on offer to non-residents.

Harnessed up and given a demo by the resident team of experts, we were soon shimmying high into the branches.

Our evening was spent once again enjoying the delights of Sammy and his friends, when our youngest, Poppy, was thrilled to win a certificate for the best musical statues pose.

We chose to eat in our caravan after the girls had gone to bed, but the food on offer at the Hungry Woodcutter food service, which offered an extensive menu of burgers, pies, salads, family favourites, steak, chicken and ribs, looked very tasty.

The torrential rain continued into our third day but, after another stint in the amusement arcade, where both girls were delighted to hit the jackpot, it was time for Happy’s Circus, the twice weekly attraction which was based at the site throughout the summer.

A packed big top chuckled with delight at the silly clowns, while oohing and aahing at the daring acrobatics, balancing and hula hoop acts.

To top off an enjoyable hour or so, the sun had finally come out by the time the show had finished, so the girls explored the play park before we headed back to the pool for a Wet ‘n’ Wild session – a giant inflatable, Wipe Out-style assault course.

While this session was not open to members of the public, local residents can become members to use the facilities.

Another stint with Sammy and the team followed, before our rapidly tiring children begged for bedtime – result.

The next morning we decided to venture off site and explored the quaint nearby villages of Keyhaven – where visitors can take a ferry across to Hurst Castle – and Milford-on-Sea, complete with fish and chip lunch, eaten out of the paper.

Our final morning was spent exploring the beautiful woodlands. The Woodland Activity Centre offers a range of events including arts and crafts, bushcraft, storytelling, woodland parties and bat walks – all of which are also available to members of the public.

The girls became Nature Detectives, searching for and identifying bugs, trees and woodland creatures, before making their very own wood cookie.

Despite it being probably the worst week of the summer, weather wise, there was plenty at Hoburne Bashley to keep the whole family entertained and, better, the journey home took fewer than ten minutes.

Fact file

Hoburne Holiday Parks is a family owned and run company dating back more than 100 years with seven award winning coastal and countryside parks across Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset, the Cotswolds and Cornwall.A short break at Hoburne Bashley in 2016 starts from £177.

A short break in a platinum caravan starts from £280. Book before January 15, 2016 to get a 20 per cent early booking discount (terms and conditions apply).

For more information or to book visit hoburne.com or call 01425 282358. Hoburne Bashley can be reached on 01425 612340.