Travel review: Silverdale, Lake District

Officially a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, it's easy to see why so many people have bought a permanent spot here at Holgates Park in Silverdale on the edge of the Lake District.

Watching the seasons roll in across 100 acres of site park and woodland is something impossible to grow tired of.

Not only is the location ideal, but it makes financial sense too as the area is less expensive and less congested than the centre of the Lakes but within easy reach of popular towns such as Keswick, Ambleside and Windermere.

October half-term was the ideal time for along weekend visit as a family of four with two boys aged four and six.

With no shortage of attractions and blessed with glorious autumn sunshine exploring the area was doddle.

Teetering on a small platform attached birch tree in Grizdale Forest provided some of the most rewarding views of the stunning Douglas Fir canopy and Grizdale Beck, especially as we'd climbed 18 meters straight up at the Go Ape tree top trekking and zip line adventure.

Thank goodness it wasn't windy as I couldn't have coped with the swaying, but my children happily flitted across the various bridges, each offering a chance to use balance and co-ordination with the ultimate aim of flinging themselves down a 200m zip line...again and again and again!

When the heavens did inevitably open, the site itself offered refuge with its fully equipped 'Technogym' indoor, 17m heated pool with bubble, spa and toddler pools, restaurant, soft play area and games room for older children.

After an energetic swim with the children during a 'fun and floats' session, the restaurant is perfectly situated next door with large viewing windows for non-swimmers to watch while enjoying a coffee and scrummy cake – I'd recommend the pistachio frangipane. Fresh-cooked meals include favourites like scampi and chips, hunter's chicken and popular kids' options like sausages, pizza and chicken nuggets.

Dishes were cooked quickly considering how busy it was much of the time – a good sign of popularity – with fresh ingredients. The knickerbocker glories are pretty special too, we shared two between four of us and found them more than ample!

Home to some of the world's rarest animals is Dalton-in-Furness Safari Zoo, a place where visitors can walk freely amongst many of the Australian bush animals like kangaroos, wallabies, roaming lemurs, squirrel monkeys and even cheeky cotton topped tamarins.

By far the most fascinating enclosure held the vultures where King, Andean and turkey breeds wander round and inquisitively investigate visitors. It was an amazing opportunity to get so close to these magnificent birds.

At up to 11kg the Andean proved a little too friendly for our four-year old who clung to me when the bird waddled over to him and towered above him. Nevertheless, seeing these majestic creatures was an incredible opportunity.

After busy days out in the crisp autumnal air, it really felt like coming home when we returned to the mobile home that was exceptionally well designed and included cosy fireplace in the lounge, dishwasher, en suite shower room and walk-in wardrobes with masses of storage in the master bedroom.

The second bedroom had two single beds – we installed guards as they were narrow for young children – a wardrobe and overhead storage cupboards. Both rooms felt spacious and the open plan lounge, kitchen and diner provided space for each family member to find their own space.

Cooking for a family can sometimes be a struggle in caravans but we found the five-ring gas hob, cooker and grill ideal and the dishwasher made clearing up a swift affair.

Undoubtedly, the revolving armchair caused the most disputes in our family; it turned to face either the fire or French doors overlooking the valley and was the ideal spot curling up with a hot chocolate, good book and watching beautiful sunsets reflected in the bay's still waters.

The Holgates site is a perfect antidote to busy lifestyles and it's easy to see why so many visitors end up making a permanent retreat out of a short break to come back to time and time again.

For more details call 01524 701508 or visit www.holgates.co.uk/silverdale

By Maria Bagnall