BACK in the good old days, when summers were long, warm and sunny, it didn't matter if your holiday home was a shoebox-sized caravan in a field.
This year, when we seem to be getting all four seasons every week, quality sites really do come into their own – and that is certainly true of Hoburne Holiday Parks.
We recently spent spring, summer, autumn and winter (okay, a week) at Hoburne Naish at New Milton, Hampshire, midway between Bournemouth and Southampton – a stunning site with cliff-top views across the Solent and along the coast.
On the edge of the New Forest with views of the Isle of Wight and Purbeck Hills, Hoburne Naish sits in a perfect holiday area with plenty for everyone, come rain or shine.
The Solent offers leisure activities from watersports to windsurfing and there's local golf and pony trekking. If, like us, you like coastal walks there's the Christchuch Coast Path and a nature trail, while attractions nearby include museums, markets, parks, stately homes and Isle of Wight trips from Lymington just up the road. Though sited on clifftops, beaches are just a short walk away.
And if the wind and rain do set in there's plenty do on site, with an indoor pool, indoor soft play area and an extensive entertainment programme for both adults and children, together with a Sammy Seahorse Club for children up to the age of 12.
When the weather relents you've got an outdoor pool, adventure playground, mini football pitch and tennis courts.
As part of Hoburne's environment policy there are recycling centres, active management of the park's wildlife habitat and even a Wild Trail – pick up a leaflet at reception and take the kids on a wildlife challenge, with questions to answer as you follow the trail.
Accommodation ranges from Solent lodges to caravans, chalets and apartments while an old-English pub offers a quiet drink and an excellent, stylish restaurant features a wide range of inexpensive meals.
Wheelchair access on the site is excellent, with ramps and specially adapted accommodation – there's even a hoist at the pool.
The company are running a bus service exclusively for the use of Hoburne customers staying at Hoburne Bashley, Hoburne Naish and Hoburne Park that will operate during the high season from July 20 to August 29. The first bus leaves Hoburne Bashley Reception at 9am and the last bus back from Bournemouth leaves at 5pm.
You can buy a "Roamer Ticket" valid for the whole day which will enable you to visit Christchurch, New Milton or Bournemouth for the low cost of £2.50 per adult (only £1 for children under 14), just get on and off as you please.
With the cost of parking for the day in Bournemouth always going up, this service will not only save on carbon emissions by replacing many cars with just one bus, but could also save you money.
Tickets can only be obtained from the Park Reception and may be advance stamped if required. Payment cannot be accepted on the bus.
Hoburne Naish, tel: 01425 273586 or see the website http://www.hoburne.com/naish
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