Shropshire Star

Ducks, wild rabbits, swallows, crabs, shrimps, bats, badgers, deer and possible seal sightings. Throw in the prospect of finding a fossil or better still a dinosaur footprint and my kids were in their element. Life’s like that at Haven and British Holidays’ Doniford Bay holiday park, nestled between the Quantock Hills and Exmoor on the Somerset coast.

From our caravan window, we saw rabbits and oystercatchers and with the beach just a stone’s throw away we made numerous trips on to the rocky landscape — full of fascinating rock pools and apparently one of the few places in the country where ice age met a Jurassic coastline.

For 10-year-old Milly, Jurassic meant only one thing and we spent hours scouring the beach for fossils.

Away from the park, there’s masses to do in this beautiful part of Somerset.

Nearby are many other attractions such as the caves at Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge. The village of Dunster, just a few miles away is well worth a visit with its spectacular castle and medieval “yarn-market” — you can even get there by steam train from Doniford Halt.

However, if you don’t fancy getting in the car, there’s plenty to do on the park with a new children’s playground, go-karts, trampolines, a bouncy castle, three floodlit multi-sport courts, and a fabulous indoor and outdoor pool complex.

The entertainment in the showbar was perfect family fun — don’t miss the Magical Parade when Haven’s children’s characters Bradley Bear, Greedy the Gorilla and the rest of the gang say goodnight. The entertainment continues with cabaret, live bands and discos.

In the main complex the cafe-bar has a full menu with plenty of healthy options, but if you want to eat in, the caravans really are home from home. Our “Gold” holiday home had a fully-fitted kitchen with microwave, large freezer and fridge, and spotless four-ring cooker. The accommodation really was superb, with spacious lounge and dining area plus three bedrooms.

Now all I have to do is find someone who can identify Milly’s fossils!

• One of 34 Haven and British Holidays Parks, Doniford Bay has a choice of self-catering accommodation available with prices from around £479 for a seven-night break in standard accommodation in July for a family of four.
• For full details, the latest special offers and immediate online bookings visit www.havenholidays.com, call 0870 242 2222 or phone the park direct on 0870 40 50 145.

By Deborah McCabe