Mark Edwards and his daughter enjoy a mix of activities on a half-term New Forest holiday

Sometimes you just need a few days away from it all to recharge the batteries.

A break from the stresses and strains at work, the hustle and bustle of a packed diary and the ability to switch off your phone and laptop.

Granted the latter was taken out of my hands by a lack of signal but that is all part of the charm of the New Forest.

A weekend away with my eight-year-old daughter Ruby was the perfect tonic, and a lodge in Shorefield Country Park the ideal location.

It’s a great place to unwind.

Tucked away next to Milford on Sea in Hampshire, the drive is an enjoyable one, none more so than when you spend a few minutes in the heart of the countryside carefully avoiding grazing horses on the roadside.

We stayed in a two-bedroom lodge, one of which was ensuite, and also contained a lounge, kitchen, eating area and bathroom.

The cost for a self-catering, three-night stay at peak time (October’s half term holiday) was just shy of £500. You couldn’t fault the lodge itself. It was immaculate, had everything you would expect of it, and surrounded by squirrels, rabbits and birds, it was hard not to feel totally relaxed.

There are four types of accommodation available on the 100-acre site – caravans, chalets, lodges and the luxury properties which come complete with a hot tub. Our place was only a few minutes walk from the main area of the park and the focal point of Shorefield was a hive of activity.

An indoor swimming pool, spa, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym and arcade as well as bars, a restaurant and entertainment room ensured there was plenty to do.

There’s also plenty to do if you venture out to explore the surrounding area (see panel left) as well as using the on-site facilities.

This is what we did, but we were always back for an evening meal and the entertainment, which was by far the highlight of Ruby’s break.

We ate our meals at the Cheers bar, which offered a decent menu at what were surprisingly good prices.

Some holiday parks sting you for food and drink.

However, with only a couple of things on the menu more than £10, it was very difficult to complain.

The added bonus was our meal was served very quickly too – no more than ten minutes before we had our food from when we ordered it.

It was good as well, and it was clear that the kitchen, which was busy throughout, was clearly well run and efficient.

Aside from the 2p machines in the arcade (you know the ones – you change around £5 a night in order to try to win a keyring that is worth about 99p), the stay was made by the all-singing, all-dancing trio of Vince Palmer, Emilia Katsaitis and Ellen-Jayne Searle.

They were all exceptional.

Whether it was getting toddlers, youngsters, teenagers or adults involved, seeing them in action was worth the trip alone.

Oxford Mail:
Ruby outside the lodge

The kids were all up dancing to well-known pop songs – with less-known actions – and most adults fought the urge to join them (and yes, before you ask I remained seated throughout).

Those who simply couldn’t sit still merely helped in providing more entertainment. It spoke volumes that every night was a struggle to get a table because of their popularity.

They worked hard too.

During our stay, there were clubs throughout the day – nearly all free of charge – for children to get involved in.

There were a few niggles – the lighting was poor for walking back at night and the swimming pool and Cheers Bar got very busy at times.

But, on the other hand, there are far too many positives to list individually... I would highly recommend experiencing them for yourself.

ESSENTIALS

shorefield.co.uk
Bookings: 01590 648333
There is still availability for Christmas breaks at Shorefield, with prices starting from £259.
There is 25 per cent off a winter holiday from January 2 to February 12, while February half-term rates begin at £169 and Easter breaks from £279.

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