Expectations were high as the family bus pulled up outside the Waterside Holiday Park.

The excitement had remained undimmed by a five-hour Friday afternoon coastal schlep from Brighton to a quiet end of Weymouth.

But the squeals of delight as we awaited the raising of the car park barrier were not at the audacity of the distant Portland Bill, defying the Atlantic breakers, nor in anticipation of the indoor play area, swimming pool and entertainment at our weekend home.

No, my triplet daughters grinned from ear to ear because they would be bedding down in a caravan for three nights.

The preceding weeks had been punctuated by questions on what marvels could be accomplished in such a contraption. “Can you cook in it? Yes”. “Can you have a shower in it? Sure.” “Can you watch television in it? Well, maybe, but we’re on holiday so not much TV.” “Does the caravan home move? Um, well, not really.”

Confined to a life stationed at a grid reference and adorned with power showers and flatscreen televisions, these mobile homes could not be further removed from the romantic existence of their colourful, nomadic cousins.

Still, with three two-year-olds smearing porridge on their faces, I was happy to trade in the freedom of the open country for a flushing loo and central heating.

The children couldn’t care less – for them, our weekend caravan was all the excitement they had imagined.

We were staying in a Rio Gold, three-bedroom caravan – fresh from the manufacturers this year and still sparkling new.

The accommodation was clean, smart and functional, if slightly smaller than we had expected given the breathtaking panoramas provided in the promotional material. Although technically capable of housing eight people, it was tight for five, even if three of these were pintsized.

We settled in quickly. Beds were picked and rooms explored, as the grown-ups got to work cooking our first meal in the modern kitchen, which was pleasant but lacked a few key utensils.

After an early night, we rose (also early) on Saturday to sunshine, cocking a snook at the forecasters’ dire predictions.

The morning had been earmarked for some sightseeing. We set off to explore pretty Weymouth, with its grand seafront, the endless strand of Chisel Beach and the rugged beauty of Portland Bill.

Reaching the tip of the promontory and its landmark lighthouse, the waves roared in, and we stood breathless from the headwind, amazing view, and efforts carrying three children who would clearly have preferred to be watching Shaun the Sheep.

The mood improved further in the afternoon as we explored the beach at Bowleaze Cove – a sheltered stretch of sand which is a flip-flops’ hop from the Waterside resort.

Ice-cream in hand, we strolled on the beach, making the most of the autumnal sun, scouring for fossils and shells, building sandcastles and chasing the waves.

The park has a busy programme of events to keep punters entertained – from tribute acts to wrestling nights.

Ample activities are also provided for the younger generation by “Boomer the Kangaroo”, whose genealogy is not immediately apparent. I thought he looked more like a bear.

Waterside’s excellent playgrounds and imaginative swimming and leisure pools provided endless fun for the kids and welcome respite for parents too.

We made good use of the exciting indoor soft playground especially designed for younger children, reminiscing about ITV’s Funhouse, beer in hand, as we “supervised” our brood.

The quality of the facilities was superb and on a quiet, late-September weekend, blissfully empty of the tourist hoards that doubtless flock to such a beautiful location in warmer weather.

Waterside is also a fine base to explore Dorset’s world class historic, cultural and natural attractions – from Lulworth cove to Swanage steam railway and Corfe castle.

We’ll certainly consider a return trip, if only to recreate the joy of discovering that, yes darling, you can pee in a caravan.

  • Week-long holidays in a Rio Gold three-bedroom caravan cost from £340 to £965. These 2013 prices can be secured for 2014 if you book before the end of the year
  • Waterside is a three-hour drive from Brighton – if you avoid the horror which is the A27 on a Friday afternoon
  • For more information on the range of caravans on offer visit www.watersideholidaygroup.co.uk