THERE is something special about a trip to a holiday park for all the family.

As soon as you drive through the gates you become part of a little planet completely removed from the rest of the world.

It’s a world where going to bingo becomes a special treat for families who’ve never been near a bingo hall in their lives.

A world where families are fiercely competitive in the “happiest table” competition, and a world where normal life seems a million miles away.

The essence of holiday parks has been the same for decades.

They provide good, old-fashioned entertainment for all the family.

But there’s nothing old-fashioned about the facilities, the accommodation or the entertainment at Hoburne Holiday Parks.

The company has parks at Bashley in the New Forest; Blue Anchor in Somerset; Cotswold; Devon Bay; Doublebois in Cornwall; Hoburne Park in Dorset; and Naish in Hampshire.

Each is in a beautiful setting, either on the coast or set in stunning countryside.

They’re a step above your average holiday park with a good mixture of holiday accommodation for rent and privately-owned holiday homes.

We went to Naish, near New Milton, for a long weekend and are already planning a return visit.

It’s not far from where we live, but that’s the beauty of these places. Our five-year-old granddaughter enjoyed herself just as much as if we’d taken her on a long flight to somewhere exotic, without any of the hassle or expense.

Our accommodation was a revelation. We were expecting a caravan, not a three-bedroom home from home.

The Chewton Executive Lodge is 41ft long and 20ft wide and our daughter is convinced it’s bigger than her flat.

It has three bedrooms to include a master double with en suite shower room and two twin rooms, with access to a family bathroom.

Comfortable beds were made up on arrival, towels were provided and the lodges have private parking.

Life was made easy with a dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, sound system, flat screen TV and even private parking at the door.

The lodges are beautifully furnished and give a fabulous base from which to enjoy the many facilities.

Naish has a great leisure complex with three pools – two indoor and one outdoor. Guests can also enjoy a sauna, steam room and fitness suite, a tennis court, crazy golf and a pool table.

There is a basketball and mini football area, indoor soft play, outdoor adventure play area and an amusement arcade.

The entertainment complex offers the Café H coffee shop, the Brasserie 1912 restaurant and several bars with food and drinks. There’s also a convenience store, a laundrette and a cash machine.

Evening entertainment offers live bands, bingo, competitions and the ever-popular children’s disco.

Their little faces as they bop around with Sammy the Seahorse are a sight to behold.

And they even get a chance to see him again at a special character breakfast.

A sample evening entertainment programme offers bingo, Sammy Rocks, House Party Dances, Game 4 A Laugh, Star Cabaret and the Hoburne Hub.

Daytime entertainment on a Monday morning offers a character breakfast, Sammy Squad, Hoburne Hotspot and Hoburne Hunt.

Prices are reasonable at Hoburne, unlike other holiday parks, and are comparable to shops and bars in “the outside world.”

It’s a great place to spend a few days with the family but also offers the chance to buy your own caravan or lodge.

It’s a year-round destination, so if you don’t want to mix with the Sammy Seahorse fans in the middle of August, you don’t have to.

Hoburne managing director Rod Tucker said many people want to buy houses or cottages in their dream holiday locations, but find they are unable to afford it.

He said: “Purchasing a bricks and mortar holiday home in a stunning location is a dream for many people that they simply can’t afford.

“We are seeing more and more people choosing to buy a holiday home at one of our parks as a more affordable way to buy into the experience. Each new holiday home has a 12-month guarantee and there are finance options available and some homes start at less than £50,000 with site fees included.”

Hoburne’s parks are in some lovely parts of the world but you’re unlikely to get out much, as the kids refuse to leave.