Inside the British caravan park holiday that’s fun AND fancy (and free from awkward organised entertainment)

Caravan park holidays are a rite of passage for British kids, but the traditional evening of organised fun can sometimes be a little off-putting for the parents.

There are no such worries for families checking into luxury glamping and caravan park Love2Stay in Shrewsbury. It has just enough activities to keep the kids entertained, without being over the top for the adults.

The site is made up of 116 touring spots, tents, barns and over 20 different lodges. 

As a family of four, we spent a week in the park’s top-of-the-range Wren’s Nest property, which comes complete with a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite shower room, fully equipped kitchen, hot tub and fire pit.

Checking in is simple and once guests have their electronic gate pass they can come and go as they please, with security at the main gate in the evening keeping a watchful eye on the area. 

For those arriving with children who’ve been cooped up in a car, the vast adventure playground located right behind reception is the perfect place for them to let off steam without further ado. Our little climbers were in heaven, with our three-year-old scaling the cargo ladder at pace and refusing to come down.

From there he had a wonderful view of the lake where guests can take part in paddle boarding and kayaking. Life jackets and helmets are provided and the sessions are easily booked every morning for a small fee. It’s all a rather tranquil affair, unless you fall off the paddle board or capsize the kayak.

The dedicated forest school offers stone painting sessions, with football camps running on the nearby sports field. There’s even a small cinema that shows a couple of movies every day. 

Not that guests need much entertaining when, during sunnier days, they can opt for endless days at the ‘beach’. Love2Stay has created a seaside vibe with a huge area covered in sand that sits beside a heated splash pool. 

For those wanting a more energetic swim there is a natural outdoor pool to explore. The fresh water took my breath away, but once you regulate your breathing it’s rather pleasant. And there are hot tubs to warm up in afterwards.

In the evenings, there are dedicated pizza ovens and barbecues to hire, which make a pleasant change to cooking at the holiday property.

For burning off any indulgences, there’s a state-of-the-art gym on site and an assault course, which resembles something out of a Spartan competition. 

If the typically unpredictable British meteorological conditions make the beach and the site’s other outdoor offerings less appealing, there are plenty of all-weather offerings in surrounding Shropshire.

The Ironbridge Valley of Invention features 10 fascinating museums with Blists Hill Victorian Town a particular highlight. Visitors can go for a music hall singalong at the pub or indulge in some fresh fish and chips, cooked the traditional way in beef dripping (vegan options are available). Our toddler was quite taken with the traditional Victorian merry-go-round.

The Severn Valley Railway Engine House, next to Highley station, is well worth an afternoon visit. Jumping on the Severn Valley Railway at Bridgnorth, it’s just two stops along on the vintage steam train. 

The children were thrilled, likening it to being on the Polar Express. Although given the blistering heat of the day, the other passengers must have thought our rendition of Tom Hanks’ Hot Chocolate a little out of place.

Park Hall The Countryside Experience is also not to be missed. Children can tackle the bouncy castle and soft play, pet rabbits and guinea pigs, and meet the resident mini pony. We skipped the pig race though, in favour of two trips on the tractor train ride. It really is a local gem.

And so is the Love2Stay caravan park – a rite of passage I’m happy for my youngsters to go through time and time again.