In search of peace and quiet...

Silverdale Holiday Park

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IF, like me, you love the Lake District but hate the crush of tourists and dawdling day trippers, then I might have found the perfect place to experience the sights, sounds, seaside and hopefully sunshine of the country's favourite national park.

Just over an hour from Oldham and situated on the South Lakeland peninsula, the village of Silverdale is a welcoming, calming place.

Designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, the village is close enough to breathe in the beauty of the Lake District, but far enough away from the madding crowd and their selfie sticks...

And where better to base a hassle-free holiday and explore the stunning surrounding area from than Holgates Silverdale Holiday Park.

Lying in over 100 acres of woodland and countryside, the family-friendly caravan park overlooks the sweep of Morecambe Bay and has been welcoming holidaymakers for 60 years.

The park's extensive grounds, oak trees and woodland paths have been described by botanist Professor David Bellamy as a "wildlife wonderland".

He was so impressed with the park's environmental initiatives he presented it with his Conservation Award, and at its top gold level.

Open 365 days a year, campers, motor-homers and tourers can pitch and stay all year round, with holiday homes for hire and eight camping "pods" - that easily fit a family of four "glampers" who demand a bit more comfort than a ground sheet and mat.

The Holgates first came to Silverdale in 1956, from Blackburn, and it's not hard to see how the business has stood the test of time.

On what was once just over 100 acres of grass and scrubland, the park has developed to accommodate the changing needs of the modern camper and caravanner.

Today, the still-family-run business employs around 135 people, but the Holgate Group now also runs five other parks in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

What marks it out are the enviable facilities - a dream for multi-generational families enjoying a break in our temperamental climate.

One of its biggest draws are the 17 metre swimming pool, the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi - plus a state-of-the-art gym with training and weight gear.

Children are safe roaming the site and tackling the two outdoor adventure playgrounds. Or they can let off steam in the games room.

Rain doesn't stop play either: there is a soft play area and a six-lane bowling alley to keep everyone happy.

Visitors can stock up at the site shop, which has fresh food, pocket money toys and camping kits.

The selection of local produce is excellent, from Farrer's coffee to cakes from Brysons of Keswick and meats from local butchers F&W Burrows and Sons.

Need a break from the kitchen? The site restaurant and bar serve meals and snacks all day.

Our home during a weekend family break was a spacious, two-bed static holiday home.

Designed to make the most of its space, our comfy double bedroom had an ensuite shower room and (I kid you not) a walk-in wardrobe.

There was also a separate bathroom opposite the second twin bedroom and all the mod cons you might want, from fully-fitted kitchen, to TV and DVD player and an excellent heating system.

An impressive outside deck had a comfortable dining table and chairs, which meant we could enjoy al-fresco evening meals while watching the sun set over Arnside Nott.

The centre of Silverdale is only a short walk from the park, while picturesque Arnside village is only two miles away.

Holgates is also within an hour's drive of the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland, should you want to explore further afield.

We took a train ride to the traditional Edwardian resort of Grange over Sands, where we indulged in divine Belgian chocolates from the Chocolate Shop, fed the ducks at the ornamental gardens, and enjoyed a sun-drenched stroll along the traffic-free promenade.

The following day we headed to Arnside and... straight into the quaint Old Bakehouse.

This picture-perfect bakery and cafe offers a stunning selection of pies, pastries and tempting cakes, which emerge from their bake oven upstairs. Trust me when I say their freshly-made scotch egg's flavour and size make it a thing of beauty!

A wander along the shifting sands of Morecambe Bay to watch kite surfers launch themselves above the sparkling waters was a pretty ideal way to end a fabulous short break.

Holgates Silverdale, we'll be back!