Amy Lawrence takes her youngsters on a fun-packed break

AS a family keen on caravan holidays, we were most excited to be heading to the Bunn Leisure West Sands Park in Selsey.

We’d previously been fairly disappointed with the tired appearance of other larger holiday parks so to see the large Waterfront Complex with its own private mile-long beach was a great surprise.

Having two small children we decided to arrive late on the Friday night to avoid ‘are we there yet?’ and ‘I need a wee!’ from the back seat and let the kids sleep on the way.

The late-night check-in service was brilliant – it was quick and easy and we were given a full information pack of the park’s facilities, clubs and a comprehensive map of the site.

We were blown away by our ‘Platinum’ caravan. The living room was massive, with a full dining table, corner sofas and flat screen TV and DVD player.

The beds were already made up ready for us to pop the kids in, so we relaxed on the decking of the caravan with a glass of wine with the park’s entertainment cabaret drifting over from the Waterfront Complex.

The noise didn’t seem to penetrate the caravan at all and the central heating ensured we all had a cosy night’s sleep.

First thing the next morning, armed with our goggles and towels, we headed to the Oasis swimming complex.

With its megasplash waterslides, lazy river and fountain island the kids were in heaven and we were surprised at how quiet it was.

As the morning went on the pool did get busier and I was pleased to see there were at least three or four lifeguards patrolling the pool and slides, which made me feel safer knowing someone was always watching the over-excited children.

After several hours we tempted the kids out with the promise of arcade penny slot machines and ice cream.

I have to say the arcade was fantastic – clean, well-managed and full to the brim of exciting, noisy games and rides.

We then wandered down to the on-site fairground diner for some lunch. It was very basic and more like a greasy spoon than a diner but for £3 for a burger and chips no one was complaining.

Sadly, the fairground itself was a little disappointing. It seemed tired and run down with several advertised ‘new attractions’ that looked as though they had seen better days.

Our little boy was very excited at the prospect of the new ‘digger ride’, only to find a sandpit filled with toy diggers not too dissimilar from our own back garden.

The fairground is better suited to older children who, I am sure, would enjoy the dodgems, waltzers and mini rollercoaster, and at £10 for unlimited rides it is a pretty good deal.

We unfortunately didn’t go along to the Embassy Club in the evening as the children are too small and crabby after 7pm so we stayed in with a pizza, delivered from the on-site takeaway.

The programme for the weekend did look fantastic, though, and it was obvious Bunn Leisure has put a great deal of investment in the entertainment with big name guests like Gareth Gates and Shane Ward, live tribute act shows, RPW Wrestling and even panto.

The next day the weather was beautiful so we took a leisurely walk along the private beach.

I have to say it was fabulous just to stroll out of the complex in to the fresh air and open sea.

We took the kids to the Bunni Bunch Club mid-morning where they enjoyed soft play, dressing up and a sing-a-long with the friendly supervisrs.

We were massively impressed with the accommodation, range of activities and size and suitability of the park’s facilities. I would definitely recommend the park to friends with families and I have no doubt we will be back again as the children grow.

<li> Stays at Bunn Leisure for a three-night weekend or four-night midweek break for six people start from £99.

To book or for more information see www.bunnleisure.co.uk or call 01243 606080.