Yes I know there is a picture of a tent (!!) but when our friends asked us to go camping with them, I have to confess to being a little reluctant. I will openly admit that I am not a big fan of sleeping on an airbed and I like to have a proper toilet to use, rather than running across a field to a shower block in the middle of the night but its all down to personal preference isn't it?

Me, I prefer not to sleep in a tent. 

So how do you go camping with friends without tent? You book a caravan on the same camping site of course! 

Our friends had booked a pitch at the Hoburne site in the Cotswolds and with the weather looking good, we decided to book a "silver" caravan for the same weekend. I have vivid memories of my family all in our touring caravan as a child but this was a million light years away from those days.

Even on holiday, I am a stickler for us all sitting at the table to eat, so it was great that we had a dining area to serve up the BBQ food!

We arrived late on Friday afternoon (after picking the little ones up from school / nursery respectively) but the check in was quick and easy and we were soon enjoying a drink on the "terrace" while the sun set.

The site itself is beautiful and was an idyllic setting in the sunshine.

 With lots to do for the toddler (and competitive dad) .....

 To an arcade for the tween (I may have tried to beat her on this and failed!!).

 The weather was scorching, so it was great to all be outdoors and we loved getting a pedalo and going out on the lake (for a small extra cost).

We watched the Swans from a distance as they had signets with them and I didn't want to get into a debate with an over protective Mummy Swan whilst on the lake!

It was great to get the tween away from technology for a few days and she loved searching for new adventures to be had. The same has to be said for me, having some "down time" really gave me a chance to recharge my batteries and enjoy some quality family time.

The Hoburne Cotswolds site has something for everyone from an indoor and outside pool, small bowling alley, tennis courts and regular entertainment, not to mention a handy onsite shop and laundrette to help dry those swimming towels. I can imagine that the inside activities could get a little crowded if the weather was bad but during our stay, we rarely had to wait to use any of the facilities.

The Cotswolds have a peacefulness that seems rare to find in our normal busy lives. In 3 days we were relaxed but not bored and we didn't even venture out of the park as everything was on hand. 

But we have so much more we want to explore on our next visit.

I am not a travel blogger and sometimes I am not sure I classify as a lifestyle or parent blogger but I am a parent, who enjoys a nice lifestyle and loves to travel. We paid for this long weekend out of our hard earned pennies and it was worth every single penny. Obviously the weather always helps when you are staying in the UK but I have my eye on one of these waterside lodges for when I book our next stay .... I just need to book the weather too! 

Tweet