Rockley Park Dorset

Dorset: Alex Paterson scouts out the must-sees and dos by the sea

As time machines go, this one looked a bit oily, was belching smoke and made the exterior of Doctor Who’s Tardis look modern.

But into the past we travelled on it – a 23-minute journey taking us back half a century or more to a land of home-made lemonade and childhood imagination. All in all, not bad for a train trip.

The beautiful Swanage Railway runs steam and diesel services along the spine of the Isle of Purbeck peninsula in Dorset – the inspiration for many a Famous Five escapade written by Enid Blyton, who fell in love with the area while on a holiday in 1931.

We were a dog short of making a five ourselves, famous or ­otherwise, but it did not stop us enjoying an adventure to rival Dick, Julian, Anne, George and Timmy’s, with lashings of ­dandelion and burdock pop to wash down the traditional seaside fish and chips.

Those looking to travel even further back in time can try hunting for fossils that have fallen from the cliffs nearby.

The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site starts east of here at the Old Harry Rocks, and stretches 95 miles into Devon. We did not find any treasure, but you might have better luck.

Later, in the sunshine at dramatic, crumbling Corfe Castle, my wife Elizabeth and children Maisie, eight, and Gregor, five, lay blissfully on the grass as we deliberated between an earlier train back to the 21st century or a cream tea. No prizes for guessing our decision.

Our eventual jolt back to reality was softened by the plush interior of our temporary home – a modern take on that other staple of traditional British seaside holidays, the mobile home.

Inside our sparklingly clean and well kitted-out Prestige ­accommodation, the emphasis was on comfort and, while the sleeping quarters were compact, the living area was vast.

Looking out through the French doors over the imaginatively landscaped Haven resort at Rockley Park, it really did feel like a home from home.

Central heating, hot water on tap, microwave – how would I ever convince the family to put up with our regular summer holiday in a tent after this?

Quite what the Famous Five would have made of some of the thrills enjoyed by modern kids at Haven is another matter.

She was a tough tomboy, but I am not sure George would have been as brave as our fearless Maisie at tackling bungee ­trampolining, the climbing wall or even the brilliant Aquajets – a personal motor that powers ­swimmers through the pool at the push of a button.

Haven rockley park dorset

I live just along the coast from Hamworthy, about a mile or two away. I can't speak for Rockley itself as I've never stayed there but the overall area is gorgeous. You are minutes away from Poole, 20 mins from Bournemouth. You also have Christchurch, Swanage and Dorchester a short car journey away. All worth a visit. Further afield is Weymouth (about 45 mins in a car) & The New Forest is also fab. I think there's plenty to see and do in and around the area. If I can help any further please just shout. Poole's beaches are amongst the best in the country and are extremely popular. Have you ever read about Sandbanks in the press? A sight to behold! There is a cafe and a restaurant there plus a kiosk/shop selling yummy freshly made sandwiches, ice creams etc. There is also a play park. In Poole itself you have the Quay which is lovely and very lively on a summer evening. It's full of pubs, restaurants and kiosks selling local seafood. It's also the best place for crabbing! yes been to rockley park, erm just a caravan site on a hill. if you are at the bottom posher bit it is right next to the train tracks. has an outside and inside pool and a small soft play area. pub setting with lots of slot machines all very clean. an overpriced shop(but arnt they all) and a pizza fast food. says there is a beach there but its about the size of postige stamp but again nice and clean next to all the boats. we booked here because we wanted to go to monkey world about 15-20mins away. went to beach outside poole (something sands)very nice. but wouldnt go again dont think the south is for us as we uselly go scotland..but as i say nice and clean. We've been going there for the last few years and we think its great! Very clean and enough to do on days you don't want to go out and also loads to do in the area - Sea world, monkey world, farmer palmers, paultons, steam railway. There are some nice local pubs, but not within walking distance and the park at Hamworthy is great, really big with a paddling pool. I was there last year. The campsite beach really is a let down as its tiny and grotty. The pools are nice, the entertainments were awful - so loud that by the time we got to the door for the young children dancing we turned back because I worried for my DD's long term hearing.

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