‘Kelling Heath Holiday Park in Norfolk sets a perfect example of how to successfully combine tourism and the environment,’ said Bill Oddie. Graham Jones went with his family to find out how they do it.

If your family likes a touch of adventure and the taste of outdoors, then Kelling Heath is a great place for you. This refreshing alternative to the traditional holiday camp has led to it being named the Best Holiday Park in the country in the Visit England Awards 2013.

Cabaret and kids’ clubs it is not. Instead, Kelling Heath offers a breath of fresh air not only in its location, set amongst mixed woodland and rare open heathland, but also in its entertainment and activities, which focus on nature, the outdoors and fitness.

Explore miles of invigorating walks and cycle routes or follow a nature trail with conservation ponds and magnificent views of the Weybourne coastline. What’s more, the Acorn Events programme offers a range of activities for everyone, all linked to the natural environment, for example, bat walks, pond dipping, and scavenger hunts.

The park is home to a pair of red squirrels, which are an endangered species, so make sure you find them. Let’s hope Red and Ginger are out when you visit their enclosure. Our boys, aged 5 and 7, also loved the wooden adventure playground amongst the trees.

If you love steam trains – which many children do - Kelling Heath has its own station on the North Norfolk Steam Railway, or Poppy Line as it is also known. This makes for a great day out with little ones and rail enthusiasts alike. Catch the train as it whistles into Kelling Heath and head to Holt or Sheringham for a short trip through the countryside. Children will love the ‘play train’ at Sheringham, where they can pretend to be the guard or driver, and the miniature railway and ‘yesteryear’ cottage at Holt. A family ticket is simply a must.

Back at Kelling Heath, our accommodation was comfortable and clean. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and breakfast on the decking of our two bedroom holiday home and also sampled the cuisine at the park’s Forge and Terrace restaurant, which offered a tasty selection of meals for everyone and very generous portions.

It was a warm weekend, so a dip in the pool was clearly in order. The Health and Fitness Club also offered a steam room, sauna and spa bath where mums and dads could recharge their batteries, and a fully equipped gym. There’s an outdoor fun pool as well, for splashing about and keeping cool when the sun is truly out.

We wished we could have spent many more summers evenings out in the main square, enjoying a drink and listening to the live music while the children played table tennis or petanque, but alas, this was a short stay only.

If Kelling Heath sounds like your kind of holiday, you can find out more and book online at www.kellingheath.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01263 588181. Dogs are allowed, under certain conditions, and there are savings to be made on autumn breaks. The park also welcomes touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.