We arrived at Sandy Balls holiday park in pitch darkness on a Friday night and we were grateful to get into our beautiful log cabin and settle in.

It was so welcoming, warm and bright we felt like were living in some Scandinavian log cabin and not one in the New Forest.

And wow - we woke the next morning to the sounds of the birds singing the leaves rustling in the wind.

The sun was shining on all the different coloured leaves in the canopies and it was like looking through stained glass windows at times.

We were itching to explore the area with our dog Jenny and went along to the bike store to get our ‘extra comfy’ bikes which had been put by for us.

My family chose the eight mile family course, The Abbots Well family ride, which promised no steep hills to climb.

My partner chose it because there were two pubs we could stop in en route – and on the way we met donkeys, goats and horses, just sitting by the side of the road, who didn’t seem fazed by us or our bikes.

The ride took us through the New Forest and was a great way to explore the stunning countryside, but thank god we had the well written map on us or we would still be riding now.

We need food so popped to get a pizza takeaway at The Forest Table, and enjoyed it on the veranda back at the lodge.

It was a welcome place to relax for a while before we checked the park map to explore the many walks in the park.

We discovered a short route through the woods to the meadow down by the River Avon.

It was such a beautiful tranquil place to walk where you can’t hear any sign of traffic, life or work and we were amazed at how clear the water was for us to dip our toes in – even though it was ice cold.

Later we had a real treat of a meal at the Forest Table, it was delicious.

I had pasta and the other half said he had the best steak he said he’d ever eaten and there was really no rush to eat it.

The staff really did look after us.

Archery in the barn the next morning was such fun – the daughter did well and picked it up as if she’s been pinging arrows all her life.

We packed so much into the weekend. There is plenty to do - inside and out - so if the weather is not favourable it doesn’t matter.

I had never stayed in a holiday park which wasn’t by the sea and was worried I would miss it, but I never did.

We also loved the pub on site, The Waterside Inn, the dog could sit on the decking outside with us which was great.

It was like camping but without the tent, each time we returned to our log cabin, it was warm, welcoming and bright.

We slept in our beds like babies each night and I can honestly say that Sandy Balls is the best holiday park we have ever stayed in.

Both my partner and daughter keep asking when we can go back.

A three-night weekend or four-night midweek stay at Sandy Balls starts from just £159 for four people. To book or for more information see www.sandyballs.co.uk or call 0844 6931434.
For more ideas of where to stay and what to see and do in the New Forest, visit www.thenewforest.co.uk