Gem of a caravan park

Set in the 130-acre grounds of a former country house, the park, just outside Ambleside in Cumbria, provides caravan holiday homes for private owners – and fully-serviced pitches for people with touring caravans and motor homes.

Its main attraction is its rolling acres of woodland and all the little and large inhabitants that come with it.

One of the highlights of our three-day stay was the sight of a family of deer galloping out from the bushes as we came back into the park after a day out.

It is also said to be one of the few remaining places in the UK where people can catch a glimpse of the now rare red squirrel, although we did not manage to spot one during our visit.

Other animals include badgers and a huge number of bird species, while the park management has a scheme in place to try and help boost the bee population.

In terms of location, the park is a short car ride away from Windermere and its beautiful lake, and bigger towns such as Keswick, Kendal and Penrith.

But for a short stay, you could easily get away with locking the car keys in a cupboard and staying in and around the park. It is a walker's paradise.

There was a booklet in our caravan detailing scores of guided walks which we took advantage of during our stay to see some breathtaking sights and scenery – rolling hills and fast-flowing streams, waterfalls, wildlife. This place has the lot.

We came across some beautiful examples of days gone by. A picnic basket, for example, left outside a house offering delicious lemon drizzle cake, scones or Victoria sponge, unmanned with a trust box next to it for payment.

Not something you see too often nowadays. Everyone paid, and the cake was divine.

There is a pub – the Drunken Duck – just off the site and within walking distance for thirsty hikers, and a shop on-site for essentials and goodies.

A hidden lake – we did not discover it until the day we were due to go home – has been praised by David Bellamy and was a beautiful sight brimming with wildlife in and around it.

There was also a launderette and a library which allowed guests to borrow books (all donated by previous guests) and return them at the end of their stay, again all on a trust basis.

The management and staff on site were amazingly friendly and helpful, little touches like a loaf of bread on the side upon arrival really make a big impression.

And the caravan itself was superb. We took advantage of the spacious decking outside and the good weather to enjoy a barbecue most nights we were there.

Inside there was a large living room – the highlight of which for my two young children was a 360-degree swivel armchair which sent them dizzy most days on their stay. It boasted two bathrooms, two bedrooms, a good size kitchen with full range of appliances, and the ability to turn the sofa into an extra bed. We had six in our caravan and it never felt a squeeze.

With prices from £25,000 for a holiday caravan, costs compare extremely favourably with brick-built cottages.

It is impossible not to enjoy the relaxed, neighbourly atmosphere of Skelwith Fold. Everyone knows everyone else and regular hellos and chats are exchanged.

Helping to sustain the sense of community is a series of events throughout the year which bring guests together, culminating in an extremely popular summer arts show which attracts hundreds of entries.

Recent developments include the introduction of electric bikes which encourage guests to swap their cars for this more sustainable form of transport to explore the surrounding countryside.

Travel Facts

Skelwith Fold Caravan Park is in Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HX. Tel: 01539 432277 or visit www.skelwith.com

Awards include Cumbria Park of the Year 2010 (Cumbria Tourism Awards), 2014 Five-star tourist board quality grading, 2014 David Bellamy Conservation Award (gold)

Touring caravans and motorhomes from £20.50 per night, luxury two-person 'Hideaway' pods to rent

Open March to November inclusive