As a family, we always enjoy our visits to the Isle of Wight because there’s so much to see and do – plus, there is a wide choice when it comes to choosing accommodation.

We’re ardent fans of the good old caravan so usually opt to stay at one of the many holiday parks dotted around the isle. For our Summer 2017 trip, we stayed in one of Rookley Park’s new comfy premium caravans.

(c) Richard Webber

Rookley is one of three parks owned by Island View Holidays spread over 40 collective acres of countryside. Arguably its main selling point is the location: virtually slap bang in the centre of the island means it’s ideally situated for exploring every corner of the Isle of Wight.

The park has a mix of self-contained cottages (some with hot tubs) plus caravans. Being one of the premium models, our caravan had everything we needed, including three bedrooms (one ensuite), a bathroom and a large kitchen-cum-lounge area. The entire park was nice and quiet, but the premium caravans are located in a slightly elevated position and enjoy a view of the countryside beyond the surrounding trees and shrubs.

The park is open year-round and offers visitors a host of facilities, including heated indoor/outdoor pools, on-site entertainment in the Spinnakers Lounge, children’s adventure playground, two fishing lakes, games room and a bar/restaurant, where two meals can be snapped up for a tenner between 12-7pm.

We enjoyed a tasty dinner at the restaurant. An improved menu has recently been introduced and there is a plenty on offer. We found the staff very helpful and flexible, always a plus when you’re veggies and trying to find dishes to suit everyone’s tastes. We wanted to swap some ingredients and items on our choice of dishes and the staff members we spoke to were only too pleased to help. In fact, all the staff were welcoming, including those on reception.

We enjoyed using the outdoor and indoor pool. Inside, the depth ranging from three to four feet was very child-friendly.

In terms of accommodation, there are three categories of two and three-bedroom cottages, all benefitting from central heating and double glazing. There are also three classes of caravans, but all are fully equipped.

We’d recommend a stay at Rookley Park.

Further information:

Island View Holidays, 01983 721606, www.islandviewholidays.co.uk

(For Reception at Rookley Park, call 01983 300507 or 300521)

Isle of Wight Tourism, 01983 813813, www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

Wightlink Ferries, 0333 999 7333, www.wightlink.co.uk

 

 

 

Reviewed:  August 2017