Kelling Heath Holiday Park in North Norfolk - the fishing lake. Picture: Matthew Usher.

Matthew Usher enjoys a relaxing break close to home at Kelling Heath Holiday Park on the North Norfolk coast.

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One of my favourite parts of the county is the North Norfolk Coast, so when I got the chance to sample a short stay at Kelling Heath Holiday Park, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to sample the area’s delights.

We arrived on site and, after picking up our keys, drove up to the luxury holiday home in which we were staying.

The high-spec home was surprisingly spacious, with a plush seating area, a TV and a full spec kitchen. It had a double bedroom with en suite, and a twin bedroom which was just right for children. This is just one option for accommodation – you can also stay in a lodge or bring you own touring caravan and camping equipment and book a pitch on one of the vast camping areas.

The first thing we did was to explore the holiday park. Kelling Heath has many paths and nature walks to stroll along, taking you through beautiful woods and heathland and leading to children’s playgrounds (which my young son enjoyed), a nature pond and a wildflower meadow. You also get a stunning view across Weybourne looking out to the sea – which on a sunny day is a sight to behold. If you are looking for a quicker way to get around the park you can cycle – either hire them on site or bring your own.

After a tiring walk, there is nothing better than a good meal so we decided to sample the menu at the Forge and Terrace Restaurant and Bar where the food there was excellent and service was first rate. One dish that jumped out at me on the starters menu was Binham Blue mushrooms, a great flavoursome combination. To follow I had the 10oz rump steak with tasty sweet potato fries and my wife had the Thai red curry. To finish we had a walnut and treacle tart for dessert, which topped off a very enjoyable evening meal. After another stroll though the woods, we returned to the holiday home to sleep off our meal – even though you are surrounded by woodland and wildlife, we had a very peaceful night’s sleep.

For breakfast the next day we visited Brackens Café, and sampled the famous ‘Kelling breakfast’. Also on the menu is lighter options, but we couldn’t turn down a full English comprising local produce.

With a very good start to the day, we decided to visit the on-site Health and Fitness Club, which has excellent facilities. I visited the gym while my wife and son went in the swimming pool. The club opens weekdays from 7am to 9pm, and weekends 8am to 8pm. The gym has a variety of equipment from treadmills, exercise bikes and cross-trainers, and a full range of weight machines. For swimmers there is an indoor and an outdoor pool – my wife and son went in the indoor pool which ideal for families.

Once I joined them in the pool my wife tried the poolside spa and stream room. For families with children under 18, the leisure club facilities are available only 10am to 6pm, so when planning your day take this into account. To use the Health and Fitness Club while staying on site you have to buy a pass, (the outdoor pool is included in the price of your stay), unless you are staying on site in a lodge.

One of the advantages of Kelling Heath is that it is near other North Norfolk gems such as Holt, Blakeney, Cley, Satlhouse, Sheringham and Cromer. If you wish to explore further afield, you can either jump in the car or buy a ticket to use the North Norfolk Railway stop in the grounds of Kelling Heath and a travelling by steam train is a rather special way to see the area.

One of the great things about Kelling Heath is that you can choose how you want your holiday to go. If you want loads of activities, walking and exercise, it’s all there on site. On the other hand if you just want to relax and take it easy away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life the site is very peaceful.

On the final night of our stay we had excellent weather so used the barbecue and ate alfresco on the picnic table outside our holiday home. Sitting in the sun, surrounded by woodland, all the cares in the world just drifted away. If you wish to cook for yourself instead of eating in the restaurants there is a well-stocked Village Store on site with named brands and local produce.

With three peaceful and enjoyable days behind us at Kelling Heath, I would highly recommend staying there – either a short break or a week. The site itself is well equipped and the local area is well worth exploring.

Kelling Heath Holiday Park is at Weybourne in North Norfolk. Telephone 01263 588181, e-mail info@kellingheath.co.uk

Visit the website at www.kellingheath.co.uk for latest prices.

The Health and Fitness Club is open weekdays 7am to 9pm, weekends 8am to 8pm. A one-day pass costs £10.50 for adults and £5.25 for children under 18. A three-day pass is £16.50 and £8.75, and a seven-day pass £26 and £13.

Eating out on site: Forge and Terrace Bar telephone 01263 589913; Woods Restaurant 01263 589914; Brackens Café and Pizzeria 01263 589913.