My grandparents had caravans there.

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The dads loved the fishing lake, the mums, a chance to re0 and chat.

Us children? We were straight on our bikes, exploring, meeting other kids and feeling free.

Jump forward 35 years and things couldn’t look more different.

It’s now renamed Kent Coast and is one of the most exciting parks in Haven’s roster.

Rows of well-maintained caravans sit on the grassy banks that lead down to the Thames Estuary – you can make out Southend’s pier and the promenade at Leigh-on-Sea in the distance.

Sunset tipple

Our eight-berth Silver caravan had parking for two cars and was bordered with hedges, giving a sense of seclusion while offering a view across the water from its furnished veranda.

Many of the caravans around us were privately owned, with rattan furniture, pots with tumbling flowers and neatly cut lawns.

The caravan was clean, beds comfortable and the kitchen included a dishwasher, fridge/freezer, microwave, oven and grill.

The lounge had all mod-cons too – with a 40in Freeview TV, DVD player and Bluetooth speaker.

Guests can expect bed linen and towels in the Silver caravans and the mini-market on site has all the essentials.

But prices are on the steep side so you are better off remembering to bring the likes of dishwasher tablets and toilet rolls from home.

The landscaped areas surround the entertainment centre and the real surprise on this site – a new Adventure Village.

Among swathes of Astroturf, there’s a children’s play area and giant sand pit as well as plenty of seating for parents to enjoy a drink from the adjacent Box Bar.

There’s also a new outdoor stage for live entertainment, movie screenings or sports on the big screen.

Two enclosed courts for football, basketball or netball kept the older children entertained.

The outside deck of the new Marine bar also overlooks the play area and is the perfect place for a sunset tipple.

Inside its lofty interior is comfy seating for bingo and daily live entertainment for all the family.

There is also a host of other adventure activities to book at an extra cost including mini golf, bungee trampoline, aerial adventure park and even a NERF training camp.

Bikes and kiddie carts are available to hire and a ride along the beach front to the Yacht Club is recommended.

There you can enjoy a drink and entertainment with great estuary views.

Dogs are allowed and an enclosed obstacle course area is great fun for them.

The swimming pool works on a rota system and there’s an outdoor area for sunbathers.

If you don’t feel like making food, Cook’s fish and chips, Burger King and Papa John’s pizzas are all on site and Huffkin Of Hoo Restaurant serves a range of dishes.

One place from my childhood that hadn’t gone was the fishing lake, still peaceful and still popular.

And while we had many happy holidays here as children, it’s today’s kids who get the best of both worlds, with modern facilities and great adventure activities.

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