We survived wallabies, waltzers and wild toddlers in the great British break

There's something about arriving at a holiday park that takes me straight back to childhood. That mix of excitement, the smell of the sea somewhere in the distance, and the hopeful jangle of keys as you check in--it all sets the tone. For our three-night stay in Brean, we had booked into a Platinum Exclusive caravan at Sandy Glade Holiday Park[1] , part of the John Fowler Holidays group.

And honestly? From the moment we stepped through the door, we knew we were onto a winner. We're a family of four--myself, my partner, and our two boys, aged one and three.

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Anyone travelling with toddlers will know that "holiday" can be a bit of a misnomer. It's not so much a break as a change of scenery where you still spend most of the time chasing small people. But in our caravan--minimum 12 feet wide, tastefully modern and wonderfully spacious--we had that rarest of luxuries: room to breathe.

The boys had space to tumble about, to play with toy cars across the living room floor and then disappear into their beds with wide eyes and chocolate-smeared cheeks.

Meanwhile, we had a generous sofa, a large TV for the quiet moments (or let's be honest--CBeebies marathons), and decking out front complete with patio furniture. That outside space turned out to be an unexpected blessing--somewhere for the little ones to blow off steam while we sipped tea and planned the day. We'd pre-ordered the breakfast pack too, which might just have been the most unintentionally genius move we made.

Milk, sausages, bread, cereal, juice--all there waiting for us, saving us from a first-morning dash to the shop. It's one of those things you don't think you need until it's 6.30am, your toddler is demanding Shreddies, and you're still half in travel mode. Sandy Glade isn't just a place to sleep, though.

The site itself is brimming with family-friendly amenities, and after unloading the bags and letting the kids run laps around the caravan (just because they could), we took a stroll to see what was on offer. David Harper, the general and sales manager here, described his role as "all-encompassing," and it shows. "In the morning I might be picking litter with the team, then I'll go into a sales meeting trying to sell caravans, and later I'll be in the bar or shop," he told me. "There's always something different.

It's a really good challenge." The heart of the site is undoubtedly the entertainment venue--an indoor hub with morning and evening shows, kids' discos, and live acts that keep the holiday buzz going from dawn until well past bedtime. Our boys were hooked.

The mini-disco might be designed for little legs, but it had parents on their feet too, pulled into the familiar chaos of Baby Shark and the Hokey Cokey . One of the entertainers, Charlie Viret--known affectionately as one of the "Stripeys"--explained the magic behind it. "It's a crazy, busy life, but you're always meeting a whole load of new people.

We're always coming up with new concepts. I do a lot of musical songs, Motown, 80s... even a rock and soul show. There's always loads going on," she said, with a grin that told me she meant it.

And that energy shows. The team are constantly refreshing routines, tweaking performances to suit the mood of the room. It didn't matter that our youngest was more about flailing arms than fancy footwork--the joy was infectious.

When we weren't inside being dazzled by the disco lights, we were outside soaking in the simple pleasures. Two large play areas let the boys climb and slide to their hearts' content, and once we'd burned enough energy (read: they were one tantrum away from nap time), we rewarded ourselves with chips from the on-site cafe. They were piping hot, generously portioned, and best eaten while trying to stop toddlers from stealing each other's ketchup sachets.

Back at the caravan, with salty fingers and tired legs, we ended our first day feeling utterly at ease.

The blend of comfort, convenience and community is hard to put into words, but David Harper gave it a good go: "We cater for probably all budgets... from value chalets all the way up to platinum hot tub lodges. There's not anybody that couldn't afford to come and stay here. Everybody can do the same thing, enjoy their holidays, have the entertainment, and really just cut loose a little bit."

For us, that rang completely true. It didn't feel exclusive or overly polished--it felt inclusive, unpretentious, and wonderfully British in the best way. You could be in a luxury lodge or a basic chalet and still be watching the same show, clapping along to the same music, enjoying the same sticky-fingered kids' laughter.

As we tucked in the boys and poured a quiet cuppa in the lounge, we knew we'd landed somewhere special. Day one was in the books--and we hadn't even hit the beach yet.

Day Two: Dodgems, Doughnuts and Dizzy Spells - Family Fun at Brean Leisure Park On our second morning in Brean, we did what hundreds of families do every summer holiday -- we packed the changing bag, bribed the kids into their shoes, and strolled up the road to Brean Leisure Park[2] .

It's an easy twenty-minute walk from Sandy Glade, which made it all the more satisfying to leave the cars behind and set off on foot. Less faff, more fresh air. Now, if you've never been, Brean Leisure Park is a bit of a Somerset institution.

It's sprawling, slightly chaotic in the best way, and gloriously old-school. The first thing that struck me was the fact it's free to enter -- a rarity in the world of amusement parks. You're not committing to anything the second you walk through the gate.

You can pay as you go or, like we did, opt for a full-day wristband. We went all-in with the passes, and I can say without hesitation -- worth every penny.

Phil Booth, who owns the park told me: "We're a free entry park, but there's a happy marriage between all of the accommodation providers in Brean and the surrounding areas and then we supply the attraction... it gives a full package for families." And that package is impressive: over 40 rides and attractions, with everything from white-knuckle roller coasters to gentler options for tots.

For our little ones, the star of the show was Fantasia -- a sweet little ride with a circuit of colourful vehicles to choose from. Fire engines, police cars, diggers, you name it. Our two refused to get off.

Honestly, if we'd let them, they'd still be there now, trading places and waving madly every lap like they were starring in a Pixar sequel.

While the boys rode in circles, my wife and I did what any self-respecting parents would do -- we made a beeline for the waltzers. It's hard to explain the joy of this particular ride unless you've been on it with someone who really hates spinning. Enter: my mum.

There she was, gripping the bar like it might actually fly off into space, shrieking with mild terror, while I laughed so hard I nearly missed the start of Bounce, another favourite that left my dad clutching his stomach and muttering something about his back not being what it used to be. Then came the Orbiter, and my sister -- bless her -- was convinced she could handle it. Spoiler: she could not.

Ten seconds in, her face had gone pale, her stomach had gone rogue, and she needed a lie down for the rest of the day. Naturally, we were very sympathetic... after we stopped laughing. And yes -- I lost my hat on the Bulldog Coaster.

A proud moment. It whipped right off my head and flew into the abyss like a seagull on a mission. By some small miracle, I got it back with no extra charge for the adventure.

There's something joyfully nostalgic about the layout and atmosphere at Brean Leisure Park.

There's the Wild Water Log Flume for a proper soaking on a sunny day, dodgems for everyone to crash into each other without judgement, and the UK's "best" Ghost Train -- Terror Castle. Phil was keen to remind me it's more than just rides: "We're always consistent with our offering... coasters, waltzers, twisters, kiddies market... and when the weather's good, there's the log flume to splash and get wet," he said, adding that they cater to everyone -- "from young children to teenagers to grandma. Even the bulldog coaster is dog-friendly."

And then there are the doughnuts. Oh, the doughnuts. Hot, fresh, sugar-dusted perfection.

The kind of thing you promise to "just have one of" and then end up queueing up again because you've already eaten yours before the kids have finished licking their fingers. If nothing else, make the trip for those alone. We didn't even make it to the go-karts or the Congo Adventure Golf this time, which looked brilliant.

With so much to pack into one day, we were spoilt for choice. But that's the beauty of it -- with weekend and season passes available, it's the kind of place you can come back to again and again.

Phil also hinted at what's ahead: "We're always looking out for new attractions and promotions," he said. "Keep an eye on our events and social media for the main summer weeks." So whether you're just passing through, staying nearby, or plotting your next big family holiday, Brean Leisure Park has something to offer -- thrills, laughs, and yes, maybe a touch of nausea if you're not careful.

As we walked back to our caravan that evening -- sun-kissed, slightly sticky and still grinning -- the boys asleep in the buggy and the adults nursing their pride (and possibly their backs), it struck me how places like this are the lifeblood of British seaside culture. It's loud, a bit chaotic, gloriously unfancy... and absolutely perfect.

Day Three: Wallabies, Slides and Second Chances at Animal Farm Adventure Park After the whirlwind of roller coasters and sugar highs the day before, our third day in Brean took a gentler turn.

We packed up the car and headed just a few minutes down the road to Animal Farm Adventure Park[3] , a sprawling, 23-acre site that promised animals, fresh air, and a bit of calm. Though, as any parent knows, "calm" is a relative term when you've got small children in tow. We arrived early, and for a short time, it felt like we had the place to ourselves.

That quiet morning hush, broken only by the odd bleat or squawk, was ideal for our youngest. He made a beeline for the wallaby enclosure, where the sleepy-eyed marsupials lounged like they had all the time in the world. He was utterly transfixed.

His mum, meanwhile, was nervously watching every movement, convinced he was about to grab a nose or tail. But the wallabies were totally unbothered. Laid-back doesn't even cover it.

Personally, I love animal parks where you're not just a spectator.

Here, you can walk through enclosures, handle reptiles, and actually engage with the creatures. It's not just a photo op - it's immersive. Tia Saunders, who works across the park in various roles, explained: "We're the only ones in Somerset that do full-on handling sessions.

You're able to grab hold of the snakes and things like that... and the majority of our animals have had a second chance at life. We promote the wholesomeness of it." There's something genuinely heartwarming about that ethos.

The park isn't just for entertainment - it's a rescue and rehoming centre. Foxes, raccoons, rare breeds - they all have a story. And in the centre of it all, there's a team of people who clearly care about every single one.

Of course, none of that mattered to our boys once they spotted the indoor soft play. Whatever calm we'd been enjoying evaporated the second they saw the multi-level maze of slides, nets and obstacles. We spent a solid hour getting dragged up ramps and down tunnels, with me emerging from one section distinctly red-faced and wondering how on earth I'd got wedged in a foam cube pit.

But there's something magical about that kind of play -- a rare moment where the grown-ups are part of the fun, not just watching from the sidelines. Tia clearly knows the drill: "This is a very big play area to be in, and we do allow the adults to go on there to supervise their children. It's super fun, especially that slide!"

She wasn't wrong.

I may have limped a bit afterward, but it was worth every bump and bruise. Back outside, we wandered past goats, llamas, and rabbits that seemed to be doing their best to win our attention. But it was the raccoon, poking its head out with impeccable comic timing, that really won us over.

According to Tia, he's a bit of a performer: "When there's lots of people around, he'll come out of his enclosure and start dancing. He's just so happy to see everyone." There's also Pudding, an alpaca with a devoted following. "We're not allowed to have favourites," Tia admitted, "but her name's Pudding... everything about her is amazing."

And when you learn how many of these animals were rescued, rehabilitated, and given a second chance, it all feels a bit more special. The kids might not have understood the depth of that story, but they certainly understood the joy of petting a rabbit or walking past the skink named Pascal (who, by the way, is a blue-tongued lizard and very cool indeed). What's clear from chatting to Tia is that the park runs on passion -- and a lot of laughing. "Even if it's at each other.

If someone's trying to move an animal and they fall over in one of the pits... we're constantly laughing. It's a great time to be here."

There's a team of just 12 staff members who keep the place running, prepping animal feed, shearing coats for the summer, and stocking up to make sure guests have everything they need. Behind the scenes, there's a whole world of moving pigs, checking play equipment, and sometimes sneaking in a go on the trampoline "just to make sure it's safe."

And for those of us visiting, the value is brilliant. One ticket covers everything - animal handling, play areas, mini-golf, even the chance to walk a ferret (which is a surprisingly popular offering, apparently). As Tia put it: "Come see our animals.

It's fun. You can feed them, hold them, and learn about them with our handling sessions and talks... and it's all covered by the admission price." By the time we left Animal Farm Adventure Park, the boys were knackered, but happy as they slept all the way back home.

There's something grounding about being around animals -- especially when the animals are loved, and the people looking after them are full of heart. This wasn't the flashiest part of our trip. It didn't have neon lights or dramatic soundtrack swells.

But it was real. Gentle, genuine fun, wrapped in a blanket of straw, soft play giggles, and wallaby noses. If you're ever down Brean way and need a day that slows the pace but keeps the magic, Animal Farm Adventure Park is the place to go.

Just bring a change of clothes -- especially if your kids are anything like ours.

Top Tips for staying at Brean

Brean, Somerset - A classic British seaside spot blending funfairs, wildlife parks, sandy beaches and family-friendly holiday parks.

Where We Stayed

Sandy Glade Holiday ParkOperated by John Fowler Holidays, this laid-back site offers a range of accommodation:

• Caravans: 2-3 bedrooms, with options from basic to Platinum (some with decking and hot tubs).

• Chalets and Lodges: Including Gold and Platinum grades.

• On-site Facilities: Play areas, entertainment venue, cafe, bar, shop.

• Prices: From GBP304 for summer breaks.

01271 864766johnfowlerholidays.com[4]

Top Attractions

1. Brean Leisure Park

• Rides & Attractions: 40+ rides for all ages, from coasters to kids' cars.

• Wristband Prices:

  • Mega (over 1.2m): From GBP26/day or GBP90/season

  • Junior (1.0-1.2m): From GBP23/day or GBP70/season

  • Tots (0.8-1.0m): From GBP15/day or GBP50/season

• Great for: Thrill-seekers, nostalgic parents, and sugar-fuelled little ones.brean.com[5]

2. Animal Farm Adventure Park

• Admission:

  • Adults/Children (2-16 yrs): GBP14

  • Under 2s: Free

  • Family of 4: GBP56

• Opening Times: 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm)

• Highlights:

  • Animal handling (snakes, skinks, ferrets!)

  • Rescue animals like foxes, raccoons, and alpacas

  • Large soft play area, trampolines, mini-golfanimalfarmadventurepark.co.uk[6]

Other Nearby Spots

• Weston-super-Mare: Iconic pier, sandy beach, and amusements

• Wookey Hole Caves: Underground adventures and family fun

• Roman Baths, Bath: Historical gem just over an hour's drive

Top Tips

• Breakfast Pack: Pre-order at Sandy Glade to avoid early-morning meltdowns.

• Walking Distance: Brean Leisure Park is a scenic 20-minute stroll from Sandy Glade.

• Spare Hat Warning: The Bulldog Coaster has a high hat-loss rate.

Final Thoughts: Buckets, Memories, and a Very British Break by the Sea

In just three days, we'd ridden rollercoasters and danced at mini discos, petted wallabies and hurtled down soft play slides, scoffed doughnuts and lost hats to the wind. But more than all that, we'd found the rhythm of a place that knows exactly what it is -- a good old-fashioned British seaside escape with a heart as big as its beach. Brean doesn't pretend to be trendy or exclusive.

It doesn't try to keep up with polished resorts or sprawling theme park empires. And that's exactly what makes it special. It's the friendly chaos of holiday parks, where toddlers and pensioners share the same dance floor.

It's waltzers and wallabies. It's chips by the sea, a pint in the clubhouse, and a reminder that simple joys are often the best kind. Everyone we met -- from David at Sandy Glade to Tia at the Animal Park and Phil over at the Leisure Park -- had the same thing in common: passion.

Whether it was spinning tales on stage, cleaning up after goats, or prepping the site for the summer, there was a sense of pride running through every conversation. These are not just jobs -- they're part of a community that exists to bring joy. For us, as a young family, Brean was exactly what we needed.

Room to stretch out, space for the kids to run riot, and enough entertainment to fill every moment (or at least distract from the occasional meltdown). It was a short break packed with long memories -- the kind that get retold on future holidays and rainy Sunday afternoons. So would we go back?

Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Though next time, I might pack a spare hat... just in case.

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References

1. ^ Sandy Glade Holiday Park (www.johnfowlerholidays.com)
2. ^ Brean Leisure Park (www.brean.com)
3. ^ Animal Farm Adventure Park (www.animal-farm.co.uk)
4. ^ johnfowlerholidays.com (www.johnfowlerholidays.com)
5. ^ brean.com (www.brean.com)
6. ^ animalfarmadventurepark.co.uk (www.animalfarmadventurepark.co.uk)
7. ^ Somerset Live (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
8. ^ click this link and select 'Join Community'. (chat.whatsapp.com)
9. ^ Somerset Live (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
10. ^ Privacy Notice. (www.reachplc.com)
11. ^ Click here to join our WhatsApp community. (chat.whatsapp.com)