Going upside down and losing a hat on the roller coaster (Image: )
The moment you step into a holiday park, it’s like being whisked back to those carefree days of childhood. The anticipation, the distant scent of the ocean, and the hopeful clinking of keys at check-in set the scene for an unforgettable getaway. Our family’s recent three-night sojourn in Brean saw us cosily ensconced in a Platinum Exclusive caravan at Sandy Glade Holiday Park, a gem within the John Fowler Holidays collection. And truth be told, as soon as we crossed the threshold, it was clear we’d struck gold.
As parents of two young lads, one and three years old, we’re well aware that travelling with tots often means the term “holiday” is used rather loosely. It’s less of a break and more a change of backdrop where you’re still on your toes keeping up with the kids. Yet, our caravan was a haven of space—at least 12 feet wide, stylishly modern, and delightfully roomy—giving us that elusive commodity: breathing space.
Our boys had ample room to romp around, race their toy cars across the lounge carpet, and then retreat to their beds, eyes wide and faces daubed with chocolate. For us, there was a plush sofa, a sizeable TV for those rare quiet times (or, let’s face it, CBeebies binges), and outside, a deck complete with patio furniture, reports Somerset Live.
This alfresco area proved to be a godsend, offering a spot for the kids to expend energy while we enjoyed a cuppa and mapped out our day. We had the foresight to pre-order the breakfast pack, which turned out to be a stroke of genius. Milk, sausages, bread, cereal, juice-all ready and waiting for us, saving us from a mad dash to the shop on our first morning.
It’s one of those things you don’t realise you need until it’s 6.30am, your toddler is demanding Shreddies, and you’re still in travel mode. Sandy Glade isn’t merely a place to rest your head. The site itself is packed with family-friendly facilities, and after unloading the bags and letting the children run around the caravan (just because they could), we took a leisurely walk to see what was available. David Harper, the general and sales manager here, described his role as “all-encompassing,” and it’s evident.
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Brean Leisure Park (Image: )
“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 shared. “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 spirit alive from dawn until well past bedtime. Our boys were captivated.
The mini-disco might be designed for little legs, but it had parents up and dancing too, swept up in the familiar frenzy 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 beamed, clearly passionate about her vocation.
The vibrancy is palpable as the entertainment crew tirelessly reinvent their acts, ensuring every performance resonates with the audience, no matter how small or energetically uncoordinated the youngest dancers might be. Outside the glitz of the dancehall, families revel in simpler delights. Playgrounds beckon with promises of limitless adventure, letting children explore until exhaustion looms ominously close.
Fuelled by the irrefutable logic of pre-naptime energy exertion, we indulged in a feast of steaming chips from the local café, savouring them amidst the hilarity of toddlers’ condiment escapades. Retiring to our caravan, seasoned by the day’s experiences and sated by seaside snacks, we drifted into a comforting lull. Here, David Harper captures it best: “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, it rang true. It didn’t feel exclusive or overly polished; instead, it felt inclusive, unpretentious, and quintessentially British in the best way possible.
Jacob makes friends with a wallaby (Image: )
Whether you were in a luxury lodge or a basic chalet, everyone was watching the same show, clapping along to the same music, and enjoying the same sticky-fingered children’s laughter. As we tucked the boys into bed and poured a quiet cup of tea in the lounge, we knew we’d arrived somewhere special. Day one was complete, and we hadn’t even visited 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, coaxed the kids into their shoes, and strolled up the road to Brean Leisure Park. 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 hassle, more fresh air.
Now, if you’ve never been, Brean Leisure Park is somewhat of a Somerset institution. It’s sprawling, slightly chaotic in the best way, and wonderfully 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 moment 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, owner of the attraction, divulged: “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 quite the package it is – boasting over 40 rides and attractions ranging from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to milder options for the little ones. Taking centre stage for our youngsters was Fantasia, a charming ride adorned with a variety of colourful vehicles for the picking.
Whether it’s fire engines or police cars, our kids were so enchanted they virtually refused to disembark. In truth, had we not intervened, they’d probably still be circling now, swapping seats each round and gleefully waving as though auditioning for a role in their own animated film.
Meanwhile, my wife and I took full advantage of this momentary freedom by heading straight for the waltzers – a whirlwind of a ride that can only really be appreciated if you’ve experienced it alongside someone with an aversion to spinning. The incumbent victim?
My dear mum.
Picture her, clinging on to the safety bar as if preparing for inadvertent space travel, screaming with a peculiar mix of dread and excitement, whilst I found myself in fits of hilarity, almost too distracted to notice the commencement of Bounce, another crowd-pleaser which had my father ruefully holding his belly and quietly lamenting the days when his back could withstand such thrills.
Then came the Orbiter, and my sister – bless her – was convinced she could handle it. Spoiler: she couldn’t. Ten seconds in, her face had turned pale, her stomach had rebelled, and she needed to lie down for the rest of the day. Naturally, we were very sympathetic… after we’d finished laughing.
And yes – I lost my hat on the Bulldog Coaster. A proud moment indeed.
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 without any extra charge for the adventure.
There’s something wonderfully 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 eager 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.”
Enjoying the indoor soft play and slides at the Animal Park (Image: )
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 barely scratched the surface with no time for go-karts or the Congo Adventure Golf, which looked fantastic. It’s a paradox of choice at this destination; thankfully, with both weekend and season passes, it’s poised for repeat visits. Phil let slip about the future: “We’re always looking out for new attractions and promotions,” he revealed. “Keep an eye on our events and social media for the main summer weeks.”
Brean Leisure Park beckons to all – whether you’re making a brief pit stop, nestled in a nearby accommodation, or planning the big family getaway. Buckle up for a wild ride of excitement, chuckles, and perhaps a dizzy spell or two.
Returning to our caravan that evening – adorned by the day’s laughter and leisure, kids nodding off in the buggy, adults holding onto their dignity (and tender spines) – I realised that this park epitomises essential British seaside tradition: loud, marginally chaotic, unabashedly plain… yet utterly magical.
On Day Three: A menagerie of charm awaits at Animal Farm Adventure Park with wallabies, slides, and another shot at joy.
After the excitement of roller coasters and sugar rushes the previous day, our third day in Brean was a more relaxed affair. We loaded up the car and drove a short distance to Animal Farm Adventure Park, a vast 23-acre site promising animals, fresh air, and a touch of tranquillity.
However, as any parent will tell you, ‘tranquillity’ is a relative term when you’re accompanied by young children.
Dad and sons on the merry-go-round (Image: )
We arrived early, giving us the feeling of having the park all to ourselves for a brief period. The peaceful morning silence, punctuated only by occasional animal sounds, was perfect for our youngest. He headed straight for the wallaby enclosure, where the laid-back marsupials lounged as if they had all the time in the world. He was completely captivated.
His mum, on the other hand, watched every move anxiously, convinced he was about to grab a nose or tail. But the wallabies were entirely unfazed. To say they were chilled would be an understatement. Personally, I’m a fan of animal parks where you can do more than just observe. Here, you can wander through enclosures, handle reptiles, and truly interact with the animals.
It’s not just about taking pictures – it’s an immersive experience. Tia Saunders, who works in various roles across the park, explained: “We’re the only ones in Somerset that offer full-on handling sessions. You can get hands-on with the snakes and such… and most of our animals have been given a second chance at life. We emphasise the wholesomeness of it.”
There’s an undeniable warmth to the altruistic philosophy at this park; it’s not merely a hub of amusement – it doubles as sanctuary and a new beginning for animals. Foxes, racoons, and uncommon species – each inhabitant has a tale to tell. At the heart of this enterprise is a dedicated team that genuinely cares about every single creature in their care. Yet, our lads were indifferent to all that once they caught sight of the indoor soft play area. Any serenity we’d savoured instantly vanished as they bolted towards the towering labyrinth of slides, mesh, and impediments.
Making a splash at Brean Leisure Park (Image: )
We devoted a good hour ardently scrambling up inclines and through passages, with me emerging from one particular segment notably flushed, bemused at how I’d managed to become ensnared in a pit of foam blocks. Nonetheless, there’s an enchanting aspect to such interactive play – it’s those infrequent instances where adults join the fray, rather than merely spectating.
Tia knows what she’s talking about: “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!” And truth be told, she was spot on. Perhaps my gait was a tad unsteady later on, but it was a small price to pay for the joyous experience.
Once back outside, our journey took us by goats, llamas, and rabbits, seemingly vying for our affection. However, it was the racoon who stole the show with its flawlessly timed appearances. Tia confided in us that he’s naturally theatrical: “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 even Pudding, an alpaca with a legion of admirers. “We’re not allowed to have favourites,” Tia confessed, “but her name’s Pudding… everything about her is amazing.”
Hearing how many of the creatures were saved, healed and given another lease on life adds an extra layer of magic to the experience. The children might not grasp the full extent of these tales, but the sheer pleasure of stroking a bunny or seeing Pascal the skink – who’s actually a blue-tongued lizard and quite the sensation – wasn’t lost on them.
Tia made it evident that the wildlife park is fuelled by zeal and heaps of good humour. “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.”
The backbone of the park is a small but mighty crew of just 12 workers who diligently prepare animal feed, trim furry coats for the warmer weather, and replenish stocks to ensure visitors want for nothing. All the while, away from public view, they’re engaged in all sorts – from relocating pigs and inspecting play apparatus to the occasional covert bounce on the trampoline “just to make sure it’s safe.”
John Fowler Holidays accommodation (Image: )
For visitors, the bang for your buck is exceptional. A single ticket gets you all-inclusive fun – from animal handling and play areas to mini-golf, and even the surprisingly sought-after ferret walking. Tia enthused: “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 end of the day, Animal Farm Adventure Park had thoroughly worn out the boys, who blissfully snoozed their way home. The charm of being near creatures is undeniable – there’s a kind of earthiness to it that feels wholesome, especially when the animals are cherished, and their carers radiate warmth.
This experience wasn’t the most extravagant segment of our journey; it lacked the jazz of neon lights or the thrill of dramatic soundtrack swells. Yet it was authentic, delivering gentle, heartfelt joy amidst hay bales, the sound of laughter in soft play areas, and friendly encounters with wallabies.
Should you find yourself near Brean looking for a day out that eases the tempo while sprinkling a touch of enchantment, make your way to Animal Farm Adventure Park. And remember to pack some extra clothes – particularly if your children have a penchant for merrymaking like mine.
Wrapping up: A Quintessentially British Seaside Escape Filled with Buckets of Fun and Lasting Memories.
In a mere three days, we’d experienced rollercoasters and mini discos, petted wallabies and zoomed down soft play slides, indulged in doughnuts and lost hats to the wind. But more importantly, we’d discovered the rhythm of a place that knows exactly what it is – a quintessential British seaside retreat with a heart as vast as its beach.
Brean doesn’t feign trendiness or exclusivity. It doesn’t strive to compete with polished resorts or expansive theme park empires.
Two of the residents at the Brean Animal Park (Image: )
And that’s precisely what makes it unique. It’s the amiable 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 pleasures are often the best kind.
Everyone we encountered – from David at Sandy Glade to Tia at the Animal Park and Phil over at the Leisure Park – shared one thing: 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 permeating every conversation.
These aren’t 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-lasting memories – the kind that get retold on future holidays and rainy Sunday afternoons.
So would we return?
Absolutely. Without a doubt.
Though next time, I might pack a spare hat… just in case.