WITH Brexit casting a large and looming shadow over holiday makers accustomed to their European jaunts, now may be as good a time as any to start looking for idyllic vacation destinations a little closer to home.

Look no further than Hoburne Bashley.

Settled within the awe-inspiring New Forest National Park in Hampshire, and just a short drive from Bournemouth’s seven-miles worth of award-winning beaches, there is no shortage of things to see and do surrounding the popular park.

On site, it is much the same story.

A long, tree-lined drive let’s you know you have arrived, with everything from woodland courses – featuring survival cooking and shelter skills – to a golf academy, and nine-hole course, on offer.

More than one hundred years ago John Burry, great-grandfather of Hoburne's present chairman, purchased Hoburne Farm on May 7, 1912.

Eight years later, in 1920, the same man purchased Naish Farm, offering outstanding views over the Solent towards the Isle of Wight, and began transforming redundant railway carriages, and shepherds' huts into spacious and comfortable holiday homes.

It laid the foundations for what the family-run park still represents today – active-family fun in beautiful settings.

The rest of the group was created in the post second world war years, starting with Bashley in 1964.

Over the past year Hoburne Holidays has re-invested over £6million into their seven parks and plan to reinvest more at the end of this year. The improvements included new-look entertainment and leisure complexes at three parks, brand new holiday accommodation at three more and free Wi-Fi across all.

We stayed in one of the park’s many caravans and found it more than big enough.

The website says, ‘the company's policy has been one of continual reinvestment and improvement to provide the very highest standards in facilities, accommodation and service, at value for money prices.

‘The whole Hoburne team takes pride in its philosophy of providing traditional holidays for families and couples of all ages in beautiful surroundings that create memories to treasure.’

Hoburne's chairman, Rosie Kennar, added: “New visitors to our parks are often amazed at the quality of our clubhouses and accommodation.

“They tend to associate caravans with basic facilities, but this just is no longer true. Our holidays offer freedom to do your own thing in some of the most beautiful parts of the country, but with lots to do or join in with if you feel like it. And of course great value for money.”

Indeed for those who love the outdoors, there are boundless miles to explore by bike, foot, or horseback.

Famous New Forest ponies grazing at the roadside are common sights. We even saw deer.

Or if you'd prefer to relax with the kids, there’s the clubhouse.

Bashley has undergone a £1million investment into a new entertainment and leisure complex in 2016, which also features new interior décor and new family-friendly dining venues, called ‘Café H’ and a restaurant ‘Brasserie 1912,’ offering full table service.

There is also an indoor soft play, amusement arcade, and Sky TV in the complex, with an adjoing indoor leisure pool, an outdoor heated pool and paddling pool; steam and sauna; and fitness suite.

That enough for you?

If not, there’s also a basketball/mini football area; tennis courts; crazy golf; and nine-hole course; a nature trail; outdoor table tennis and an adventure playground.

We tried – and failed – to do everything, much to the enjoyment of the children. Needless to say they slept soundly every night and have already asked to go back.

The site also offers a convenience store and a launderette, so there really is no need to leave. But we did travel down to Bournemouth famous slice of coastline on the final day, and aside from some sudden, unwelcome mist we had a great time.

Hoburne has recently been nominated for the Best UK Family Holiday/Holiday Park Operator in the 2016 British Travel Awards (BTAs). Voters have until 30 September to back their favourite with the winners announced in November.

Rod Tucker, managing director of Hoburne Holidays, said: “Our nomination recognises the hard work the whole company has put in the past year and reflects the investment we have put in to all of our holiday parks.

"The company’s philosophy is focused on providing traditional family holidays with the highest standards in facilities, accommodation and service, at value for money prices. After the recent redevelopments we’re extremely proud of where we’ve come and continue to give customers the same Hoburne experience that they know and love but with even better facilities. "

Spain, France and Italy are suddenly looking awfully more expensive post-Brexit.

Hoburne Bashley could be the ideal alternative.

A three-night stay in June at Hoburne Bashley in the New Forest starts from £451 for up to six people sharing a 2 bed Platinum Plus caravan. To find out more about this holiday, or any of Hoburne’s seven holiday parks, visit www.hoburne.com or call 01425 282358.

Holiday homes are also available to purchase at Hoburne Bashley from £17,995 - visit www.hoburne.com/ownership for more details.