Rookley Country Park in February - The Verdict

Having returned and spent 24 hours at home with my family, it seems appropriate to deliver a verdict on the experience that was five nights at Rookley Country Park in the February cold.

Since the recent changes of management each section of the operation now effectively seems to be the responsibility of a different manager, and so several people can take the credit for the service that the Park continues to provide. Responsibility for entertainment rests with Danni, who acts as compere, calls the bingo, organises karaoke and fun nights as well as - as she demonstrated to us on our last night - having a magnificent singing voice herself.

The bar staff are all friendly, helpful, sociable and - just as importantly - efficient, while Tim Oakley continues to manage the fishing lakes to their usual high standard.

The food we had was enjoyable and of a high-quality (I especially recommend the burger which is meaty and substantial and can be enjoyed either plain or with cheese or bacon). For the kids the spaghetti bolognese also does a turn (although it isn't listed on the menu I often ask for, and get, an adult portion).

There were few minus points. As previously mentioned the closing of the Midnight Bar to save on the wages of a member of staff sent the wrong message (during half-term week) about how far the Park's management was prepared to go to make life easier for its guests. And occupants of the small cluster of caravans beside the lake, where we were located, are forced to endure the sounds of industry emanating from the neighbouring trading estate from about 8.00am whether they like it or not. Anybody who can afford to pay a few more quid to stay in one of the Park's beautiful bungalows can be assured that they will be spared this dubious delight.

Other than that any negatives were really driven by the time of year and completely outside of the Park's control - sometimes it was very cold and the fishing was not at its best, and of course in February many of the tourist-facing shops and attractions are closed for the season.

Would we go back? We're checking our calendars for the Easter holidays already.