AFTER arriving by ferry we switched off the sat-nav - which insisted the Isle of Wight did not exist - and managed to find the Park Resorts site at Nodes Point thanks to old-fashioned map reading.

I was returning to the island where I holidayed as a child with my parents more than 15 years ago and was as eager to re-visit the places I had seen as a youngster as I was to discover some new gems.

It was also a chance to repay in kind my parents for taking me on holiday the first time round.

The first thing you notice about the place is the pace of life, which is a lot slower than us UK mainlanders are used to.

It's not a bad thing and it takes some getting used to but becomes more appealing the longer you stay on the island.

A family could not ask for much more from the gold-standard accommodation we had for our week-long stay with all mod cons, including a fitted shower, comfortable beds and plenty of room to relax in the evening.

There was a stunning view out from the caravan's balcony looking down across the bay of nearby seaside village, St Helen's, which is less than 10 minutes walk from the camp site.

It was at the beachside we found arguably one of the best fish restaurants on the island, Baywatch on the Beach, though it is pricey.

If you fancy a quick bite to eat at breakfast, lunch or dinner, there is food available on site along with two bars.

Staff could not do enough for us and a run-in with our caravan's alarm - caused by my fiddling hands - was dealt with quickly. There is also a shop stocked with essentials.

A dedicated arcades and amusements area should keep all ages occupied in the resort's main building with a variety of entertainments for mums, dads and youngsters alike.

Getting out and about, you could hire a bike from the site office but check ahead for availability.

A short drive up the coast road takes you to Ryde - the best bet for shopaholics - or head south to Sandown or Shanklin, the latter is packed with old-fashioned thatched roof cafes and souvenir shops.

If you've got kids, or are just big kids yourselves, try Carisbrooke Castle for some medieval goings-on - call 01983 523112 - or Blackgang Chine (01983 730052) which will keep the family entertained.

The trip to the Needles is worth it just for the unusual multi-coloured sands and boat ride out to the lighthouse and rocky outcrops.

Park Resorts operate 37 medium-sized coastal holiday parks in the UK.

For more details and to order a 2008 brochure, visit www.park-resorts.com or call 0871 200 6200.