It must be at least 8 years since we last went to Hollycombe, so with a new generation of grandchildren and the last week of the school holidays to occupy them, where better to take them than to Hollycombe.

The impressions when booking online were completely positive; the site is easy to manage and very user-friendly, and the prices fairly attractive, particularly when you consider that the tickets we bought for today will now last a whole 12 months. Not that we will be able to visit very often, as the place is really only open for the month of August and for the summer Sundays. All the more reason to go there when you can.

We had 4 children with us, aged 2,4,5 and 6, and they loved every minute; they just couldn't get enough rides. No sooner off one fairground ride, than on to another. A few of the rides weren't open, which is understandable given a shortage of personnel to operate them, but that didn't worry our children or any of the others we saw. All of the rides were clearly enjoyed, by children and adults alike, they were safe, and the staff running them were very helpful, professional and friendly.

One of the things we especially enjoyed and appreciated, was the general lack of slick professionalism or commercialisation, both when booking and on site. The staff, whom we understand are all amateurs, doing it for the love of the business and for the pleasure they plainly give their visitors, rather than the sometimes weary cynicism you encounter at some theme parks or entertainment centres.

If this means that some repairs and redecoration are overdue, or some facilities out of operation, or that there is sometimes a lack of sophistication in the attractions, then I think that is a price well worth paying.

Best to visit from lunch time onwards when all the machines have built up steam. Great train ride and other attractions for junior children. We had a 7 year old with us who had a wonderful time. Plentiful parking.