Recession-hit Britain means many of us have been forced to abandon the idea of jetting away to warmer climes for a holiday.

Instead, we've been looking for somewhere much nearer home, even if it means putting up with our traditionally soggy summers.

And so it should come as no surprise that seaside holiday parks have soared in popularity with those of us that can afford a holiday at all.

We tried out Bunn Leisure's Holiday Village at Selsey on the south coast, which this year has been celebrating its 50th anniversary. The site is described as a village but it could almost be billed as a small town, judging by the number of facilities on offer.

We stayed in a luxury premier caravan, which was undoubtedly the best mobile home we've ever stayed in.

They've come a long way since fold-down beds, a Baby Belling cooker and a tiny black-and-white TV with indoor aerial and a fuzzy picture.

Nowadays you get central heating, full-size fridge and freezer, a cooker that's better than the one at home and even fitted carpets.

Perhaps even more telling was the full justification in using the colour TV's remote. My memory of mobile homes in the past has been of such a cramped space, I could manually switch channels without moving from a very uncomfortable padded bench that was supposed to be a settee.

In this caravan, there was plenty of space, including a very comfy three-piece lounge suite.

Despite our visit in the autumn – when the weather is not so warm and when oldies like us are less inclined to go for a swim – we were impressed with the indoor swimming pool, which was a central feature of the leisure complex. There was a warm shallow pool for tots, a water slide for youngsters and a decent-sized pool for those who wanted a proper swim.

I particularly enjoyed the steam room and sauna, both of which you could use as much as you liked without any extra cost.

There were loads of activities for the kids to enjoy, including four free clubs that were aimed at specific age groups from up to four years to 17.

Every night, there is free live entertainment laid on for the grown-ups featuring singers and groups such as Gerry and the Pacemakers, Bay City Rollers, Slade, Ray Quinn, Aswad and Antony Costa. There are also comedians, stage shows, disco nights and themed weekends.

There's no shortage of places to eat on site – a veritable choice of burger bars, Chinese and Indian takeaways, family restaurant, coffee shops and pub grub. There is even a fish and chip shop on site.

There's a couple of small supermarkets in the village but be warned, they are expensive. There's a full-size supermarket off Selsey's High Street, which is only a short distance away.

A free road train and bus operates between all three Bunn Leisure sites, but we were staying on the West Sands site where most facilities were within easy walking distance.

There's a funfair (unlimited rides for £10), go-karts, crazy golf, mini tenpin bowling, gym, beauty salon, gaming arcades and pool tables.

The White Horse site provides a leisurely relaxed pace, while Green Lawns is regarded as a more peaceful retreat.

Selsey is sited on the seafront of a peninsular between Portsmouth and Chichester, both of which are worth a day trip.

Portsmouth, in particular, boasts the Spinnaker Tower, which is a definite must for those who don't have a fear of heights.

The Isle of Wight, which can be seen from the beach at the Bunn Leisure Park, is also worth a trip.

Our premier caravan cost £569 for a three-night Friday-Monday stay during the peak summer season this year, but dropped to as low as £280 during some off-peak periods. You can also stay midweek for four nights or seven-night holidays.

● For further information, including latest prices and offers, phone 01243 606080 or visit www.bunnleisure.co.uk.