Steve Nelson takes his family to the fabulous Lizard peninsula.

The mind-numbing journey from Yorkshire to Cornwall, via the M1, M42 and M5, is an arduous one, but well worth it.

At the end of a seven-hour drive, we finally reached the winding roads of The Lizard peninsula, where tree tops form green tunnels over the tarmac and road signs point out coves and cream teas rather than service stations.

This is not a place to drive through, but a journey's end, sprouting from the backbone of Cornwall that stretches to Land's End.

Its climate is among the warmest in Britain, the air is unpolluted by industry and the coastline still houses those same tiny fishing villages that it did so long ago.

There are few developments of any great substance. That's the way they like it down there, and the way we visitors like it.

Although the area hosts many interesting and charming properties in which to take a break, we decided to be practical and look for accommodation that would also appeal to our children, aged four and eight.

We chose right. The Mullion Holiday Park, one of four owned by the Meadon family, lies in the middle of the peninsula, surrounded by enough attractions both man-made and natural to keep a family busy and happy.

It is graded a four-star holiday park, and was highlighted in the England for Excellence Awards. It was also the regional winner of the Sustainable Tourism Award.

Rows upon rows of mobile homes are clusterd around an entertainment complex featuring a large club room, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, restaurant, pub, caf, amusements, crazy golf, advetnure playground and fun factory for the very young.

Among its many acres are also pitch and putt, a football pitch, sports court and tents and touring field. A big bonus was the restaurant which, in addition to a wide-ranging menu, had a carvery. This proved an essential start to the packed evening entertainment after an already tiring day visiting tourist attractions or playing on one of the many fine beaches in the area.

We stayed in a Fulmar Grand home, which was pleasantly decorated with three bedrooms and plenty of storage space. It was also equipped to a high standard and wide enough to avoid any feelings of claustrophia.

While Mullion Park is great for the children because it offers so many activities, The Lizard is great for just lounging about. But it also offers so much to see and do. You can take in the dramatic coastline of Lizard Point (England's most southerly mainland point), go to a theme park at Helston, visit the seal sanctuary at Gweek or try the delicious dips at Helzaphron Herb Farm.

The River Helford is a haven for sailing enthusiasts and beginners, while the coves and sands have a universal appeal.

There is enough here to fill a two-week holiday, but we were tempted into travelling further afield to the magnificent St Michael's Mount, the so-called jewel in Cornwall's crown. This island castle is best reached by foot when the tide is out, but there is a boat service.

We also journeyed to surf-crazy Newquay on the northern coastline and the giant greenhouses of the history-making Eden project.

But we were happiest just lounging about in The Lizard, where you can simply soak up the charm and solitude.

FACT FILE

We stayed at Mullion Holiday Park, which offers 12 styles of caravan holiday homes and bungalows. The park is one of four run by Weststar Holiday Parks in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset

For further information about Weststar Holidays see its website on www.weststarholidays.co.uk or call 01392 446777.

Prices vary greatly depending on the time of year and type of accommodation. An eight-berth top of the range holiday home in high season will cost about £500 a week.