Do you remember the awful weather that swept the country at Easter time?
Well, we were among those poor unfortunates who had booked a family ‘staycation’ during the school holidays.
But as I drove past snow-covered fields and through flooded roads there was no fear that the weather would stop us having an action-packed break.
We were en route to Primrose Valley, a Haven resort on the Yorkshire coast and, for starters, it has not one but two large, indoor pools – so do your worst, rain!
While one of the pools is great for a quiet family swim, with just the ‘whees’ from the solitary long slide breaking the peace, the other is an altogether noisier affair.
The multi-lane slide, obstacle course and tipping buckets etc (with water features in miniature for pre-schoolers) all combine to produce excited screams.
There are lots of pool-based activities and our seven-year-old daughter enjoyed Turbo Paddlers, Aqua Gliders and Water Walkerz (where you look like a hamster in a ball).
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Primrose Valley also boasts an outdoor pool, but the Easter weather seemed to fully justify Haven’s decision to only open that from the May half-term to September.
Staying indoors, there’s target shooting, football, scooting, messy play, sand art and more, plus fun activities with the Seaside Squad, Haven’s adorable mascots.
Our four-year-old son rode balance bikes, took aim with a bow and arrow then beat Dad in a fencing duel, with big sister gleefully grabbing a sword to finish me off!
One place rain rarely stops play at Primrose Valley is the lake, where you can try your hand at canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and raft building.
In drier spells during our mid-week break, our daughter loved the junior segways and the climbing wall, but lacked the confidence to tackle the high ropes assault course.
As if to say ”Na-nana-naa-na” to his big sister our son then showed his mettle by completing the low ropes course.
We were most impressed with the Nature Rockz offerings, where kids explore the park and coastline, finding out about the wildlife and learning exciting bush craft skills.
They can join the resident Bear Grylls for some pond dipping, bug hunting and foraging, or make pebble art, nest boxes, survival shelters and survival bracelets.
Our children learned fire lighting techniques with the brilliantly funny and engaging ranger, and enjoyed toasting some marshmallows at the end of the session.
We were staying in a sea view Prestige caravan (there are four grades with Prestige below Platinum but above Deluxe and Standard) with two bedrooms and an ensuite.
It was on a new part of the sprawling resort called Seabirds, where the caravans are all spaced out nicely with individual, block-paved drives and paths.
Ours was one of several positioned around a pond, fed by an attractive, landscaped stream, with a fountain spurting so high it showered us in the strong winds.
And while the weather prevented us from sitting out on the decking we were happy enough to watch the water feature through the large patio windows.
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The caravan had a smart, modern interior with an easily manageable central heating system and double glazing, which came in very handy (have I mentioned the weather was poor?).
The shower had shelves for your gels (which, infuriatingly, isn’t always the case) and it was even illuminated (pretty pointless but a snazzy touch anyway).
From the caravan, we were able to take a short stroll down to Filey Bay, where the five-mile wide sandy beach is perfect for little ones to let off steam.
The kids also had fun exploring the caves, rock formations and lighthouses at Flamborough’s spectacular white cliffs, just a short drive away.
We dined several times at the lovely, new Lakehouse Restaurant, a glass building with nice views, especially from the outside sun terrace (not used this holiday!)
The restaurant is also adjacent to one of the resort’s many playgrounds, so there was no need to worry about the kids being bored between courses.
So to sum up, Primrose Valley is blooming great, whatever the weather.
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Travel file
A three-night October half term self-catering break at Primrose Valley costs from £179 in standard accommodation and includes family friendly entertainment. Four night breaks for the same period cost from £249 and seven-night breaks cost from £399. See www.haven.com
Holidaying Hack 
Response to review on Tripadvisor: Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are so pleased that you had a great time with us and we’re really able to make the most of everything we have on offer. It is always a pleasure to hear about our guests’ experiences and we do hope that you and your family will be back to see us again very soon.
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