Caravans have not always been synonymous with luxury, but that is all changing, as Katie Richardson finds out

GETTING away from the stresses of everyday life with a holiday can often mean spending half the year saving up for one and then trying to find enough time to take off work in the first place to actually go. So it's great that the staycation trend seems here to stay.

I hate the stress of getting ready for the airport, the inordinate time spent travelling and adjusting to a new climate. Plus, I’m a redhead so hot countries are a bit of a no-no.

A break just 45 minutes away in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside ticks all my boxes so I packed the waterproofs and headed with my partner to the North Yorkshire Country and Leisure Park, run by Park Leisure, just outside Leyburn. We drove up the slick path and crossed a railway line, literally closing the gates behind us on the outside world, before picking up our keys and being shown to one of the company’s new Concierge homes in the centre of the landscaped site.

The specially tailored service has been rolled out across three of Park Leisure’s parks to enable those considering buying a holiday home to enjoy all of the benefits of five-star holiday home ownership on selected days and nights throughout the year.

Available in different packages with generous night allocations throughout the year, members simply book their visits through a personalised online booking system. Once the nightly accommodation has been booked, the park’s concierge team will prepare the holiday home for arrival, from ordering groceries to preparing fresh linen and towels, ensuring all eventualities are covered for a convenient getaway.

The concept has been designed to open up holiday home ownership to a much wider audience, from as little as £14,995,

The three smart Concierge caravans stood out from their neighbours; the first thing that caught my eye was the flowing fountain right outside the door. It felt as though we were checking into a hotel rather than opening a caravan door and I was immediately struck by how spacious and homely the interior was. A large living room, finely furnished, led onto an outside decking area; the modern kitchen was equipped with everything you’d ever need to host a dinner party, let alone for a short break.

I was impressed by how warm it felt and soon found a good spot on the sofa to watch a movie on the new Sky TV with Surround Sound and accompanied by a roaring gas fire. There was a generous king-sized bed in the master bedroom, plus two singles in the second. All had soft fresh sheets and fluffy robes and slippers awaited us too – just a couple of the perks of the new concierge ownership package.

There's a spacious main bathroom, and master ensuite with generous shower – a bathroom I’d expect to see in a hotel rather than a static caravan.

In truth, this doesn't feel at all like a caravan, and the touches such as soft fitted carpets, home luxuries and super-gadgetry made me want to move in permanently.

When we did manage to drag ourselves outside, we had a pleasant walk in the grounds, where, at night, a dramatic quarry face is illuminated.

The historic market town of Leyburn is a stone’s throw away, with its wealth of independent shops and lovely coffee shop, Penley’s. Attractions such as the unique folly-filled garden at the Forbidden Corner and Lightwater Valley Theme Park are nearby. We also enjoyed a lovely, albeit pricey, meal at the well-known Wensleydale Heifer pub at West Witton.

With so many attractions and such a comfortable stay, I would highly recommend thinking about trying the concierge package if you want to enjoy a break in the Yorkshire Dales with all the comforts of home. The company also has other parks if you want to head further afield.

Travel facts

Yorkshire Dales, Harmby, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5NX

T: 01969-622308. Visit parkleisure.co.uk or email enquiries@parkleisure.co.uk

Concierge homes start from £14,995