Neil Hunter takes a trip to the Lake District

SOME say big is beautiful; while others argue good things come in small packages; and there are those who insist size doesn't matter. Set in 130 acres of a wooded wonderland in the heart of the Lake District, Skelwith Fold Caravan Park is certainly big - and boy, is it beautiful.

The Swift S-pod 4 is just 10ft x 14ft, yet it packs in four beds and a luxury bathroom as well as a kitchen area with microwave and sink, a fridge, a television and lots of ingenious storage. Its two-berth cousin offers the same sleeping and shower room facilities, but is also equipped with a grill, four-burner gas hob and microwave. Both layouts are available for hire at Skelwith Fold – one four-berth, and four two-berth – and I took the chance to visit the beautifully-kept site with three under-tens.

The approach from the gates after a drive along the banks of Lake Windermere and past Ambleside is impressive and offers the chance to see red squirrel and roe deer.

After stopping at reception to check-in and checking out the well-stocked shop, we were shown to the 'Hideaway' by the duty warden. The boys were baffled about where we'd all sleep once we were inside – and this was where the magic of Skelwith was mirrored by Swift. The S-pod's double-settee folds away to allow a double bed to be pulled over it, while a separate seating area turns into a single with a fixed bunk over it.

The fully-fitted washroom has a ‘quadrant’ shower enclosure, round sink bowl, heated towel rail and dual-flush toilet. Among the other features are a fold-away table – neatly stored under the sofa – French Oak vinyl flooring, heating and air-conditioning, while the outside decking and patio area offered a table and four chairs and a gas barbecue. On the site, there are three pristine shower and toilet blocks, a playground, recreation area, launderette, and a library, as well as paid-for wi-fi.

But while the facilities are first-class, it's the sheer beauty which surrounds them that sets Skelwith apart. Our first trip off-site, a 15-to-20-minute drive, took us to TreeTop Trek where an 800-foot zip-wire race rounded off more than two hours of off-the-ground fun. The 35 challenges designed to make you climb, balance, swing, climb and fly through the oak woodland canopy were summed up by all three lads in the same way: "That's the best thing I've ever done."

Treetop Trek is at Brockhole on Windermere, which is also the site of Treetop Nets – giant trampolines, walkways, slides and tunnels each made from netting and suspended up to 40ft from the ground – an adventure playground, picnic area, archery, mini-golf, watersports hire, pony trekking, a cafe and shop. If the weather is good, and we were treated to a Lakes stay without a drop of rain, a full-day stay here is easily possible.

A more sedate adventure awaited on the second day, a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction at nearby Bowness-on-Windermere. Dedicated to the work and life of one of Lakeland's most celebrated residents and world's most endearing writers, the museum is magical and the theatre thrilling. The visit begins with a short film about the author and her works, before the doors open up to a pathway containing well-crafted scenes from all 23 of her stories. Halfway through the walk is 'The Peter Rabbit Garden', containing plants, fruits and vegetables straight off the pages of Beatrix Potter's illustrations.

The path leads into the gift shop which stocks all things Beatrix Potter, while downstairs there is a tea room – using largely produce from the garden – for a rest and refreshments.

Back at Skelwith, the real-life rabbits are out and about, and a walk among the numerous trails also offers the chance to see deer and squirrels as well as an array of birdlife.

The dog-friendly site has added self-catering Safari Tents this year, while for guests in touring caravans and motorhomes, all 90 of the pitches are hardstanding and benefit from electric hook-ups. There are also more than 300 privately-owned holiday homes.

Once the grounds of a fine country house, this vast estate of naturalised woodland – the winner of a David Bellamy award for bio-diversity and sustainable eco-policies – is a delight to explore in itself, but also a great base to travel further afield in the National Park.

Ambleside is a five-minute drive away, and a further ten minutes gets you to the town of Windermere and the lake. A bus service to Ambleside and Coniston is available from the park entrance. A little over half-an-hour is Kendal, while in the other direction and along one of the most beautiful drives – past Rydal Water and Thirlmere – you end up in Keswick on the banks of Derwent Water.

We visited Keswick to eat out on the Sunday and returned the following day to make the most of the leisure pool close to the town centre. The boys had had their legs walked off, and their arms ached with all the climbing, swinging and flying, so a therapeutic swim seemed a good idea. As it also boasts a slide and wave machine, it was time for a few more thrills and spills before the journey home. The small and friendly centre also has a gym and cafe, and guests get a refund for their pay and display parking at reception.

Whichever side of the size argument you take, one thing's for certain: Skelwith and Swift measure up magnificently and provide the perfect fit.

Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside, LA22 0HT. The site has touring caravan pitches, starting at £23.80 per night for a standard pitch in low season. Prices for a two-berth Hideaway pod start at £240 for 3 nights mid-week in low season and £264 for a four-berth Hideaway. Visit www.skelwith.com; 01539-432277.

• Swift Group based in Hull, manufactures the S-pod (known as the Hideaway at Skelwith Fold). For a list of holiday parks around the UK with S-pods for hire, see www.swiftmyspace.co.uk/where-to-stay.

TreeTop Trek, Brockhole on Windermere LA23 1LJ. Visit www.treetoptrek.co.uk and www.treetopnets.co.uk; 01539-447186. Full trek, which takes two to three hours, junior (7+) £24, adult (16+) £3. Mini trek, which takes one hour, junior (5+) £18, adult (16+) £22. Climb and zip, which takes 30 minutes, junior (5+) £15, adult (16+) £18

• The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere LA23 3BX. Visit www.hop-skip-jump.com; 01539-488444. Child (3-15) £3.95, adult (£7.95), over-60s £6.95, family (2+2) £22.

Keswick Leisure Centre, Station Road, Keswick CA12 4NE. Visit www.better.org.uk; 01768-772760. Junior splash zone £4.80, adult splash zone £5.80, family £17.80

W: golakes.co.uk