FAMILIES will know the feeling that comes every holiday – what to do with the kids to stop them climbing the walls.

Well, less than two hours' drive from Gloucester will get you to the gates of Paultons Park, the Hampshire theme park which could be the lifesaver all family members have been longing for.

Aware just how excitable children can become when they know they're heading for a fun fair, my partner and I managed to keep the Paultons visit secret from our two children.

Mainly because we'd decided to make a night of it, drive down the afternoon before, and stay over at Silks Hotels' The White Horse in Romsey.

It was a great move. The White Horse is a very attractive, Grade II* listed building dating back to the 14th century.

Renovations are underway in adjacent buildings, and if completed to the same high standard as the main hotel the entire complex will take some beating.

Reluctantly dragged by our children from the biggest and most comfortable bed I have ever slept in some time near dawn – we must have foolishly told them about Pontins at some point the previous evening – my partner and I were soon brought to life by a quite fantastic breakfast spread in the very plush hotel restaurant.

Our stop-over, and early start, saw us arrive for the 10am opening of nearby Paultons Park. Plenty of staff were on hand to organise parking and head-off a stampede of the turnstiles.

What struck us, as parents, was the cleanliness of the park and its facilities – not a piece of litter anywhere, and baby changing facilities in the gents as well as the ladies.

But it was the rides which were, of course, the star attraction. And there are 50-plus.

A traditional carousel of swings, train ride, numerous climbing frames, a 'jumping bean' hydraulic bench lift which rockets riders vertically and then descends equally rapidly, trampolines, a multitude of rollercoaster-type rides, log flumes, mat slides, and Tiny Tots Town.

We picnicked at the plentiful umbrella-covered tables, dined in the Wagoners restaurant on burgers, chips, salad and chicken nuggets. Another hit.

The nature walk – complete with model dinosaurs plus sound affects, as well as real-life tropical birds – was also popular and a pleasant walk at that.

Like the Wind in the Willows museum and the Romany Experience, the wander through Land of the Dinosaurs proved welcome respite from the full-on excitement of the fairground rides.

The go-karts and the wave runner water slides proved a step too far for our two – they were a little too young – but if their energy would have allowed it, we might still be there now.

We didn't dare tell the kids there are season tickets available giving unlimited entry, but we may consider the gift vouchers or the Santa's Christmas Wonderland – and send them in the direction of the grandparents.