The UK holiday park with live shows, swimming pool and nearby beach

AS I walked along the winding woodland path – with tall trees and lush greenery either side – I could feel the tension in my shoulders releasing.

Nothing quite compares to the British countryside — and Shorefield Country Park just outside of Hampshire’s New Forest is as tranquil as it gets.

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I was here for a weekend break with one of my best pals and our stay in a wooden treehouse slap bang in the middle of the forest, in the heart of nature, was the best way to unwind.

It’s unusual to come across a spot that could be ideal for almost any summer or winter getaway.

Often you’re picking between somewhere geared up for kids or for Valentine’s couples or for mates having a catch-up.

But with its spacious, peaceful grounds and plethora of activities on offer, Shorefield manages to tick just about all the boxes.

The park is a five-minute drive from the village of Milford on Sea, with its charming shingle and sand beach flanked by rows of multi-coloured beach huts. Yet from our one-bedroom lodge, we felt immersed in deep woodland and miles away from anything.

There are plenty of options for self-catering holidaymakers, including cabins and spots to pull up in your caravan, but I opted for the woodland retreat, which features a series of luxury treehouses nestled above the campsite.

Named The Shrubbery, our two-person home was so serene that we rarely left, whiling away the hours in our private hot tub.

It was fully self-contained, with top-notch cooking facilities, including a decent barbecue that came in handy when the warmer weather finally reared its head.

The inside was modern and comfortable, with tartan curtains and a cosy sofa, but it was outside on the tree-top decking that we spent most of our time. There are bigger treehouses for larger groups, all boasting the same lovely amenities — only with an even larger outdoor area from where you can soak up the forest views.

Hearing the birds chirp in the mornings and evenings brought a whole extra level of relaxation to what was already turning out to be a blissful staycation.

With an outdoor table and a couple of sun loungers, the decking space was the dream spot to sip on our morning coffees while we read books, or drank up the afternoon sun with a wine in hand.

Walking trails

When you’re not tucked away in the trees though, there’s a swimming pool and playground on site, plus endless parkland to roam with dogs or little ones.

In the evenings, you can settle in for one of the live comedy acts or cabaret performances at the site’s Landing Stage. Or there’s bingo for the whole family, a five-a-side football pitch and a spa (if you aren’t already relaxed enough).

Active adventurers will be in their element too with tennis courts (free for guests) and a great number of scenic cycling and walking trails right on your doorstep. If you don’t fancy cooking for yourself in the evenings, then there’s a family-friendly restaurant on site, which serves cheesy stone-baked pizzas and classic steak and chips.

It also features a build-a-burger section that lets you create your own bun and patty combo.

Even with all the on-site action at our fingertips, it seemed a shame not to take a dip in the ocean when we were so close by.

Rock shoes are essential at Milford on Sea (a lesson I learnt the hard way), but the views are spectacular from this section of craggy shoreline, with the Isle of Wight in the distance.

The coastal village is great for pottering, with plenty of boutique shops and seaside cafes — the family-run Mister Pink’s does a cracking fish and chips served with mushy peas.

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And if you’re into history, make sure to take the two-mile stroll from the beach to Hurst Castle, an old fortress built by Henry VIII that offers impressive views of the ocean and beyond. Tickets cost from £6 per adult and £4 per child.

After hours of strolling coastal paths, a long soak in the tub back at the treehouse was a great way to round off the day — a real tree-t.