I stayed in UK's only all-inclusive resort just three hours from Nottingham — I'd return in a heartbeat

The Potters at Hopton on Sea is the UK's only 'true' all-inclusive resort and is a perfect family getaway. The Mirror's travel writer spent a weekend there with his family to see if it lived up to the hype

Picture the quintessential British 'holiday camp' vibe: seaside family fun, evening entertainment and all necessities on-site — but modernised with cosy rooms and top-notch facilities. Now, envision it incorporating some elements from luxury cruise ships.

That's when you start to get a sense of what Potters is like. Nestled on Norfolk's coast, Potters at Hopton on Sea is a charming British treasure. It's rich in history yet has bravely evolved with changing times. It's also been crowned the best holiday park in the UK, reports the Mirror. I would return without hesitation.

It's located almost exactly halfway between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. If you're not driving, a train to either town followed by a 20-minute coastal bus ride will bring you to the resort's doorstep.

When the tide recedes, a short stroll leads you to a delightful little sandy beach. The resort has been catering to guests since 1920, initially accommodating families in quaint wooden huts - one of which still stands in the hotel lobby today.

A century later, it's a full-scale resort, boasting a swimming pool, numerous sports facilities and a plethora of activities to engage in - plus near-constant entertainment from dawn till well past my bedtime. Many visitors lodge in rows of snug bungalows, offering basic yet sturdy amenities at a reasonable cost.

My family and I opted for a three-night stay at the Resort's hotel. Although the rooms are slightly pricier, they offer more space and come with private balcony or terrace areas. And when I say spacious, I truly mean it. The standard hotel room is roughly double the size of an average British hotel room.

In addition to a supremely comfortable bed and a luxurious bathroom with double sinks, there's also a seating area furnished with a sofa and chair. A pull-down 'Murphy bed' provides the option of accommodating a third person - and given the size of the room, it can comfortably fit three.

While the bungalows are nearer to the playing fields and beach, the hotel is conveniently located closer to dining and entertainment venues as well as the pool. Potters truly stands out when it comes to food and drink. Everything is included - and everything I sampled was scrumptious.

For many, the term 'all-inclusive resort' might evoke images of lukewarm buffets, heaped with chips and pizza slices, perhaps the odd chicken nugget and long benches filled with peculiar-looking salad.

But that's not the case at Potters. Each lunchtime and evening menu presents three or four restaurant-quality starter and main options.

During my stay, I enjoyed a buttery, flaky Sea Bass fillet, some delightfully crispy deep fried Halloumi and a perfectly cooked chicken breast served with a mushroom and thyme sauce.

None of the dishes would challenge a Michelin star - but they'd certainly give any of the foodie pubs in my vicinity a good competition. This is even before we discuss the carvery, which is available every evening featuring a different roast meat.

Additionally, there's a second buffet option - typically a curry or Chinese cuisine - that you can serve yourself if you're pressed for time or simply not in the mood for the a la carte choices. I sampled the butter chicken, which was as good as any I've tasted, and the crispy fried king prawns with sweet n sour, which were large and extremely tempting. Every night, a couple of hot desserts are on offer, or you can select from a lengthy list of cold desserts. Or more than one.

Eat as much as you can, it's all inclusive. Your group is allocated your own table in the grand Garden restaurant, where you'll dine for every meal - and be served by the same member of the incredibly friendly and helpful staff. Nothing was ever too much for our server, and the service was impressively swift - a boon for families with fidgety children. The restaurant - and the nearby Garden bar - have clearly had some investment recently. They're bright, spacious and a wonderful place to unwind.

The children's menu is quite impressive, offering a daily rotation of pastas, fish fingers, pizza and other favourites served buffet style - ensuring that hungry little ones don't have to wait to start eating. Breakfast consists of a straightforward, no-frills breakfast buffet - which included fried bread that instantly brought back memories of Little Chef Olympic breakfasts from my childhood. Those who remember will understand the high praise this implies.

Lunch offers a generous assortment of lighter options, salads and freshly made omelettes. And the surprise fourth meal of the day?

A late-night snack served after the main evening entertainment.

This varies each night, but during my visit, they served hot dogs, fajitas and lasagne on consecutive nights.

And naturally, all-inclusive means drinks are also included. Whether soft or alcoholic, hot or cold, there's a comprehensive range of premium beverages for everyone, all included in the cost.

Upon arrival, we were handed a sheet detailing all the activities available throughout the day - and it's an extensive list. Adventure seekers can try go-karts, off-road Segways, indoor climbing or a ride on a massive bungee swing.

Those looking to unwind can participate in yoga, or the daily craft workshops. There's a gym, a golf course, indoor pickle ball courts and outdoor tennis courts.

There's no need to reserve any of it - just show up at the right location during the appropriate time slot and you'll typically be able to join in after a short wait.

I gave archery a go and was lucky to have an excellent, attentive instructor guiding me through it. I didnt hit the bullseye, but it was still fantastic fun.

Potters is predominantly an adults-only haven throughout most of the year, yet come summertime, it welcomes families, offering a plethora of activities for children. A delightful giant panda mascot makes rounds giving everyone cuddly hugs. For entertainment, there's a charged arcade and bowling alley, an exciting soft play area, and even an outdoor playground.

The resort also boasts a vibrant kids club featuring competitive games, lively discos and, on occasion, visits from startlingly lifelike dinosaurs. As a seasoned veteran of musical theatre, I tend to approach any establishment boasting "West End Quality" shows with a healthy dose of scepticism. However, the nightly performances at Potters, complete with a stellar line-up of talented singers and dancers as well as some truly spectacular stage effects, exceeded my expectations.

The variety was remarkable as well. One evening celebrated American pop classics, while another showcased a medley of mesmerising musical numbers, ranging from 'West Side Story' and 'Oliver! ' to modern hits like 'Hamilton' and 'Wicked'.

Impressively, they managed to deliver across the board their rendition of 'One Day More' from Les Miserables was particularly audacious, yet they absolutely nailed it.

Finding fault with Potters is a challenge, so I won't make a concerted effort to do so. The most telling review of the place is that I encountered numerous individuals who visit annually, some for many years. There are families who have spent their summers there growing up and now bring their own children and grandchildren - all of whom adore it. It's entirely possible that my family might join them.

Potters Resort is currently offering a £100 discount on half-term family breaks. Visit their website for more information.