Holiday heaven on four wheels...

Some bundled crying children and belongings into the damp isolation of a small wooden shelter. Others, faces grim with frustration, clambered up the steep cliff path to squelch their way back to bed and breakfast hotels.

But we settled back in the cosy comfort of our motorhome, turned on the radio and tucked into a snack of freshly-caught local crab washed down with a strong cup of tea.

Suddenly, I am gripped by a curious, if selfish, thought: the rain sluicing down actually heightened our own holiday enjoyment.

I am imbued with an overdose of huge self-satisfaction simply because despite the erratic British weather, my wife and I were holed up in our very own, totally portable, little piece of holiday heaven.

Settling back in the simple, yet streamlined luxury of our Bilbo VW Nexa, I contemplated this really was a holiday that other breaks could not reach.

For starters, unlike the rain-soaked unfortunates we'd left on the beach, we were not stuck in the same digs in the same spot for the remainder of our break.

If we wanted a change of scenery - and we did several times during our seven-night adventure - we just trundled off to another more appealing location.

If we wanted to eat, our onboard fridge was overflowing with locally bought delicacies and we could rustle up an instant cook-in any time of the day or night.

And I promise there is no finer aroma than breakfast bacon and eggs sizzling contentedly in a pan as you take the first, fresh look at the day over England's finest countryside or seascapes.

It comes as no surprise to hear that the Briton's love of motorhomes is on the increase. The Motor Homes Information Service currently trumpets with pride there are an estimated 118,000 on the road and annual sales are at an all-time high.

And no wonder - Because any thoughts of those frazzled, old tin snails wobbling and wheezing along the nations byways should be firmly consigned to the nearest roadside litter bin.

My Bilbo's VW Nexa, for example, was a simple, practical, highly user-friendly vehicle maximising on style, and, most importantly, comfort.

Firstly, there are two roomy single beds. One can be left in place and used as a couch while the other is stowed away allowing more than enough elbow room to move round.

There is super, relaxing seating with safety belts for four people, two multi-positioned tables and oodles of storage space. And the added feature of a marvellous high-top gave an almost cathedral-like feel of extra height. The kitchen is a joy too, with an easily operated hob, grill and oven.

And driving is a dream: height adjustable seats, armrests and lumber support and the sensibly positioned gear lever on the dashboard improving the ergonomics for the driver.

Overall, it's easy to see why this multi-purpose camper is expanding its niche of niches and attracting new audiences among younger explorers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

It is ideal for small families who want a day vehicle which can swiftly and easily be transformed into weekend and holiday leisure haven.

And later, out on the open road in a search of brighter weather along the North East coast, the vehicle's turbo diesel (there are four engine options) showed it could easily keep pace with the fastest moving traffic.

After making the snap decision to leave Bridlington, wreathed in torrential rain, we headed for Northumberland, a two-and-a-half hour drive away.

Sensibly, we'd joined the Camping and Caravanning Club, which has more than 170,000 members, and some of the finest sites in lovely locations right across Britain.

We had booked our sites in advance and made our base at Beadnall Bay, a 45-minute drive from Holy Island, the mystical, spiritual home of Christianity, cut off twice a day from the mainland by fast flowing tides.

Here was another gratifying bonus: our little home was made just as welcome as the traditional caravans using this popular site.

And with an overnight charge less than the price of a fish supper for two, including a hook-up to mains electricity, it was a snip. It also gave us the opportunity of spending time exploring this wild and historic part of England.

Oh yes, it did eventually stop raining - but hold hard. We are tuned into a good programme on the radio, a kipper the size of a ship's lifebelt is gently grilling and I have a pot of tea mashing at my elbow. I think I'll stay indoors!

Travel factfile

Ken Bennett took a break in the new Bilbo's VX Nexa, based on the VW 1.9DI, via the Motorhome Information Service (MIS).

The retail price of the vehicle is £27,950 but it can be hired from upwards of £450 a week - a good idea for first-time or prospective buyers.

Information on Bilbo's VW Nexa, contact: Bilbo's Design, Eastbourne Road, South Godstone, Surrey RH9 8JQ. Or call: 01342-892499. Alternatively, or email: sales@bilbos.com or visit their website: www.bilbos.com.

The Motorhome Information Service represents the UK's motorhome industry and provides information about buying and hiring vehicles.

Click on to their website: www.motorhomeinfo.co.uk or telephone: 01444-458889 or email: info@motorhomeinfo.co.uk. You can also receive a free copy of their stimulating magazine, Horizons, by contacting their above address, telephone, email or website.

For information, membership details and services on the Camping and Caravanning Club, call: Caravan and Camping Club at Greenfields House, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JH. Tel: 024-7669-4995.