I stayed at the UK's only all-inclusive resort just 3.5 hours from Derbyshire — it was brilliant in every way

Potters at Hopton on Sea is a little British gem tucked away on Norfolk's coast, which is steeped in history but has been bold enough to move with the times

Picture the quintessential British 'holiday camp' vibe - seaside family fun, nightly entertainment and everything you need on-site - but modernised with comfortable rooms and top-notch amenities. Now, imagine it incorporated some elements from luxury cruise ships.

That's Potters for you. I recently spent a weekend at the UK's only all-inclusive resort - an ideal family retreat. Nestled on Norfolk's coast, Potters at Hopton on Sea is a charming British treasure with a rich history and a willingness to evolve. It has also been crowned the best holiday park in the UK, reports the Mirror.

I would return in a heartbeat. 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 get you to the resort's doorstep. When the tide recedes, a lovely little sandy beach is just a few minutes walk away.

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-fledged resort, boasting a pool, numerous sports facilities and activities to try - and nearly non-stop entertainment from dawn till well past my bedtime. Many guests opt to stay in the rows of cosy bungalows, offering basic yet solid amenities at a reasonable price.

My family and I opted for a three-night stay at the Resort's hotel. Although the hotel rooms are slightly pricier, they offer more space and feature 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 to accommodate a third person - and given the size of the room, there's ample space for 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.

However, this is 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 local gastro pubs a run for their money. This is even before we discuss the carvery, which offers a different roast meat every evening.

Additionally, there's a second buffet option - typically a curry or Chinese cuisine - that you can help yourself to if you're in a rush or simply not in the mood for the a la carte options. 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 substantial and very addictive.

Every night, a couple of hot desserts are available, 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.

Our server was always willing to go the extra mile, and service was remarkably fast - 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 delightful 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 can start eating without delay. 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 array of lighter options, salads and freshly prepared omelettes. 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.

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

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 - simply 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 had the chance to try my hand at archery, guided by an incredibly supportive and attentive instructor who taught me the basics. While I didn't manage to split any arrows, the experience was thoroughly enjoyable.

Potters Resort caters predominantly to adults for most of the year, yet during the summer months, it welcomes families, offering a plethora of activities for children.

A lovable giant panda character roams the resort, ready to give out big, warm hugs. For entertainment, there's an arcade and a bowling alley, which comes with a modest fee, alongside a delightful soft play area.

Outdoors, kids can enjoy a play area, engage in competitive games at the kids club, dance at kids discos, and sometimes even encounter a group of startlingly lifelike dinosaurs.

As a seasoned musical theatre enthusiast, I tend to be dubious about claims of "West End Quality" shows at holiday resorts. However, the nightly performances at Potters took me by surprise with their exceptional cast of singers and dancers, complemented by some truly spectacular stage effects.

The variety on offer is impressive as well. One evening featured a selection of American pop classics, while another showcased songs from both timeless and contemporary musicals, ranging from West Side Story and Oliver! to Hamilton and Wicked.

The production quality, from the sets and costumes to the remarkable vocal talent taking on 'One Day More' from Les Miserables was certainly ambitious was spot-on in every aspect.

Finding fault with Potters is a challenge, so I won't strive too hard to do so. The most telling review of the place is that I encountered numerous individuals who visit annually, some for decades.

There are families who have spent every summer there growing up, and now bring their own children and grandchildren - all of whom adore it. It's quite possible that my family might join them.

Book it.

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