Never mind the rain

It was November, freezing cold, and there we were swimming outdoors with nothing but the cold Cumbrian skies above us... it was bliss.

A short hop inside for a stint in one of the steam rooms would follow, then we tried a Turkish Bath, a massage, and then a moment of pure relaxation in one of the spa pools. For a few wonderful hours my wife Clare and I completely forgot we were on a family holiday to the Lake District.

We were at Center Parcs in Whinfell Forest and our three children – Hannah 8, Benjamin 7 and Charlotte 5 – had been packed off to one of the many activity clubs and we were taking advantage of the luxurious surrounds of the Aqua Sana.

It was the only time we had to ourselves all weekend, a moment of tranquillity and peace amid the hustle and bustle of activity that is associated with such a trip.

Whinfell Forest is nestled in a stunning landscape on the edge of the Lake District and is a wildlife haven, home to one of the few remaining colonies of Red Squirrels in the UK, it is also the kind of place you can go with the family and have a fantastic break.

Arriving on the Friday, we had until the Monday to experience as much as we could on the site. It was never going to be enough time, but we gave it a very good effort as we all threw ourselves into activity after activity.

Center Parcs has achieved an enviable reputation down the years and is now seen as the premier provider of activity weekends and short breaks.

It is not hard to see why they have proven so popular with the public.

Cars are banished from the roads, paths lead you around the wooded wonderland where you can explore either by foot or on bike, and the wildlife scurries about alongside you; almost as if they are welcoming you warmly to their forest.

Even outside of the spa area it is peaceful, a place to re-charge the batteries, to get away from the hurly-burly of modern life. A quieter, more relaxing world within a world of noise, stress and worry.

Almost from the moment you enter, there is a release of tension. The accommodation is comfortable and modern, each with a patio door which slides open to give you immediate access to the woodland that surrounds you.

Our family of five settled nicely into our single-floor Woodland Lodge complete with three bedrooms, a shower bathroom and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living room area. It was enough to make you feel right at home.

Of course, Center Parcs is not all about relaxation. There is sport, and lots of it, available too.

Whether you like squash, tennis, football, climbing, archery, golf or even just cycling... there is something for everyone to get involved with at Center Parcs, or you can simply take time out and let the rest of the family have a play.

The children were introduced to the game of tennis in what turned out to be a keenly-contested doubles encounter with dad, while mum relaxed with her book and drink in the bar. Then there was time for a game of ping-pong and football before we turned our attentions to the nightlife.

Having three young children, we were never going to be painting the town red during the evening even if we did still have the energy, but what we did have a try at, and thoroughly enjoyed playing, was the ten-pin bowling, complete with glow-in-the-dark balls and special bowling ramps to enable the children to get involved.

Modesty prevents me from saying who won our two games of bowling, but the defeated children would certainly show me who was boss the next morning when we turned our attentions to two-wheeled endeavours.

Having hired bikes for the duration of the weekend, we decided to go on a tour of the site. Map in hand we set off on our trek feeling truly at one with nature on what was a peaceful Sunday morning.

Although it rained almost constantly for the whole weekend, there was something quite liberating about getting wet and really not caring a jot. The children loved every minute of it, racing around the forest, taking in the scenery and keeping note of all the animals they spotted en route.

As well as helping us to explore, the bikes also proved useful transport as the site is huge and it takes a while to get from A to B; the site of the sports plaza and the restaurants for example would take at least 15 minutes to walk.

Perhaps the most important journey of the weekend, however, was to the swimming pool. Every day we went for a dip in the brilliant indoor complex which has wave pool, rapids and chutes to suit all ages. It was a big hit with the children, but then again everything was.

The great thing about Center Parcs is not just the area, the relaxing nature or even the activities on offer, but more that everything is planned and in place to make your stay as stress-free and hassle-free as possible.

Perfect for the family in every way; the children will love every minute of it... but just make sure you try to get some time to yourself in that spa...

GETTING THERE...

Short breaks at Center Parcs start from 249 for a two bedroom Comfort Lodge which sleeps up to four people.

From November 12, Center Parcs villages will be transformed into Winter Wonderlands with Christmas lights and festive scenes as well as a wide range of Christmas themed activities. Breaks during Winter Wonderland start from 279 for a three bedroom Comfort Villa which sleeps up to six people, activity prices vary.

For more information or to make a booking, visit: www.centerparcs.co.uk

or call: 08448 266 266.