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Time Off: Travel : Park is a Centrepiece for Holiday Full of Fun

Posted on: Tuesday, 25 October 2005, 12:00 CDT

By Janet Tansley

AS THE sun pierced its way through the leafy treetops its dazzling rays put a spotlight on the bike race taking place below.

Peddling as fast as they could, father and son fought for pole position, while the women in the family were happy to battle it out for third and fourth place.

The cycle bells rang out and eight-year-old Callum declared himself winner of the 'yellow jersey' while Lois cheered because she'd beat mum.

But for all of us, there was laughter and the prize of a well- earned lunch at the delightful Hugo's restaurant set in the heart of the woodlands.

There comes a point in family life when you and your children can have fun together.

And there's nowhere better at showing you when than a Center Parcs holiday village.

It's not by any means saying you can't enjoy your children when they are younger, but there is a magical moment when your role as carer is pushed ever so slightly to the side and that of 'friend' is allowed to blossom.

As a family we have regularly headed north to Center Parc's Oasis Whinfell site in the Lake District.

But this summer, we decided to make two changes: to go for a full week instead of a few days and to travel south-west to Nottingham and the Sherwood Forest village.

The first was a great decision: short breaks are ideal but as this was a summer holiday it allowed us to settle in and spread out our activities rather than try and squeeze them all in to a short space of time.

And the second was even better. Much as I like Oasis Whinfell, they do say a change is as good as a rest and it was fascinating to see the original UK Center Parcs village in the year it came of age.

Set in acres of woodland, it perfectly illustrates the Center Parcs ethos of activity and relaxation in an environmentally friendly setting.

Where it varies from Whinfell is that it doesn't have the all- encompassing dome and thus its pros and cons.

You cannot keep dry as you wander from venue to venue in the rain. But when the fair weather reigns, you can enjoy a welcoming village square with a mediterranean-feel and restaurants which have their own atmosphere instead of a central buzz and it even has its very own beach.

The only quandary before embarking on a fun-filled week is not how to fill the hours - but how to fit in all you want to do.

And as your children grow, the list only increases.

But we managed to fit in bucketloads of fun in between the daily cycle rides through the wonderful woodland, eating in the fabulous restaurants - Luciano's, their Italian house is a pasta and pizza fan's heaven - and splashing around in the huge Tropical Paradise water complex.

Speaking of the latter, there is a new raft ride which transports up to four people around a thrill a minute spiralling water chute.

At 600ft long, it is the biggest of its kind in the UK and despite having to queue for up to 20 minutes to get on it, the time seemed to pass quickly due to the anticipated excitement.

What else did we do? Where do I start?

Soft tennis was a hoot (for us if not the people in the court next door who kept having to fend off our balls); and a Woodland Carriage Ride in the unexpected sunshine was a rare treat as we clipped and clopped our way around with the children certain they could see Friar Tuck hiding between the trees or Robin Hood practising his craft.

We practised our archery, too. The Robin Hoods & Little Johns sessions are ideal for families with mum and dad being able to join in the fun and help the little ones hit the target with the help of an expert archer.

The only frustrating thing is when the little ones hit the target far more often than you.

Callum and I harnessed our nerve as well as our bodies for a spot of abseiling down a 40ft purpose built tower.

It was stomach churning to see my 'little boy' dangling over the edge of a frighteningly high precipice and yet inspiring to watch ashe conquered his fear. And, while we did this, father and daughter went off for a spot of makeover magic with Lois being transformed into Sleeping Beauty.

Of course, a stay at centerparcs would not be complete without mum having a few hours to herself in the Aqua Sana spa: after a dip in the pool and a spell in the japanese Salt Steam Room, I was utterly and totally pampered with an Absolute Spa Ritual, a full body massage, head massage, facial and foot massage.

And, around all of this we enjoyed wonderful barbecues on the patio with daily guests including ' Cyril' the Squirrel and ' Danny' Duck.

And, more importantly, quality time together as a family.

The Center Parcs slogan is A Different Holiday Every time . . . but that's only half true. It is always different and it always get better

Fact

File

WE stayed in an executive three bedroom villa at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire.

Prices (as quoted in 2006 brochure based on Sherwood Forest) per villa - not per person Three-bedroom comfort villa sleeping u p to 6 people starts from pounds 352 for a 3 night weekend break and pounds 255 for a 4 night midweek break.

Two-bedroom executive villa sleeping u p to 4 people starts from pounds 395 for a 3 night weekend break and pounds 286 for a 4 night midweek break. n Price includes the villa and all its services (heating etc), use of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and all children's play areas.

Adult bike hire - pounds 14 for weekend/pounds 15 for midweek n Childs bike hire - pounds 7 for weekend/pounds 8 for midweek Reservations line: 08705 200 300Brochure line: 08708 400 220Website: www.centerparcs.co.uk

Source: Liverpool Echo

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