With the summer months rapidly approaching, James Higgins and his family took a few days out to relax.

AS the gentle spring breeze creates ripples across the water of the Lakeland Leisure Village, it is hard to believe that, just a few years ago, the site was a disused quarry.

Once a blot on the landscape of the rural area in which it lies, the complex, set around a feature lake, is now a jewel in the crown of north Lancashire.

Just a few miles off the M6 and a matter of minutes away from Carnforth, the Leisure Village is perfect as a base for a weekend - or longer - of relaxation or action.

My wife, son and I spent three days of bliss at the resort over a long weekend.

On site there is a collection of luxury wooden lodges - and it was a comfortable three-bedroom offering that was our base.

Like many at the leisure village, it was located by the lakeside. Others are set back or in other areas of the park surrounded by greenery.

Each cabin has its own kitchen - culinary wizards take note - but there is also the Waters Edge restaurant on site which serves top-notch food with a to-die-for selection of wine flown in directly from Italy. Its rustic appearance is complimented by a more modern bar area where a good selection of drinks and lunchtime lighter bites are available.

Like all places 'up north' the weather cannot necessarily be guaranteed, even in the summer months, which can make it tricky to burn off the post-lunch calories.

But with a state-of-the art on-site gym, along with a swimming pool and beauty treatment rooms, there are more than enough ways to get the heart racing - or to continue relaxing.

If the weather does treat you well, there are a number of places to visit; many just a stone's throw away.

Historic Carnforth, with its famous station is minutes from the Leisure Village. And within 30 minutes are the picturesque villages of Silverdale and Arnside.

Just up the M6, or via the more scenic A-roads, is the Lake District, with Windermere and Bowness offering a little more in the way of action, while the Yorshire Dales are just a 15 minute ride away.

Lodges at the Lakeland Leisure Village are available to rent for 11 months of the year, with plots and lodges also available to buy.

Buyers have the choice of two-or three-bedroomed versions, both of which come with patio or decking and can be built to specification.

For many, they are a home from home - its easy to see why people are tempted to buy and why those who have return week after week.

Prices depend on the size of lodge and the location, and vary between £80,000 and £200,000 on 25-year leases.

Expect to pay towards the top of that price range for a bespoke lakeside lodge with mooring for a boat.

In our three days at the Lakeland Leisure Village, we became increasingly impressed with all it has to offer.

In fact if we didn't have another baby on the way, there is every chance we might be preparing for a long, hot summer in a new luxury home. Nappies and sleepless nights however, have won the battle.