I must admit, the idea of a winter weekend break at Center Parcs didn't really appeal too much. Unlike many other people who have flocked to its four "villages" since the first one opened 15 years ago, I had never been tempted to venture there -- especially not in a British winter, writes Joanne Rowe.

Center Parcs, I thought, was a cross between a holiday centre with a posh pool and those outdoor type holidays I endured as a child, being dragged around rain soaked Scotland and forced to admire nature.

But, as with so many other things, impressions can be wrong.

And as my family (husband Alistair, six-year-old daughter Imogen, and son Nathan, aged two) and I were loading up the car with an ample supply of the three Ws -- woollies, waterproofs and wellies -- to head to Sherwood Forest, little did we know that it would be one of the most enjoyable experiences of our lives.

The weekend was to be full of surprises and firsts, with more than enough to do to keep every member of the family, from the biggest to the smallest, entertained.

First surprise was the speedy and efficient check-in system -- you don't even have to get out of your car. And after handing over your registration form you are given the keys to your villa.

You are given enough time to drive to your lodgings to unpack and then have to return your car to the car park by the entrance. Woe betide anyone who doesn't -- Center Parcs staff tour round placing notices on any vehicle left in the wrong place.

From now on it is strictly pedal or footpower to get round the huge complex.

The lack of vehicles in the village, where all villas are tucked away unobtrusively among the trees, makes for a wonderfully safe and relaxing environment.

Children are able to be given the kind of freedom to cycle around they can only dream about at home.

Oh yes -- the cycling! Sherwood Forest Center Parks has more than 3,000 bicycles available for hire, with something to suit everyone, including me, who hasn't touched a bike for more than 20 years.

I opted for a basic ladies bike, Imogen found one just her size fitted with stabilisers and, best of all, Alistair was handed one with a little trailer attached to the back, where Nathan could sit, grinning from ear to ear at the new travelling experience.

So, equipped with our bikes and safety helmets, we headed gingerly off to explore our villa a bit more.

Our two bedroomed executive villa was down a small track just a short distance from a pond. It had everything we could need and more.

A cot and highchair for Nathan were provided, there was a well equipped kitchen, a fireplace where logs could be burned and, best of all (according to Imogen at least), a luxurious whirlpool bath in the master bedroom's en-suite.

Saturday morning dawned and after a quick breakfast everyone was raring to go.

We had booked Imogen and Nathan into the new Time Out Club for children. For the first time Center Parcs is able to care for children aged between three months and three years in the Bumblebees room. Nathan was quickly off exploring a large range of interesting toys while we took Imogen down the corridor to join the Dragonflies, for six to eight-year-olds.

We had arranged for her to join the Forest Creatures session, where she spent an enjoyable two and half hours in the woods looking for animals, such as squirrels and owls and collecting leaves and twigs to make into a collage.

With the kids happily settled Alistair and I headed off for our grown up playtime -- an hour long session of laser clay shooting!

We resigned ourselves to a less than enjoyable time as the rain began to pour, but bucked up considerably when we realised we could shoot from a purpose built lodge.

Ben, our youthful instructor, happily explained to us and father and son Ian and Tom who joined the group, about the 12 bore shotguns we would be using.

They were conventional guns which had been modified to fire laser beams at the clays instead of cartridges.

"The main advantage of this is you don't get any kick back so you don't walk around with a sore shoulder all weekend," he told us.

What he didn't mention though, for a wimp like me the gun is so heavy that after aiming to take my 75 shots my arms would go numb and muscles ache for hours!

Things did not go well at first. Let's just put it this way -- no animal, even one asleep and within spitting distance, need fear me with a gun in my hand.

While the others

were notching up respectable scores I got used to seeing 0 on my board. When I eventually did hit a clay there was great rejoicing!

After picking up the children and enjoying a light lunch at one of the village's eight restaurants it was time for water fun in the glass domed Subtropical Swimming Paradise where, no matter what time of year, it is always 84 degrees.

While dad and daredevil daughter tried out the flumes, slides and rapids, Nathan and I happily whiled away a couple of hours in the pirate themed toddler and young children's area, complete with ship, small slides, gentle flume and even a sand pit.

One of the most popular restaurants in the complex is the American themed Huckleberry's, so we were glad we booked ahead to ensure a table on Saturday night.

Children are kept amused in a soft play area or by colouring pictures at the table, while mum and dad can choose from an array of mouth watering, calorie laden dishes and interesting children's menu.

Sunday morning brought another surprise when we drew back the curtains to find several ducks on the patio. After the kids threw them a couple of slices of bread they waddled off. But word must have got round, because five minutes later their mates arrived -- six geese and a huge, comical swan, who insisted on tapping on the patio window (the picture, far right) with his beak until he got his share of the goodies.

Then it was time for me to head off on another of my firsts -- three hours of sheer self indulgence at Aqua Sana, Sherwood Forest's new health and beauty spa. A fluffy white bathrobe and towel are handed to each person as they arrive at the Roman inspired building. Then I stepped out of the changing rooms into another world. In the middle of the spa, sits an open air sunken pool where I had the bizarre experience of swimming in lovely warm water, in the middle of winter. I kept wondering what it would be like if it snowed!

Surrounding the pool, on two floors are fourteen multi-sensory spa experiences. These aren't your bog standard saunas! Each room is designed to give a different experience, with different temperatures, smells and sounds. Lights are relaxingly dimmed, coloured lights twinkle in ceilings and soothing music plays as you sweat it out. Two hours later I padded down the corridor for a wellbeing massage (another first), where I was lulled to sleep during a wonderful hour-long session of being rubbed from head to toe with a delicious blend of essential oils.

After getting dressed it was back to reality, and the family.

We packed our bags with a heavy heart. There was still so much we hadn't done. We had only explored half the site and not even tried the Action Challenge Adventure area, archery, sailing, riding and much more. But after returning our bikes there was still time for one last treat before we headed home -- tucking into tasty pancakes at the Pancake House.

"Can we come again?" came a plea from the back of the car as we drove off.

"You bet we can, " replied one definite Center Parcs convert!

CENTER PARCS FACTS

How to get there: The journey takes about two hours. It is 105 miles from Bolton to Sherwood Forest. Head from Bolton to the M62 towards Leeds until it meets the A1 South.

Leave the A1 at its junction with the A614 in north Nottinghamshire and continue for seven miles until you reach a roundabout at Ollerton. Continue on the A614 to Nottingham and after two miles turn right onto the B6034 towards Edwinstowe. Center Parcs entrance is 100 yards on the left.

Prices range from £169 for a midweek winter break in a one bedroom comfort villa. The two bedroomed villa we stayed in cost £349. Bicycle hire is available from £6.50 a day for adults and £5 for children.

A two and a half hour session at the Time Out Club is £8.70.

Laser Clay Shooting -- £16 per person. Wellbeing Massage - £44

Meal for two adults and two children (including a bottle of wine) at Huckleberry's Restaurant - approximately £60.

It is advisable to book all your activities and restaurants in advance as the do get full. Booklets are sent to you in advance of your stay to help you do this.