WIN! Family break for six at Center Parcs

PLanning a holiday with a one-year-old is a very tricky business.

We didn’t want to travel too far, but at the same time wanted to go somewhere which felt like a real holiday.

We settled on somewhere we had never been before - Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest, which is celebrating its 25th birthday this year having opened in 1987 - and it turned out to be a brilliant decision.

Our Woodland Lodge was very stylishly decorated and furnished, and was fitted with everything you could need - a modern and fully equipped kitchen (including dishwasher), flatscreen TV and DVD player, large bathroom, and outside patio barbecue area.

It was also equipped with a cot and high chair, which in our case was essential.

The accommodation is designed and laid out in a manner which makes you feel as though you are alone out there in the forest, and his only ads to the charm.

One of the great things about Center Parks is that with over 200 activities on offer, you can do as much or as little as you like.

The huge range of indoor and outdoor activities on offer includes ten pin bowling, badminton, fencing, watersports, and archery.

We hired bikes for the weekend, and this really is the best way to get around.

Because the weather wasn’t too good during our stay we made good use of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.

Maintained at a balmy 29.5 C it really has got something for everyone, with nice shallow pools for the little ones, and rapids, flumes, spa pools, and wave machine for older kids and grown ups.

After a morning by the pool, the ladies spent a few hours at the Aqua Sana spa, which has a large range of spa experiences and treatments, and upon their return they were raving about their ‘blissful’ experience.

If you choose to eat in, there is a well stocked supermarket in the village square and there are also a wide range of takeaway options.

For those who like to dine out there are no fewer than 12 cafes and restaurants to eat out at Center Parcs, and we treated ourselves to a slap up meal at Rajinda Pradesh, which serves up excellent and authentic Indian food.

It was an excellent end to what really was a perfect short break away.

To find out more about Center Parcs and to book your break visit www.centerparcs.co.uk

by Ben Green

l To celebrate the 25th birthday of the holiday destination we have teamed up with Center Parcs to offer you the chance to win a weekend or midweek break for up to six people.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize simply answer the following question:

In which year did Center Parcs Sherwood Forest open?

a) 1947

b) 1967

C) 1987

Send your answer along with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Center Parcs Competition, Worksop Guardian, 21-27 Ryton Street, Worksop, S80 2AY.

Alternatively, you can email your entry to [email protected], marked Center Parcs competition.

The closing date is Friday 20th July 2012.

Terms and conditions

The break should be taken before July 2013 (excluding school and bank holidays) and is subject to availability. You should also note that Center Parcs’ normal terms and conditions of booking apply and that the prize is as stated and is not negotiable or transferable, nor can any cash alternative be offered.

Normal Guardian competition rules apply.