Center Parcs is the place to make unforgettable memories

All the fun of the forest.

Most of us have “freeze-frame” moments. Our children’s first steps, prize-givings, impromptu get-togethers filled with laughter those precious snatches of family life you wish you could stop and savour forever.

As my children have grown up there have been lots of those. And, despite our busy lives, thanks to Center Parcs the freeze-frame moments just keep on coming.

We first discovered the joys of Whinfell Forest in the Lake District when our boys were babies. We’d strap them in to trailers on the back of our bikes and whizz through the pathways of towering pine trees.

On return visits they learned to ride their own bikes, had their first adventures in tree climbing, squirrel spotting, teddy bear picnics, water slides and sports of all sorts.

Now teenagers with a seven-year-old sister, our journey to “the Parc” still prompts the same old excited: “Are we there yets”.

That’s the beauty of a self-catering break at Whinfell. It’s literally the holiday that grows with families. Thousands have grown up there and repeat bookings are big business.

Parents, grandparents, couples and singles all find something they love in the calm, car-free woodland environment. The self-catering accommodation is dotted along winding forest trails. It’s such a safe and relaxing setting.

There are chic lakeside apartments for two or large comfortable lodges for up to 8 people, with satellite TV, wifi, saunas and even games rooms included depending on which grade you opt for.

In the sunshine and showers of early June, we checked in to a four-bed woodland lodge for a long weekend.

The lodge was warm and well-equipped with crisp, white linen on the beds. Just because you’re in the forest doesn’t mean mod cons are gone. There’s satellite TV, DVD players and wifi.

The company has five self-catering villages in the UK Whinfell in Cumbria, Sherwood in Nottinghamshire, Elveden in Suffolk and Longleat in Wiltshire. Their newest forest, which opened earlier this year, is Woburn in Bedfordshire.

It boasts an innovative new Aqua Sana Spa and luxury spa suites. Perfect for those who love a bit of luxury and pampering.

Each Parc is built similarly, with three or four main locations a village centre which houses the shops, restaurants and Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a sports plaza, country club and Spa.

If you can think of an activity that’s not available at Center Parcs, I’d be amazed.

They offer everything from gentle nature trails, football, racquet sports, team games, pottery, sailing and golf to high-adrenaline climbing and quad biking. And everything in between. There are more than 200 activities to choose from.

This time my sons challenged me to tree trekking basically stepping between what felt like toothpick-wide bits of slippery wood while dangling on a bit of cheesewire 60 feet up in the canopy.

It was utterly nerve jangling (especially as the rain made everything double slippery). My muscles ached for days afterwards.

But pain came second to smiles as my eldest son and I conquered our fear of heights and made it to the end an exhilarating long descent on a zipwire.

As the boys have grown and moved on from Dads and Lads mini-football tournaments to mammoth squash sessions, 10-pin bowling and snooker in the sports bar, I’ve still had the pleasure of watching my daughter on pony rides, engrossed in the nature centre or trying out the fantastic adventure playground.

Most activities cost extra but where else is there such variety in one place? The motto is simple, do as much or as little as you like.

Challenge yourself with something different or sit back, relax and watch with pride as your family grows in confidence, learning new skills.

My experience on the high ropes was easily soothed away at the Spa. After a first class Elemis massage and facial I tried out the spa sensations and steam rooms. The finale was a float in the outdoor pool, as I stared up at the stars. Sheer bliss.

The restaurants and takeaways range from Italian and French to Indian and classic Brit pub grub. We tried the American diner, Hucks, where the lads devoured huge plates of ribs and burgers. Other nights we cooked barbecues on our patio under the trees.

Over the years we’ve picked up a few tips to make our breaks even better. Booking activities in advance is best, they fill up quickly and you’ll be miffed if you miss out on your ‘must-do’.

Book a grocery welcome pack. It’s worth every penny as you’ll want to explore rather than shop when you arrive. Ask the on site Parcmarket to deliver your groceries. It’s free and eliminates wobbly handlebar bag-balancing!

Go swimming in the evenings or on changeover days at 3pm when everyone’s making a beeline for their accommodation. And don’t pack too much. Casual clothing is the order of the day.

Whether you’re in to eating out, working out or chilling out, sports, pampering or just watching the world go by there’s something at Center Parcs for you.

And if you go down to the woods today, you’ll make wonderful “freeze-frame” memories.