A weekend Oasis

World of Water
In the centre of the holiday village is its star attraction - World of Water - and that was where we were going to spend the afternoon. This is a breathtaking series of interconnecting pools and water rides under a high glass canopy, where the light and warmth ensure a summery atmosphere whatever the weather outside. There is one pool dedicated to serious swimmers, but most people are there for the fun - water curtains, waves, spa pools, rapids inside and out, and the Falling Rapids ride. There is a cafe next to the children's pools so you don't need to leave all day if your children get hooked - and it's almost inevitable that they will.

We finally tore ourselves away in time for dinner - you can stay until 9pm - but we had a pressing engagement at the Hard Rock Cafe. Our food was excellent but what makes the Hard Rock special is, of course, the atmosphere. The walls are lined with costumes worn by Madonna and Prince and the music videos are non-stop rock 'n' roll from every era.

Adult pampering
The next morning, while Christian went to the Funky Foxes children's club - games, art, cooking and a nature walk - I decided to go for some serious pampering. The new spa at Oasis has steam rooms, saunas, a hydrotherapy suite, aromatherapy, massage and the first rasul in the UK - this is an ancient Arab treatment combining organic mud with a herbal steam bath. I had a dry flotation therapy, in which I floated on a deliciously relaxing warm waterbed wrapped in restorative mud and blankets. This was followed by a luxury facial, using the excellent E'Spa range of beauty products.

Fully restored, I collected Christian for the next round of activities. We tried ice skating, mini-golf, Le Mans Scalextric, American pool and took in a family show. With more time, we could have tried archery, scuba diving, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, volleyball, horse riding, quad biking, fishing, rock climbing or a balloon ride - the possibilities really are endless. Younger children, too, have plenty of activities, play areas and clubs and the youngest (from three months) can be cared for in the kindergarten while you practise your tennis backhand.

For those aged eight and upwards, whizzing round World of Water on their own and riding their bikes through the woods will probably give them a new, unparalleled sense of freedom.

Information
For bookings call 08705 086 000 or visit www.centerparcs.co.uk

Depending on the season, prices start at £199 for a family of four on a four-night midweek break.

Anna and Christian travelled from London to Penrith on Virgin Trains. For information and bookings, call 0845 7222 333 (open 8am-10pm) or visit www.virgin.com