I must admit, without visiting I’ve been a bit sniffy about Center Parcs in the past. When friends and family have gushed about how wonderful they are, I’ve smiled along secretly thinking that it sounded a bit too much like organised fun for me.

How wrong can a person be?

One weekend in Elveden Forest, Suffolk, and I’m all for making a yearly break there a family tradition. It’s no exaggeration to say that I loved every minute of our three night stay.

And, in my humble opinion, just before Christmas is the perfect time to visit.

This is when the parks are transformed into a Winter Wonderland.

A sprinkle of snow dusted around the entrance sign whets your appetite for what’s inside.

Here twinkling lights and glittering decorations adorn the trees and pop up around the main village square.

A Santa’s Woodland Workshop, panto plus real reindeer and jingling horse and coach rides add to the magic.

But it was the fake rather than the real Rudolph who most captivated the youngest member of our party. Seeing him bob around while Father Christmas’ sleigh-pulling pals sang festive songs is a memory for life.

You can even fit in some present shopping at the cute European style seasonal market and a spectacular fireworks display over the lake offered the chance to oooh and ahhhh before the big man himself sails out across the water.

Aside from the Christmas stuff, Center Parcs Elveden offers so much more.

Let’s start with the accommodation. We stayed in a four bedroom executive villa, which was a wonderful base. Each room was ensuite with an added games room and sauna thrown in too.

Although not essential, bikes, of which about 3000 are available to hire, are a great way to get round. To suit the different ages and abilities in our group we had one which pulled a cosy trailer for the toddler, a pull along attached to an adult cycle for one of the children and a trike for nanny. It’s funny how quickly you get used to not using the car.

The World of Spa, with a variety of steam rooms, saunas and Jacuzzis is a great spot for the adults in your party to wind down.

My husband and I were treated to a Bliss Dual massage, which was indeed bliss. The magic hands of the masseuses eased away all our work worries before a three hour spa session took us from relaxed to completely chilled out.

It was time to get back in the water when we took the kids to explore the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.

A main wave pool, wild water rapids, an adventure area for younger children plus a tranquil lagoon pool means there is something for everyone.

Then there are the flumes and the totally thrilling Tropical Cyclone. In this you sit on an inflatable and travel up to 30 miles per hour before plunging in a zero gravity drop.

Winter Wonderland breaks in a four bedroom Executive Lodge at Elveden Forest in 2013 currently start from £799.

And if it is thrills you are after, try the Aerial Adventure. Climb through the tree top trail, which gets higher with each stage, before choosing between a zip wire or vertical leap at the end.

There are plenty of places to eat at Elveden Forest but we chose Huck’s American Dinner.

This American-themed eatery is great for kids with a buffet option to suit eager appetites.

The adults can enjoy a more leisurely meal after the youngsters have scoffed theirs, as a play area in the middle and games consul are available for them to enjoy.

We were served by Sabbath, who was extremely attentive and friendly, and the food was delicious.

This isn’t the place for a romantic meal for two, but for a family dinner it is spot on.

With so much on offer, I could go on and on but time and word count won’t allow.

So I’ll finish by simply saying this, go to Center Parcs, you’ll love it. We did.

For more information or to book a short break at Center Parcs call 08448 267 723 or visit www.centerparcs.co.uk.