With the passing of the October half-term most people’s holiday plans will turn to next year.

Unless you are a skier or desperate for some winter sun the idea of holidaying in winter doesn’t cross many minds.

But what could be more magical than to treat the kids to a Winter Wonderland adventure in the run up to Christmas?

Children’s faces always light up as you approach the entrance to Center Parcs at Longleat but the wonderment multiplied many times with the twinkling lights and festive figures bringing a really magical touch to an already enchanting place.

And it isn’t just a nod to the festive season with a few strings of lights hung from the trees.

The forest paths are transformed into an enchanted forest and the special themed area features Father Christmas and his reindeer.

Bring your letters to Santa and get ready to meet the big man himself at his Woodland Workshop.

Little ones can enjoy a special pony ride to or from Santa’s Woodland Workshop through the magical forest. Why not linger for a while and enjoy a taste of Christmas with a warm drink while you soak up the festive atmosphere?

There are plenty of seasonal activities for young and old alike. You will find traditional pursuits such as Willow Weaving, where you can make your own festive wreath, or you can gaze out of the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage as you take a tour through our magnificent forest.

Your little ones can be entertained by an array of seasonal activities, including Festive Cupcake Decorating and Design a Christmas Stocking. Why not join them in decorating your own Christmas bauble in the Pottery Painting Studio? To really prepare them for the festive season ahead, you can also enlist your little elves on a VIP adventure to become a trainee elf.

But if you can’t make the Winter Wonderland Center Parcs offers a whole host of special deals over the winter months.

Center Parcs provides the perfect backdrop against which to indulge your passions and share those priceless moments.

For the ladies, a winter day spa break is the perfect way to warm your senses. For the men, how about fishing in one of the many well-stocked lakes and for couples, why not take a romantic nature walk through the forest and finish by getting cosy over some red wine and a meal?

Everybody’s idea of a winter break is different, of course, and sometimes you need time out to do your own thing.

Center Parcs has covered all bases and there is truly something for everyone.

The kids will have an endless choice of professionally supervised indoor and outdoor winter activities, while you can choose to join a fitness class, take part in a long, lazy winter lunch or even enjoy some of the regular entertainment that is available all year round.

The forest is as beautiful on a clear, crisp winter’s day as it is throughout the spring and summer months.

What could be more captivating than cycling through the dappled sunlight with rabbits and squirrels scurrying through the undergrowth?

There is also the ever-trusty tropical paradise to swim, chute and splash for a few hours in the balmy surroundings. Created with kids and adults in mind, the domed complex has a wave pool, rapids, a lazy river and separate children’s pools for the teenies.

And for the adults there is the most relaxing spa I have ever had the pleasure to laze in followed by a massage at the Aqua Sana complex.

There are numerous places to eat, from a pancake house to a French restaurant catering for all tastes and we had a superb meal at the Rajinda Pradesh.

The contemporary Indian restaurant is a great taste experience, serving classic Indian dishes alongside authentic regional specialities.

Wanting to linger as long as we could in the beautiful surroundings of Longleat Forest we took a trip, literally across the road, into Longleat House and Gardens – and were amazed.

The Safari Park has everything from lions to wolves, flamingos to monkeys (which might just leave you with a car repair bill).

From here we drove into the house and gardens and spent many hours enjoying a wealth of attractions, from feeding parrots with nectar to a huge castle of bridges and slides.

Getaway

Winter Wonderland runs from November 7 until December 19 – during this time, the forest is decorated with twinkling lights and glittering decorations and there are a range of festive family activities, including a visit to Santa’s Woodland Workshop to see the real reindeer and a spectacular fireworks display.

Winter Wonderland breaks at Longleat Forest in 2014 currently start from £299.
For more information or to book a short break visit centerparcs.co.uk or call 03448 267 723.