THEIR little eyes were full of excitement and fear - it was the moment they had been secretly dreading for weeks.

Cautiously, one by one, they stepped onto the ledge, before making the leap of faith and flying over the lake to the safety of their friends and family.

We were taking part in the Aerial Adventure at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest, and contrary to what you may think, the (unnamed) individuals weren’t among the younger members of our group, but the adult scaredy cats.

Our safety was paramount, as it was during the rest of our break at Center Parcs. And when you feel safe, you can unwind and have fun.

During the weekend, we enjoyed high-octane activities in the forest, as well as plenty of relaxation and something that we have all missed immensely over the past 18 months - spending quality time with friends.

Our four-bedroom Exclusive Lodge was cram-packed with home comforts, as well as a few spectacular touches including a pool table in the games den, and a sauna, steam room and eight-person hot tub outside.

After a Friday evening catching up over a few glasses of wine and pizza, we headed to the Cycle Centre the next morning to pick up our mountain bikes and helmets.

From there, we took the scenic route around the forest en route to the Village Square and our pre-booked slot at the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.

Most visitors to Sherwood will testify that the changing areas were never the most enjoyable part of the Center Parcs experience.

However, the spacious and pristine new cubicles, lockers and showers have improved matters no end.

After a quick change, we headed out for tea at French-themed restaurant Cafe Rouge.

With the kids now a bit older, they were all over the Passion Fruitini and Tropical Fizz mocktails, while the grown-ups were more than happy with a glass of Pinot and a beer.

Food-wise, we had smoked chilli prawns, chicken liver pate, Giarraffa olives and cheesy garlic sourdough flatbread for starters, before tucking into succulent Black Angus sirloin steak, duck confit and Evelyn’s favourite from the kids’ menu, sausages and mash.

The next day, Rachel, Isla, Pam and Charlotte were booked in for a session at Aqua Sana.

The teenagers had never been to a full spa before, and their mums were quick to point out that there aren’t many as good as the recently named ‘Best Day Spa’ at the 2021 Good Spa Awards.

After relaxing in the Nordic Forest, Hot Springs, Volcanic Forest, Treetop Escape and Forest Immersion, Rachel was booked in for a Mind, Body and Soul treatment.

Starting with a full body brush exfoliation, she was then covered in body oil and lotion, before a scalp, neck, and shoulder massage, foot exfoliation and full-body massage.

Before the girls arrived back, Steve, Evelyn and I ordered an Indian takeaway through the Rajinda Pradesh app.

A delicious selection of tandoori chicken, tikka masala, rogan josh, poppadum, nan breads and rice arrived on the dot, and after supper, there was still time for a few frames of pool and one last dip in the illuminated hot tub.

It was the perfect end to an amazing weekend with friends and family.

The familiar sights and sounds of Center Parcs ensured that we never felt any anxiety, Covid or otherwise, in what has become our home from home over the years.

In fact, the only trepidation any of us experienced during the weekend was of a high-wire vertigo variety.

* Richard Jones and his family were guests at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest who offer short breaks at a four-bedroomed Exclusive Lodge (sleeps eight) with outdoor spa area from £2199, based on dates in February 2022.

Go to centerparcs.co.uk or call 0344 826 7723