The Typhoon water ride at Center Parcs, Longleat Forest

Getting into a two-person inflatable raft - in a swimming costume - is one of the most ungainly things you can possibly do.

But as I straddle the figure of eight-shaped rubber ring, gripping on to the handles and waiting for the green light of the Typhoon, I can't say I really care.

We're all here for a bit of family fun, and trying out Center Parcs' newest water ride is making me feel a bit giddy.

So what's it like?

I'm not much of a water-slide fan any more. There's definitely something about getting older and having kids, that makes me less able to enjoy the sensation of feeling like my stomach is going to fall out my arse, and more miffed about the pain plunging into a pool gives me as the water shoots up my nose. But the Typhoon, I have to say, is great.

It's family friendly, so me and my eight-year-old Rosie, go down together (there is a height restriction of 1.22m, which she's only just over). It's fast and quick with a bit of splashing, but not so scary you lose your stomach or get washed up and spat out at the end (the inflatable raft helps with this).

To add to the fun factor, you can choose your own lighting theme - from treetops to rainbow - by pressing a button at the top, then swooshing down the tunnel.

But wait, there's more...

For those needing something a little more exciting, the Tropical Cyclone has also just landed here at Longleat Forest, but it's been in Center Parcs in Woburn for some time now.

Up to four of you can go on a raft at any one time and there are mega drops, adrenaline pumping twists and turns, and a world of swearing coming down the shoot, despite the same height restriction. It's not for the faint-hearted, but is a whole heap of fun.

The rides are the latest addition to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, where even on a rainy day in the school holidays, it never feels too busy.

There are lots of different areas, so you can head to the main pool for squeals galore as you jump over the surf from the wave machine, splash about in a shallow kids' play area, hang out in the outdoor spa pool, and slide down flumes of every size and variety.

Oh - and be sure to drift down the lazy river at least 17 times, like us, and try out the fun rapids.

What else is there to do?

What isn't there to do? The great thing about Center Parcs is there's an abundance of activities going on and you can choose how much, or how few, you fancy doing.

We try out Den Building and Decorating - one of the newer family activities. Unlike the usual sofa and sheets affair that goes on at home, we head out into the woods where three thin logs have been tied together to start us off. We have a massive pile of twigs, branches and logs, a tarpaulin, some leaves, and four pairs of hands ready to get dirty.

'There are oodles of other activities from sports and quad biking, to ten-pin bowling and photography lessons'

We work together to make a small, pyramid-shaped den, create some 'flowers' for the entrance by stabbing twigs through heaps of leaves and decorate some lovely signage.

At the end, all the families go round inspecting the different dens, and one person from each clan has to sit inside while the waterproofing test takes place, and then we have to dismantle the whole thing.

It costs £46.50 (however big your party) and lasts for an hour and a half. We had a really good time getting stuck in, but there are oodles of other activities too, from sports and quad biking, to ten-pin bowling and photography lessons. They all cost extra, but there's no pressure or upsell to do a thing.

Adults also get to have fun

The Aqua Sana spa can be used by day guests, as well as anyone staying at Center Parcs. The spa itself consists of 25 'experiences', from the Indian blossom steam room and the hydro pool, to the Tyrolese Sauna and Reflexology Footbaths. It's a spa that's been well thought-out and is a joy to slouch around, as you move from one meditative state to another.

A three-hour session costs £39 per person, but if you're going with someone, book the experience for two people and save £8.

Treatments are worth splashing out on, too. If you're short on time (and cash) try one of the new Elemis Express treatments, lasting 20 minutes and costing around £45 - they're surprisingly relaxing, as well as effective.

Or, for a more indulgent experience, the Elemis Brighten and Glow treatment (£79 for 55 minutes) offers the perfect combination of a relaxing, knot-melting hot stone massage, combined with a mini tailor-made facial, complete with dreamy head massage.

You can time spa sessions to coincide with kids' club sessions too. Mine spent an ecstatic three hours in the Activity Den doing the Chocolate Chefs Academy (£26pp) which they couldn't stop talking about ALL NIGHT (despite not being massive kids' club fans), and they got to bring home all their hand-decorated treats.

Hire bikes and pedal about

Of all the Center Parcs locations, Longleat always feels the most sprawling, so hiring a bike is an ideal way to get about (though you can save your pennies by bringing your own).

It is pretty hilly, as Poppy - my five-year-old - finds out on the first day. But although it's hard work for little legs, it's the perfect place for practising those cycling skills sans stabilisers, as there are no cars allowed on the roads and paths except on changeover days (Mondays and Fridays).

Balance bikes, teeny cycles with stabilisers, kids' bikes, mountain bikes and traditional upright cycles are all available for hire (as are helmets). Prices start from £21 for children and £30 for adults.

How about the food and drink?

In line with the spend as much or as little as you like ethos that seems to apply everywhere at Center Parcs, the modern wooden lodges are fully decked out with everything you need to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner all week long. But if you fancy eating out, there are a whole host of restaurants to choose from, and even a takeaway, too.

On our last night, we plump for the newest eatery, Las Iguanas, which opened in late 2016.

'There are great vegan and vegetarian choices, and a cracking kids' menu too'

It's a heady mix of painted wood, vibrant food and Brazilian music, which puts you in the mood for sinking a cocktail or two the second you sit down (the mojitos, £8.50, are delicious, as is the Mortos Vivos, although you might need a little sleep afterwards).

There are great vegan and vegetarian choices, and a cracking kids' menu too. For cheese fans, feast on deep-fried Brazilian cheese and Brie and mango empanadas to start (£5-6 each), before indulging in the halloumi skewers main (£11).

The desserts are a bit disappointing, but who needs pudding when you can have another cocktail while the kids burn off some energy in the play area?

How to get there

A weekend break at Longleat Forest for a Woodland Lodge (sleeps up to four) starts from £499.

For further information on Center Parcs and to book, visit centerparcs.co.uk.

The new Typhoon ride was filmed on a GoPro Hero5.