NADIA JEFFERSON-BROWN skis and skates through a Christmas Adventure

What and where? Stockeld Park, Home of the Christmas Adventure, Wetherby

Why? It seemed everyone at the school gates was talking about it from the moment the weather turned chilly and the nights drew in. Word of mouth won the day and we made it our mission to see what all the fuss was about. So we set off in the early afternoon as the advice was to make sure we were still there when it was dark. It took us about 45 minutes to get there from york, with handy brown tourist signs to follow once we were closeby.

The car park was already busy, and muddy, when we arrived (don't wear your best shoes). I joined the long, winding queue for the ticket booths where there was lots of chatter among other visitors about which of the activities to do as they are priced individually, or with deals depending on how many you choose, so it's worth thinking about it before.

We went for a day pass - which lets a family of four (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children) to enjoy unlimited core activities in the Adventure Zones for the day, including the Enchanted Forest, Real Ice Skating, Maze, and Nordic Skiing.

We each got a wrist band to wear which we simply flashed at the entrance to each activity - it worked well as we didn't need to fuss about handing over any money during the day.

We had our two boys with us, aged five and seven, who were raring to go so we started with the Maze where they happily ran along the paths, between tall hedges, which had plenty of twists and turns, with some surprises along the way and the occasional look out station to climb - useful if anyone gets lost.

Once we'd reached the central point, featuring a large silver globe with listening points of information about the world, we left the maze and checked out the ice-skating rink which was bustling with people and surrounded by spectators. Our youngest was a bit nervous about it, and the long queue for skates made us turn our attention instead to the Enchanted Forest.

You can choose to walk or wear Nordic skis to make your way around the forest. Both paths run alongside each other so it's easy for a group of people to choose one of the different options while staying close together.

It was dusk by the time we'd decided to go for the skis, and swapped our wellies for the boots which connect with the skis.

Once ready, and armed with poles, we set off. My eldest was quickly in the lead while we played catch-up with my youngest who had never done anything like it before but took to it surprisingly well. Standing up after a fall is quite tricky but once you've worked out how, it's not too bad.

Without giving away any surprises, the 1.2km woodland trail is set around a small lake and is beautifully lit up at night with fairy tale characters, mystical animals and birds, while there are interactive activities and all sorts of noises from the trees, statues and even a troll's bridge to add to the magic.

If I returned and only chose one activity, it would definitely be the Enchanted Forest walk which lived up to its name.

While it is still light there are also play areas along the route but these close, for obvious reasons, once it's dark.

Hungry after our skiing we decided to eat in the Woodland Cafe. It was teaming with people but luckily we found a table, and I joined the queue for food - the menu is locally sourced, and reasonably priced, and the service fairly quick. I was able to pay and then collect our meals on a tray without any hassles.

Replenished, we returned to the ice rink where there was, by now, no queue. Buoyed by their skiing exploits, the boys were very keen to have a go. Thankfully Stockeld stocked boots small enough for our youngest (size 11), and they were both able to grab one of the much sought-after Penguin skating aids to lean on while they found their feet on the ice.

They loved the experience, even after a few falls, and slowly gained enough confidence to attempt to skate unaided.

We spent longer on the ice than I imagined we would, making it quite a long afternoon out, but it seemed a shame to pull them away and made it feel better value for money. But, as night started to fall, it really was time to bid farewell to the Christmas Adventure for 2014.

Refreshments: The Woodland Cafe is licensed and has home-made, locally sourced meals and snacks. The Lakeview Café provides light bites and drinks. Gretel’s Cabin is in the Enchanted Forest, open at peak times.

Family friendly: Definitely.

Opening times: Daily until Jan 6 2015, from 10.30am - 8.30pm (last entry at 8pm), but it closes at 7pm on December 24 & 31 Dec and is shut Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Late opening at 1pm on January 1.

Admission: Parking and entrance to the Christmas shop and cafe are free.

Prices: Visitors pay for each activity they choose to do. Day passes are available. Prices depend on how many activities you do, ranging from one activity at £9.50/ £8 for children to a family day pass for one activity in peak time at £33, or £65 for all activities (excluding the Grotto). For price details and offers visit www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Parking: Plenty on site, free.

Directions: On the A661 connecting Harrogate and Leeds, and between Wetherby and Spofforth. If using a sat nav, use postcode LS22 4AN, but note it's on the opposite side of the road when you reach it.

Further information: From the website www.stockeldpark.co.uk