Break away

FREDDIE Mercury belted out another of Queen's greatest hits, Madonna strutted her stuff and Elvis Presley rounded off the evening. Great music, all-American food and walls adorned with rock memorabilia would make anyone think they were smack in the middle of a city.

But no, we were at the opening of a Hard Rock Cafe in the unlikely setting of the Oasis holiday village near Penrith in the Lake District.

The new restaurant is in fact the first to be opened outside a city centre location, but blends in well with the contrasting delights of Oasis Lakeland, where we took an early-summer break.

Oasis is set in 400 acres of pine forest and aims to be just that - an oasis of peace from the hectic pace of real life.

Accommodation is superb. We stayed in a three-bedroomed forest lodge, an imposing two-storey building with excellent decor and equipment. Two bathrooms, a fully-fitted kitchen, satellite TV and central heating make this a holiday you could take at any time of the year. But best of all was the setting - each window yielded a scene of utter tranquillity outside. Pine trees, paths and the sun (we were lucky) glinting through the greenery.

Cars are banned on site. Instead you must walk or cycle, giving you a great chance to inhale fresh, pine-scented air instead of choking city traffic fumes.

But as well as tranquillity there's plenty of activity available. A large, covered entertainment complex boasts restaurants, an amusement arcade, a bowling alley and - most importantly - the impressive indoor swimming complex.

Water slides, water cannons, children's pool area, spa pools - it all added up to a watery wonderland where you could splash around happily for hours. The family's favourite was the fast and fun falling rapids ride. You hurtle along, propelled by the current and providing amusement to spectators watching from special viewing areas outside.

Oasis also offers a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities. You pay extra for these, so it's very much up to you how much or how little you do. Outdoors sports range from archery, to tennis to football, while indoors there's everything from aerobics and badminton to squash, snooker and American pool.

A large lake provides great views, paths and picnic areas. From April to October, lake activities such as sailing and windsurfing are available.

We really liked the fact that there's something for everyone. We saw several family parties ranging in age from birth to 70-odd, with gran and grandad looking as if they were enjoying themselves every bit as much as the young children. Perhaps to reflect its broad-based appeal, the village offers seven restaurants, including a Burger King, Italian, Indian, Chinese and a French-style bistro. And of course, there's the Hard Rock Cafe, where we enjoyed a mighty meal following the opening celebrations.

Typical meals include burgers, cajun chicken, ribs, steaks and chops. Desserts, if you can manage them, include chocolate chip cookie pie, hot fudge sundae and that old favourite, banana split.

But if all that sounds a lot, you can remind yourself that with all that cycling, walking and swimming you've earned a big, meaty meal.

And although Freddie, Madonna and Elvis may not be quite the real thing, Oasis certainly is. With its many contrasts - from peace to pace, from rural tranquillity to slick city eating - it provides a complete break all on one site.

We'll be back.

Accommodation: excellent 5/5

Food: wide selection 4/5

Value for money: good 4/5

Things to do: countless 5/5

More information:

Oasis is on the A66, five miles from Penrith. Accommodation and use of the water complex are included in the price, which varies according to time of year and length of visit. A two-bedroomed Woodland Lodge midweek break (four nights) in September costs around £300. Bookings: phone 08705 086 000. Oasis website: www.oasishols.co.uk

PICTURE: The tranquillty you can expect to enjoy