Thirty years of fun and frolics

There's something special about theme parks that makes them feel timeless - magical places where parents get to be kids again and children's laughter (and screams) fill the air.

- KELLY WILLIAMS

So when PortAventura World near Salou, Spain, announced its 30th anniversary celebrations, we knew it was the perfect excuse for an autumn escape. With our three children aged 15, 11 and three in tow, we packed our sense of adventure and set off for a few unforgettable days of rollercoasters, shows and sunshine.

Our base was Hotel Gold River, one of PortAventura's onsite themed hotels.

Stepping into the lobby felt like walking on to a film set where we half expected John Wayne to burst through the saloon doors at any moment.

Our room overlooked a Wild West "main street," and each morning we'd wander past the clapboard facades to reach the park entrance. The convenience of staying onsite made all the difference - no parking wars or traffic jams, just an easy stroll to the day's adventure. Plus it helped that the plentiful breakfast buffets made sure we were fuelled and ready for the day ahead.

PortAventura is divided into several themed lands that celebrate different parts of the world and exploring them felt like a global journey without the jet lag. Dining here is half the fun too as each "continent" offers a different culinary world, and even the snacks feel part of the story.