Center Parcs

[bombini]

Morning everyone,

Just wondered if anyone has been to center parcs and has any tips to share ?

I've booked a weekend away at the end of January but as we have a 9 month old im but unsure of certain aspects like how we keep his pram secure when we are doing activities, things to do/avoid etc.

Any advice at all would be appreciated as we have never been before !

 

[Verve Designs]

hi- I just got back from spending New Year at Centre Parcs (and have been there twice before- to Whinfell in the lakes) and can heartily recommend it.

My kids are a little older (youngest is six) but saw lots and lots of babies and toddlers there- and everything is kid friendly from the actual lodges to the restaurants.

The thing I was most impressed about is that you can as little or as much as you feel like- you can do all the active adventure type activities, you can just go in the tropical swimming pool (which is very toddler and baby friendly- and free), or you can just walk around the forest, which in itself is lovely.

My biggest advice though- is not to book TOO much- you'll find that it turns into a rush to get from one activity to the next and its a bit of a bind. We tend to just do one "activity" a day.

 

[collin]

You will have a FANTASTIC time...:hug:

The only tip is dont try and do everything as it works out expensive and you get the most from the place by chilling out...take advantage of the sauna areas and cosy nights in front of the log fire.

Have a good time :hug:

 

[Bagpuss]

We went to center parcs years ago and i can honestly say its the holiday i have actually cried because i didn't want to come home...

I loved NO CARS...everyone had bikes and going on your bike to get the paper in the morning was great....the sauna was great value for money...we put the kids in a club thing and had real quality time just me and rob in the saunas for 3 hours...bliss

We also took advantage of the babysitting service on one night so we could go for a nice meal....I wasn't keen at first cos i thought some young inexperienced girl would turn up.....i was so wrong....It was Mrs Doubtfire !!...:lol:...the most lovely mature lady who told me that they only use ex-childminders or equivalent for babysitting services who have lots of experience and are all checked out. They are not employed by center parcs...all live local and I felt totally at easy leaving my children with her.

We arranged 1 activity per day...the teddy bears picnic was adorable for the kids to do.

There was underfloor heating in the bathroom...which was amazing....in the morning we opened the patio doors to find rabbits and all sorts .. was just like being a in fairy tale.

You will love it. x

 

[bombini]

Thanks everyone :hug:

I am so excited now, best bit is our lodge is a 2min walk from aqua sana, which is an obvious excuse for lots of treatments and pampering

I have been toying with the idea of leaving Lucas in one of the creches for a 3 hour session so we can do some of the adult activites, I don't suppose anyone knows what the ratios are ? Is it one on one or three children per nursery nurse, etc ?

 

[collin]

Thanks everyone :hug:

I am so excited now, best bit is our lodge is a 2min walk from aqua sana, which is an obvious excuse for lots of treatments and pampering

I have been toying with the idea of leaving Lucas in one of the creches for a 3 hour session so we can do some of the adult activites, I don't suppose anyone knows what the ratios are ? Is it one on one or three children per nursery nurse, etc ?

mmm you could always leave Lucas in the lodge and go off on your own for some pampering LOL:hug:

 

[Deena]

Make sure you arrange a hefty overdraft before you go, if you want pampering. The prices could make your eyes water! :lol:

 

[collin]

Make sure you arrange a hefty overdraft before you go, if you want pampering. The prices could make your eyes water! :lol:

Amen to that :hug:

 

[pazzy]

Its also fab if you want to go swimming - there are special pram parking areas and the changing rooms are great as there are lots of family changing rooms with easy access.

We must have been to the winfell one about 8 times since Adam was about 14 months and in the summer took little Elliot and it was the first time we went to the sherwood forest - I think I preferred the sherwood forest.


We had a luxury villa overlooking the river, and we had a family of swans visit every morning then the squirrels, then the rabbits and a few other type of ducks and birds - Lucas will love it - but keep the door shut

 

[bombini]

Its also fab if you want to go swimming - there are special pram parking areas and the changing rooms are great as there are lots of family changing rooms with easy access.

We must have been to the winfell one about 8 times since Adam was about 14 months and in the summer took little Elliot and it was the first time we went to the sherwood forest - I think I preferred the sherwood forest.


We had a luxury villa overlooking the river, and we had a family of swans visit every morning then the squirrels, then the rabbits and a few other type of ducks and birds - Lucas will love it - but keep the door shut

WOW !!! We are going to Sherwood to, did you take a travel cot or are the ones provided quite good ?

Ive had a look at the spa prices and although its expensive its actually cheaper than the spas here so I might end up with a couple of quid for sweets

 

[lucyboo]

we have been going to the sherwood one since my 6yr old was 6 mths old & we love it, everywhere is child friendly & we have always taken a bike lock to secure the buggy when swimming, have a great time x

 

[Teebster]

I use to take my children to centre parcs when they were little and it was honestly the most child/family friendly holidays I ever found. There was nothing you could not get that you needed and the staff were only too happy to help. It is designed to attract families which is why its not cheap yet people still keep returning year after year.

We are booked into Longleat this year and it will be our first holiday in six years, and although our circumstances are alot different now and with far different challenges I still feel it is ideal to accomodate our needs.

I'm sure you will have a lovely time xx

 

[pazzy]

I only took my moses basket - as Elliot was so used to it. But there are cots provided.

When you first drive in you can park up but you wont be able to take the car at the lodge till 3pm. So you can have a good explore. You can take your own food too - and I dont really think the parc market shop is anymore expensive. The toy shop is overpriced for action figures etc. Its the activities that are quite pricey.

The pool is free. The play areas are free - so really as Lucas is only a baby - you won't be spending huge amounts of money till he's older. You can spend as little as you want if your careful with how you spend your cash. I would take washing up liquid or dish washer tablets tea and coffee- these are the things you might end up buying and wishing you had brought with you.

I know a friend buys her indian special at the take away on a Sunday before she goes - cos the indian resteraunt isn't as good and quite pricey - so they have their takeaway there on the monday night:biggrin:.

And you probably wont need any dressy going out clothes - its all comfy clothes - unless you intend to go out on the night, which we never do - its a bbq and the log fire on. Heavenly.

 

[Martin Duffy]

I've been to the Longleat one for quite a few January breaks, and I've never been disappointed. Those evenings of sitting in the outside whirlpool bath in the sleet, wandering about without the fear of cars mowing you down & mornings in the spa; when I came back I felt clean, fresh & revitalised!

 

[Lulabell]

I think Center Parcs is one of the best family friendly holidays to go on :green:
I have been going since I was 7 (I am ahem 24 now) the spa is one of the best things there but I think its great for trying out new things as well. I tryed out crossbows last year.

Have a great time