Center Parcs Longleat

[Justin Cyder]

I've just booked a weekend there in August. To be honest, I'm so pushed for time this year, it's about all I can fit in & it's really for my daughter's benefit to have a few days of fun before going back to school.

We've not been to Centerparcs before, so is there anything in particular we should aim to do to get the best out of our time there? I have a fair idea she'll love the pool, but obviously I'd like us to get a few experiences under our belt.

[br d]

I've not been to that particular one but others. There are loads of activities, all the usual sport stuff plus rock climbing, tree-slides, wakeboarding and all sorts of things. It's nice to just hire (or take} bikes and pedal around the wooded areas. Honestly you'll find tons to do. I would say though that being in August go online and book up some of the stuff you fancy, they do get busy.

[caiss4]

I've used just one Center Parcs in Northumberland and was left slightly underwhelmed but the Longleat one is just down the road from me and all the reports from veteran CP'ers is that this is one of the better ones.

It's particularly good for cycling and walking and has all the usual facilities such as pool/flumes etc. If you want to do a more popular activity then as the previous poster suggests get it booked up before you go (I failed to do this and all the things I wanted to do were booked out)

[Justin Cyder]

Thanks. Having never been, I'm not sure how to get the best out of it. I think we'll do the aerial stuff, horse riding & canoe things. Could be fun!

[Evil Monkey]

And if you want the kids tucked up in bed asleep early then just do what I did the first time we went and tell them that they need to be in bed before 9 because that's when they let the lions back out.

[LHRFlightman]

It's hilly, very hilly. Unless you like cycling up hills, I'd get a lodge/apartment near the centre of the village.

[Justin Cyder]

As it happens, I'm partial to cycling up hills.

[garycab]

As you say you've never been to a CP before, make sure you have a good budget, you pay for absolutely everything except the pool, and the food certainly isn't cheap ! Not trying to put the dampers on it, we've been to Longleat twice, only 20 mins from home, but once your in you could be anywhere in the country. I do enjoy it but I think it's over pricing it's self.

[Justin Cyder]

I've just spent £150 on about three hours of stuffs.

[russy01]

Its a decent Centre Parcs. Really does feel like you are in the middle of nowhere as its sets down into a valley.

Its quite spread out compared to the others, so a bike can be helpful as can the land train. There are some hills, but its not all that bad. If you have gone for the cheapest accommodation be prepared to walk 15-20mins to both big complexes (Sports centre and pool complex).

As said above you will get charged for everything, but the parc market has a very good selection of food so you can easily whip up some good food in your lodge.

Hucks restaurant is their own take on TGI's sort of thing. Its ok, but fairly priced compared to a high street chain. Other restaurants are chains so you know what to expect.

Make sure you keep the kids up and get them in the rapids when its dark, so much more fun when its dark.

Aqua Sana spa is good.

If you want bikes then take your own if you can. Their rental prices are a bit silly.

I live about 30mins away from the place and we often go for Spa days and have had a couple short breaks with friends and family. Even though its only 30mins from home, once you are in and have ditched the car it feels like you are a million miles from home.