Discussion
Never been to a Center Parcs before but would like to have a long weekend break sometime between now and Christmas with the wife and kids so considering it.
My two kids are 3.5 and 1.5 years old and both like the water / going swimming so that box is kind of ticked. I was wondering if they're a bit too young to appreciate it or is it geared up for kids of all ages? The eldest doesn't really do the water flumes / tubes yet but sometimes doesn't mind going on them with Dad.
Is there enough other stuff to do given that it could be pretty wet and cold outside. We don't want to have an hour or so of swimming and then spend the rest of the day in a cramped cabin, could easily do that at home.
Seems a lot of money for a long weekend off season, seems to come in around £500 for a two bedroom unit Friday to Monday.
Sorry if this has been done already.
My two kids are 3.5 and 1.5 years old and both like the water / going swimming so that box is kind of ticked. I was wondering if they're a bit too young to appreciate it or is it geared up for kids of all ages? The eldest doesn't really do the water flumes / tubes yet but sometimes doesn't mind going on them with Dad.
Is there enough other stuff to do given that it could be pretty wet and cold outside. We don't want to have an hour or so of swimming and then spend the rest of the day in a cramped cabin, could easily do that at home.
Seems a lot of money for a long weekend off season, seems to come in around £500 for a two bedroom unit Friday to Monday.
Sorry if this has been done already.
We go once a year with my 2Yr old and my brothers kids of similar age there are plenty of things to do however most of them are outside.... just take wet weather gear and you will be fine.
They do things like messy play, but that depends on when you go as to whether it is on or not.
Bowling is always available, mini golf etc are also available However if you do do decide to go book all activities before you go as they tend to get booked up very quickly.
Without wanting to state the obvious the CP website is very good for available activities..
They do things like messy play, but that depends on when you go as to whether it is on or not.
Bowling is always available, mini golf etc are also available However if you do do decide to go book all activities before you go as they tend to get booked up very quickly.
Without wanting to state the obvious the CP website is very good for available activities..
Which one are you thinking of going to? Reason being I have only ever been to Elvedon but they have updated their kiddies splash area in the last year or so and its pretty good, but could be busy (especially if its raining!). We have booked for the last few years in mid Nov, which is when their 'winter wonderland' starts, essentially the same, just with some Christmasy stuff going on, fireworks, fake snow etc etc.
As said, just be prepared to walk about in the rain. There is loads to do, most of which costs money, but also some that doesn't. My gran kids absolutely love it when they are there, mainly for the swimming but just walking in the woods or seeing a deer walk past the bungalow is exciting for them (aged 5 and 3 when we went last).
As said, just be prepared to walk about in the rain. There is loads to do, most of which costs money, but also some that doesn't. My gran kids absolutely love it when they are there, mainly for the swimming but just walking in the woods or seeing a deer walk past the bungalow is exciting for them (aged 5 and 3 when we went last).
I go every year around January nice break after Christmas and affordable as others have said been to Elvedon and Sherwood and plenty of people recommend Longleat but a long way for us I would look at the reviews of the new one before you book and for someone who has been on a day visit there I personally would stick to Elvedon and Sherwood especially for the swimming!!
Personally I would go for the one nearest to home as once you are in, it doesn't really matter where in the country you are. We've been to Longleat many times.
Things worth doing:
- Choose an "upgraded" cottage - the older ones are really tired
- It can be worth picking a specific location, near to the pool or whatever else you want to be close to
- If you take bikes, take good locks
- Definitely hire bikes if you don't take your own, makes it so much easier to get around
It's a great break for kids. Don't expect fine dining restaurants, though!
Things worth doing:
- Choose an "upgraded" cottage - the older ones are really tired
- It can be worth picking a specific location, near to the pool or whatever else you want to be close to
- If you take bikes, take good locks
- Definitely hire bikes if you don't take your own, makes it so much easier to get around
It's a great break for kids. Don't expect fine dining restaurants, though!
Did a long weekend with our similar aged kids, they loved it!
Take in inflatable chair thingy for the littlest to use in the pool (they provide an airline for inflatables).
Buy cheapo fire logs & a kilo of bird seed from your local Range type store before you go, lob the seed on the patio and the kids'll have something to watch over breakfast.
Hire a bike with a trailer for the nippers, don't be suprised if you have to cycle in circles for two hours because they've fallen asleep in it.
They do last minute deals on the website, don't know how much of a discount they offer though.....
Oh, & take a torch...
Take in inflatable chair thingy for the littlest to use in the pool (they provide an airline for inflatables).
Buy cheapo fire logs & a kilo of bird seed from your local Range type store before you go, lob the seed on the patio and the kids'll have something to watch over breakfast.
Hire a bike with a trailer for the nippers, don't be suprised if you have to cycle in circles for two hours because they've fallen asleep in it.
They do last minute deals on the website, don't know how much of a discount they offer though.....
Oh, & take a torch...
Edited by DJFish on Wednesday 15th October 12:01
Cp is good but expensive.
Great for pre school kids , as its cheap out of school term times
Now my kids are 4 and 6 , we go to haven , they have great evening entertainment
Which cp doesn't have.
Also a third of the price.
The kids also love staying in a static caravan.which are really nice these days.
Great for pre school kids , as its cheap out of school term times
Now my kids are 4 and 6 , we go to haven , they have great evening entertainment
Which cp doesn't have.
Also a third of the price.
The kids also love staying in a static caravan.which are really nice these days.
We're all set to go to Longleat for the fourth year running just before Xmas.
Kids are now 5 and 8, so went when 1 and 4 originally.
Mine enjoy cycling round the site (Longleat has quite a lot of hilly paths to explore) and swimming every day. Until last year, that pretty much was it. Now they are a bit older we also go Mini Bowling, the older one likes teh climbing wall and we play tennis and Badminton.
Think we might be coming towards the end of regular visits now though, as they are getting older, and more expensive. Will probably try a different venue next year.
Kids are now 5 and 8, so went when 1 and 4 originally.
Mine enjoy cycling round the site (Longleat has quite a lot of hilly paths to explore) and swimming every day. Until last year, that pretty much was it. Now they are a bit older we also go Mini Bowling, the older one likes teh climbing wall and we play tennis and Badminton.
Think we might be coming towards the end of regular visits now though, as they are getting older, and more expensive. Will probably try a different venue next year.
It's very easy to spend the best part of a day in the swimming pool, provided you bag yourself some chairs or pay for a cabana. I just got back from a weekend in Eleveden and there's a Starbucks and some other cafes in the pool area, so you you don't need to get changed.
It's great to cycle around Elveden too. Be aware the Longleat is quite hilly.
Make sure you book things before you go.
It's great to cycle around Elveden too. Be aware the Longleat is quite hilly.
Make sure you book things before you go.
been to the one in elveden forest 3 years in a row with the brother&sister in-law - they have 2 kids, a boy of 4 and a girl of 3.
We always have a great time there, it's really everything you want, quiet when you need it and loads going on if you fancy it. The 4 hour spa thing is amazing, if you are taking people that could babysit that is
the swimming pools and water slides etc are fun and free which is a massive bonus.
Log cabins are ok, some cleaner than others but certainly nicer than your average travel lodge etc.
Would highly recommend it
We always have a great time there, it's really everything you want, quiet when you need it and loads going on if you fancy it. The 4 hour spa thing is amazing, if you are taking people that could babysit that is
the swimming pools and water slides etc are fun and free which is a massive bonus.
Log cabins are ok, some cleaner than others but certainly nicer than your average travel lodge etc.
Would highly recommend it
As above really. Went with my wife and 1 year old this year to Elveden. Most the activities are outside in terms of riding, parks, beach, lake, adventure areas etc.
Indoors there is the pool, badminton, bowling, soft play, face painting and a few other things but not a lot. If it rains i think it will be a pretty boring time to be honest.
Good points:
- Well specked new apartment/villa.
- Nice location.
- Child friendly.
Bad points:
- Expensive for what it is and EVERY THING is an extra from bike hire to use of almost all the facilities to choosing a location close to the pool.
- While you can drive off site for food the shop is more convenient and again is expensive.
- The pool didn’t open until 10AM!!! This is a child/family focused park...10AM is to late imo, my little one is up and ready to go at 8AM so 9AM opening would seem reasonable.
- The fridge in the accommodation is TINY so even though you want to eat in you can’t really store food for more than a few meals.
Overall we had a good time and for a weekend it would be ideal but not sure i would go again for longer than that.
Stu
Indoors there is the pool, badminton, bowling, soft play, face painting and a few other things but not a lot. If it rains i think it will be a pretty boring time to be honest.
Good points:
- Well specked new apartment/villa.
- Nice location.
- Child friendly.
Bad points:
- Expensive for what it is and EVERY THING is an extra from bike hire to use of almost all the facilities to choosing a location close to the pool.
- While you can drive off site for food the shop is more convenient and again is expensive.
- The pool didn’t open until 10AM!!! This is a child/family focused park...10AM is to late imo, my little one is up and ready to go at 8AM so 9AM opening would seem reasonable.
- The fridge in the accommodation is TINY so even though you want to eat in you can’t really store food for more than a few meals.
Overall we had a good time and for a weekend it would be ideal but not sure i would go again for longer than that.
Stu
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