Question about Center Parcs
Discussion
I'm off to Center Parcs (the one in Cumbria) with the OH next week. Can anyone tell me if the prices in the on-site supermarket are reasonably comparable to those in the outside world or if they hike the prices up because they know you're stuck with shopping there during your stay? We're wondering whether to do a food shop at the local supermarket before we go or just buy the stuff there. We're not tight but we don't want to be royally ripped-off either.
MitchT said:
they hike the prices up because they know you're stuck with shopping there during your stay?
Yeah, that. It isn't an "End Of The World" price hike, but you'll notice. If you already need to organise a car-load for e.g. kids you may as well organise a shop.Particularly true for tea bags, coffee, dish cloth, tea towel, etc. Far better to take what you already have and bin it than to buy a whole new packet there and carry the remainder home.
I've been to the one at Longleat a few times and I would say that the prices aren't too bad; I think the only thing they seem to over charge for is fresh meat. I guess if you are planning on eating in the chalet/villa every night then it may be worth shopping before hand, but if it's just for snacks or maybe one night, then I would just buy what you need when you're there.
the shop isnt bad price wise, especially as the meat & fresh produce are local/farm sourced. go early for a newspaper though as they sell quickly.
activities are extra and pricey. the spa is very very popular (i.e. packed). by far the worst aspect of cp is the restaurants - all distinctly average at best.
ive only been once and that was staying in the top villa with everything - food, accom., bikes, spa and activities - comped (press trip). I enjoyed it, but don't think I could bring myself to pay for it out of my own pocket. we worked out it'd have cost over 3k for the 8 of us for the weekend which is ridiculous imo.
activities are extra and pricey. the spa is very very popular (i.e. packed). by far the worst aspect of cp is the restaurants - all distinctly average at best.
ive only been once and that was staying in the top villa with everything - food, accom., bikes, spa and activities - comped (press trip). I enjoyed it, but don't think I could bring myself to pay for it out of my own pocket. we worked out it'd have cost over 3k for the 8 of us for the weekend which is ridiculous imo.
Been to CP a few times as a kid and as a teen. The supermarket isn't ridiculous but is more than you would pay in the 'real world'. Take food with you I would say.
The real rip-off is the activities. Everything is overpriced. Swimming is the only thing you can do there which is free. Even renting a badminton court or 5-a-side pitch is expensive. I daren't think about how much the more premium ones cost, especially quad biking and paintballing.
With regards to the stolen bikes issue, I've heard this is a serious problem. If you have a top end bike, keep it in the place you stay and be vigilant about where you lock it up around the site, especially on 'leaving day' when everybody is packing up for a quick exit. They ask you to state the model of bike you will be bringing upon entry. Possible inside job? Generally, I've had no problem, although I would be careful if I went again. If you just have run of the mill Halfords bikes, I wouldn't be concerned.
On the few occasions I have eaten in the restaurants I would agree that they are pretty average, although I don't think people go there for fine dining. Generally people who just want some half decent hot food.
The real rip-off is the activities. Everything is overpriced. Swimming is the only thing you can do there which is free. Even renting a badminton court or 5-a-side pitch is expensive. I daren't think about how much the more premium ones cost, especially quad biking and paintballing.
With regards to the stolen bikes issue, I've heard this is a serious problem. If you have a top end bike, keep it in the place you stay and be vigilant about where you lock it up around the site, especially on 'leaving day' when everybody is packing up for a quick exit. They ask you to state the model of bike you will be bringing upon entry. Possible inside job? Generally, I've had no problem, although I would be careful if I went again. If you just have run of the mill Halfords bikes, I wouldn't be concerned.
On the few occasions I have eaten in the restaurants I would agree that they are pretty average, although I don't think people go there for fine dining. Generally people who just want some half decent hot food.
I have no doubt the activity prices is a supply an demand thing. When you have several hundred villas of people and 10 badminton courts and 20 canoes etc. coupled with their subtle planning whereby yes its a 4 day long weekend break but you can't get in to your villa until 3pm or book any activities for the arrival day, and can only book a limited range of activities on departure day, then you can see why the charges are more than your local leisure centre.
As for the food, the likes of Cafe Rouge and Strada are national chains so you know what you're going to get. Does what it says on the tin.
I actually like CP and SWMBO and I go every year with another 2 couples. It's a nice break and a good laugh.
As for the food, the likes of Cafe Rouge and Strada are national chains so you know what you're going to get. Does what it says on the tin.
I actually like CP and SWMBO and I go every year with another 2 couples. It's a nice break and a good laugh.
Edited by mattdaniels on Wednesday 26th May 13:41
Sorry got to be said "DONT GO" the place is a glorified swimming pool with a load "extra" activities that they get paid for by emptying your wallet without you even feeling it.
got to be honest what we spent in a week we could have gone abroad for the same money and not have been left feeling financially raped
got to be honest what we spent in a week we could have gone abroad for the same money and not have been left feeling financially raped
Simon Brooks said:
Sorry got to be said "DONT GO" the place is a glorified swimming pool with a load "extra" activities that they get paid for by emptying your wallet without you even feeling it.
got to be honest what we spent in a week we could have gone abroad for the same money and not have been left feeling financially raped
Yep, my wife takes the kids to Center Parcs for a weekend with her parents and sister etc. After going twice and being bored rigid, I now book a weekend abroad with my daughter that weekend and this year it's Southern Spain and the Alhambra Palace. Holiday with education thrown in free.got to be honest what we spent in a week we could have gone abroad for the same money and not have been left feeling financially raped
sneijder said:
I suspect it's populated entirely by folk who are scared of flying.
there's nothing to do at night though.
agreed on both. our villa had a gas bbq and a sauna. happy days thought i [especially as i was accompanied by some very top heavy ladies] but both are turned off centrally by the park staff at 10pm. bastids. there's nothing to do at night though.
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