Christmas in Centre Parcs.

pinkmami

DH & I are thinking of going to Whifell in 2011 over the Christmas period. We have an idea of the price & we know its a bit expensive but we need a break from the relatives so we're prepared to pay the price!!

I'm just wandering is the swimming pool/bowling place is open & all the usual places like Sports Plaza etc. We'd also like an idea of how much the Christmas Day meals are in the Lakeside in for example & are they very busy & worth it or maybe cook the dinner ourselves.

Many thanks!

moneypooh

We've just come back from Christmas at Longleat, I would imagine prices and availability is similar.
On Christmas day the restaurants were open for lunch, and some for breakfast The prices varied from £40-55 pp for Christmas Day lunch. We went to The Grand Cafe for Christmas Champagne breakfast for about £17 pp and £9.95 pc. This was brilliant value as it included continental and full english + champagne. (.. and Choccy pressy)
The Swimming plaza was open until 9pm and bowling too. Most indoor sports were available in the JDS. Aqua Sana is closed as are the childrens clubs and outdoor activities.
We went bowling, swimming and played badminton on Christmas day (had to work off the breakfast let alone lunch!!)
The pool was really quiet in the morning so brilliant.

We took Christmas dinner with us (courtesy of M&S) and just stuck it in the oven while we went swimming. It was a cheaper option and lovely to relax in the villa with a glowing fire. So you could cheat with the cooking a bit

pinkmami

Thanks for that Pooh. I've already planned a few things & we haven't booked yet! Most probably I'd make my own dinner & take a turkey crown with me. It'll be the 5 of us & my dad cos no difference in making the Sunday roast! Most probably I'd skip the champagne breakfast too but a treat would be nice seeing its a holiday!!! The idea of swimming whilst the bird is cooking is lush - the kids would love that!

minskerella

We've just got back from Christmas at Whinfell. Went for 5 days 23rd-28th. Absolutely fab. Christmas Eve with the grotto and reindeers was magical - my daughter loved it. There was also a reindeer hunt around the park adn a magic parade when santa left about 7pm. We went out Xmas Eve as it was the normal menu everywhere so better value. We went swimming and walking on Xmas day then cooked. I think it was £50 a head for the Xmas lunch at most places. Breakfastr at Cafe Rouge was about £15 but we didn't bother as had been the night before. Sports plaza was open on xmas day night but completely empty so my daughter had the soft play all to herself! Swimming was open all day and evening though as normal - even the swimming pool cafe was open. Fantastic place - highly recommended. Only prob was a lot of activities were cancelled because of the snow, and a lot of people had pre paid bikes nad then hardly got to use them. Get it booked - you'll love it!