Center Parcs break - whinfell

mum26

I wouldn't go overboard on activities, there is lots to do for free like the adventure parks, swimming, walking etc. We usually book bowling for arrival day (if you check different times etc you can usually find a bargain) and sometimes for leaving day because that works out well for big families / groups. Some of the activities seem identical but one will cost twice as much (some of the childrens computer sessions etc or archery) so spend a bit of time checking the session length to find best value. We take cards,colouring stuff, a board game and maybe the wii for cosy evenings in, and don't forget to feed the animals outside your patio door as the squirels etc are so funny (ours did not like apple peel and would sit and nibble it all off, lol) and we were lucky enough to have a little deer visit us every day too.

mum26

Oh and I think they have adapted bikes for disabled people but i'm not sure, might be worth looking into though?

moneypooh

ckerrd wrote: »

Can I cancel my activity or event and is there a cancellation fee?
Plans change, it's a fact of life. So if your itinerary has changed and you want to cancel an activity or event, there is a 5% cancellation fee if you cancel 24 hours or more before your activity is due to take place. If you cancel within 24 hours of your activity, there will be a 75% cancellation charge applicable.

The above from the Center Parcs website

We changed a few things at Christmas and straight refund, no deductions at all, lucky us

ckerrd

I have cancelled too on a few occasions with no penalty but better to be forewarned

Spendless

We went to CP term time last year late March (long story involving husband project managing something and fitting it in in between that and his then monthly medical appts). There were school age children there, the majority having a pre schooler sibling. Very few just school age children. My kids were 5 and 9 at the time. The 9 year old had one of his activities cancelled due to lack of demand- (as there were less kids his age there). It was an expensive one but I'd booked it as one of the few things that ran at the same time as a Time Out club for his sister. Because hubby was ill the whole time we were there, we booked a 2nd hol this time for school summer hols but again I found very little that ran at the same time for my 2, so decided to not bother as we were finding we were spending our time doing pick ups and drop offs.

We went to Sherwood, we did the banquet, crazy golf, parks, swimming and kids liked cycling, the wildlife and just playing in the woods by our accommodation.

mintymoneysaver

Just to let you know the horse riding at Whinfell is a real hike to get to, I personally wouldn't do it again. Apart from that, i love it all!

moneypooh

Most of the outdoor activities, like paintballing, archery, quad biking etc are quite a hike from the main centre right on the edge of the complex, behind the jardins de sport. If you're Foresters side of the butterfly centre it's a long hike indeed and very hilly.

sweetheartlmg

Thanks for all the advice given, I have decided to go with the flow and not book any activities beforehand, hopefully they will be far too busy with swimming, bike riding and playing in the woods to want to attend any activities. I have told my girls that they can do 1 activity each during their stay and that it’s better to see what is available on the day.

Any big tips, clever ideas or secrets for saving during our stay? Apart from the obvious taking food, toys and doing the free activities :j

moneypooh

Checking in time is 10.30am @ Whinfell and getting there around that time maximises your day. They allow you to your villa/lodge at 3.30pm. I never get the car at that time, the queues can be silly to get onsite. We tend to go to the lodge and checkout things then get the car later at about 5-6pm when it's easy to get onsite and drive direct without queues. The pool gets quieter between 2.30pm and 5pm as people are unpacking at their lodges.
We always stay until about 7pm on the day of coming home too. It really does mean a better break.

sweetheartlmg

moneypooh wrote: »

Checking in time is 10.30am @ Whinfell and getting there around that time maximises your day. They allow you to your villa/lodge at 3.30pm. I never get the car at that time, the queues can be silly to get onsite. We tend to go to the lodge and checkout things then get the car later at about 5-6pm when it's easy to get onsite and drive direct without queues. The pool gets quieter between 2.30pm and 5pm as people are unpacking at their lodges.
We always stay until about 7pm on the day of coming home too. It really does mean a better break.

Fab, fab, fab! just what I need; great advice to help plan ahead, I will aim to get there 10.30am onwards (travelling from North Wales) will park up until 5-6pm, also making sure that our swim gear is at easy reach to hit the pool early in the day.

Many thanks moneypooh appreciate above advice it's A BIG THANK YOU, want a stress free break; if that’s at all possible with 5 kids!
:beer: