Center Parcs break - whinfell

moneypooh

You could take your stuff to the swimming pool changing rooms and leave them there. (£1 refundable locker). In theory they aren't keen about reserving lockers BUT there are so many of them; and if you pop through at the entrance there are always loads free as people tend to go for lockers nearer the pool entrance. We do it all the time before and after so we aren't carrying around extra bags.

Also the first hour of the pool being open is always the less busiest, and you'll be able to find seating too. If you go past the pool and follow the path to the flumes you'll find loads of tables and chairs dotted around - much less crowded than just inside the entrance. Or go to the next floor behind the 'beach' kiosk, plenty of space there too.

Rangers Lodge is a MUST. They have loads to do there - most free. You'll get up close to the red squirrels and see them feeding Of course there are all over the site but at the Rangers Lodge they have a fenced of area where they encourage them to come and feed.
(it's situated near the jardins de sport)

gingerdad

sweetheartlmg wrote: »

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:

We always swim on the first day and last day getting there early and leaving late, as the pool is a lot quiter. And i would suggest going to the villa with the car later also, it depends on how busy it is.

GD

Tired_Mom

Hiya

We do Center Parcs once or twice a year and have done for the last 8 years. It is our holiday and because the kids enjoy it so much we enjoy it. Like some of the others have said arrive as early as you can and leave as late as you can. Swimming in the evening is really quiet and with the ages of the children you are taking that shouldn't be a problem. We take their pj's and once they come out of the pool it is into shower, pj's, coats home and they are virtually asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow.

Cook in your villa, it will save you a fortune. The supermarket isn't too expensive, more sainsbury's/Spar prices but still cheaper than eating out. We also make up packed lunches to take into the pool area. As long as you are discreet i.e. don't lug in a massive coolbox they don't mind. I would also suggest a load of plastic cups and and old squash bottle. That way you can take in drinks for the children to the pool area otherwise you will be spending a fortune in drinks. If you go and do your food shop as soon as you get there the supermarket will be really quiet, fully stocked and if you spend over £40 they deliver free to your villa. They put fridge and freezer stuff away for you so don't worry about it defrosting.

We've never done Whinfell as we always go to Sherwood but I know at Sherwood they have special bicycles designed for disabled people which may be a help. The other activity that may appeal to your group is being a spy. Don't however book for them all to do it as it is done on the computer and basically you can pay for one and then all go off together finding the clues, don't think you can sit back with a coffee though as the clues are all around the site. If any of them like the birds of prey we actually got to watch them for free by happening to walk past the area where they were showing them and just watching from the other side of the fence.

The last time we went to Sherwood by friends daughters wanted to do horse riding. She actually found a stables off site 15 mins drive away and they had a proper lesson for twice as long at half the price.

If you fancy a treat one night of not cooking the take away banquets are a good price. If you book in advance you can get a good time slot and you then don't have to pay for babysitters or restaurant prices for drink.

Can't think of anything else and I hope I haven't rambled on.

Enjoy yourselves

sweetheartlmg

Bless you all, some fantastic advice given here, will make my stay so much more enjoyable, my daughter is so keen on the horse riding so will defiantly check out other riding clubs within the area, I like the idea of taking the kids for a late swim and then putting them in pj’s ready for bed. Hopefully the weather will be kind during our stay so that we can make the most of outside activities and save swimming for later in the day (or first thing in the morning)

My list of advice is getting bigger by the day, so a big thank you :j

moneypooh

Tired_Mom wrote: »

Hiya

Swimming in the evening is really quiet and with the ages of the children you are taking that shouldn't be a problem. We take their pj's and once they come out of the pool it is into shower, pj's, coats home and they are virtually asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow.

Oh, crikey that brought back memories Our eldest was 18 months the first time we went, and so was her younger brother and we did this all the time (even at our local pool). I say memories as they are 16 & 13 now, and now we swim very late when the pool is almost to ourselves

pinkmami

I've never doen swimming in the evening! Something I must do then!!!!

I've learned that moneypooh is the CP expert on MSE!!!!!

mum26

You can buy duraflame logs from sainsbury's etc and I think they are cheaper than Centreparcs little shop but also Home Bargains sells them for a good price.

We usually go to Bella Italia and order a couple of big pizzas to share and some sides, works out better than individual meals and is usually quicker too!

pinkmami

Last time I was there they were £9.99 for 3....a lot I reckon! I like the DINING take out. Call them, order yur food (selection of chinese, italian & indian....) pay & they deliver to your door if you wish!

heppy23

pinkmami wrote: »

I've never doen swimming in the evening! Something I must do then!!!!

I've learned that moneypooh is the CP expert on MSE!!!!!

My son who is now nearly five loves going "nightswimming" as he calls it. The pool is generally very quiet and you don't have to queue for the flumes etc.

The flumes and outdoor pool often close an hour before the rest of the pool so some planning is needed.

Irina_Gem

Hi there lovely folks -pros in CP breaks!
Just wone weekend break (yay!) in one of them and booked Whinfell forest one- cant wait- going in May mid-term with our 16- month old dd. Just thought I'd ask you guys here cause cant find info on cp website-
what time does water park close? I understand it opens at 10am, but no idea on closing.
Is it true you cant go swimming there on the day of arrival until 2pm, how do they police it? I suppose we can just go for a walk (cycle) but want to know my options.
i understand there are hot tubs in waterpark, do i understand correctly there is no sauna/ steam room and those are part of aquasana only?
Thank you all very much !