Center Parcs break - whinfell

moneypooh

The pool generally closes at 10pm, but some of the flumes close earlier - around 7pm IIRC.
In theory you can use it after 2pm but it's not policed and totally abused!!! I only find it a problem at the other sites where the rapids can become a nightmare. At Whinfell the rapids are singular so just means a longer queue. I've complained for years but they aren't interested.
There a couple of large whirlpools, one near the main pool and one by the upper pool, the sauna and steam rooms are at Aqua Sana.

Irina_Gem

moneypooh wrote: »

In theory you can use it after 2pm but it's not policed and totally abused!!!

Thank you moneypooh! I presume you mean one can use it before 2pm on the day of arrival though?

moneypooh

You should only use it after 2pm, but everyone uses it before. It's amazing how you think something then that gets typed something else
As no-one checks it's a free for all really.

pinkmami

Well done you - winning a lucky break! You'll love it!

superflygal

Hi folks,

Just giving this old thread a bump! We go at the end of March. 6 adults, 2 children aged 2 and 3. Been to Sherwood 3 times but neve to Whinfell.

Have made note of the getting there early/leaving late ideas. We have planned meals that we are taking ready prepared. We've booked a few things on line (in case they became booked up-we really wanted to do them!)

Our little boy (3 years old) did a pony ride at sherwood in 2009 to see santa, and LOVED it, we were thinking of booking him a riding lesson too. Did anyone find a nearby stables that was cheaper than the £17.50 CP charge?

Love the nightswimming! Have a few fire logs left from beofre (99p from HB)

Oh so excited! Any more tips would be really appreciated!

Thanks!

SFG x

superflygal

Should have said also, we are planning a lunch in one of the eateries on the last but one day. Does anyone have any suggestions for moneysaving there? Do any of the places do special lunch menus or anything? Like cafe rouge does a special menu normally, but I know the branches at places like CP are normally more expensive.

SFG x

[Deleted User]

We are going the weekend after next so I'll let you know how it goes - it will be our first time.

mintymoneysaver

superflygal wrote: »

Hi folks,

Our little boy (3 years old) did a pony ride at sherwood in 2009 to see santa, and LOVED it, we were thinking of booking him a riding lesson too. Did anyone find a nearby stables that was cheaper than the £17.50 CP charge?


Thanks!

SFG x

Just to warn you. The stables at Whinfell is a LONG walk, we didn't realise quite how far it was and had to run the last 15 minutes to get there in time! It was a good 35 minutes, and I wouldn't do it again.

sweetheartlmg

mintymoneysaver wrote: »

Just to warn you. The stables at Whinfell is a LONG walk, we didn't realise quite how far it was and had to run the last 15 minutes to get there in time! It was a good 35 minutes, and I wouldn't do it again.

Yes we were shocked how far out the stables were considering our lodge was the other corner of park, but my daughter and I walked there every day to see the horses, great exercise for my daughter who is a little on the heavy side, but she lost 6bl during our time away and I felt so much fitter after it.
There were 8 of us at our lodge and we took plenty of food and had no room for the extra milk which was left on the counter and went off over night with the heat in the lodge (small fridge so don’t over buy on fresh food) We made meals using Homepride jars, just popped it in the oven on low, took the kids swimming in the evening then my mum would get out of swim first and head back to lodge to set the table ready, so a hot meal was waiting for when we got back (and believe me we were all starving!) We took a lot of bread for toast and picnics and the kids loved feeding crumbs to the birds. We didn’t eat out, but I did see lots of meal offers that were very cheap even bogof, we bought frozen chips from their shop and disposable bbq trays, damn they were expensive!
I wish I had booked for April this year, because the same break was selling for £300 but quickly shot up to over £700! I have booked for April 16th next year £359 for all 8 of us again, can’t wait!
The only other advise I can give, make sure you get the flying start (we paid £59) well worth the money, you can drive to your lodge earlier and it includes a voucher to hire 2 bikes, also they leave a welcome pack full of food (with wine & chocs!)

pinkmami

Glad you enjoyed your break Sweetheartlmg! I went back in November for the Winter Wonderland which is beautiful! Well worth a visit! I'm off again on Easter Monday (got it for £249 cos they hadn't realisesd the Welsh school were off a different time to when they hike up the prices!!) and I got a bargain break for Jan 2012 for £199!

The Sports Cafe do offers for lunches & evening meals loke 2 for £10 or BOGOF & kids lunches with a meal, drink & dessert for £5.00. Not sure if the Bella Italia/Cafe rouge do offers. The Lakeside Inn also have offers going.

I might book horse riding for my 7 yr old. My 8 yr old hated it & demanded to get off the horse before they even left the stables!!!