Center Parcs break - whinfell

superflygal

Thanks for all the great ideas!

We are going to do the 'Flying Start' one! Had considered getting bikes before, and this way its like they are free! Got some firelogs for 99p from Home Bargains today to stock up!

SFG x

superflygal

Thanks for the meal tips too pinkmami! 2 for £10 is about the price range we want.

SFG x

bluenose1

We go to CP in Whinfell 3 times a year.
My tips
1. Get there early on day of arrival with packed lunch.
2. Have swimming stuff packed separate so can go for early swim.
3. We always throw loads of bread outside the lodge patio window, you will get birds, rabbits, squirrels and we have even had a badger. Makes our holiday seeing all the wildlife.
4. The short tennis in the Sports hall is great fot kids as you play with sponge balls and short tennis racquets. We get one court between 6 and take turns. Four can play at once.
5. A lot of people don't notice the indoor play area in the Butterfly Centre. It is up a steep set of stairs to the left of Cafe Rouge as you are facing it (it is free) I would say suitable for 5+.
6. We always go to what we call our secret lake. If you look on the map you will see it, think it is by Badgers Wood. Worth taking wellies and fishing nets. Used to keep ours amused for hours.
7. Indoor bowling before 10am is a lot cheaper. We go early while it is nice and empty.
8. Restrict the kids to one drink and ask for a jug of water when you eat.
9. Just buy one Treasure Trail map, everyone can share
10. Take as many cheap items as you can for lunch eg beans, spaghetti. We also take loads of chocolate and crisps from Home Bargain.
11. The toy shop is quite expensive, though we always let the youngest buy one cuddly Center Parc item . They are about £7 but he has had years of fun with them. Plus they help him sleep in a strange bed.
12. Take backpacks for all as handy when going swimming etc.
13.My husband and boys love playing the dads and lads football, no cheap but brilliant fun.
14. My favourite for me is the 3 hour spa session. Never been to one before Center Parcs and well worth the price for a treat. I go in on my own with a magazine and just love chilling out in the dressing gown they provide. Not moneysaving I know but it makes my holiday.
15. Stay as late as you can last day. Go swimming and have a packed lunch. We normally buy a sandwich or hot pasty from the supermarket.

Can't think of anything else. Have a good holiday

Spendless

My top tip having been caught out big style at whinfell last November is to check what sort of debit card you have. Their 1 cash machine was not working from Tues to Thurs and though I could buy things on my debit card I could not get cashback cos they don't do it on VISA debit cards, only on switch or delta, which it does tell you if you read all the small detail.

Yes, we could have taken the car and gone to the nearest cashpoint in Penrith but we kept thinking we'd not bother with having to go to the car-park and get the car out and walk back etc, we'll just carry on with the activities we're enjoying cos 'it'll be fixed soon'- how wrong we were!

We needed cash for the kids to play on the games eg air hockey. I was also easy to lose track of how much we were spending cos every little item had to go on a card. Far easier if you think 'I've got a tenner left of that £50 I drew out' to keep track. When I added it up we'd spent £300 on a mon-fri break, not arriving till turned 4 on mon and going around 11am on fri. Never spent that much before! In future I will make sure I have enough dosh on me! I have no idea if other CPs are the same, but perhaps worth checking.

Spendless

bluenose1 wrote: »

8. Restrict the kids to one drink and ask for a jug of water when you eat.

Just going to this. We were holidaying at the same time as a friends of mine andher family, so , so 5 children aged 4-10 and we were buying in rounds. My mate's husband asked in leisure bowl (I think) if they did a jug of juice and they did. It's not advertised and I can't recall the price, but it was a lot cheaper than the several fruit shoots the woman who was at the side of my mate's hubby was buying. She looked fairly sick when she realised.

superflygal

Thanks bluenose and spendless! More great tips! Love the pack lunch/squash jugs and the ATM tip was a good one. We never carry cash! We'll make sure we do this time or it'll be "Daaaaaaaad...."

I'll look for the indoor play area by Cafe Rouge. Our tots are 3 1/2 and 2, but they are tall and robust! Mum and I have booked the Spa!

Cheers!

SFG x

aitch-aitch

sweetheartlmg wrote: »

Hi there, I have booked a 4 bedroom lodge and Whinfell Center Parcs for this April 19th (I know naughty of me taking kids out of school) it’s our first visit and I was wondered which activities are worth trying, I’ve been online and horrified at some prices, but really want to let the children try a few activities out, is it advisable to wait until we arrive (been term time might be quieter) ....

Please note that some schools are on holiday the week you are going so may not be as quiet as you think (my kids go back to school on 26th April)

pinkmami

As I've said before I always take my lot during school term & its always busy. Don't think it makes much of a difference whether its holidays or not!

sweetheartlmg

aitch-aitch wrote: »

Please note that some schools are on holiday the week you are going so may not be as quiet as you think (my kids go back to school on 26th April)

My post was dated beginning of last year (April 19th) we had a fab time, it was still very busy during term time, we are doing the same next April; taking them out of school, can't justify paying during Easter break, even booking a year in advance it's too expensive for me.

dtaylor21184

ive booked for next jan to whinfell never been before gonna take my two boys and two nieces cant wait

looking at all the tips has been really helpful