Center Parcs break - whinfell

shullen

Just came back from our three nights stay at the Whinfell. Thanks for all the great tips in these threads we had a good time there.

I didn't get the flying start package in the end. We took our own bikes (with good locks). Went to swimming at 3pm and didn't get to the lodge until about 5:30pm. No queue at all and my husband was able to drive straight in. On our departure day we left about 2:30pm and there was already a long queue of cars trying to get in the village. So for future users, do try to arrive early (before midday) to find a good space in the car park.

We stayed at Bilberry wood which was a very good location. Not far from exit and 5 mins walk to the village centre. We took our own logs (as the advice from the forum). However, even though we had an old executive lodge, there wasn't any open log fire! So would worth checking before setting off if you fancy a log fire.

For children, there are in total four play areas (not including small tots area in bowling place). Two outdoors ones: one near the exit outside the village centre and one outside of the sports plaza. Two indoor ones: one above Cafe rouge, and the other one in the lakeside inn. I only found out the lakeside inn one as that was the only meal we've eaten out. Not a cheap meal but husband and I were able to sit down with the girls running off some streams in the play area while waiting for the food. You can reserve table online with £5 deposits per person which will be deducted from your final bill.

The only mistake that I've made was that I swapped my high ropes booking with tree trekking as more people here said it was fun. My six years old was just 1.22m (the minimum height requirement). She and her dad completed the tree trekking in merely 30 mins as it was really easy comparing to Go Ape. The high ropes looked a lot more challenging so I had to make booking for them two. But then all the special offer price slots were gone so had to pay for full price. High ropes took them about 90 mins to finish. Therefore, for the same price as tree trekking, was actually better value and far more challenging.

We also went for horse riding on Sat afternoon. I found a nearby stable (Sockbridge) within 20 mins drive using Google Map. The price was £10 for 30 mins riding so a lot cheaper than the centre parcs one. More importantly, they have different sizes horses. So all four of us went on riding at the same time (even including my 2 yrs old who really liked her little white pony). In comparison, for the centre parcs one the parents have to hold the reins so can't ride. The only problem was because we drove out and lost our car parking space, we had to park on the road when we came back because the car park was so full.

Both my girls had a great time in the swimming pool. Friday 3pm was a good time to go. On leaving day, it was quiet for the first hour (10-11am) but then it gets really busy. For the other days, because I was able to get in with the froglets session for my toddler, I can see the huge flood of people who all get in as soon as the pool opens at 10am. So even though we didn't do it, evening swim as suggested before would be best for Sat and Sun.

Would definitely want to go back again or try the other centre parcs. But as the weather gets warmer, the price also gets higher!

wifefaefife

Hi,

We have been asked to go to centre parcs (Whinfell) with family. I was just wondering what kind of prices the activties are? We are normally haven holiday people andd my DD has always loved it.