OS Weekend at centreparcs?

tim_n

I'm off to centerparcs on the 8th->11th. We generally have one meal out, so I'm looking for quick and easy menu solutions for the weekend away! We're in basic accommodation. I've got my fingers crossed for my (free) slow cooker to arrive from Empire Stores between now and then!

Only problem is my darling accompanying girlfriend is a part time veggie - she does eat meat (mainly only in chinese food) but prefers not to as she doesn't like the texture.

Any recommended a couple of low hassle, low cost & tasty veg dishes for four preferably for absolutely min cost? = )

I also have four bottles of fairly sweet (undrinkably imho) red wine, so anything you can think of to do with those would be great...

Chell

Well you can send the wine to me for a start! Why not buy some jars of sauces that will take very little time to prepare with some fresh veg eg a tomato based pasta with veg and topped with cheese or a veggie curry and rice or a sweet and sour with rice.

Pasta is nice with stirfried mushrooms and pesto/soft cheese stired through it.

Do you have an oven? ou could put jacket spuds in the oven before you go out so they would be ready for you arriving back at the lodge.

We are hoping to go to Cener parcs next year so I'd appreciate it if you can report back with any tips when you return.

tim_n

Tips! hehe

Well we go every six months and I tend to spend a fortune when I'm there!

1.) Book activites early. Don't plan for more than one a day - that plus swimming is usually enough for anyone.

2.) You can bring your own bikes, but if you get there early enough (we aim to arrive by 10am every time) you'll find people dumping their hire bikes by the side of the road. Pick 'em up, grab your lock and cycle them into the main square & lock 'em up till later. At the end just leave the lock off and it goes in about 10 minutes ;- )

3.) The cost of the parcmarket is comparable to a waitrose. You'll only be saving pennies really and the extra hassle of doing an extra shop will probably cost you in petrol (discounting special offers!). We usually order in advance and they deliver it to your villa for your arrival free (over a certain value shop).

4.) Don't forget you can arrive about 9 (might be earlier) on the first day and leave about midnight on the last day (might be later depending on what you're doing! Just remember everything is shut about 11!

5.) Check out your vouchers!

Thanks for the note about packet sauces but if I do I'll make the sauce in advance and bring it in a jar!

tim_n

ahhhh

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=170270

That's more like it = )

Fairy22

Stock up on the wood burning logs, usually on offer in Morrison's or Wilkinsons. Also the disposable barbies (if weather permits !). Take lots of crumpets, teacakes and marshmellows for toasting (as these are usually quite expensive in the shop. Then with all the money you've saved treat yourself to an afternoon in the Spa, absolute bliss and well worth it !
Enjoy yourselves.

frizz_head

Fairy22 wrote:

Stock up on the wood burning logs, usually on offer in Morrison's or Wilkinsons. Also the disposable barbies (if weather permits !). Take lots of crumpets, teacakes and marshmellows for toasting (as these are usually quite expensive in the shop. Then with all the money you've saved treat yourself to an afternoon in the Spa, absolute bliss and well worth it !
Enjoy yourselves.

Costcos sell the wood burning logs and they are a really good price, compared to the £4 each cost at the CP Parcmarket.

I usually clear out my cupboards and fridge before we go, and just stock up on treats when we are there - nibbly bits for the evening etc.

Have fun, really envious!

looneyleo

Oooohhh I Love centre parcs! We get in for £75.00 for 5 days using friends and family...so if you know anyone working there get them to book you in...buy a bottle of wine in return as a thank you.

if you have young ones...a nice cheap activity is to go to the Pancake House...order a decorate your own ginger bread man for £1.25 (ish!) and let them get creative while you have a cup of tea...(a pancake is enough for 2 to share if you want to splash out).

Loads of places to have a picnic so take pack-ups with you for lunch...

Usually loads of wildlife on your patio doorstep so a bag of bird food/peanuts is nice to take along to sit and watch the birds/squirrels. Have a great time...

looneyleo

Oops just remembered...we generally cook our meal in the villa (which is very well equiped) and then go out afterwards and just have a pudding and a few drinks. That way you feel you are having a treat...but not the expense of a full meal.

For babies...there is almost always free baby food available so grab jars each time you go into a restaurant!

tim_n

I didn't get an egg slice last time I was in a comfort villa - might be worth taking your own as make your own pancakes are a little difficult! Seems odd it was missing though!

bluenose1

Just come back from Centre Parks in the Lake District.
Had a great time. My hubby and kids love playing dads and lads footy and I enjoy watching them.

I would buy pizzas, garlic breads, salad, etc nice and easy to make and loads of different flavours.

Jacket potatoes - stick them on low in the oven and lovely with cheese, beans when you come in.

Easy pasta dishes with cheese, onion, peppers diced in, mayo and pepper.

Although your girlfriend doesn't like meat I would do a BBQ as kids love that in the forest. Each of our lodges had a BBQ. however you had to use a disposable BBQ and at Centre Parks they were £5.99 each. I took a couple of £1.00 ones. Your girlfriend could have vegetarian alternative.

Have a lovely holiday.