tips for centre parcs?

chardonnay_2

hi we have decided to take the boys 11 + 13 to centre parcs for their october hols. we've never been before and haven't booked a park yet. we are in scotland so will probably pick between the two closest ones - unless there was a better reason to go to one of the further away ones.

we are looking for tips - what park would you reccommend?, what activites are best for active boys? how long do the activities normally last?, how much do the activities cost roughly? will it cost a fortune to keep them occupied? is there entertainment at night? is there stuff to do undercover incase weather is bad? what should we give a miss and definitely not miss?

all suggestions / tips welcome?

ahll

We went to the Winfell for the 1st time in June with two kids 10 and 11 and they loved it there. The adults also had a great time. There is plenty to do there.

We took most of are own food to cut down eating out costs. The kitchen is well equiped. The kids really loved the Birds Of Prey presentation and holding some of the birds and seeing them fly. Also the climbing wall.

We all enjoyed the indoor swiming pool. Playing Badmington and cycling around the site.

Check on this site to see if you can find any discount codes to make it a little cheaper. Hope this helps

chardonnay_2

hi just to update. whinfell seems to be fully booked so we have opted for sherwood forest for 4 nights, managed to save 121 pounds using codes on this site! so any tips for what activities to do or not to do? what restaurants to avoid and what ones are good?

cheers

apples1

if you are going to Sherwood my only tip would be to find the time and the money to treat yourself to a visit to the Aqua Sana!! You won't regret it!

frizz_head

Sherwood is fantastic, and my favourite (out of Longleat/Whinfell/Sherwood). The Indian (Rajinda Pradesh) is really good, but very expensive. Huckleberrys is good value, more ideally suited to younger kids, due to the indoor play area. Centerparcs will be ideal for your boys if they are into sports, but be warned that everything else - apart from the swimming - is extra, so the cost of your holiday can soon mount up. Two weeks before you go, you will be sent an Activity booklet and you can prebook many activities. I would recommending prebooking everything if possible, as once you arrive things like badminton/squash courts etc get booked up really quickly. If you can't prebook, make a point of heading for the Booking Point in the Sports Centre (Jardin De Sports) as soon as you arrive.

There is a bowling alley and a golf driving range. Also, the pool has plenty of things to keep kids occupied, with the tubes, wave machine etc.

Going myself just after Christmas - can't wait.

Have fun.
Frizz

misterjingles

I only have experience of Whinfell forest and I can say that we thoroughly enjoy every trip we make there. I have 2 boys 11 & 5 and there's never a problem in keeping them occupied. We save a fortune by being in their discount club - available to repeat bookers after a few trips. we also save a lot by going the week before the school hols - naughty but our school allow it normally. I'd say go for the special meal deals for families at the restaurants , shop at a nearby supermarket for groceries , take your own bikes if possible . I'm sure you'll have a great time.