Like centreparcs but cheaper - suggestions please!

Blackpool_Saver

Ribby hall is lovely, so is Wrea Green, I live near there.

flea72

Leg-end wrote: »

Thanks for the comments. Weekends are preferred as they do not require as many days off work

thats what holiday entitlement is for

id make the most of term time at CP whilst your kids are still young enough - once you start having to look at school holiday prices, you wont quibble about weekend premiums lol

F

Rockporkchop

I like Potters Resorts on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders, also Sandy Balls is good too. Neither of them are particularly cheap but I much prefer them to Center Parcs, which is all hype IMO.

osian

Finlake in Newton Abbot, Devon looks pretty good. http://finlake.haulfryn.co.uk/

beyond_skint

we've stayed at finlake and sandy balls and can recommend them both, also shorefields in the new forest is lovely. Theres also hendra here in cornwall its a fantastic site. We have often wanted to try centre parcs but the price puts us off, plus I fear its a bit like a posh butlins as its so big and a huge hype goes with it, sandy balls is like a small centre parcs the lodges are beautiful ask for a beech retreat one they are stunning

The_mangler

I know someone else has suggested Parkdean but try their Warmwell site. It has lodges, a lovely indoor pool and nice surroundings with squirrels to keep your little one entertained! I enjoyed a few glasses of wine on the balcony while my little ones were asleep!

http://www.parkdeanholidays.co.uk/dorset-holidays/warmwell/warmwell-holiday-park.htm

flea72

beyond_skint wrote: »

I fear its a bit like a posh butlins as its so big and a huge hype goes with it

its nothing like butlins. at butlins you get entertainment included in the price, at CP you only get free swimming. you also dont have to walk miles from your room to get to the main arena at butlins

CP is tiny - the land it is sited on is huge, but other than swimming, there is very little else to do (unless you have mega bucks), and at night there is nothing to do at all, other than sit in your chalet and squirrel watch (before it gets too dark)

F

berylb

I had a look for you and all I could find is Bluestone as an alternative.

meandthree

I stayed at Bluestone with three boys aged 6,4 and 2 and there was loads to do on site, although I think since we stayed they may have introduced a charge to use the indoor play area. However it was fantastic accommodation, the best I have seen for this price range. And nice area for walking around both on and off site.

Leg-end_2

flea72 wrote: »

thats what holiday entitlement is for

id make the most of term time at CP whilst your kids are still young enough - once you start having to look at school holiday prices, you wont quibble about weekend premiums lol

F

I appreciate the comment, but I prefer to take my weeks off during the summer and keep days spare for any unforseen events around the corner. My wife is a teacher so premium pricing on school holidays is something I apppreciate already but I would not swap my wifes 12 weeks off for cheaper hols.

Got lots to look at now. Thanks to everyone for their comments and recommendations. You're all stars for giving your free advice.