Centre Parcs Longleat

Doglover

Hi, we're heading there in a week. It's me and DH and our 1 year old.

I'm looking for any tips anyone car share to help us make a good first family holiday!

Is the flying start pack worth it?

Tia x

expressduck

Try not to spend too much time switching between the pool and the jardin de sport (or whatever its called) as there is a huge hill inbetween. You will no doubt have a buggy and it is hard work going back up! I think they have some small soft play areas around the sports cafe which are good if you are going with a 1 year old

Doglover

Thank you, that's definitely a handy hint!!

Is it right that you go in from 10 but just can't get your accompdatioj till 3? I'm trying to plan the best travel time

Auntie-Dolly

What we do is get there early, take our swimming things & make the most of the day. We don't worry about getting the car in until 6pm as there is always a mad queue at 3pm. Appreciate that might not be so easy with a little 'un though. You can go in from 10am & the site says you can use the swimming from 2pm, but to be honest we've never had a problem going in before then. It is a bit quieter on the Friday, particularly if you want to use the spa.

hamsmith

As aunts dolly says. You can swim until villa is ready. However, the first time I went with this idea I didn't think to pack up a separate swim bag. So opening cases in the car park wasn't fun...
I tend to save money by taking a frozen spag Bol for the first day and then we cook it up whilst unpacking etc as usually can't be bothered with getting ready and when the kids were younger was less tolerant with also tired kids at a restaurant you have to walk 15 mins to get to. The park market isn't too over priced for basics.
Take your odd bit of bread on the day. As the squirrels and ducks come up the the villa doors and ask for snacks. All part of the experience.

Have a fantastic time.

Doglover

They're really helpful tips, thank you! I'm really excited and want to make it a great 1st family holiday x

expressduck

Good advice from Auntie-Dolly. We always leave the card until after 3pm (6pm is a good sort of time) because everyone rushes to do this at 3pm and the queues are bad. Just do something fun in the afternoon instead when it is quieter. We have just used the pool from whenever we turn up on the Friday - nobody seems to care.

This is not for everyone but I always load the car up at around 7am on the Monday. This avoids any queues etc and makes the leaving day alot easier. I know not everyone wants to rise at 7am but I am an early bird anyway!

moneypooh

Don't worry about the hills between the sports and swimming pool as there is a land train that runs every 20 minutes. You can take a buggy on if collapsed. Doesn't start until 6pm on change-over day though.
Go to the swimming pool at 3pm when everyone is going to their villas and then get to yours after 4.30-5pm.

The flying start would not be worth it unless you were going to use the bike voucher.