First time to CenterParcs - should I book activities and other Q's

w211

About to go on a weekend trip to CenterParks Longleat in the middle of January, and they seem to encourage you to pre-book the activities before going.

The activities I'd like to do - Segway, quad biking, and horse riding are outdoor and obviously not sure of the weather until we get there. Would it be safe to wait until we get there, then book on the day, in case the weather isn't good (and we can plan something else).

Or should I book those activities now, in case there's no spaces left when the time comes, risking the weather?

Also, are we confined to the resort throughout our stay? If not can we come and go as we please, and visit local towns during our stay? Would it be worthwhile/cheaper to eat out at in nearby towns/villages (Warminster/Frome/Salisbury/Bath) instead?

Looking at the price of the various food and essential packs, are ridiculously overpriced, and a trip to the supermarket beforehand will save a bit of money. I expect the restaurants and cafes on site will also be overpriced?

Many thanks for any answers (will also be looking at the other CenterParcs thead on this board too!)

Seanymph

you can come and go as you please - if you don't book then you take your chances.

nickj_2

some of the activities eg horse riding etc are done off site and are separate to CP, i guess the just add a bit on , if you know where you are going you can book direct thru them and save a bit of cash rather than booking with CP

w211

At the moment, I'm keeping an eye on the availability of the activities I'd like to do, and how many spaces are left. If it goes down to the last few/pair, then I'll probably take a chance with the weather and book.

However, as there are plenty of slots, I'm hoping it should be ok just to turn up. Also would it be safe to assume that it's not going to be busy, as it's soon after Christmas, or does everyone else think the same (and people book around the same and the resort ends up being full)?

springdreams

We have just returned from Center Parcs, Longleat.

My son did the quad biking, which was fully booked.

He wanted to do the segways, but we had not booked that in advance, and it was fully booked during the whole time we were there, so he was not able to do that.

The quad biking and segway experience are on site activities.

It is possible to cancel activities, but there is a fee if cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.

w211

That's useful info, thanks. Hope you had a good time!

springdreams

w211 wrote: »

That's useful info, thanks. Hope you had a good time!

We had a lovely time, thank you.

It just seemed to be time to go home way too soon

maryarm

ive been looking at centre parcs for ours hols this year. where do u find the price list for activities? would really like to know what it would cost before i commit.

springdreams

maryarm wrote: »

ive been looking at centre parcs for ours hols this year. where do u find the price list for activities? would really like to know what it would cost before i commit.

I can't seem to find the price without going into my booking.

I suggest that you call CP and ask them to send you the info.

To give you an idea though, the quad biking experience was £45 per person for 1 hour, and the scuba diving was £31 per person also for an hour. Part of the hour is for kitting up, and for the health and safety talk, so the activity is actually less than an hour.

mummypops

Ooh I'm jealous W211, we love Center Parcs, it's a great family holiday with something for everyone.

My thoughts...
I do take food, but for your well deserved night(s) off check the back of the Center Parcs receipts from the bars, shops etc, they generally advertise the BOGOF meal deals from the Sports Caf!.
For the activities, I would recommend booking for anything you are desperate to do or as Seanymph says 'you take your chance'.
For the activity costs, I compared pricing to the same activities (Quad biking, archery, canoeing, Segway, horse riding) local to us in Hampshire and Center Parcs were on a par with this pricing, but I did find the pottery painting very expensive.
Going off site is no problem, the security team are always very helpful, but finding a parking space when you get back can be challenging, or maybe that's just us our bad luck going in the summer holidays!! Saying that Longleat House/Safari is a day out not to be missed.
Have a great time.....

w211

Thanks for your reply.

The BOGOF at the Sports Cafe sounds good value, probably worth staying inside the resort for that (unless anyone knows anywhere else local?)

I've book the chocolate indulgence spa for the Monday - the day were due to leave. I believe you have to leave your accommodation by 10am, but are still free to use the facilities/activities for the rest of the day. Decided to do the spa on Monday, seeing as it's cheaper on the Sat/Sun, and would like to relax before driving back home!

I'm still keeping an eye on the availability on the other activities I'd like to do - planning to book if the availability becomes too low and take the chance with the weather.

Hopefully as I'm going in Jan it won't be too busy.