To want a Center Parcs 'staycation'....

[DuchessofNorks]

....without having to spend a grand for accommodation alone for little more than 4 days?

My parents used to take us to Elveden forest every other year, practically. We always had a really great time and I hold some of my dearest memories from those holidays, even over some of our foreign holidays!

I am looking for a lovely UK holiday this year. For various reasons we cannot leave the country this year so it has to be anywhere in the UK. I want my kids to have the same amazing time I did, but without the ridiculous price tag.

Bluestone and Sandy Balls are out, because their prices seem to have caught up with CP.

We have a budget of £500, not including food and activity budget, and are looking to go on the week of the 30th for 5-7 days.

Can anyone find me the perfect holiday with indoor and outdoor activities, kids entertainment, a beautiful piazza, amazing swimming facilities in the heart of the forest that makes for a memorable family holiday?

I beg you Mumsnet, for all your help and suggestions!

[thatstoast]

For how many and what age kids?

[MissBattleaxe]

30th June?

[VivaLeBeaver]

Kelling heath? See if you can find a static for rent? Some people who own statics there rent them out via eBay or holiday letting sites. Wouldn't say the pool is amazing but I think there's a better public pool with slides nearby.

[knittingdad]

I would suggest Finlake Holiday Park in Devon, because I've done the zip-line/tree adventure stuff with the Chudleigh Rock Centre who are based there a few times, and they are excellent, so much better than the rubbish Go Ape that is everywhere else.

Unfortunately, I can't see any prices on their website so no idea if it is in your budget.

[DuchessofNorks]

Sorry! Yes the 30th June. 2 Adults one 3yr old and one baby (9 months).

knittingdad we had our heart set on Finlake. We looked up the prices last week and they were spot on but it took 4 days to transfer the money from saving. Now the prices have trippled

[hibbledibble]

I'm watching with interest.

[NinkyNonkers]

Could you rent a cottage somewhere? Then use local amenities?

[KenAdams]

Elveden is £529 on your dates www.centerparcs.co.uk/makeabooking/late_availability/index.jsp

[KenAdams]

That's for 4 rather than 5 nights though

[thehumanjam]

Friends like Forest holidays there are a few dotted around the country.

[TwinkieTwinkle]

Try Whitemead Forest Park. It's not a Center Parks but it is beautiful, fun and really well priced.

[TwiceAsNiceAsIceAndaSlice]

Just to say re Bluestone - it is cheaper if you book well in advance. We are having Mon-Fri in a 2 bed detached house in the school summer hols for about £600. Booked last September. The same house for the same week if we booked now is well over £1k.

[DuchessofNorks]

Thank you KenAdams but by the time you factor in travelling, checking in and checking out its more like a 2 day holiday.

£500 is our absolute maximum budget for accommodation, too, so even £29 over would mean giving up activities or food.

[poorbuthappy]

Try Whitemead, good reviews apparently.

[JohnCusacksWife]

I don't think you'll get anywhere of any quality with all those facilities for a week for £500! Think you'll have to up the budget or shorten the break.

[TwinkieTwinkle]

Also, the kids activities at Whitemead are excellent and really quite cheap. Plus there are so many things to do in the surrounding area.

[TwiceAsNiceAsIceAndaSlice]

Just checked again and our Bluestone hol is now £1599

[KenAdams]

OK, which areas can you get to?

[DuchessofNorks]

JohnCusacs I have faith that the perfect, affordable holiday is out there somewhere. Determined emoticon

Whitemead looks perfect! I will give them a call. I really like the Forest of Dean!

[poorbuthappy]

TwinkieTwinkle didn't see your post when I posted!
We're going for the 1st time in August...

[LaurieFairyCake]

For your budget I would rent an apartment or cottage next to the beach somewhere.

All of the holidays in Cornwall and Dorset we have had have been completely memorable - there's nothing like a british beach holiday for rock pooling and games etc.

Yes, memorable in a different way

If you don't fancy that I'm going to suggest something a bit more bonkers - 4 nights in a hotel room in London (a hotel with a pool), all the free museums, the swimming pools at Hampstead and the new swimming pond at Kings cross.

If you don't go into London regularly then Theres just tons for families and more parks than anywhere.
You can get a 4 star hotel for about 120 a night on lastminute.com

[TwinkieTwinkle]

Yaaaaay! Can't recommend it enough. I used to go when I was little and now I take my son.

[TwiceAsNiceAsIceAndaSlice]

Quite a few in your budget on the last minute section of the Whitemead website. Good luck OP.

[TwinkieTwinkle]

poorbuthappy have you asked them to send out the kids activities timetable? If not call them and ask so you can book in advance. Best way to do it.

[ArabellaStrange]

I second Kelling Heath, it is really quite lovely. I don't know about prices though, as it's been a few years since I went.