Centre Park Holidays

[mummynumnum]

Was thinking about cp holiday for 5 days in summer. Have dd, who will be 13mths then. Would centre parcs be a good bet? Once you have paid for villa, what else is there to pay for? Are you allowed out(is this one a silly question?) Has anyone been to Whinfeld centre? If so, is it good?

Cor that was alot of questions

[Slubberdegullion]

hello.

To answer your questions:
yes,
lots: food, spa, activities (like all the sports stuff),
yes,(no)
yes,
yes..it's very good. we go every year.

[iota]

TBH I think you would get more out of CP when your dd is older. It's an expensive, not very luxurious place to go if you aren't able to take advantage of the activities and facilities.

[iota]

I'm going later this month with my 5 and 8 yr olds BTW

[PinkChick]

whinfell is faba nd wed love to get there later in year, ovely place and we took dd aged about 16-18 months with us, there are plenty of groups to joinfor LO's) , swimming and softplays areas

[weepootleflump]

I took dd when she was 2 and although we enjoyed it, I still felt she was a bit young to fully appreciate it. Other than the swimming and playpark there wasn't much to do with her. However, it was in winter - it might be different in summer.

[foxinsocks]

if you don't have school age children and can go outside school holidays, then wait for when it's cheaper and go then. Not only will it be quieter, it'll be more pleasant for you all as it won't be overrun with school age children.

[Slubberdegullion]

We first went with dd1 about 18months and dd2 3 months. The world of water (big pool complex) is free, so we always do that in the mornings (lots of baby friendly & v.warm pools). Then lunch and naps etc. Then in the arvo there are several soft play areas, and outdoor play areas etc.
There is a creche if you and dh/dp want to do something sans-dd in the afternoons. Otherwise we do it in shifts so dh will look after the dc while I go to the spa. Then we swap.

We have always found it very child friendly. Although if you go in the summer is will be v expensiveand busy. Whys not go out odf season, much cheaper and fewer 'big kids' about!

[mummynumnum]

Thanks everyone.

it is so hard. we just cant decide where to go with little one. we want to get it right, so it is as stress free as poss. Maybe not possible?

Unfortunately, cant go out of season, as I am a teacher. Would love to-teaching is great for length of hols, but always get stuffed by increase in prices.

[hotbot]

cp is good there is laso a wensire called family frinedly boltholes-- i think ,where the cottages provide all yuo need for a lo

[rookiemum]

New website called www.childfriendlycottages.co.uk, just about to have a good look at it myself, might have some nice places to go. Or we stayed in Wales in a wonderful cottage from Hoseasons called The Apple Store which had a hot tub and was close to lots of fab things to do.

I am just back from Center Parcs Whinfell with DS aged 14mths. He loved the soft play areas, particularly the one in the bowling area but watch out for boisterous older children which would be a pain in the school holidays. he enjoyed the swimming too. However these are both activities that we can do near home and eating out is expensive and unpleasant. The chalets are being updated at the minute and are showing their age, but are perfectly adequate.

Basically if you want a no hassle enjoyable holiday and don't mind paying quite a lot for it then its a good place to go.

[mummynumnum]

Thanks for all the advice. think we are going to book centre parks. Q excited now about prospect.