Center Parcs novice - activities

[EnglishTeeth]

I'm thinking of booking a Center Parcs holiday for me, DH, DS (2.4 at the moment) and step son and his girlfriend (both 19). I've never been before - could I ask two probably very silly questions? First, how much (roughly) extra do the activities that you have to book cost? Is it just using the pool that's part of the main price? Also, once you're there can you take the car out again (if you wanted to go for a day out)?

We're thinking of going to the Sherwood Forest one, prob in April next year as there's a 15% discount if you have children under 5. Just read that back and it's three questions, oops.

Really appreciate any info. Thanks

[munchkinmum]

Hi, we have been to CP once - loved it but didn't do any extra paid for activities as they were too expensive. It was lovely weather so it didn't matter - we had a fantastic time!

I would urge you to check out the prices and sort an itinary first - so you know how much you want to spend.

Have fun!

P.S. The pools are fabulous!

[cktwo]

We're off to CP Whinfell for the second time this year with DD1 (nearly 3) and DD2 (10 months) in 2 weeks. The pool is included in the price and as my children are young the only activites we'll be paying for on top of the pool is for pony rides. For the kids they cost £16 for 30 minute ride.

I also ride and the adult treks are £30 for an hour. I found that to be a similar price to other trekking places I have used around the country so I didn't think it was over-inflated.

The pool and the other free activities (playgrounds/soft play areas/feeding ducks etc) keep my lot entertained.

And yes, we have takn the car out for days out. Its no hassle.

I have an activity brochure here so if theres something you're really interested in doing I can look up the price for you.

[Racers]

Hi, also just been the once (Whinfell). Did a couple of toddler activities but they were pricy for what they were (£5 for half an hour, but never quite lasted half an hour, etc).
I think it's hard to work out what you might want to do until you actually book and get the full leaflet through.
Yes, you can take the car out and return, it's just the main site which is out of bounds (and strictly adhered to, I think, unlike in Holland at a CP we went to it was a farce, cars everywhere all the time )

[debbiewebweb]

We've been to CP quite a few times since dd1 born 5.5 years ago, in fact just got back today from sherwood. Would suggest you don't really need to book many extra activities, I find extra's for the little ones are pretty limited to what you would be doing at toddler groups anyway (messy play / singsongs etc and they are as already said about £5). We spend most of our time enjoying the pool or enjoying some refreshments while the kids play in the play area, perhaps an activity such as horse riding or bowling (£19 for 45 minutes incl 4 people and shoe hire) all interspersed with walking / cycling. If you would put your son into the childcare then you 4 could enjoy lots of different thingfs such as badminton £7 per court for 45mins, archery approx £15 each for 50mins or absailing at £18 for 2 hour.

[MrsThierryHenry]

Can I join in this discussion? My DH and I are thinking of going to Longleat CP with our 12-month old, and would love to know:

(1) Do you have to pay for childcare for under 3's
(2) Does anyone have a rough idea how much the classes/ sports/ spa sessions cost? Or is it all detailed in the brochure, in which case I'll order one? It seems odd that they haven't got all the prices listed online if they have them in the brochure.

Cheers!

[Fizzylemonade]

Am a bit late coming onto this thread, My name is Fizzy and I am a Center Parc aholic. We have been about 6 times in the last 3 years, Whinfell, Sherwood and did Elvden for the first time in Oct.

I love CPs, I enjoy the pool, cycling, walking, exploring etc. I have 4.5yr old and 18 month old. We rarely book activities just go with the flow. We did book horse riding for 4.5 yr old, cost £14. Have done "messy play for busy bees" where our then 2 yr old got to play with plastic animals in spaghetti, jelly, beans, paint, etc and I think that was 45 mins and about £5.

In reverse order -MrsThierryHenry - the brochure you get with all the different activities and times they are on is only sent to you after you have booked and between 2-4 weeks before you go!!! But to answer your questions, yes you pay for childcare if you wish to put them in a creche facility. The sessions are either 2 hours or 3 hours (they have specific slots) but you do get a discount if you also book the spa at the same time.

I have just recycled my planning guide grrrr so can't give you exact prices. But I do know that the spa for the 3 hour world of spa (14 different experiences including swimming pool filled with aromatherapy oils, jacuzzi, sensory showers -imagine "tropical rain" that starts as a rain fall would, the enclosure lights up orange and the smell of orange blossom surrounds you, or you can be a bit crazy and go for cold mist with a minty smell foot spas, and then steam rooms all with different heat/humidity and smells) this is £32 per person approx.

A 12 month old wouldn't be able to do many activities but there are loads of soft play areas in the restaurants, swimming pool has family changing and caters well for babies and toddlers, they even have their own pools.

The activities I think are reasonably priced, you can make it as cheap or exensive as you want, eating in instead of out, hire bikes or take your own - we always hire them as we get a bike with a trailer on the back to haul the kids round.

If you ring them they are really helpful and would give you prices and answer your questions. Accomodation is really improving.

EnglishTeeth - we always hire an exclusive (?) villa which means each bedroom has its own en-suite (we do it to get 2 toilets as DS1 can't hold it in for long) might be nicer for your 19 year olds.

[andyrobo237]

We are going at the weekend!! The childcare for the little ones (we have never used it, but friends have and say it is fab!) - is £5 per hour, but you can only book a morning 3 hour session, a lunchtime two hour session and a 3 hour afternoon session, as someone else said - if you book it with a spa break you get a cheaper price for the two activities (would prob cost £70 for the couple and the kids!!!)

Activities for sports, etc are between £5 and £10 per person for footie, squash, badminton, fitness classes and the gym - you can get a gum pass for the weekend for a good rate which allows you unlimited access.

Be warned though that the food and drinks are really expensive - coffee for four sets you back about £15! The supermarket is fairly reasonable (depends what you compare it to) and is well stocked, but we usually get the basics locally and take with us, and just top up with treats or extra bread, etc!

Any questions - ask before friday and I cam find out at the weekend!