Anyone done CenterParcs before Christmas?

[fraggle73]

Was thinking about going away just before christmas for a long weekend to Sherwood Forest, either this year if not too expensive or book for next year. Just wanted to know if it was really a Winter Wonderland as they advertise it?

[whomovedmychocolate]

Yes it was lovely really lovely. The santa was nice (expensive though) but you do get a toy and a photo.

The fireworks were amazing. It was snowing when we went which made it even better but they fake snow the driveway etc when it's not apparently. But the lights were great, the anamatronic reindeers etc were funny and the anamatronic polar bear was also great - a real treat for the kids. Lots of prize draws as well. However it IS v busy.

[AnnetteProfit]

yes we went in mid nov
was fine
didnt do any santa shit though

[Yankeecandlequeen]

Yes we go! We've been to the Winter Wonderland about 5 times. We went last year in November to Whinfell during the heavy snow & it was beautiful. The best! The road up there was clear & they had gone to great lengths to ensure the road from the main road to the arrivals lodge & the inner roads were gritted & cleared. I've already booked to go November 2012 xx

We've done the Santa bit & the Panto (its brilliant) but my girls prefer the skating & football to seeing Santa.

[bottlebank]

We went a couple of years ago as a birthday surprise for DS1 as much as anything - I loved it but I love twinkly rubbish. They had 'Bjorn the bear' which my DCs were entranced by. We didn't do Santa but the fireworks were lovely, the littler DCs loved the singing reindeer(!) and I thought the whole thing was very nicely done. Mind you cover pretty much anything with fairy lights and I'll love it.

[midnightexpress]

We've never been but I have a couple of friends who have both told me it's great (Lake Disctrict one).

[lechildrenofthecornsilk]

yes - was lovely but very wet and cold

[onadifferentplanettoday]

We went the year before last and it was lovely. Can't comment on santa as mine too old for that but lights were lovely .Made sure all the xmas shopping was done the week before and arranged groceries to be delivered the day after we got back so really escaped the last few days before xmas madness.
It snowed while we were there and we spent hours walking in the forest in the snow and the lake was frozen so a real winter wonderland. Only problem was that on the last day getting off the car park was a bit of a nightmare not because of the snow but because of all the AA and RAC vans called out to cars that wouldn't start after being left all week in the car park in freezing conditions.

[Yankeecandlequeen]

I remember seeing a few AA/RAC vans too. But DH went down to our car once a day to start it & let it run for a few mins. Usefull tip!

[marssparklesdownonme]

We took DD(3) AND DS (18mnths at the time) to elvedon forest winter wonderland two years ago. It was fantastic,I don't know who enjoyed it more. kids or me and dh. Would love to go again but DD at school now.Got us really into the Christmas spirit.

[fraggle73]

Am i mad if I start booking for next xmas 2012. I can get midweek from the 17th - 21st Dec at Sherwood for £400 in Exec Lodge. I thought that was a good price? My ds will be 4 and my dd will be 2

[lechillycornsilk]

I did that last year! That reminds me that I need to pay....

[fraggle73]

my husband thinks I am bonkers for booking for next xmas! only have to pay deposit now and then pay the rest October 2012. £400 for 4 nights/5 days is a good rate for the week before xmas I thought!

[fraggle73]

was it worth booking early for Nov 2012

[Yankeecandlequeen]

Its always worth booking early cos if the price does below what you paid, they will refund you the difference. x

Oh and you can pay your balance in installments now instead of a deposit & the final balance. I pay for my November 2012 break at £20 a month till about July. 1 less payment for my Cedit Card!!

[stressheaderic]

I'm thinking of a weekend at Whinfell Forest on 16th December, so pleased to read positive reviews here as we've never done Center Parcs before.
It's only £229 on the bog standard 'original style executive' accommodation - will it be really basic and Pontins-esque?

[Yankeecandlequeen]

Definately not Pontins style!!!! I've stayed in the proper "bog standard" comfort lodges & they really are nice. Go on book it!!

[Yankeecandlequeen]

Oh & if you can book the exact lodge - incase they send you to the furthest lodge they possible can! if you have very young kids this can sometimes be a PITA and tough on the person who has to walk to the carpark in the dark to get the car & return after parking, esp when you haven't been before & don't know your bearings! Where are lodges based...which area?