Center Parcs - what to pack and other tips

[MrsHenryMountbattenWindsor]

Me, DH, DD 5 & DD 3 going to Elveden for 4 nights.

I have scoured the other CP threads but would love some more tips.

Specifically - is the afternoon really the quietest time in the pool? (As suggested in other threads) Or first thing?

Are there decent hair dryers in the pool changing rooms?

What is there for LOs to do in the pool when they're too small for the slide and rapids?

Do people take 'stuff' poolside? Towels, books. Will it get pinched?

Will my wicker bike basket get stolen? DH wants me to leave behind - I need it to put my bag/shopping/cardigan in!!)

Does the kitchen equipment need supplementing (I'd rather not unless really necessary).

Has anyone ever arrived early, got the key to your specifically booked villa and tried your luck before the official villa-arrival time? IYSWIM

What else do I need to know?

[jelliebelly]

We've been to Elveden a few times and love it. Not sure I can answer all your questions!

Pool - We've always found either first thing or late afternoon quietest times But we've never been at peak holiday time. Also fab kids pool area separate to the main slide/Rapids - at 3 and 5 they will happily spend all day in there! Yes people take stuff into poolside never known it to get pinched!

Hair dryers - they are just like hand driers but located higher so you stand underneath them and blast!

Bikes - on the basis that there are lots of people around I'd have thought your basket was quite safe - not sure who would want to steal it? Can you use a bike lock to secure the basket to the bike when you leave it?

Kitchen - never needed to supplement equipment.

Arrival - the gates are locked so you wouldn't be able to get your car/stuff to the lodge early.

Hope that helps!!

[MrsHenryMountbattenWindsor]

Thanks Jellie.

Me and DH have decided not to take our bikes. Apparently Elveden has a big crime problem. Organised gangs stealing locked bikes from villas, even breaking in to the villas to take iPads etc.

I think it might be better than 5 years ago but there's still bikes going missing but every month - 5 in December.

It's such a shame they can't make the place more secure. I know people who have visited the spa as a non-resident then just walked straight in to the village and used the pool without being challenged.

Bit worrying really.

[jelliebelly]

Must admit we've been every year for the last 4/5 years and never known a problem. We live in a city though so are perhaps less trusting than some!

[MrsHenryMountbattenWindsor]

I'm probably very naive. Where we live there's no one here to commit any crimes!

[HeadDreamer]

We went to longleat and there are posters about bike crime. The bike stand makes it impossible to lock the bikes properly. At least according to my MAMIL DH. He would not take his bike there but I would with my bike. It depends on how much yours cost.

I left my iPad in the villa but then mine has a large crack on the screen.

[HeadDreamer]

It felt safer than many places tbh. DH wouldn't leave his bike anywhere but a locked building. His work and our garage.