Center parks - a bit tacky?

It really isn't tacky compared to Butlins! Have you ever set foot in Butlins or Haven OP?

I think it's not a place I would choose for myself as an adult but when we had children it was brilliant. The ability to go somewhere in the UK in winter where you know there's lots to do indoors or under glass isn't replicated anywhere else. My kids adored it from age 1 to 21.
I don't think the cost is outrageous compared to other accommodation in the UK if you price it per person and consider you have a pool included. The restaurants are chain quality not foody, so you know what to expect.

I've been to several in the Netherlands and I didn't find them any better in fact definitely shabbier and definitely less MC.

With a few ‘easy’ options like Franca Manca or even Wagamamas

These are just todays Cafe rouge & Bella Italia though (& I love Waga)

It’s just an overpriced coffee shop! It’s not FOR any particular class. Why do you think ‘the middle classes’ dare not enter?!

@ShesTheAlbatross the most middle class person I know loves a caramel frappuccino!

Tried to go to France last year but they turned me around at the border as I wasn’t middle class enough.
Ces’t la vie.

@Missmarplesknittingbuddy but how do you identify people who think it's for the middle classes?

MN is so funny. “No one middle class would ever go to Starbucks”. It’s just obviously not the case.

We went as the millennium turned. It wasn't our cup of tea and felt like a middle class ghetto full of contrived outdoor loving. The accommodation was basic and the food outlets were pedestrian. All worthy leisure comprising cycling, torches in the dark on the way back and child centric activities that weren't that great. Worthy rather than fun and I think we made the best of it whilst the rain lashed down.

So why don't they have a nice pizza place and a pho place.

Because it's a business & they currently have a tie in with a hospitality group that manages the majority of its restaurants.

They aren't going to have different restaurants in different locations, it's not a boutique operation!

Love Premier Inn…

Exactly , which is why I included the word " personally " in my statement.

I don't think CP is for you. Leave the rest of us to enjoy an overpriced pint while the kids play in the playground and go to France for the true MC experience.

I enjoy both Center Parcs and Butlins

OP, do book a trip to Butlins next. The buffet is second to none and the fresh bread and coffee, to die for!

I much prefer Starbucks to Pret and Gail’s… class does not dictate everything, clearly!

Definitely!!! 🤣🤣

Mmm.. I think drinking a Starbucks, makes you a member of the
“ underclass” personally 🤣🤣

When I’m on chemo. I drink M&S cappuccino. But, when they’ve run out of milk ( hospital cafe) I go to hospital Starbucks too. Now I’m confused!! 😆

please go to actual butlins and then decide, you’ll get to immerse yourself in a whole different culture as well 😂

To the posters scoffing about middles classes not going to Starbucks, tbh they don’t! Outside of the centre parcs bubble it would be an independent (or Gail’s, or even a pret).

But you are aware that Gail's and Prets aren't everywhere and (brace yourself) some people just like what Starbucks offer?

I completely agree about the food options. It’s all a bit premier inn.

To the posters scoffing about middles classes not going to Starbucks, tbh they don’t! Outside of the centre parcs bubble it would be an independent (or Gail’s, or even a pret).

Similarly I would choose to go to cafe rouge.

It would do a lot better with some independent, farm shop based type offerings - fresh breads, good produce, locally sourced simple food.

With a few ‘easy’ options like Franca Manca or even Wagamamas.

This thread is hilarious. I’ve never been to Centre Parks and it doesn’t especially appeal to me (I can afford it but it strikes me as hugely overpriced) . But I do go to Starbucks. I think this either definitely makes me middle class or definitely makes me not middle class. I’m having a personality crises now. Am I middle class?? Someone please tell me!

Worth mentioning that if any holidaymakers have a dislike of dogs then they'd have that in common with the company and enjoy that part, since apparently Center Parcs dislikes dogs too!

As soon as the dog steps outside the lodge it must be leashed, even on its own patio and they are not allowed in any indoor areas or restaurants or cafés at all. Not a single one.

Shit holiday for the dog, to spend a week tied up and word of warning to anyone thinking of going with theirs!

We go to Woburn yearly and the food isn’t inedible and I am fussy but agree about the pancake house (loved it as a child), we weren’t keen so haven’t been back to that restaurant.

CPs clearly isn’t for you but plenty of families enjoy it. We usually stay Monday to Friday and that is enough for us.

Not sure about tacky, but everything on site is shockingly overpriced.