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Original poster

Center Parcs experts! Please impart your wisdom!

39 replies

Daisywho · 26/08/2018 16:43

We’re going to Center Parcs for the first time ever and would love some recommendations. What should we do? What should we pack? Where should we eat?

It will be DH, baby DD and I. I’m really excited! (Can you tell I haven’t been out much since she was born? )

OP posts:

Toocold · 26/08/2018 16:46

When are you going? We’re going on Fri! You’ll need basics later like toilet roll, washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets and milk, bread etc. Dress casually, just jeans or leggings,or something easy to change for the pool. I’ve just ordered a onesie for my little one for when we get out of the pool.

Toocold · 26/08/2018 16:47

Ignore the rogue later!

Toocold · 26/08/2018 16:48

You can get away with the pool, the park and soft play without paying extra with a little one. Sorry more things keep popping into my head!

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Days out

Mammyloveswine · 26/08/2018 17:01

Ah we love center parcs! Went for the first time in Feb with 2 year old and 7 week old baby!

We ate out twice, once on the lunchtime (Bella Italia was quite reasonable) and one tea time at cafe rouge. We stopped off at Aldi in the nearest town and did a big shop. Took umbrella fold stroller for toddler and carried baby in the sling.

We got snowed on and had an extra night for free which was a bonus!

How old will baby be? We went again when baby was 4 months and he loved the pool. He was in a routine then too but even as a new born it was a lovely break!

NellieBee · 26/08/2018 17:05

following

lots33 · 26/08/2018 17:16

Ooh we’re off to longleat on Friday too. Any food recs? We ate at cafe rouge last time and it was rubbish.

We haven’t booked any activities, usually we can’t drag the DC from the pool.

StartingAgain1 · 26/08/2018 17:16

Take loads of bird seed, sunflower seeds and nuts for the wildlife! But don't leave the patio doors open if you aren't in the room as the squirrels will come in.
Take as much food as you can with you, the shop is expensive!
How old is the baby? Mine was 4 months when we went, Everytime we went swimming he fell asleep as the whole area is heated to 29 degrees or something. I hired a cabana, It was very expensive but worth it with the baby cos I had somewhere to sit with him while husband took our other child swimming. Probably not worth booking it if there's only 3 of you though.
The best thing is chilling in the villa feeding the animals!

dyslexicbrian · 26/08/2018 18:08

Aim to arrive for 10am and head straight to the pool. It’s usually at its quietist on change over days. If you’re on a budget take snacks/sandwiches into the swimming area. Don’t book too many activities - otherwise you’ll find that you spend all your time running between one place or another and often things like bowling and badminton can be booked easy enough when you are there. We’ve had some decent and reasonably priced food at Bella Italia. We always take pre-cooked food such as a shepherds pie or lasagne. If you freeze them ready for travel and let them defrost once there you have easy meals and less fuss.

dyslexicbrian · 26/08/2018 18:10

Oh, if you plan do any racket sports, take your own equipment if you have it. It’ll save you a bob or two on hire charges.

Hello1290 · 26/08/2018 18:19

The spa's are very nice. They have lots of different steam rooms a small outdoor pool, sauna et c...The sessions are 3 hrs long - I used to go for the 6-9pm slot as it meant we could do the pool and playground during the day and DH could do bedtime with dc whilst I went for a pamper. The sessions usually book up so look at booking before you go. The same with restaurants - book in advance as they will turn you away if they are fully booked.
Enjoy it - I loved going when dc were younger.

BuckwheatBertha · 26/08/2018 18:26

Definitely do an online supermarket shop to be delivered onsite (we did this at Sherwood and it was fine, not sure if other CPs let you do this) before you go and I would avoid all the food places there, found them all extremely overpriced and distinctly underwhelming if I'm being kind.

Yes to PP who said the Center Parcs shop is also expensive and also it's unlikely you'll need to book many other activities with a baby - although if it's your thing you might want to pre book a spa session/pilates session or whatever (without baby ) so you get it when you want.

Enjoy!

NellieBee · 27/08/2018 21:51

Hmmm, it says on our checking in email you can only use the swimming village from 3pm on day of check in??

Original poster

Daisywho · 28/08/2018 12:07

Thanks so much for these great suggestions, definitely going to make the most of the baby swimming pool, and do an online food shop! Hoping to do lots of walking, DD just wants to be outside all the time so I think she should enjoy pottering around the site. Fingered crossed for a bit of autumnal sunshine!

OP posts:

newnameallround · 28/08/2018 12:17

Take a sharp knife - they are always blunt!
We always eat once at hucks during our stays - my husband loves the hot wings. Take a TV guide, if, like us, you tend to watch box sets. I'm assuming you will be at home in the evening with the baby so you might not know what's on normal tv without a guide!
Yes to a big shop in the local supermarket. There shop inside is fine for a few bits and pieces but can work out expensive if you buy lots.
If you are going to have a log fire buy the logs before hand too. You can get them for a pound but I think the shop is about a fiver per log!

newnameallround · 28/08/2018 12:20

And take a photo of the area of the car park you are in. You dont want to be traipsing round forever looking for it.

Coconutcake0 · 28/08/2018 12:38

Ive been to CP over 15 times and we love it. As others said take basics, and talc! The changing rooms are really humid and trying to put on your jeans after swimming is really difficult!

Popfan · 28/08/2018 12:40

We've just been to Whinfell Forest - it was fantastic! Spent quite a lot on extra activities as our son is 10 but with a baby the pool will be great for her. We just used the shop on site - it's really well stocked and suppose a bit more expensive but not that bad and you are on holiday! We ate at Hucks and Bella Italia which were good (you need to book in advance) and also used the delivery Indian take away service. We had a bbq one night too at the lodge which was great! We were quite far out from the village centre which suited us as it was quiet and we had bikes to get around. With a baby I assume you'll need to walk - don't know how close you are? It is quite nice to walk around though.
You can use facilities from 10 on check in day and for the rest of the day on check out so make the most of that. Hope you have a lovely time!

Popfan · 28/08/2018 12:49

Also, don't know which one you are going to but if Whinfell it is a great location to go out and visit the lakes. We managed to prise our son away from the delights of CP once to go to see one of the waterfalls in an afternoon which was lovely.

AllAtHome · 28/08/2018 12:50

The hot food in the parc market is great for midday snacks when you want to eat 'out', but don’t want to spend too much.

Igottastartthinkingbee · 28/08/2018 12:51

Book yourself into the spa!

SentToTheSynByn · 28/08/2018 12:52

Love CP. I would recommend the spa, the lavender relaxation, the ranger walk (first time this year and was so interesting).

Agree with take badminton rackets and table tennis bats if you play.

We tend to self cater, but if you do eat out you have to book well in advance, so before you even get there.

There is a cafe in the swimming pool, although I've seen people take their own picnic. If budget allows, I'd book a cabana.

Be prepared to walk a lot, or hire bikes with a baby trailer.

Logs, even if the weather is good , board games, dvds.

Bird seed. Carrots for the deer if you are going to eleveden.

Kezzie200 · 28/08/2018 12:57

If you are any sort of budget then eat in. The villas are great.

I make or buy something that's quick for the first night.

Like pizza and bagged salad or spag bol (pasta to cook and make the sauce before and just heat up). Cut fruit and melted chocolate for dessert. We hit the pool, get exhausted, fall back to the villa where cook this fast tea.

if you want starters while waiting for it to cook - the buy some meats and olives etc and have them ready for when you initially get back in.

Kezzie200 · 28/08/2018 12:57

Longleat spa is amazing.

supadupapupascupa · 28/08/2018 13:01

Batteries for the tv remotes. Never seem to work. Washing up liquid and loo rolls essential. Don’t eat out, eat in and take food. Take bird seed. Hire bikes. Boat hire (Sherwood) good value. Early entry £40 worth every penny. Go around 1pm and check your villa, always found it ready. And you avoid the gridlock at the 3 pm. We usually arrive around lunch, go get bikes, amble up to villa to find it’s ready :-)

Coconutcake0 · 28/08/2018 13:04

Oh and the best Pinot i bought was innCP. £5 for a bottle couple of years ago but the market is fab. Love the hot snacks, like sausage rolls and potato wedges.

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