Is Centerparcs worth the money?

[TheSuezCanalTugBoat]

I've never been, but given that we can't go abroad this year, it looks like a good option.

However, it looks pretty pricey, is it worth it?

If not, is there anywhere similar that's cheaper?

Are you taking DC? If so, what ages? We went each year when DC were between 8 and 12ish and it was fab. I generally booked a morning and an afternoon activity and mixed up expensive activities (laser shooting, etc) with cheap activities (badminton, short mat bowling - weirdly quite the hit!) The pool is free and you can self cater. So not cheap (but no UK holidays really are) but you can keep costs down. We went once when DS1 was a baby and waaay less fun!

Bluestone, Forest Holidays, Butlins, they’re even quite similar in a lot of ways to many caravan/holiday parks! Each slightly different in terms of demographic it attracts, but it’s a similar concept. Whether you think they’re worth the money is entirely subjective. But nothing this year is cheap and availability is very limited.

I would say we have had outstanding service from CP over the covid period, with rescheduling twice and eventually a total refund without a quibble under their covid guarantee. They have adjusted their prices for this summer for the reduced vat, passing that reduction on to the customer. I’ve never had a problem on a trip there, we’ve enjoyed it and the kids had fun. But I don’t mind haemorrhaging money for a few days, we can afford it - if you don’t want to spend a lot when you’re there, given the restricted pool time at the moment, you might be spending a lot of time in the lodge or walking/cycling outside. Almost all the activities are expensive (£36 for a family of four to go bowling for an hour for example) and anything you buy will be at a premium.

I love it for Toddlers. Everything is set up for them. It makes it stress free, we've been 4 times in the past two years.

No I was spectacularly unimpressed for the cost.

I’ve been several times over the years. It’s expensive, the cabins are ok, kids love it and the pools are great. The food places are expensive too, as is the supermarket. We always took a big food shop and some pre prepared meals. But the pools are now very limited to I believe an hour a day and you have to book a slot.

It is good, but it’s wildly expensive. We’ve had a good time particularly because our kids want to spend most of their time in the pool, but it’s not really good value for money especially if you’re going to pay for extra activities.

Definitely not worth the money. I’d rather stay at Haven and spend the money doing stuff in the surrounding areas, cycling etc.

It can halve the cost if you share accommodation with family or friends. I think it's better than other lodge or caravan parks I've been to.

If we couldn’t spend much time in the pool I definitely wouldn’t go.

We have had some great holidays at CP & Butlins, but they are totally different resorts IMHO. The pool at CP is amazing, activities & restaurants are expensive and most need to be pre booked to ensure you get a slot. CP is expensive, but worth it.

We've been with DS since he was a toddler and he absolutely loves it particularly as a young teen when he and his pal were old enough to use the swimming pool by themselves and the complex feels safe as enclosed.

But unless you're just planning to go swimming- and currently I believe its two two hour sessions per visit only - then other activities are expensive and book up fast. Spa at Whinfell for adults is wonderful though and a bargain compared to what you'd pay to use similar in a hotel.

We went last year and absolutely loved it (even though half of it was closed!), have booked to go again this summer.

The price seems a bit more reasonable if you’re going with a group. We go with my parents and Sister/BIL so split it 3 ways and it’s not too bad.

You’ll need to factor in additional money for food and activities as the cost only really covers your accommodation and the pool.

Nope. Unless you go off peak and then maybe.

Oh yeah, we’ve been going off peak which is maybe why I don’t think of it as expensive 🤦‍♀️

No

It's such a pity that overseas is unlikely this year as I'd recommend the Dutch or Belgian Centerparcs, op. About two thirds of the UK price even with travel factored in. We had a fantastic time the four times we went. Perhaps consider for future years if you want the same thing on a budget.

@marmitecake

It's such a pity that overseas is unlikely this year as I'd recommend the Dutch or Belgian Centerparcs, op. About two thirds of the UK price even with travel factored in. We had a fantastic time the four times we went. Perhaps consider for future years if you want the same thing on a budget.

Second this. Costs a fraction of the UK price. We've been both by ferry and Eurotunnel and bought the tickets using Tesco vouchers so that cost nothing.

No. Not worth it in my opinion.
Had a good time but it's very expensive for what it is.
Could you go with other people to make the accommodation cheaper pp?

Oh we had a great time in October half term. Kids very happy with just a couple of the expensive things ( zip line/ tree adventure). Pool and bike rides free. The staff were exceptionally lovely and friendly and I thought it was quite good value all things considered. It’s a holiday for the kids really, made sure we had a nice bottle of wine in the fridge for the evenings for us

I didn't think it was worth it, no. Accommodation was dirty, not much open space on the site, playgrounds and pool all heaving.

What I disliked most of all was how hard they make it for you to leave the site. We like to use our accommodation as a base for exploring the area and this is deliberately made difficult by not being able to park by your Lodge.

We have had much better holidays for much less £££ at Haven and similar places.

We think it's worth it - we are going twice this year. It's makes such an easy holiday and the kids absolutely adore every minute, but adults like it too. Last year we couldn't get into CP and went to Butlins instead. It was cheaper, the kids liked it almost as much - but the adults hated it.

I think you have to be an 'outdoorsy' family to enjoy it, we take our bikes, we swim, row, we do some of the activities. We love the cabins, we love eating in the restaurants. The lack of traffic on site suits us. Basically we are a CP family :)

I've been going there at least twice a year for 28 years. I absolutely love it. I took my children , and now go with my adult children and grandchildren.
I agree that it's expensive, however the expense does mean that its much less likely to attract the type of people you don't want to encounter on your family holiday.
Now my children are adults and have partners/ children, we need 3 villas.
We take masses of food and meal plan well.
Although eating out is expensive, I didn't find the Parc Market to be so.
We take packed lunches out and about with us, and often drive off the Parc to either eat out, or get a takeaway.

I noticed at the weekend that 3 of the Parcs are very booked up for this year though, with prices higher than I have ever seen them, so best get a move on if you are going to book.

Our booking for early June they have confirmed will go ahead, but they said they can't guarantee the pool will be open. So regretfully we have decided to cancel.

I have a feeling that if the pool isn't open the Aqua Sana won't be either, and that's one of the best bits of the holiday for me.

MegBussett you can pay extra to park near your lodge

@Furrybutts AquaSana is actually already confirmed to open - it's because swimming pools are technically allowed to open from 12th April but water parks aren't and their main pool counts as a water park.

If you wanted to you could wait for the announcement in May (re the pool) before cancelling your holiday; they will still let you cancel with a full refund.

Not any more.

Like a pp we've been going for the last 30 odd years and we used to go yearly whilst the kids were all at home.

However, they've got more and more expensive and less and less value for money, particularly if you have to go in school holidays which we do.

Sadly, we've not been for the last 3 or 4 years and probably won't go back again. They've priced themselves out of it being worth it and we just felt blatantly ripped off the last couple of times.