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?

In normal (non COVID) times we love it but I think with the one hour a day restriction on the swimming pools for us it definitely would not be worth the price. When we go we spend hours swimming, sometimes going twice a day as we love the pool, it also keeps the cost down on other activities (which can be pricey and add up quickly)

We've booked for early July. We gave the kids 3 options for UK based break and they chose CP. Kids love it, me and dh not so much, but it's all about the kids!

I like the fact that there is hardly any traffic, secure, wildlife, quiet walks and safe for kids to cycle. They have really developed their confidence by doing tree trekking, zip wire etc.

It's very expensive, but I think they do provide good service. It's particularly good for multiple generations. When my mum's dementia was getting worse I went away with my parents and my teenagers in one lodge. The set up was great with something for everyone. Felt luxurious enough that it was a treat. But also a very practical choice. We'd tried to take my mum away to hotels, it was a disaster and definitely not a break for my dad, as primary carer.
It's all very well saying, oh I could go abroad for that price. You could, in theory, but if your loved ones have health or travelling difficulties, then there aren't many options open.
Also CP really were excellent during covid. Full refunds with no quibbles. Great customer service. I'd definitely feel confident about booking again.

Not to me. Went once, I can see why it appeals to some. I wouldn't go again unless I got a great deal.

We like to go out and about on holiday. I like to see scenery and countryside.

The accommodation was great. My toddler, at the time, enjoyed the ducks coming on the patio.

It's an acquired taste.

Although I did enjoy the spa and would like to go back to that.

Yes the spa is wonderful.

Yes definitely if you want an easy break with young children. Not so much if you want to explore/do something different.

It was pricey, but I've just booked us in for August! I've splashed out on a house with a sauna too

I really like it but it’s not worth it if there’s limited access to the pool.

Off peak, yes. During the school holidays when the prices triple, no.

Which activities are good then? I fancy the aerial adventure buts it's £33 per person...

Depends where you live - I was completely perplexed when we were there, we can do high ropes, amazing swimming pool, woodland walks, boating, beach etc within 20 mins of our house, and sleep in our nice comfy beds. So I was just like, what a rip off.
We went with another family who seemed to bloody love it but they live in a different place to us.

@PolarnOPirate

Depends where you live - I was completely perplexed when we were there, we can do high ropes, amazing swimming pool, woodland walks, boating, beach etc within 20 mins of our house, and sleep in our nice comfy beds. So I was just like, what a rip off. We went with another family who seemed to bloody love it but they live in a different place to us.

It was the ‘woodland walks’ that confused me. It really wasn’t woodland.

We went once with the IL's
Found it very expensive to eat out and we only ate out during the evenings. The restaurants weren't great either
The pool at Longleat was fab but that's the only bit I liked.
Activities are v expensive too

Haven/Parkdean are what they are but other places are available. I loved Forest Holidays in the Forest of Dean.
Decide what part of the UK you fancy and work
from there

NO! We book a lodge or van on a holiday park site for cheaper and use the facilities there and do stuff in the local area. CP is a rip off for what you get.

Yes, they are.

It's an institution. Once on site you surrender your car and they make it hard to leave.

I enjoyed it when DD was a toddler. We enjoyed the pool and walks.

It's not worth the money.

I used to clean the lodges and I enjoyed the free day passes and the spa was lovely. Elveden has the best spa. Woburn pool is about half the size of Elveden.

@TheSuezCanalTugBoat you might want to start a separate thread or you will get a lot of people who didn't read the update but otherwise:

Which parc have you booked and how old are the kids? The pool, beach, boats and mini golf are the main thing for us (ages 8 and 5) but high ropes, archery and climbing are also great. Last time we did the treasure trail on our bikes which was cheap and great fun.

We’ve been about 16 times and never Paid a ridiculous price. We took the kids out of school or we were very lucky with regards to our school holidays not coinciding with English ones.

We had a break booked last summer which was cancelled then rebooked for January which was again cancelled. Im not gonna bother going again as we love the pool, freedom and testing there and being limited to using stuff I don’t want to pay. Im more than happy to stay at home for a long time! Ive fallen in love with no visitors and the quietness of home.

Are the restaurants there any good? We are considering taking a Gousto box rather than eating out.

Aside from Hucks it’s chain restaurants like Cafe Rouge and Bella Italia , when we go to CP we use it as a touring base and either eat onsite or when we are out as I don’t do self catering when I’m on holiday except breakfast . I will say that they do cater well for people who are gluten free which is a bonus for us .

No.

Went a couple of years ago. Really don't see the appeal at all.

@TheSuezCanalTugBoat

Are the restaurants there any good? We are considering taking a Gousto box rather than eating out.

No, they're crap

Years ago, Center Parcs were the only places that did lodge-style holidays. Now you find them every where. A lot of caravan parks now have lodge options., and also have pool complexes, entertainment etc. Also, with CP, the only facility that is free is the pool. You have to pay for the other activities which can soon mount up.

There are alternatives such as Forest holidays, or look at the holiday parks and lodge parks on Hoseseasons.

We usually bring some nice treats from home and do a Sainsbury's type shop en route ( none near us so it is a treat in ways), so we have easy but nice food for a lot of the week. Meals that don't need a lot of work. Lots of snacks and nibble-y bits like plenty of cheese and crackers, olives, crisps and dips, I sometimes even buy a bag of carrots already in sticks rather than needing to peel and chop...that sort of thing.

Some dinners that are "throw a few bits in a tray and bake" (chicken thighs, peppers, onion, lemon juice and herbs - served with roast baby potatoes; prawns, tin tomatoes, chilli, onion, peppers,

Its Butlins for 'New Money' people.