Woburn or Longleat centre parcs?

[Saynotopineappleonpizza2021]

With a 2yr old and almost 4yr old?

Both very active, we want to cycle lots and go in the pool. Other activities less important so nice walks, play areas etc are the priorities

We live bang in the middle so driving to either is no issue

Bump

We are at Woburn at the moment, I've not been to longleat, but been to elveden and prefer that one, but maybe a little too far for you

Sadly Elveden is too far now, we have been pre children though. What is it you prefer about Elveden if you don't mind me asking?

Longleat is very hilly so not so easy to cycle with younger ones. There's a good land train to get about though.

I’ve been to both. Been going to Longleat since my childhood and LOVE it. It’s huge, a beautiful mature forest, LOADS of play areas so as kids we never did a lot of paid activities but did do a lot of playing outside. As adults now we love it because plenty of room for cycling and running/walking etc.

Went to Woburn a couple of month’s ago with family, including our 3 YO nephew. My immediate thought was that it was MUCH smaller, less activities, and everything was very close together. There wasn’t any point having bikes because it basically took longer to unlock them and get ready than it did to actually cycle to the plaza which was right behind our villa. The layout was very much all the activities in the middle was lodges surrounding.

However, it turned out with a 3YO in tow this was perfect. If we went for a long swim, it didn’t matter that he was tired as it was minutes back to the lodge, easy to get to activities without a big rush etc. It made for a very easy going break, whereas at Longleat if your villa is a long way out you need to put a fair bit of thought into getting about as you can’t just “pop back”.

I liked both, Woburn was beautifully shiny and new. If we go with my in laws again, Woburn would definitely work whilst the kids are small but with my family (late teens and upwards) Longleat is more exciting.

Pretty sure we only found 1 or 2 play areas at Woburn, so maybe you do want Longleat!

I agree with user about Woburn, it's good for little ones but I personally would prefer a bigger one when the kids are a bit older (nb I've never been to Longleat but it sounds good!)

I prefer the area around Longleat and it's bigger with a more mature forest etc. However, Woburn have much nicer lodges IME.

I didn't like Woburn, it's quite small, the lake is tiny, and there are only 2 play areas, one of which is very small.

But then Covid seems to have spoiled Centerparcs anyway this was last august so not sure if things are the same now but, softplay in the sports cafe was closed, swimming slots are a pain in the ass, have to order your food/drinks on an app, really limited menu in sports cafe, no cleaning/toiletries/chalk etc in lodges. I spent the whole time like, but this just isn't centerparcs as we know it.

Swimming seems to be one 3 hour slot per day then after 6 it's a free for all which is fine for us as the kids won't last more than once a day.

Sounds like Longleat may just win it - we don't mind not being able to pop back to the lodge as usually we do a holiday cottage and therefore take everything out when we head out. I think the soft play in the sports cafe may have reopened? Its not showing as closed online does anyone know?

Thank you to all for your opinions

You can message them on Facebook and they're really good at getting back to you

Soft play in the Sports cafe is definitely open, while things like the children’s disco have been suspended indefinitely.

I really like Longleat, but it is very hilly. So I’d be cautious if you’re going to be pulling your DC behind you when they get tired.

Considering the age of your children, i'd definitely vote for Woburn. Longleat is huge and hilly which can be hard for young children.

Hilly is fine, we live in a very hilly place so can stick them in the double pram and get some exercise in

Thanks all for your help we have booked longleat

We have been to Longleat many times. Used to take bikes but due to hills gave up (I’m not the best cyclist) and they ended up feeling more hassle than anything else. Either walked or used the land train

Woburn is much smaller, fine for a weekend but Longleat feels more of an adventure with being bigger. With Longleat it is probably worry paying the extra to stay in a lodge that isn't near a hill. Last time we went to Longleat we were placed at the bottom of a hill and it was a pain. There is the option to hire electric bikes but book in advance as there are limited numbers.

Longleat! Mine love it so much and have been going since they were babies.

The land train is great to hop onto after a long swim session and you can be back home in your cosy lodge quickly when you need to be.

There are lots of CP FB groups with useful info - like buying the smokeless logs from B&M rather than CP!

Longleat is fab - enjoyed several holidays there. Enjoy!!

[feel just a teeny bit jealous]

With the Land Train I know my 2 will love it, can you fit a pram on it too? So if we walked to the pool with the pram and then got the train back? And would it be worth taking a bike lock for the pram maybe?

They recommend bike locks for prams

Thank you ill make sure to get one