Centerparcs in winter?

[Decafflatteplease]

Looking at possibly booking centerparcs for October half term, if we can afford it. We used to go every summer before cost of living crisis but we've never been in autumn and winter.

Has anyone been in both October and summer to compare? I'm worried it will be dark early and while that cosy etc I feel like it might be a waste of money not to be able to use the BBQ etc.

Also will the lake still be open?

Also is October half term Halloween theme there? We don't do Halloween or anything like that so try to avoid anything Halloween themed which is pretty hard!

Looking at whinfell, and it has to be school holidays.

Also if anyone has been recently what time are you allowed to arrive from now it was 4pm last time we went and we could only have 2 swim slots.
Thanks!

I went to CP longleat for October half term 22. We had a lovely time! No BBQ but roasting marshmallows over the fire can't be sniffed at! There are no limits on how many times you can swim anymore, that was brought in due to Covid. You can be on-site from 10am & use all the facilities. The lake was open for pedalos but that was it.

Thanks @Cariebo . I forgot about marshmallows kids would love that. I suppose we can swim every day if it's raining!

Anyone else??

We used to go the first week of January. No bbq. Or lake. But we’d have the fire lit in the lodge and swim every day. Plus a few other activities and always had a great time

We used to go to Longleat in October Half Term, but this was pre-COVID. Loved swimming in the outside pool even when cold outside. I seem to remember there were Halloween trails etc but you could avoid. Think were fireworks over the lake too but not sure they do this anymore

Following with interest as we’ve never been in autumn or winter and haven’t been since covid either! Also considering October half term this year!

We used to go regularly in January. It was lovely, so nice and warm inside, and cosy villas. It looks nice in the dark, the street lighting and the views of the swimming pool/plaza over the lake. And swimming in the dark is great, it sounds different (not sure how!) and the lighting is exciting. Outside pools and rapids in the dark also exciting.

I went in January every year for about ten years. Couldn’t imagine going any other time of year. It was so warm and cosy. I loved swimming at night and we had snow multiple times.

We go the first week of December with family. It’s wonderful. There are lights everywhere, a lovely festive atmosphere and coming back from swimming and warming up in front of a fire is just wonderful. I’ve been to Longleat in the summer and it’s ok, but we’re firm winter visitors.

They do do Halloween activities for children but they’d be easy enough to avoid, I think. They don’t have a Halloween parade or anything. There are a million You Tubers who do CP blogs, so if you have a search for your chosen park at Halloween, it will give you a better idea whether there are any decorations up in the restaurants etc.

Weve decided to go for it booking tonight!

Does anyone know if blue badges can leave the car by the lodge

@Motherhubbardscupboard dark swims sound great! Could take my teens after younger ones are in bed

@Nagado that's a great idea I'll scour YouTube!

So cosy in winter. Do it

There might be specific lodges that have blue badge parking, might be an idea to check

We used to (in the olden days) take kids out of school for DH birthday in November and it was always fab - and very cheap!

Can't afford to go now, at all. 😪School holidays are too expensive for us as a family. We just don't holiday any more. I miss it.

We LOVED Longleat in October. Swimming at night under the stars is just the best thing ever.

We’ve been in January, March, April, July, November and December. Every time of year has been great!

We always went in winter loved it

When it falls right for School holidays we try to go around New Years for a long weekend and it's lovely. Have the fire and the hot tub, hang out in the pool and go for wrapped up walks through the forest then hot chocolate to warm up.