Centre Parcs with a 4 year old

[Daisymae23]

I’ve spent quite a lot of time on the centre parcs website and there is just too much info so hoping some people on here might have some tips!

was hoping to do a fun trip with dc 4 before school and having to go in holidays. Hoping late March before Easter holidays.

my questions -— if we are going outside of school holidays, are the resorts still fully functioning? Do they have all of the catering and activity options as during school holidays?
are they all pretty much the same - I believe some are newer than others so any recommendations? I was looking at potentially the one near longleat?
there seems to be quite a change in prices between some of the accommodation options but they all seem very similar. Am I missing something?

Everything runs as normal during term time - so definitely take advantage while you get the cheaper prices. I’ve only stayed in a two bed executive - has an extra bathroom, a jet bath and maybe a coffee machine, but otherwise think very similar to a standard two-bed lodge.

have only been to Woburn, which we found great for preschoolers.

It's the same whenever you go, but likely to be quieter outwith school holidays.

I would just go to whichever one is closest to you.

Accommodation wise the price depends on size. Facilities eg hot tub or spa, location, distance to village.

Thanks - we did an all inclusive when he was 2 and all the kids facilities were closed outside of holidays so wondered if that was the same for CP.

will have a look at Woburn

I’ve only ever been to Sherwood, been going since I was child and love it. Free swimming, parks and a beach on the lake, lovely walks. Parcmart is expensive but ok for bits and bobs. Starbucks and restaurants and activities you can book.

We’re going to Elveden in Easter half term as our school holidays are different so got it cheaper and can’t wait to see if it’s any different.

I’ve only ever stayed in basic accommodation, depending who I’m with it’s been a studio, 2 bed and 3 bed. Only been once in term time.
I love it there and my adult dc and dgc have had several fabulous holidays there.
Post Covid, pool was booked for two hour slots but that may not be the case now. Two hours was fine for us but some people go for much longer and buy food and drinks poolside.
Lots of outdoor play areas and small soft play at some of the eateries. Depending which parc you might see muntjac deer, rabbits, stoats, lots of birds.
The parc market is a bit pricey but I always take butter and wine - though tbf the wine isn’t extortionate and a fair range for those fussier than me.
If you want a guide/nanny I am available.

There are some quite active Facebook pages which will be useful for info e.g the Sherwood page

The only difference is some of the activities - like mermaid swimming we found only happened on certain holidays and obviously seasonal stuff, Halloween and Christmas start on specific dates. The rest is fully open and you will have a lovely time.

We go to Longleat - I'd book a lodge as close as you can to the swimming pool plaza as easy to pop home if your LO needs a break.

Thanks! That’s a great tip!

Longleat is our fave but it’s very big and hilly, so not as bike friendly, though there’s a land train to get about which is only at this location - big plus if your dc likes trains (though pulled by a Land Rover!) the play parks there are the best and so is the pool, Woburn is newer but a lot smaller, we don’t like the pool there much.

its priced to be at highest capacity as most of the money is made when you are there, so it won’t be quiet and activities (particularly those aimed at preschoolers) will all be available. This is why it’s so cheap vs school hols but very good value term time.

I have the same 😭

This stuff has definitely helped. I'm hoping with a few more applications it will get rid of them 🤞

I'm also using sticky traps but they're disgusting and I feel sorry for the poor flies 😔

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Sorry - wrong thread!