not to understand why you would choose to pay 5x more for a Bluestone / Center Parcs time holiday?

[LapsedTwentysomething]

We've done both over the last couple of years with small DCs, although I had the advantage of being PT / on maternity leave, and DD hadn't started school, so I have been on that kind of holiday.

We're enjoying the loveliest family break at the seaside, and a whole week has cost us £250 for accommodation every bit as Good as Bluestone - better, in fact, as it's quiet and we have a private garden and are on a farm. Granted we'be had the benefit of fantastic weather, but if we hadn't we could've done the same sorts of indoor activities as at a resort and paid less for them. I remember paying £6 for a short and pretty lame kite making session at Bluestone and similar for half an hour or so of messy play at CP. Why?! We'll never bother again.

Just makes me cross that resort holidays are so extortionately priced - nearly 6 x more for Bluestone for the same week, and more for Center Parcs. Independent hols are so much better value.

Thank you so much!

we only go to CP in term time - January or October usually - it has never cost more than £250 for 2 adults + 3/4/5 children depending on who we are taking. It isn't my idea of heaven but the dc love it & it is far less work for me than other other holidays (seaside camping).

Arya we'll be there at the same time so I'll be playing spot the MNer :o

Arya and Harry how do you travel there? Quite tempted but concerned about the hassle factor!

In our case, because it is tried and tested, and we have always had a great time, and a very peaceful time.

We also enjoy camping, but it is a different kind of break.

We are going to CP in Holland (Het Meerdal) for a mid week break during the last week in August, 3 adults 2 children in a premium cottage for less than £500. Apparently the Dutch go back to school that week so it is much cheaper than previous weeks, obviously there is the ferry crossing to add, about £85, and the petrol, but I don't consider that a bad price. We are looking forward to using the pool a lot and letting the children explore freely.
As a bit of a bonus there is a theme park close by, Toverland, and CP has a ticket that gets you in everyday of your stay.

We are in West Wales. You can PM me if you like, a few have. Term time for us is out of the question as I'm a teacher, and added to that, DH gets minimal holiday. I will have a look at the link to CP Belgium though, and the talk of water parks has made me think.of something like a day at Alton Towers water thing, which gets good reviews. The DCs are probably a bit young to enjoy it yet, though.

Someone asked me to define a lovely holiday. Well, coastal (the closest beach to here has a stream running through it so it's a really lovely way for DS (2) to get familiar with the sea but still have some independence. He has sat digging little channels for hours, as well as paddling in warmer rock pools. There's the mother of all ice cream parlour which also serves the best pecan toffee tart that DH has ever had (he's a fussy bugger), a couple of pubs, fish n chips and a shop.

Close by is a Wildlife Trust reserve which is fabulous. Today we went to watch Home at a fab indy cinema that serves decent coffee and wine (cost £26 for a family of four, less than a multiplex) then for a swim in the heated toddler pool at the local leisure centre (no Center Parcs by any stretch, but fine). There's soft play quite close by, but we haven't needed it. It's been truly fab.

Also the accommodation is 4*, so perfectly good.

Going on holiday with little ones very different to when they are bigger. We went to Erpeheide a Belgium CP a couple of years ago. I expected to hate it but actually it was good and a holiday for all of us. This year we are going to one in Holland near Amsterdam and will spend a bit of time in Amsterdam.

Put DS and DD in a cottage near a beach and there will be such a wailing and gnashing of teeth that I will lose it and we would come straight home. Years ago something like that was lovely and I couldn't see the point of CPs but I totally get it now.

Yes I'm seeing that now. Hoping that these two will be like my younger brothers and always like a seaside, surfy holiday.

peepants we're taking the Channel Tunnel and then driving - it's about 2.5 hours from Calais.

Your cottage sounds lovely, OP.
I'm also interested in the European centreparcs. Are they to similar standard, with outdoor heated pools and several restaurants on site?

Peepants, as AndHarry said it takes about 2.5 hours to get to de Vossemeren from the shuttle. It's dual carriageway nearly all the way. We use the satnav on DH's phone to navigate - v easy. It noramlly takes us a bit longer as we have all the bikes on the roof.

Summergarden the European CP have very similar facilities to the UK ones. Most have a big dome with slides and rapids (some of the v small parks don't). Some (like de Vossemeren) have other huge indoor play areas. De Vossemeren has a pirate themed one with a beach, stepping stones, a huge pirate ship climbing thing and high ropes. it also has a bar for the adults to buy beer! Best of all, you don't have to pay extra to get in!

Eating out is pretty similar, although no recognisable UK franchises.

The cottages have slightly different spec levels, and don't have an oven (just a hob and microwave).

Some of the parks have kids themed cottages with their own playrooms and outdoor play areas.

Would advise those going to Dutch CP in August to take plenty of insect repellent - the little (and not so little!) buggers bite - esp August through October!

BUGS - the word I used was BUGS!

Thanks SomewhereIBelong, we are in Rome in June and they have Tiger Mosquitos, which apparently is a thing! so I will be testing the effectiveness of bug deterrents on my husband. We will definitely go fully equipped to deal with the little "buggers"