To want a Center Parcs 'staycation'....

[DuchessofNorks]

....without having to spend a grand for accommodation alone for little more than 4 days?

My parents used to take us to Elveden forest every other year, practically. We always had a really great time and I hold some of my dearest memories from those holidays, even over some of our foreign holidays!

I am looking for a lovely UK holiday this year. For various reasons we cannot leave the country this year so it has to be anywhere in the UK. I want my kids to have the same amazing time I did, but without the ridiculous price tag.

Bluestone and Sandy Balls are out, because their prices seem to have caught up with CP.

We have a budget of £500, not including food and activity budget, and are looking to go on the week of the 30th for 5-7 days.

Can anyone find me the perfect holiday with indoor and outdoor activities, kids entertainment, a beautiful piazza, amazing swimming facilities in the heart of the forest that makes for a memorable family holiday?

I beg you Mumsnet, for all your help and suggestions!

Went here last year and was fab. Booked out for your week but looks free week after if you can be flexible?

Www.cottageguide.co.uk/thetrianglehouse

Have you considered Haven? Ok, it's not Centerparcs, but we always found that there was loads to do there when our children were those ages. You can get a Mon-Fri break at Devon Cliffs (Exmouth) from 29th June-3rd July, staying in a 'retreat', which is their second from top grade of accommodation, for £488.75. They've got indoor and outdoor pools with slides, all the usual daytime and evening entertainment and it's right by the beach. Lots of lovely places to visit nearby. It's not in a forest, but other MNers might know if any other Haven sites are. We used to go at that time of year before DS1 started school and it was just right - busy enough to have plenty going on, but not so busy you couldn't move in the pool or club.

A third vote for Kelling heath here! Actually, for outdoor walks (ie, free activity fun!) It was better than cp. Pool OK, its never going to beat cp for the amazing factor, but take inflatable toys and its going to be as much fun. I really think its about the most centre park's youre going to get without going to cp!

Come 30th June, Scottish school holidays have begun, which will shove the prices RIGHT up. Can you not look at a fortnight earlier? Even a week earlier might make a big difference.

Was just about to say the same thing, lottie!

I think Whitemead might be the winner here. Husband is on the case and booking for us now

It looks absolutely perfect and is well within our price range, including Joining the CSMA club and getting members rates AND booking a Hamper.

Thank you so much

YABU for calling a holiday a staycation

Yeah, when you join the CSMA the price is excellent. Wee tip: there's a wee pub just round the corner that does and amazing Sunday roast. You can actually get to it through the woods at the bottom of the park.

I want to go back now....

00100001 I know... I hate the term myself, but it sure does drag people into the thread

I posted a thread over Easter about CP / Bluestone prices compared to a seaside cottage holiday. If you can up your budget just slightly you can prob find something without all the onsite stuff but with the seaside to make up for it. We are getting our week for £500 in the summer hols as we are returning to a place we've been before and booked directly through the owner.

Twinkle Thanks for the tip. We are almost certainly going to explore the area while we are there, too.

When are you going?

I was down at Easter. Might book for first week of August. DS really loves it, such a lovely place.

Not as classy but what about Pontins? I haven't been but several friends have. Or Haven?

I would most certainly go for a self catering or caravan near the beach.

While there's lots of other great places for your budget, just to say when we did a 3 night at CPs, we arrived early enough to do things on that first afternoon, and on the last day you need to be out of your lodge in the morning, but can continue to use the facilities, I believe we left after having a toddler tea around 5ish, so your 4 night break would be more like 4 days if you can travel early/late.

Agree about trying to go a week or two earlier before the scottish schools have broken up!

Would the YHA, be of any interest to you?

Op, can I ask where you have booked? The website? I'm looking for a holiday for 2 adults and 2 children and never been here, it looks ideal. I'd be grateful if you could let me know the resort you've booked