To want something like Center Parcs but without the verrucas and the damp?

[OrangeSamphire]

We are looking for a short break in the Spring. Really as a birthday get away for DS who is unable to walk or talk and we struggle to buy presents for. He loves warm swimming pools, walks in the woods and animals, so... Looked at Center Parcs Longleat as it's about 2 hrs north of where we live.

Seemed to tick a lot of boxes - wheelchair accessible walks and a warm pool for 5yr old, tree top and climbing wall activities for my 8yr old. Spa. Close to Longleat for the wildlife/animal stuff.

So far so good.

But. I just cannot abide crapness. If I knew that for the £600 odd we'd get even Premier Inn standard accommodation for the long weekend, I'd tolerate that. But I've read so much about damp lodges, filthy swimming changing, terrible food etc, I am reluctant to book.

Anyone know of anywhere similar that will keep the whole family happy and entertained for a long weekend where quality is a bit more consistent? Ideally no more than a 3hr drive from east Cornwall.

[TheLesserWeevil]

Be aware that Longleat CP is very hilly! The disabled access lodges are at the top of the site near the swimming pool and restaurants. The lake and sports hall are at the bottom of the site, accessible by a little train that tours the site or a very, very long ramp!!

[Princessgenie]

We go to CP at Sherwood loads and it's awesome. Accommodation always been clean and the pool fabulous.
This last time one of the rooms smelt damp and musty and they could not have done more to help. Sent a team of cleaners in; dehumidifier and then refunded a chunk of the stay too.

[SaveYourTearsForYourPillow]

When you book at centre parcs it should tell you whether the accommodation has been refurbed or not. If you can't make it out on the website ring up to book. They are very helpful.

[BikeRunSki]

The Manor in Okehampton, Devon, often gets mentioned on these type of threads and sounds like it might be closer to you.

[TheLesserWeevil]

I expected to hate it the first time we went, but was pleasantly surprised . We were living in grotty military quarters at the time and I would seriously have moved into our CP lodge, if someone had let me!

[OrangeSamphire]

I'm not so worried about hills as we're well used to them living in Cornwall! I'm wondering whether the extra hour up the motorway to Woburn might be worth it since it's newer?

[Schmoozer]

Check out forest holiday lodges
Great accommodation

[SandysMam]

Sandy Balls was lovely in every respect apart from the swimming pool which was awful! Stank of wee, definitely verucca territory and horrible and damp. Such a shame as the rest of the park plus the location was fab!

[SaveYourTearsForYourPillow]

From personal experience, Woburn isn't as good as longleat. Pool much smaller and doesn't feel as forestry.

[carrie74]

We go to Longleat most years (in fact, we're off in 2 weeks', it was kind of DS' Xmas present as he loves it so much). I've never had a damp lodge or verruca! Or any issue really. 2 years ago we booked v last minute (day before travel), and got a basic non-refurbished lodge,which was a mild disappointment, but it was still fine. I think the quality of the lodges is relatively high, compared to say a gite in France, I think all the lodges at CP Longleat have now been refurbed anyway. I'd look to book close to the Plazain your shoes.

The food is chain restaurant food: Las Iguanas, Cafe Rouge etc, so no, not the best, but certainly decent enough (and I'm always absolutely RAVENOUS after we've been in the pool, and will devour everything in sight).

I would class myself as fairly fussy when it comes to holidays, and tend to do CP as it's only 45 mins from home, and the kids have an amazing time. It feels v wholesome, so much outdoor time.

[OrangeSamphire]

Oh that's interesting about the pool at Woburn. I was seduced by the spa but since this is really for DS I should prioritise the pool!

I can live with Las Iguanas type stuff for a few days.

[HubbleBubbles]

Oh I love centre parcs! I'm here right now in fact just back from the Spa (xmas present to myself) , it was amazing...I feel soooo relaxed. Book it OP!

[Doingthingsdifferently]

I was at centre parcs longleat last week, no I wouldn't recommend it (definitely not if you like The Scarlett, even allowing for children etc) have you considered St Moritz in Cornwall, nice indoor pool, aimed at families but v nice.

[ChristmasCwtches]

Piran Meadows in Cornwall has lovely accommodation, some with hot tubs. Spa on site as well as a good pool, optional activities for your older child.www.darwinescapes.co.uk/parks/piran-meadows-resort-spa/

[Cahu58]

I wouldn't go back to Centerparcs...... smelly, damp lodge, threadbare sheets on the beds etc. This was Whinfell a few years ago, still eye wateringly expensive for what is provided. If you have even a tad of princess in you, do not go.

[twilightcafe]

Someone has already mentioned the St Moritz in Cornwall. We went a couple of years ago for NYE and it was gorgeous. Definitely worth investigating for a family break.

[Mungobungo]

I did a hen weekend at centreparcs Longleat and found the lodge to be bloody lovely and all of the facilities clean. I was annoyed at how pricey the extra activities were, but we didn't do any because we weren't there for mega adventure. Really lovely place. Only big downside was having to leave the car in the main car park after unloading and the 30-40 minute walk across the entire site to our chalet and vice versa. Totally understand that it's to ensure safe walking and cycle routes but I'm a lazy cow and begrudged the trudge!!

[EmmaGellerGreen]

We go to CP at Elvedon twice a year. We've never had a damp, dirty villa. Changing rooms have always been clean. We tend to take easy food to cook in the villa rather than eat out but have never been disappointed by the Forresters restaurant.

[SolomanDaisy]

Probably not for this time as you're looking close to home, but for a posh center parcs, check out hof van saksen in the Netherlands. They even have an arrangement with local care agency who will come to your bungalow if you need health care at home.

[Caboodle]

Not Bluestone...godawful soul depressing place. We are CP regulars and love it. I am fastidious about cleanliness (but also love camping to OP ) and the one time I thought the lodge wasn't quite up to scratch it was re-cleaned and we were given a session in the pool cabana for free.

[Babytalkobsession]

We recently stayed in a lodge at Cricket St Thomas. There's a small but lovely pool on site & lots of walks. Our lodge had the bedrooms downstairs but might be a wheelchair friendly option? Hot tubs too!

[Babytalkobsession]

Swandown lodges

[Babytalkobsession]

Rettallack resort & spa in Cornwall is also nice. Lodges rather than hotel

[OrangeSamphire]

We've done retallack and st moritz as they are both so close to home!

[Groovee]

Ribby Hall in Lytham St Anne's.