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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Centre Parcs is a very weird place.

342 replies

MOIST · 25/01/2017 20:23

Fake forest. Plastic stuff. Signposts and advertising everywhere. Like Ikea in a fake forest with one-way system and bad feng.

Most peculiar.

OP posts:
QuackDuckQuack · 25/01/2017 20:37

We've been and the forest looked quite real. Not like Peppa Pig world which really does have fake trees.

GeekyWombat · 25/01/2017 20:39

We're pondering a trip in a few months with (then) three year old and one year old. Is the consensus that it's good weird or just weird weird?

RatherBeCrazy · 25/01/2017 20:39

I bloody love it, but then I love Ikea too. I've always thought it's a bit Trueman Show. Everyone is so happy and middle class under that big dome.

Poorlybabysickday · 25/01/2017 20:41

I love it!!

picklemepopcorn · 25/01/2017 20:41

Good weird. Warm, sunny, cosy, isolated, busy.... I start to relax as soon as we drive in.

DJBaggySmalls · 25/01/2017 20:42

I thought it was a crop, so they are all the same type of tree?

TellMeHowToLiveMyLife · 25/01/2017 20:43

They're newly planted woodlands, I wouldn't say it's a fake forest. The animals are all prettty real.

bibbitybobbityyhat · 25/01/2017 20:43

Oh God you poor thing! When do you escape and how much lighter will your wallet be?

There are lots of threads about Center Parcs on Mumsnet. I reckon MN is split 30/70 in favour.

Heyitsholly · 25/01/2017 20:43

I love it and go often. Its peaceful. Plently to do and safe for families due to not allowing cars. We go back in march this year. Have been once a yearo for about 5 years now

SignoraStronza · 25/01/2017 20:45

My DB loathes the place - finds it rather sinister. Has to go there for management jaunts and reckons it's some kind of prison/Truman show, so escapes over to mine for a brew (I live about 20 minutes from one). I've never been - could never afford to.

EB123 · 25/01/2017 20:45

I really like Center Parcs. I actually felt rested and relaxed there. It is expensive though, we go term time when it is cheaper and mostly eat in our lodge. We are booking to go again this year.

Supermagicsmile · 25/01/2017 20:46

I live about 20minutes away from one and have never been as they don't do day passes! Hmm

Twogoats · 25/01/2017 20:47

It reminds me of that creepy village in Lost

Blankiefan · 25/01/2017 20:47

Very pleasantly safe and such an easy holiday. There's Definitely a bit of Groupthink going on but in an entirely harmless, pleasant way.

SellFridges · 25/01/2017 20:49

I grew up close to where they built one. I can assure you it is not newly planted woodland. It's probably one of the most famous woodlands in the world tbh.

emmab250 · 25/01/2017 20:51

I love it, can't wait for the Ireland one to open cause it'll be so handy!

AmysTiara · 25/01/2017 20:54

I went recently for the first time.i was apprehensive but I really enjoyed it.

Itis6oclocksomewhere · 25/01/2017 20:54

We like it. Easy holiday.
Trees looked real to me but then I didn't realise my ex boyfriends dad had a false arm for a couple of years so I'm not good at spotting plastic!Grin

GinAndOnIt · 25/01/2017 20:54

If ever I want a laugh, I ask farmer DP to tell me about the time he got made to go there for a weekend. He is used to sitting by himself all day in countryside - he was utterly baffled by the concept of being in a forest with people everywhere and having to pay so much for a sodding drink. We pass Elvedon on the way to Norfolk (his favourite place) and he still shudders as he drives past Grin

Corialanusburt · 25/01/2017 20:55

I haven't been so I can only go on my pre-conceptions.

To my mind it's like a posh Butlins. people think it's the thing to do because other people do it. It costs thousands and thousands of pounds (if you go at half term). You have to park far way then lug your luggage. There are so many extras to pay for. All the families ride round on bikes, because every one else does.

And to add insult to injury the chain restaurants are Bella Italia and cafe Roufe which the clientele suspend their disbelief about as surely they would rarely be seen dead in them otherwise. FG? If you're going to spend £8000 on a wooden chalet for a few days, you'd think you'd at least get a Hawksmoor or an upmarket oyster bar.

Namechanger2015 · 25/01/2017 20:55

I've only been once and hated it. Horrendously overpriced and squishy rooms for the price. And everyone seems to go to bed at 9! Had a much better time on a Haven holiday where we left the resort and explored the area instead

Caroian · 25/01/2017 20:57

Erm... the trees are definitely real.

hazelnutlatte · 25/01/2017 20:57

Fake forest? The forest at Longleat is beautiful, I love just wandering around admiring the trees!
Agree the restaurants are crap though!

Misswiggy · 25/01/2017 21:00

Totally agree. Been twice and find it very strange. Really dim and dark amongst the forest - we went out (to the OUTSIDE WORLD) on the third day and it was like going from gloom n doom and literally stepping into the light - it's like a parallel universe. Completely different weather than in centre parks. Also find the 'indoor' bit with the restaurants weird - like stepping back 20 years.
Kids love it though and always ask can we go back. I just go hmmmm...we'll see!

Lunar1 · 25/01/2017 21:01

What do you think is fake about the forest!