...to be able to find a decent alternative to centre parcs?

[anmh]

Don't really want/need the pool, our main goal is fresh air.

Just looking for nice family friendly accommodation over the summer with a decent outdoor playground, bike trail for kids (aged 6 and 4) to ride safely and some nature related activities.
Here is the cruncher: has to be in the north west of england.

AIBU in thinking such a place exists???

Forest holidays?

www.forestholidays.co.uk/locations/

Not quite the north west, but not far off, have a look at Kielder water (hoseasons has accomodation there). It’s got everything you want, plus a small pool.

Lots on hoseasons website.

It’s be cheaper and have better weather if you nip over to Holland.

[]www.ribbyhall.co.uk/ Ribby Hall]]

Not sure about the cycling though.

Robby hall near Preston?

*ribby

Haven at the lakes?

Ribby Hall link again

Ribby Hall?

www.ribbyhall.co.uk

Haha Bike, cross post!!

Kielder

www.kielderwaterside.com

Agree with 8FencingWire. We went to Duinrell in Holland for far cheaper than centreparcs, and had the most fantastic time we were outdoors most of the time. We loved Holland, so did our 2 yo DD.

Beacon Hill Farm in the NE. Haven't been myself but they seem to have lots to do on the site and the tripadvisor reviews are very good.

My dd and grandkids have been to Ribby Hall twice now. Nice accommodation, probably better than Center Parcs. I was surprised. I think they paid £800 for a lodge that slept six in peak season/school summer hols but dd has remarked they have put up the prices and that has put her off booking again. They always enjoy it. Some nice villages nearby, also Lytham etc but not as picturesque a site as Center Parcs.

Bluestone in Wales

+1 for bluestone.

Thank you for your all your suggestions. Will look for mumsnet reviews on the places mentioned to see how they fare for young children!

just to say I have never been to centre parcs but the pool/lazy river/wave machine etc seem to be an important component and one that we are unlikely to use so didn't seem worth it for us!

we go to Ribby hall twice a year. It's fabulous.
Not massive grounds for walking in but a really good playground and lots of activities fencing/ archery/ segway, pool.
They also have amazing spa in the hotel if you can leave the kids with someone for a couple of hours

Sandy Balls is lovely x