To wonder why on earth anyone goes to Center Parcs?!

[CakePigeon4]

I’ve had several friends who have been to various sites and raved about it, but to me it just looks like a slightly more upmarket Butlins?! It’s extortionately expensive, the chalets look like they’re furnished by Premier Inn, you have to pay for activities, you’re stuck on site eating at their overpriced restaurants... Am I missing something?!

Bum sex

Exactly that. It’s posh Butlins/Haven.

@MrsElizabethShelby

Oh yes I forgot the bus sex. 😏 makes me laugh when the in-laws go 😬

Bum not bus although who knows 🤷🏻‍♀️

Total rip off

It's very peaceful in the cabins - unlike Butlins albeit I've only been on adults only weekends to butlins and nothing is peaceful those weekends

I love centre parcs. Cycling everywhere, the pool is free and is where we spend most of our time.

And the chalets are self catering so mot expensive as you take all your own food etc. Maybe eat out 1 night as a treat

You're missing nothing. They are god awful at ridiculous prices.

I speak as someone who worked at one as my first summer job as a student. Have been forced to stay in two of them for family holidays.

Unless the novelty of a wood or a squirrel is that extreme and amazing to you, they are terrible quality, and in summation, utter shite

We always go after Christmas when it's cheap. Have a lovely time cycling round and using the pools. Take our own food and self cater. Chalets are nice and warm and clean and uncluttered after the madness of Christmas.

Each to their own I guess. I like it. Kids love it.

Its all about the sex.

"Those that shall grow pampus grasses, will campus at centre parcus" - said Our Lord.

Its extortionate in the holidays but outside of these times it's not that expensive, especially if you share with friends. We had 4 nights in a 4 bed house (sleeps 8) for £500 so only £250 per family which is quite cheap per person. Time it with an inset day and you're winning.

The chalets are nice. The pool plaza is excellent and there are a range of other activities. We like it.

Eat out 1 night as a treat is not my idea of a holiday.
Plus the bloody weather. You could go somewhere nice for a week for what you pay for 4 days.

Bum sex, bus sex and now biscuit sex! It’s a place for kinky people clearly.

Children love it
Everyone can try activities they wouldn’t usually
Sites are easy to get to
Swimming pools are clean and modern
Chain restaurants provide a level of reassurance re quality/ price (they’re no more expensive than any other cafe rouge or les iguanas)

I haven’t been to butlins but if it’s the same then great. I understand that butlins aren’t usually situated in forests which is one of the things we love about CP, but I’m sure children love butlins too. Do they do activities there too?

...the pool is free...

It's not really though is it. It's included in the usually massive cost of the cabin.

Butlins is the beach version with free fairground rides, evening shows, children entertainment, splash pools etc

@Lazypuppy but for the same money you could get an amazing self-catering cottage anywhere in the country - why is Center Parcs better?!

Yes I don't really get it. I think they have managed to market themselves as naice. But my most lasting memory is repeated blows to the head from sitting down on those weird sofas that are angled wrong and feel like a bare plank covered with a towel.

It's an awful lot to pay for a waterslide.

We used to go a lot when the DC were little they loved it and still ask to go back.

Different strokes for different folks I suppose. They are very popular even in the holidays so someone must love them.

We don’t go anymore as I’m now a teacher so can only go in school holidays when it’s far too expensive. Used to enjoy a wee midweek break in the forest and a half day in the spa.

The pool is 'free'??

Blimey, I should hope so.

I've never paid to stay at a holiday site and been charged extra to use the pool. You pay enough just to be there.

Brilliant pools, every age are catered for. You can get on the bikes and explore. The cabins are peaceful and well equipped. Good playgrounds, wildlife and activities. It’s not too boozy so I’ve never seen any drama.
It is stupidly expensive I agree.

Also bum sex is for everywhere not just for CP!

Did it once, Sherwood Forest, never again! We stayed in a “luxury” cabin. It was damp and dirty and smelled terribly. Lots of bulbs were out, there was a leak, the bedding smelled like previous unclean occupants. Nothing was done about our complaints.

Everywhere felt dingy and dirty - there were dirty nappies left on the floor of the swimming pool changing room for at least 2 days!

Kitchen wasn’t fully equipped for cooking, oven didn’t work. Restaurants needed a good clean and a reality check for their overpriced food.

Really disappointing experience. So much better out there for less money. It was one of the worst holidays I’ve ever been on.

I love it. Been twice, something about it just works for me. It’s easy. The accommodation is good, it’s easy and my kids have the freedom to roam and ride that they don’t get anywhere else.

DS loves it- safe cycling, great pool/ slides. The restaurants are OK- chain restaurant food at chain restaurant prices. People say they are expensive but everywhere is expensive these days.
The villas are peaceful and the beds are very comfortable.
The spa days are lovely. I haven’t found anywhere else where a group of 8 40 something women can spend 3 nights enjoying a good catch up -so shared living space -plus a really luxurious spa day with food and treatments for less than £250 per head for the whole weekend. Would be grateful to know if there is anywhere (needs to be central- we live York to South London!)