We see you Center Parcs

[Doyoumind]

Due to go to Center Parcs later this summer.

Following today's announcements, they've said they will keep the restricted swimming slots. So where you used to pay a lot for a holiday but at least had free use of the pool whenever you wanted, you now get only 2 x 2 hour slots over 5 days/4 nights. They say customers like it.

I'm not convinced ending all restrictions now is right but clearly if people have limited time swimming, they will be paying for expensive alternative activities and CP will be making money from it. They know people are so desperate for a holiday they are unlikely to cancel.

I know they are a business and want to make money but they can't just carry on with 4 hours of swimming when people have paid so much and not expect a backlash.

Reading all this as someone who has never been to CP makes me as to why anyone goes at all. It's not selling it to me.

That's fine @Sparklingbrook no offence but the pool is busy enough

@rookiemere

That's fine *@Sparklingbrook* no offence but the pool is busy enough

Yes, all that money for a busy pool. I really had no idea that that was the main reason for going to CP. I thought there was loads to do. But everyone's in the pool all the time.

Teen DS and his pal might be perennially in the pool which means I could be relaxing in the lovely spa - one of the best I've been to and very reasonably priced- or admiring the red squirrels outside or enjoying a pina colada in the sports bar

I don’t really like spas.

I’ve got grey squirrels in the garden and cider in the fridge though. Bit the same.

We have found it good in the past as we loved the pool, but feel disappointed this time. I think everything post pandemic is disappointing though, I wonder if things will ever go back to normal. @rookiemere agree the spa is very nice too, I don’t think they are offering just general spa sessions at the moment though.

@NotPersephone the restaurants aren’t great, but we do like to eat out once in our break, also I have just had an operation and DH has done all the cooking for 2 weeks so it would have been a break for him. I don’t know why it is that the same franchises as the high street cost more and the food is worse!

@SmokeyDevil

I actually thought center parcs was so expensive because most of the activities were included in the price! You all actually pay 2.5k for a shed in woods just to swim in a pool?!

I'd have just done what someone else suggested, book a holiday home near a Loch and buy the kids wetsuits. Far bloody cheaper, and you could probably get extra activities and still not get close to 2.5k. That's just madness.

No, you pay 2.5k so you can tell your friends you’re going to Centre Parcs as you’re too middle class to go to Butlins 🙈.

I think it's a bit unfair, but I guess they have to reassure those who might still be a bit fearful. There are still lots of cases.

Having had my haven holiday ruined by anti-social thugs (we are all getting refunds and Haven did try to manage a horrid situation well) I think I might be happy to pay Centre Parcs prices in future,knowing that these ha

Posted too soon. Knowing that those half wits probably won't pay the extortionate prices to go. I had a great holiday with Haven before, but worried about booking with them again after this.

Currently at Woburn Center Parcs and it’s definitely not as good having to book the swimming. I feel like we’re constantly clock watching so we don’t miss our next activity. Also one of the restaurants has just closed and I’m worried the others will follow suit. We are eating out pretty much every night but again we had to book them ages ago.

We are having a good time and grateful to get away but I would much rather be by a pool abroad… next year hopefully!

Just been talking about this with DH, we're really keen to go again but we'd want to be able to use the pool every day. The DCs love the pool there so it wouldn't be worth going if we could only swim twice.

More things will close if the numbers reach 100k per day as predicted - at all holiday resorts.

Bit late but can update on the question regarding two European centerparcs swimming status.

In Germany two weeks ago no time slots, all unlimited. Only real restriction was needing a negative test both to check into your accommodation and to be shown each time when going to the pool. 6 years plus needed that, including anyone fully vaccinated. Tests done on site though free of charge all well organised and took extra care with the children. Showers open.

Just arrived at Dutch centerparcs also unlimited swimming. No testing requirements, just the showers closed/supposed to shower at your accommodation only. Last summer Dutch centerparcs had time slots but was a ticket system, so if part of the group didn't want to swim, the tickets could be used by others at another time. Wasn't a use it or lose it/ entire accommodation situation.

Clearly different from the UK even when there were time slots but has changed from last year if that gives some hope.

Whether you can get here probably a different question and all is subject to change!