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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Don’t know what to make of centre parcs

155 replies

Murphs1 · 15/01/2023 22:08

I’m staying in Woburn forest. The facilities are fantastic, albeit hideously expensive, the accommodation is pleasant, but… is it just me, it all feels a bit stepford wives and slightly prescribed fun! I don’t know I can’t put my finger on it.
I think part of it is I’m in a fenced in ‘forest’ which I know is a security thing, and my car is a half hour walk away if I want to get out, but I understand the no car rule.
I can’t say I’m not enjoying it, but it all feels a bit contrived?

OP posts:
Original poster
Murphs1 · 15/01/2023 22:35

@saraclara yes I think all the parks are very similar.

OP posts:
MaskedFan · 15/01/2023 22:36

It's more like the Truman show than a prison. I'm not really sure why we go, maybe because I don't fancy going abroad. I have looked at forest holidays but their prices are extortionate, so much more than cp. The kids prefer butlins

Whyisitsodifficult · 15/01/2023 22:36

Yes I also had this feeling when we stayed there last year! We did ‘escape’ one afternoon and there is a short walk where we discovered an amazing coffee roaster where you can have a drink. Then onto the nearest town.

CampervanKween · 15/01/2023 22:38

You do know you can walk to your car and drive out to explore the local area don't you? You don't have to stay on site all weekend if you don't want to.

EllaPaella · 15/01/2023 22:39

I've been a few times- not my first choice for a holiday but it worked well for us when our two oldest children were in their teens and the two younger DC were babies/toddlers. It meant there was something for everyone and the older DC could spend all their time in the pool which they loved (pre-covid when you didn't have to book pool times). All the kids loved riding bikes on easy terrain that suited everyone.
I've also been with girlfriends and had spa days, hot tub etc which has been lovely.
I'm not keen on the choice of food venues and do think they are massively overpriced for what is mostly McDonalds standard food. The prices now are crazy and I wouldn't go back any time soon.

maeveiscurious · 15/01/2023 22:39

We go every year since our DCs were small it's been good as they have grown up and they had more freedom to cycle off and explore. It's a marmite experience

Daydre4mer · 15/01/2023 22:42

I remembered that they don’t let you use Tesco club cards in the restaurants on site! Also I get free Starbucks with some life insurance and obviously they didn’t accept that there…

but I quite like it for the kids pool activities etc

CampervanKween · 15/01/2023 22:42

It's my youngest son's favourite holiday out of everywhere we go. We are going next weekend actually, always go for middle son's birthday as its cheapest this time of year. Oldest son is coming back from uni to come with us. We always have a lovely time.

Original poster
Murphs1 · 15/01/2023 22:45

@2023istheyearigetmyacttogether yes same where we live too, maybe that’s part of it. Like I’ve said I am enjoying it, just has a strange vibe. I did venture out early this morning, it took 2.5hrs to get a pint of milk! I will be better equipped next time.

OP posts:
Grapewrath · 15/01/2023 22:48

It’s ok- if you live in a city I can imagine it being quite nice. It’s ridiculously expensive though and tbh my kids found it a bit boring at times. They all preferred Butlins!

SauteBaconHollow · 15/01/2023 22:51

It suits some families.

It's not our cup of tea. We've stayed a fee times. Horribly overpriced

Inca22 · 15/01/2023 22:53

I hated it but then we had an ant infestation in our lodge. Felt very Truman show - everything is "just so", down to the number of logs for the fire matching the number of nights we were staying 😂. Never again!

Calmdown14 · 15/01/2023 22:55

I think it's nature for people who don't really do nature. If you are used to getting out into the country or are from a rural area I get the hemmed in feel.

I did enjoy it (only been to Penrith) but four days is enough and I did go out to Ullswater for a few hours.

It's great if you are still in the toddler/buggy stage as everything is set up to accommodate you, no worries about where in a restaurant you can park a pram with a sleeping child etc.

Sadly now tied to school holidays so will never be going again as the price is insane

Iizzyb · 15/01/2023 22:55

I had a colleague who called it Mottingham open prison but went every year because his son loved it!

We love it precisely because it is what it is but it did feel a bit like The Truman Show the first time we went!

bellamountain · 15/01/2023 23:03

The restaurants and takeaway service are awful. You can't even pop out in your car to a decent fish and chip shop (I mean you can, but it's a mission when your car may as well be at home). I think most people must go for the swimming (because we don't have many leisure pools like it in the UK). I never got the fuss when I went. The fact it costs so much is mind blowing and every activity is expensive!

bellamountain · 15/01/2023 23:05

Grapewrath · 15/01/2023 22:48

It’s ok- if you live in a city I can imagine it being quite nice. It’s ridiculously expensive though and tbh my kids found it a bit boring at times. They all preferred Butlins!

I think every child would prefer Butlins, hands down.

smileladiesplease · 15/01/2023 23:06

God it's a no from me it's butlins for the middle classes. Hideously expensive just to go swimming and walk in the woods. Total rip off

Sleepdeprived42long · 15/01/2023 23:10

I get what you mean but we find it such an easy holiday-kids are happy so we are happy. I quite like the bubble-feels a bit like you’re slightly detached from the craziness of the real world. DH convinced us to have a meal out locally last time. It was awful (the meal that is!) and its now a running joke that CP somehow made it that way so people don’t leave!

Original poster
Murphs1 · 15/01/2023 23:10

Yes @bellamountain I think that’s it, you’re tied into what’s here unless you want an expedition to get other food or cook yourself.

I think the fact we are the furthest lodge from anything, probably doesn’t help.

And yes @Calmdown14 for the baby toddler stage must be ideal.

@Grapewrath I think butlins definitely looks like fun

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WinterMermaid234 · 15/01/2023 23:11

Yeah we didn’t like it all just couldn’t understand the appeal but 🤷🏻‍♀️ others seem to so each to their own..

Tilllly · 15/01/2023 23:12

Haven't been for YEARS but going with DH in a week....
slightly put off now 🤣

Motherland2624 · 15/01/2023 23:14

Why don’t they have anything to do in the evenings that was pretty strange
saw a squirrel well worth 2 grand

Original poster
Murphs1 · 15/01/2023 23:14

@Tilllly oh no don’t be put off, it’s lovely, just not what I was expecting and not my really my cup of tea. Have lots of friends who love it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Murphs1 · 15/01/2023 23:16

@Motherland2624 😂

OP posts:
ballroompink · 15/01/2023 23:19

Calmdown14 · 15/01/2023 22:55

I think it's nature for people who don't really do nature. If you are used to getting out into the country or are from a rural area I get the hemmed in feel.

I did enjoy it (only been to Penrith) but four days is enough and I did go out to Ullswater for a few hours.

It's great if you are still in the toddler/buggy stage as everything is set up to accommodate you, no worries about where in a restaurant you can park a pram with a sleeping child etc.

Sadly now tied to school holidays so will never be going again as the price is insane

Absolutely this. I can definitely imagine it can be good with really little ones but mine are older now and very outdoorsy. The idea of being hemmed in and doing all those organised activities is not my idea of a great holiday to be honest.

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