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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think there is no equivalent alternative to Center Parcs?

258 replies

Onelifeliveitright · 08/05/2023 11:40

We go every year and this year have booked an exclusive lodge with hot tub, games room, sauna and steam room. Looks amazing! My love of CP is growing the older I get. The teenagers still love it and are now old enough to do what they like. We only do a couple of activities to keep costs down. I love the environment, the lodges and the pool. And the fact there's enough restaurants to eat out every night. We like lazy days and going out. So looking at next year. My daughter works in a private school so breaks up early in summer. We can therefore go at the beginning of the week but it's SO expensive even though term time. I've looked at loads of alternatives but cannot find anywhere else that compares like for like. Aibu to think it doesn't exist?!

OP posts:
Iawn · 10/05/2023 18:26

Id take a look at eurocamp, weve swapped cebtre parcs with a place called domaine les ormes in brittany works out much cheaper, activities cheaper. Paying around a grand in september including ferry for 10 nights

HurryShadow · 10/05/2023 18:35

Potters - if it's the facilities you like, take a look at Potters

If it's the individual lodges and hot tubs you like, look at Forest Holidays - no big activity centres and pools but the lodges are great.

But yes, as I saw a PP say, look at cruises too. You'd be surprised by the price when comparing to CP I think.

Using 4th August as an example - CP has a 4 bedroom lodge for 7 days with a hot tub for 2 adults and 2 children for £5,848 (there are cheaper non-hot tub lodges)

Or do a 7 night Fjords cruise on 5th August on P&O's Iona for £3,916 (full board) in a balcony cabin

Or do a 14 night Mediterranean cruise on 6th August on P&O's Arvia for £5,092 (full board) in a balcony cabin.

So the cruise doesn't have a private hot tub but it does have pools and facilities for teenagers, plus you unpack once and see a load of different places. Plus if you were booking now you'd get twice the holiday for £800 less and not have to buy food!

All Inclusive Holidays UK | Short Breaks | Potters Resorts

Potters Resorts is the perfect place for All Inclusive Holidays in the UK. Join us for activities, entertainment, food and drink all in a safe environment.

https://www.pottersresorts.com/

Ombrémermaid · 10/05/2023 18:39

Agree with @Crikeyohreilly. Kids love CP, we love CP.

Our children have said it’s their best holiday ever too, and we have been to some beautiful resorts abroad in the past (not for a while though due to cost of living).

I do not rate Bluestone; it does not even even compare with CP.
We are quite close to Bluestone, and used to visit the pool as day guests.
We have previously stayed on site too, and although it was nice, nowhere near CP in our opinions.

Whats quite sad about Bluestone is that they have now stopped opening to day guests, which has upset the locals considerably. Their reply to complaints about this issue has generally been along the lines of “if you now want to use the pool, you need to book to stay”, which of course, locals aren’t probably going to do that when they live in the village next door.

Bluestone have rather alienated themselves from their community.

Following along with interest as we haven’t found anywhere like CP.

Antisocialfluffmonster · 10/05/2023 18:49

I’ve never been in my life, always thought they were for posh people 😂. I’m too cheap to pay that for a holiday, anywhere. We holiday at home or very inexpensive breaks.

Quinoawoman · 10/05/2023 18:56

Ombrémermaid · 10/05/2023 18:39

Agree with @Crikeyohreilly. Kids love CP, we love CP.

Our children have said it’s their best holiday ever too, and we have been to some beautiful resorts abroad in the past (not for a while though due to cost of living).

I do not rate Bluestone; it does not even even compare with CP.
We are quite close to Bluestone, and used to visit the pool as day guests.
We have previously stayed on site too, and although it was nice, nowhere near CP in our opinions.

Whats quite sad about Bluestone is that they have now stopped opening to day guests, which has upset the locals considerably. Their reply to complaints about this issue has generally been along the lines of “if you now want to use the pool, you need to book to stay”, which of course, locals aren’t probably going to do that when they live in the village next door.

Bluestone have rather alienated themselves from their community.

Following along with interest as we haven’t found anywhere like CP.

I actually think the Bluestone pool was way, way, way too crowded when they allowed day guests.

Much prefer it now they don't.

Elaina87 · 10/05/2023 19:03

Onelifeliveitright · 08/05/2023 11:40

We go every year and this year have booked an exclusive lodge with hot tub, games room, sauna and steam room. Looks amazing! My love of CP is growing the older I get. The teenagers still love it and are now old enough to do what they like. We only do a couple of activities to keep costs down. I love the environment, the lodges and the pool. And the fact there's enough restaurants to eat out every night. We like lazy days and going out. So looking at next year. My daughter works in a private school so breaks up early in summer. We can therefore go at the beginning of the week but it's SO expensive even though term time. I've looked at loads of alternatives but cannot find anywhere else that compares like for like. Aibu to think it doesn't exist?!

Wasn't a fan of CP when we went, very over rated and extortionate. We had a 4 bed lodge and one the TV's in the bedroom was in black and white!! This was like 4 years ago.

BelleMarionette · 10/05/2023 19:41

Quinoawoman · 10/05/2023 18:56

I actually think the Bluestone pool was way, way, way too crowded when they allowed day guests.

Much prefer it now they don't.

Bluestone did originally allow day guests, when there was capacity, now it's become more popular.

When I first went about 10 years ago we were the only people in the pool. It was dreamy (and a bargain break too at under £10/per/night, and breakfast included)

Leasa12 · 10/05/2023 19:44

I would suggest you try a Hoseasons resort. Finlake was very comparable to centre parcs but way cheaper it had loads of activities like archery and water zorbing. However that being said we last visited in 2018 so cant comment on recently. https://www.hoseasons.co.uk/holiday-parks/finlake-holiday-resort-finl?clickcd=50124&gclid=CjwKCAjwge2iBhBBEiwAfXDBR_8CrPW2PCjqcxmX0-1UFxe8lCPsfMq1DO15nVm-ypxolSBP75Ij_BoCqMYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

glowfrog · 10/05/2023 19:45

Definitely better places to have bum fun in.

Northernladdette · 10/05/2023 19:46

HurryShadow · 10/05/2023 18:35

Potters - if it's the facilities you like, take a look at Potters

If it's the individual lodges and hot tubs you like, look at Forest Holidays - no big activity centres and pools but the lodges are great.

But yes, as I saw a PP say, look at cruises too. You'd be surprised by the price when comparing to CP I think.

Using 4th August as an example - CP has a 4 bedroom lodge for 7 days with a hot tub for 2 adults and 2 children for £5,848 (there are cheaper non-hot tub lodges)

Or do a 7 night Fjords cruise on 5th August on P&O's Iona for £3,916 (full board) in a balcony cabin

Or do a 14 night Mediterranean cruise on 6th August on P&O's Arvia for £5,092 (full board) in a balcony cabin.

So the cruise doesn't have a private hot tub but it does have pools and facilities for teenagers, plus you unpack once and see a load of different places. Plus if you were booking now you'd get twice the holiday for £800 less and not have to buy food!

Surely it’s not four bedroom for a family of four?

Theelephantinthecastle · 10/05/2023 20:04

Northernladdette · 10/05/2023 19:46

Surely it’s not four bedroom for a family of four?

Yeah not really comparing like with like here - 4 bedroom lodge Vs 4 people in one cruise cabin

Lollzi86 · 10/05/2023 20:09

https://www.awayresorts.co.uk/search/?parkID=7&from=2024-07-15&to=2024-07-19&nights=4&holidayType=1&stayType=&adults=4&children=0&petsCount=0&gacid=1535294188.1683745115

for next July 2024 15th-19th July for a 3 bed rock star lodge with hot tub it’s 1250 and I think that’s the most expensive option! It has an indoor pool and splash area, outdoor pool, outdoor splash area, loads of places to eat, cycle paths and hire, water sports and fishing on the lakes, zip wire, archery, mini golf etc. etc. sorry but in my opinion it beats CP hands down which last time I went was looking a bit ‘old’. Having said that when I can I’d rather go abroad, least it can guarantee the weather in Spain Italy etc 🤪

Search Results | Away Resorts

https://www.awayresorts.co.uk/search/?parkID=7&from=2024-07-15&to=2024-07-19&nights=4&holidayType=1&stayType=&adults=4&children=0&petsCount=0&gacid=1535294188.1683745115

Northernladdette · 10/05/2023 20:35

Theelephantinthecastle · 10/05/2023 20:04

Yeah not really comparing like with like here - 4 bedroom lodge Vs 4 people in one cruise cabin

To make a reasonable comparison you’d have to take the total cost and divide it by the maximum amount of people it sleeps. Obviously £5k odd is very high for a week, but per capita is how it should be compared.

Crikeyalmighty · 10/05/2023 21:06

I'm absolutely gobsmacked at the prices some of you are saying for CP - I wouldn't give you £2k for a week peak season - never mind £5k

MagpieSong · 10/05/2023 21:21

Stokey · 10/05/2023 18:02

A whole thread on Centre Parcs without anyone mentioning this MN classic. Times change
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/mumsnet_classics/1385104-Center-Parcs-Anal-sex

Oh gosh 😂 How could I have forgotten that?!

Mum2jenny · 10/05/2023 21:46

I guess it depends on how much spare money you have, how much you want to go to CPs, and if you can afford it…..

Harry12345 · 10/05/2023 22:28

ichundich · 08/05/2023 12:36

I've not been to CP but to Bluestone and didn't think it was all that. If you love it for the pool and spa facilities, have you considered holidaying in Germany or Austria? They both have loads of heated pools with flumes, waterfalls, jacuzzis, sauna "landscapes", etc.

Can you recommend anywhere?

Cornishclio · 10/05/2023 22:58

We tend to go with the family every other year and yes it's expensive but we all like it. The GC enjoy it and we have never had a problem with dirty or shabby lodges. It is nothing like Butlins and we don't want to travel for hours to go abroad. We have done Haven and they do not compare either.

Each to their own and I guess CP charge those prices because people will pay them.

Ozgirl75 · 10/05/2023 23:40

The thing is, even in half term, it’s about £1500 for 4 nights, and you’d think you could have the same time in a nice Airbnb in Europe, but flights to Majorca etc are about £1000 for a family of four, plus parking, hire car and then accommodation. It’s not THAT cheap to go to Europe any more. I haven’t actually been to CP but I can see the appeal; my kids are 10 and 12 so they could just head off by themselves, explore with no cars, head to the pool and then we catch up for some activities, food etc. It wouldn’t be the main holiday but for half term it sounds pretty handy. Not too much travelling etc.

flowergirl2020 · 11/05/2023 08:23

@Jumbojade I was careful in my post not to say these places were like CP. I said these were two places I'd been to that are nice and listed some pros and cons. Tbh I think it's hard to get a like for like of CP due to its sheer size and variety of on site facilities. However the Bainland pool has been revamped to now include a wellness spa, sauna etc etc. still small and you still have to book as mentioned in my post. But a lot nicer now.

lifehappens12 · 11/05/2023 08:36

We prefer bluestone - more to do which doesn't cost money as an extra

Two huge indoor play areas. Swimming pool is smaller but still great.

Plus it's a 10 min drive to a beach

prescribingmum · 11/05/2023 08:54

HurryShadow · 10/05/2023 18:35

Potters - if it's the facilities you like, take a look at Potters

If it's the individual lodges and hot tubs you like, look at Forest Holidays - no big activity centres and pools but the lodges are great.

But yes, as I saw a PP say, look at cruises too. You'd be surprised by the price when comparing to CP I think.

Using 4th August as an example - CP has a 4 bedroom lodge for 7 days with a hot tub for 2 adults and 2 children for £5,848 (there are cheaper non-hot tub lodges)

Or do a 7 night Fjords cruise on 5th August on P&O's Iona for £3,916 (full board) in a balcony cabin

Or do a 14 night Mediterranean cruise on 6th August on P&O's Arvia for £5,092 (full board) in a balcony cabin.

So the cruise doesn't have a private hot tub but it does have pools and facilities for teenagers, plus you unpack once and see a load of different places. Plus if you were booking now you'd get twice the holiday for £800 less and not have to buy food!

Your examples aren’t remotely comparable. The 4 bed lodge at CP sleeps 8 people whereas there would be 4 in one room in either of the cruise options. But as you’ve pointed out, cruises are full board

In my opinion, both the cruise options you’ve posted would be better value for money than spending upwards of £3k for a week at CP but they’re not equivalent holidays in anyway.

We looked at both Potters and Forest Holidays when trying to find a CP equivalent and they didn’t meet our expectations in the same way. It’s the combination of pools (especially slides) and cycling in forest with the self catering so we can do things on our own schedule that suits us. We don’t want evening entertainment and to be bound by times dinner is served by the resort so CP gives us what we are looking for

dontlookbackyourenotgoingthatway · 11/05/2023 09:22

Am I the only person who thinks the lack of evening entertainment is a plus?

It's existence puts me off going to other places

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 11/05/2023 11:22

dontlookbackyourenotgoingthatway · 11/05/2023 09:22

Am I the only person who thinks the lack of evening entertainment is a plus?

It's existence puts me off going to other places

No, you’re not. And people say this a lot both on her and on the Facebook groups for places like Bluestone that don’t have it.

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