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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think nipping to Tesco at center parcs is no biggie?

160 replies

GreatBrickMoose · 11/02/2024 16:02

four adults /2 cars going to center parcs in a few weeks. Original plan is for us to get their early and go swimming etc then at checkin time, one car goes to lodge with children and luggage and second car goes to Tesco to get click and collect.

my partner thinks this is a bad idea and that getting out and then back in to center parcs on day 1 will be stressful and chaotic.

my sister has tried to mitigate this by booking early checkin but he’s unconvinced.

the alternative suggestions are one car arrives later and comes straight from Tesco (so miss morning fun) or we go to Tesco very early and have food in car for a few hours (sister is worried about food spoiling with this option).

wwyd? I’ve not been to centerparcs before so not sure how chaotic day 1 is. He has but not for a long time. . is it really THAT busy outside of half term in winter?

yabu- he’s right you should rethink.
yanbu- tell him to shush.

OP posts:
Ineedanewsofa · 12/02/2024 11:02

Re the queues - got to Elveden at 10.07 this morning, was sat in Starbucks by 10.40! About a 5 minute wait to get in 🤣

JudgeJ · 12/02/2024 11:10

madnessitellyou · 11/02/2024 16:50

Either go before you get there, or go once checked in.

It's not a prison.

My first thought when I read the post was 'Colditz!'. Love how everything is such a drama for some people!

ChaosAndCrumbs · 12/02/2024 11:11

Ballygowenwater · 11/02/2024 16:12

On check in day queues are long until about 7/8pm

Yes, this. I’d shop before you go and put in cool bags in car - or buy almost everything bar milk/butter that might go off in car and pick those items up in CP.

Justontherightsideofnormal · 12/02/2024 17:52

I am a serial center parcs frequenter (I'm booked for 3 times this year 🫣). Unless it's 20+ degrees outside I would take shop with you. Freeze hot water bottles so you have big freezer blocks. That's what I do. I've never had spoilt food. If you are taking anything frozen I can see this may be a slight issue but the shop there sells coop food and not too highly priced if you need a few frozen bits. You will end up queueing for ages to get back in and it is just not worth it you go to Tesco.

Grannyto2 · 12/02/2024 18:46

I've been to Centre parks once the queue to enter is long and takes ages people get inpatient and push in from the lanes entering. Will never go there again. Cant Park your vehicle by your lodge only to unload. I know its for safety but I've never had to do this anywhere else. I hope you enjoy your visit we decided to leave a day early and had to get permission to leave.

Greymustard · 12/02/2024 18:53

Been going to center parcs for nearly 30 years. Always arrive just before 10am, never had to queue to get in.

We bring a shop with us and buy everything else at the Parc market. Its not as expensive as it used to be. My top tip though is to bring your own big pans. Villa big enough for 8 people and you get pans that hold enough pasta for one small child....

OldPerson · 12/02/2024 20:37

Just divide and conquer.

Tesco "Click and Collect". A really excellent idea. But you don't all need to go. In fact only one of you needs to go - after you've all found the site - and if it's become a family drama, go yourself. Because next holiday you can assign that to someone else. It's simple and straightforward and non-stressful.

And if it's a stressful family day, pause to have a cuppa at Costa.

Checking in at site. A really excellent idea. But you all don't need to go. In fact only one of you needs to go collect the keys and the maps and the events and activities.

Awareness. It's never a question of all chalets or caravans are ready at 4pm. It's a question of the oeverwhelming majority will be ready at 4pm, plus those who pay a premium for early check-in. But some of you are left hanging.

There will always be a family friendly pub/cafe for those with kids whose accommodation is not ready.

You're probably better off taking or walk or hoping that the Tesco "click and collect" person brings back the beer soon. And crisp like snacks.

You will probably have to book a day in advance for pools and activities. So get settled day 1 with late check in, don't get frustrated. Check out their evening activities online the week before you leave.

If you want to make day 1 important - we always stop somewhere local attraction - museum, marwells, animal petting, beach, historical prison, new forest, caves, etc - UK attraction, on route to holiday site.

Make your Day 1, settling in. Let the kids explore the site, but keep an eye on them. Go out for groceries. Make your plans for activities, once you're all unpacked and chilled.

But most importantly of all - Look at your family and judge them.

You need your most capable and practical person to lead to the on-site accommodation - and check out how to turn heating on/off and hot water on/off, and how the tv, wifi and shower works.

You need your next most capable family member to go out and find the tesco click and collect and bring back the food and drink,

You need your least capable person to go check in and collect keys and maps. That's the place you'll all go for questions during your holiday. They're used to the same family going back and back and asking many different questions.

And have fun!

Just don't get stressed on day one. Get settled and keep the kids and adults in good humour.

Workedhard · 12/02/2024 20:40

If it’s Woburn you’re fine! I live 5 mins away Tesco is down the road ( literally 8 mins away) never any queuing traffic to get in on Fordfield road ! You will literally drive past house lol !

Verbena17 · 12/02/2024 23:19

OldPerson · 12/02/2024 20:37

Just divide and conquer.

Tesco "Click and Collect". A really excellent idea. But you don't all need to go. In fact only one of you needs to go - after you've all found the site - and if it's become a family drama, go yourself. Because next holiday you can assign that to someone else. It's simple and straightforward and non-stressful.

And if it's a stressful family day, pause to have a cuppa at Costa.

Checking in at site. A really excellent idea. But you all don't need to go. In fact only one of you needs to go collect the keys and the maps and the events and activities.

Awareness. It's never a question of all chalets or caravans are ready at 4pm. It's a question of the oeverwhelming majority will be ready at 4pm, plus those who pay a premium for early check-in. But some of you are left hanging.

There will always be a family friendly pub/cafe for those with kids whose accommodation is not ready.

You're probably better off taking or walk or hoping that the Tesco "click and collect" person brings back the beer soon. And crisp like snacks.

You will probably have to book a day in advance for pools and activities. So get settled day 1 with late check in, don't get frustrated. Check out their evening activities online the week before you leave.

If you want to make day 1 important - we always stop somewhere local attraction - museum, marwells, animal petting, beach, historical prison, new forest, caves, etc - UK attraction, on route to holiday site.

Make your Day 1, settling in. Let the kids explore the site, but keep an eye on them. Go out for groceries. Make your plans for activities, once you're all unpacked and chilled.

But most importantly of all - Look at your family and judge them.

You need your most capable and practical person to lead to the on-site accommodation - and check out how to turn heating on/off and hot water on/off, and how the tv, wifi and shower works.

You need your next most capable family member to go out and find the tesco click and collect and bring back the food and drink,

You need your least capable person to go check in and collect keys and maps. That's the place you'll all go for questions during your holiday. They're used to the same family going back and back and asking many different questions.

And have fun!

Just don't get stressed on day one. Get settled and keep the kids and adults in good humour.

You’re not talking about center parcs are you? 🤔
Where are you talking about?

BingoMarieHeeler · 13/02/2024 07:02

Verbena17 · 12/02/2024 23:19

You’re not talking about center parcs are you? 🤔
Where are you talking about?

Show quote history

My thoughts exactly 😅

Fab018 · 13/02/2024 09:15

I live near this CP... and have been myself. I would say one car should collect on the way.
Go to Kingston or Flitwick Tesco for C&C... it won't take long to pick up.

boomingaround · 13/02/2024 19:52

OldPerson · 12/02/2024 20:37

Just divide and conquer.

Tesco "Click and Collect". A really excellent idea. But you don't all need to go. In fact only one of you needs to go - after you've all found the site - and if it's become a family drama, go yourself. Because next holiday you can assign that to someone else. It's simple and straightforward and non-stressful.

And if it's a stressful family day, pause to have a cuppa at Costa.

Checking in at site. A really excellent idea. But you all don't need to go. In fact only one of you needs to go collect the keys and the maps and the events and activities.

Awareness. It's never a question of all chalets or caravans are ready at 4pm. It's a question of the oeverwhelming majority will be ready at 4pm, plus those who pay a premium for early check-in. But some of you are left hanging.

There will always be a family friendly pub/cafe for those with kids whose accommodation is not ready.

You're probably better off taking or walk or hoping that the Tesco "click and collect" person brings back the beer soon. And crisp like snacks.

You will probably have to book a day in advance for pools and activities. So get settled day 1 with late check in, don't get frustrated. Check out their evening activities online the week before you leave.

If you want to make day 1 important - we always stop somewhere local attraction - museum, marwells, animal petting, beach, historical prison, new forest, caves, etc - UK attraction, on route to holiday site.

Make your Day 1, settling in. Let the kids explore the site, but keep an eye on them. Go out for groceries. Make your plans for activities, once you're all unpacked and chilled.

But most importantly of all - Look at your family and judge them.

You need your most capable and practical person to lead to the on-site accommodation - and check out how to turn heating on/off and hot water on/off, and how the tv, wifi and shower works.

You need your next most capable family member to go out and find the tesco click and collect and bring back the food and drink,

You need your least capable person to go check in and collect keys and maps. That's the place you'll all go for questions during your holiday. They're used to the same family going back and back and asking many different questions.

And have fun!

Just don't get stressed on day one. Get settled and keep the kids and adults in good humour.

U ok Hun?

lilkitten · 14/02/2024 19:05

We go to Sherwood, we always get there about midday and do activities until 4. Then you can drive your car to your cabin to unload. We bring our own shopping, with the fridge/frozen stuff in a coolbox and it's always been fine.

Waitingfirthephone · 14/02/2024 21:01

MountainBarbie · 11/02/2024 20:11

This thread has made me book a weekend at Centerparcs

This thread enforced every preconception I'd ever had about CP , it sounds like a cruise but on land. I'd rather stick pins in my eyes than do either! 🥴

LlynTegid · 14/02/2024 21:13

Haven't read all of the thread. In case not mentioned. Does Tesco do a certain gel or cream that is needed for a certain adult activity that is de rigeur at Center Parcs?

MountainBarbie · 14/02/2024 21:23

Waitingfirthephone · 14/02/2024 21:01

This thread enforced every preconception I'd ever had about CP , it sounds like a cruise but on land. I'd rather stick pins in my eyes than do either! 🥴

Show quote history

I love it lol if you go with good company it's such a laugh.

Waitingfirthephone · 14/02/2024 21:36

OldPerson · 12/02/2024 20:37

Just divide and conquer.

Tesco "Click and Collect". A really excellent idea. But you don't all need to go. In fact only one of you needs to go - after you've all found the site - and if it's become a family drama, go yourself. Because next holiday you can assign that to someone else. It's simple and straightforward and non-stressful.

And if it's a stressful family day, pause to have a cuppa at Costa.

Checking in at site. A really excellent idea. But you all don't need to go. In fact only one of you needs to go collect the keys and the maps and the events and activities.

Awareness. It's never a question of all chalets or caravans are ready at 4pm. It's a question of the oeverwhelming majority will be ready at 4pm, plus those who pay a premium for early check-in. But some of you are left hanging.

There will always be a family friendly pub/cafe for those with kids whose accommodation is not ready.

You're probably better off taking or walk or hoping that the Tesco "click and collect" person brings back the beer soon. And crisp like snacks.

You will probably have to book a day in advance for pools and activities. So get settled day 1 with late check in, don't get frustrated. Check out their evening activities online the week before you leave.

If you want to make day 1 important - we always stop somewhere local attraction - museum, marwells, animal petting, beach, historical prison, new forest, caves, etc - UK attraction, on route to holiday site.

Make your Day 1, settling in. Let the kids explore the site, but keep an eye on them. Go out for groceries. Make your plans for activities, once you're all unpacked and chilled.

But most importantly of all - Look at your family and judge them.

You need your most capable and practical person to lead to the on-site accommodation - and check out how to turn heating on/off and hot water on/off, and how the tv, wifi and shower works.

You need your next most capable family member to go out and find the tesco click and collect and bring back the food and drink,

You need your least capable person to go check in and collect keys and maps. That's the place you'll all go for questions during your holiday. They're used to the same family going back and back and asking many different questions.

And have fun!

Just don't get stressed on day one. Get settled and keep the kids and adults in good humour.

Christ alive, I've backpacked all over the world and never did any of that crap ever anywhere, bloody Norah it sounds like my idea of hell

turkeymuffin · 14/02/2024 21:49

@OldPerson has clearly never set foot in Center Parcs

OP - just chill. Food will be fine in the car. Or buy it at the onsite parcmarket.

Isitautumnyet23 · 14/02/2024 22:29

turkeymuffin · 14/02/2024 21:49

@OldPerson has clearly never set foot in Center Parcs

OP - just chill. Food will be fine in the car. Or buy it at the onsite parcmarket.

I was just thinking nothing in what they have written relates to CP. You can clearly tell the people who have actually been in this thread.

Isitautumnyet23 · 14/02/2024 22:46

Grannyto2 · 12/02/2024 18:46

I've been to Centre parks once the queue to enter is long and takes ages people get inpatient and push in from the lanes entering. Will never go there again. Cant Park your vehicle by your lodge only to unload. I know its for safety but I've never had to do this anywhere else. I hope you enjoy your visit we decided to leave a day early and had to get permission to leave.

Never waited in a long queue, arrive early on arrival day (10am if possible), lunch, swim for hours and go to your lodge when ready. When everything’s unloaded, one person opens the wine and unpacks, and one person takes the car back to the main car park (DH obviously!)😀You can even pay to choose your lodge near the main area if walking back from the car park is an issue for anyone (although CP is aimed at outdoorsy families so I imagine a walk back from the car park isn’t going to put many off).

I love seeing no cars for a week. Sadly last time we went a few selfish people still had cars parked outside lodges near us on the second day with warning notes on them to take them back. If cars were left in front of lodges, the entitled/selfish few would use them to nip about, collect people after swimming etc (there will always be some who think the rules dont apply to them). It wouldn’t be anything like it is with cars parked everywhere - it would be awful.

Grannyto2 · 15/02/2024 10:30

I don't drink neither do i have a hubby to take the car back as he died. I dont fit the stereotype

Meagainnewname · 15/02/2024 10:33

We usually take food from home for the first day and breakfast for the next day and then we go shopping

DonnaBanana · 15/02/2024 10:58

If you leave at check in time have fun queuing for an hour to get into the car park when you return. Get your click and collect before you go or at least in the evening

Beenthroughit · 15/02/2024 12:10

Never done c and c but there is more than Tesco near Woburn Forest, there are also Waitrose and Aldi. Aldi is never too busy and it is same distance as Tesco

FlipFlop1987 · 15/02/2024 14:13

We go to CP twice a year. Absolute chaos at 4pm, you might have early check in but you would have to rejoin the queue once you have been for food, there’s only one way in and out. You would have to wait until after 6pm for it to clear.
We always do a food shop on the way and get early check in so we are all unpacked and on our first glass of wine long before the 4pm madness!