Center parks - a bit tacky?

[9uygjk]

Just back from our first trip to center parks. Went to the one in Woburn and honestly I just thought it was a bit tacky. Apparently it's middle class Butlins but is it? Maybe am being particularly picky but I still thought it was a bit like Butlins. Is it just me?

To the posters scoffing about middles classes not going to Starbucks, tbh they don’t! Outside of the centre parcs bubble it would be an independent (or Gail’s, or even a pret).

But you are aware that Gail's and Prets aren't everywhere and (brace yourself) some people just like what Starbucks offer?

Definitely!!! 🤣🤣

@Mushroo exactly. I assume that most people going to woburn live in London otherwise you'd go to a bigger one. So why don't they have a nice pizza place and a pho place. I know it sounds ridiculous but no my kids don't like sandwiches or beige food. They also don't like a busy or dirty pool.

I much prefer Starbucks to Pret and Gail’s… class does not dictate everything, clearly!

OP, do book a trip to Butlins next. The buffet is second to none and the fresh bread and coffee, to die for!

I enjoy both Center Parcs and Butlins

I don't think CP is for you. Leave the rest of us to enjoy an overpriced pint while the kids play in the playground and go to France for the true MC experience.

Exactly , which is why I included the word " personally " in my statement.

Love Premier Inn…

So why don't they have a nice pizza place and a pho place.

Because it's a business & they currently have a tie in with a hospitality group that manages the majority of its restaurants.

They aren't going to have different restaurants in different locations, it's not a boutique operation!

We went as the millennium turned. It wasn't our cup of tea and felt like a middle class ghetto full of contrived outdoor loving. The accommodation was basic and the food outlets were pedestrian. All worthy leisure comprising cycling, torches in the dark on the way back and child centric activities that weren't that great. Worthy rather than fun and I think we made the best of it whilst the rain lashed down.

MN is so funny. “No one middle class would ever go to Starbucks”. It’s just obviously not the case.

@Missmarplesknittingbuddy but how do you identify people who think it's for the middle classes?

Tried to go to France last year but they turned me around at the border as I wasn’t middle class enough.
Ces’t la vie.

@ShesTheAlbatross the most middle class person I know loves a caramel frappuccino!

It’s just an overpriced coffee shop! It’s not FOR any particular class. Why do you think ‘the middle classes’ dare not enter?!

With a few ‘easy’ options like Franca Manca or even Wagamamas

These are just todays Cafe rouge & Bella Italia though (& I love Waga)

It really isn't tacky compared to Butlins! Have you ever set foot in Butlins or Haven OP?

I think it's not a place I would choose for myself as an adult but when we had children it was brilliant. The ability to go somewhere in the UK in winter where you know there's lots to do indoors or under glass isn't replicated anywhere else. My kids adored it from age 1 to 21.
I don't think the cost is outrageous compared to other accommodation in the UK if you price it per person and consider you have a pool included. The restaurants are chain quality not foody, so you know what to expect.

I've been to several in the Netherlands and I didn't find them any better in fact definitely shabbier and definitely less MC.

Not sure about tacky, my main bugbear with it is that it's crazy expensive!

Been twice, both times with friends and their kids etc and both times just came away thinking it was too much ££ for too little.

Also I’m not particularly outdoorsy but Center Parcs gives you that illusion without the effort, nice flat 2 mile bike ride round the forest ‘trail’ but you feel outdoorsy and in nature 😅

We went to the Penrith one absolutely years ago, must have been 15 or 16 years ago and I wasn't impressed then. The lodge was lovely to be fair, but the place felt small, the activities hideously expensive and poor, the restaurants over priced and tables were left uncleared and the pool grubby.

The red squirrels are fabulous though.

Would never go again, we have better woods and pubs within 5 miles of home, although the squirrels are grey.

I've never been but I imagine it must absolutely fascinating....on an anthropological level 😂🙈

You need to go to park Dean or haven lol 😂

have you considered your 8 yo sounds like a moaning little brat, maybe you should have a chat with them about being grateful - some kids don’t get to go anywhere never mind whinge that the pool is too small and the bread isn’t fancy enough

I’ve never even been to center parks but if your inner city woodlands and Gail’s is enough for you maybe you should stay in your London bubble and enjoy your middle class life

if you want real wilderness and no chains go into the actual countryside, put up a tent and cook on a fire. You can bring artisan marshmallows from your wooded London high street to cook in case the local shops are too common for you.

It’s an overpriced holiday but you get to say you’ve been to centre parcs and everyone thinks your middle class. Whereas in reality it’s filled with middle class wannabes. The activities are rubbish most of the time it’s 20 min safety induction for a 40 min activity. No thanks.