We are off to centre parcs for 1st time ! - any tips ?

[fakeblondie]

We are going to Sherwood later this month-with dc 18, 15, 7 and 6 mths !
have booked top of range villa and activities 2 mornings out of 3 for the older ones.
Any tips on what to take / plan etc.
We are VERY excited x

We loved the Country Club at Sherwood, especially for breakfast. It's much quieter than the main centre and the play area for your 7 year old is the best in the park I reckon.

Thanks Doodlez.

take torches, good walking shoes and warm clothes. Take more than one swimsuit each as if your like us you will be in there twice a day. Def buy fire wood and enjoy the fire.
If there is anything you want to do, book it before you go they sell out fast.
Relax and enjoy

If you are planning on cooking then take food. I've always found the supermarket to be very basic.

Leave it a couple of days before you hire bikes - you might decide once you get there that they are more trouble than they are worth or the activities you like are closer together than you think. Take lots of towels and swimmers, you'll probably be in the pool ALOT!

If you are eating out, avoid the main meal time rush. The waiting times can be horrendous - a nightmare if you've got small DCs.

Take lots of money, its very expensive! But very enjoyable. some of our best holidays have been at center parcs.

I always have a Tesco/Saisburys delivery straight to my car boot on the day we go - bacon/bread/tea/coffee etc stuff - mainly because on the firs!t day you can drive up to your villa so you don't have to hump it far.

We also take a casserole in the slow cooker so we can have a meal cooking whilst we are having fun.

We love CP - sure you will have fun ...

Taking your own food is a great tip! Save on money, time, stress, the list goes on... :-)

Take a teatowel and a sharp knife. DH nearly chopped his fingers off trying to slice a tomato with a blunt knife.
Food not great but the country club is probably the best.
Take wellies or walking boots as there could be lots of puddles and it can get muddy.
When you park the car, make a note of which letter bay you are in. Sounds obvious but we didn't.

Arriving: It is busy at 10am when you are first allowed in. But busier still from 2.30-3pm as people arrive just in time to drive their car straight up to their villa. If you arrive before 3pm, get back to the car by 2.50 as they often open the gate then. Alternatively, wait until 4pm after the rush.
Have fun! My 3 always love it!