I need Center Parc's pool without the CP price tag.

[Vagaceratops]

Does anyone have any idea where I can get it?

DS loves the pool a CP, but we cant afford that this year. Where can I get one with all the fun bits without going to CP. I have looked and for the 5 days I want its £1049

Me too, people say Butlins but can't bring myself to do it. I went to Butlins for a day once and really didn't like it. Hope someone can recommend something.

How about just staying at a hotel, B&B or campsite near a big water park, like these:

www.bluelagoonwales.com/

www.waterworld.co.uk/

www.sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk/graphic/home/

I'm guessing most will have other attractions nearby too, especially Blackpool.

I was looking at the Alton Towers water park. It looks good - has anyone been?

It is good, but again its pricey.

The Splash landings Hotel water park is pretty good. I didn't think it was as good as any of the pools at Center Parcs but definitely good fun for a couple of hours. I went at the end of May for a weekend which happened to be really hot and enjoyed the sun loungers in the outside bit.
Some of the Haven holiday parks have good pools.

We went to Butlins Bognor Regis one year (Centre Parcs was fully booked ) and the DCs LOVED it even though we didn't The pool was great but definitely not as warm as CP!!

Have you tried Bluestone in Wales? It looks very much like CP but nicer - we're looking for later this year and its coming in abut £200 less than CP. Not sure what dates and for how many people you're looking but 4 nights in August were from about £500 when I looked.

The outdoor campfire restaurant looks fab too!

Yes, bluestone is the closest to CP pool I have ever got too

Last october we stayed at ribby hall and went to the sandcastle water park. Tbh, it wasn't as good as cp and sandcastle was £30 for four of us so added up if you visit often. However, if it's lots cheaper it's worth a shot.

Bluestone is even more expensive :(

I must have been lucky for the dates I wanted - it does look lovely though

My DSs (14 and 16) both love those pools at Center Parcs. We once went to Haven but it was vile.
I may regret this but I've booked us a cheap weekend in Blackpool (£190 for two nights ) so we can visit the sandcastle water park. I guess there will be plenty of other cheesy stuff to do while we are there.

Once read an article regarding CP in some European cities. The children have different holidays so the pricing structure came out cheaper for Brit. School hols. It might be worth a look.

Given that the pool at CP is heated and can be used all year round (partic fun when it's snowing outside), why not go or a long weekend in the winter? Prices at longleat are at £400 for a nov break for 4 people.

Look on holiday lettings for a private villa with pool in France. Average £400-6/700 for 1/2 weeks. Ferry and drive down.

If you get a cheaper end one and ferry then drive down prob £600 total including petrol for average size car

It's not just a pool though. For older DCs and teenagers the huge variety at CP of pools, slides, rapids are the attraction not to mention meeting girls. Mine truly would not thank me for a private villa with pool.
We have been to the Dutch center parcs and they are certainly cheaper. Unfortunately when you add the the ferry crossing from the north east of the UK then you might as well go to the UK parks.
I'm stuck with the main school holidays because the problem with going in November is that the weekend covers Friday and Monday and they are at school.

Dentist appointments Friday?
Then travel back late on Sunday night or first thing Monday, though depends how far you have to travel, we are only 20 mins from CP

As regards Butlins - I looked it up & for us it is even more expensive than CP! I think it only works out cheaper if you are a family of 4. More than 2 bedrooms and CP is cheaper - in the summer hols anyway - heven't checked other dates.

Have you tried CP in Holland or Belgium? We've been several times and it was easily half the price of the UK version, even taking the channel crossing into account. There may be less of a saving now the Euro exchange isn't so good but worth a look?