Center parcs- is it worth paying extra to be closer to the central bit?

[professorpoopsnagle]

We are to Elveden Forest, going in Feb next year but not half term week. £50 extra for middle part and £40 for outer but a bit nearer. Half thinking to chance it and spend the money on upgrading to executive and activities. Children will be 5, 8 and 11, so ok at walking but just thinking it might be coldish?

I always pay at Sherwood. It's a PITA other wise. Not too much per day

Just back from whinfell - def worth it. We forgot - grr. 20 mins each way each time was knackering ..... Lugging stuff round.

We go to longleat and always pay to be near the swimming pool as that's where we tend to spend most time

To be honest we always choose to be further out as it's quieter and you don't get any noise from the main hub. With older children like yours they'll enjoy cycling in and being that bit further out you will get loads of ducks and deer on your back doorstep.

Definitely. We do as it is much easier with little ones to be able to pop back for lunch change of clothes etc. At Nottingham and Whinfell some of the outer edges of the villages are a pretty long hike.

Deffo worth it. We found you can fit so much more into each day.

you get more wildlife on your patio towards middle and outer, but central is more convenient

Definitely.
Have been 3 times, only paid to be central on the last trip and it was so much more convenient. You will save money as you can pop back to lodge for lunch.
Still had ducks, deer, squirrels on patio.

Only if you'll be walking rather than cycling. We prefer quieter with more wildlife and cycle back and forth anyway so no advantage paying to be nearer. DS 1&2 are 6 and 4.

I would say no but that is because we chose to have bikes and enjoy the chance to cycle there and back each day. That's important to us. I guess if you are walking then you may want closer.

We also like an outer location as you tend to have less houses behind you, if any and more places for children to explore.

On a bike furthest away you ever are is not much more than 5 minutes. About 20 if walking maybe.

If you hire bikes it isn't worth it. The only time I have bothered was in February when I figured it might be icy or snowy.

I choose to be as far out as possible but yes, you need bikes (and to enjoy them) for that to work.

If its Elveden you're staying at I would pick your villa location with a degree of care. I would look at CPs website and map of Elveden itself before deciding. Its a long way from the outer edges of this particular village to the main centre.