Center parcs... Which one is the best?

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For the past 5 yrs on the run me and my whole family have been going to center parcs oasis.
We all love it but as its the only one we have been to we have nothing to compare it to.
Next year we are going to try a different CP. We are thinking of sherwood. Any of you ladies been to more than one and have a favorite.
Also we always stay in a centrally located lodge. Is this possible in the others or are they more spread out?

Who has spent Christmast at Center Parcs? Did it feel Christmas-sy?!

Me, it was lovely. Brought one of those ready decorated Xmas trees from Argos, didn't have Xmas dinner there went out to Clumber Park Hotel. Had a swim Xmas afternooon. THen all satyed in the villa playing games in front of a log fire. It was really nice. We'd like to do it again but really can't justify the cost.

Bluesky, we've done Christmas 3 times at CP. It is lovely and christmassy, with a Santas grotto and reindeer and horse and trap rides. Also they do pantos and carol singing etc.

The villas are nice as well with the log fires etc. We tend to go to one of the restaurants for Christmas lunch but do a goodie run to M&S on arrivals day so that we have plenty of champagne and nibbles for the week. Also good not having to drive anywhere!

We're off to Elvedon on 17 - 20 December for their "Countdown to Christmas" thing they do.

Woodpops - how did Thursday go????

Soapbox, thank god you're here I've posted a thread for help fom you over on the big/slim/weight loss section!!!!

Joanie (beginning to think I spend my life posting about center parcs!), Longleat is hilly but don't let that put you off. There is a land train (basically a landrover pulling covered trailers with seats) that goes round the whole park all day long. You won't be far from a stop wherever you are.

In terms of what to do when it rains...aside from the swimming there's a great soft play area (fairly new and it's in the sports cafe so you can laze around having coffee/meals while the kids play), the kids clubs (you need to pre book these), snooker, table tennis, indoor golf (not great though I thought the outdoor adventure golf was brilliant, kids loved it and well worth a visit). I can't really think now but it pissed down with rain for 3 days last time we were there and we had loads to do! You will probably find you spend more time in the pool than you think!

As to exec vs comfort, the comfort's are fairly basic but fine. I've never thought the extra price justified the few extra things you get but if you like a bit of luxury and aren't happy with 4 walls and beds, then an exec is probably better for you! (ps some of the comfort villas at longleat have been refurbished and are a bit nicer than the older ones. I think the newer ones are the ones nearer the pool from what I remember but ask when you book!)

We just got back from Longleat a couple of weeks ago, I was 7 months pregnant so a little wary of hills, and we have an 11 month baby - but in actual fact, the bikes with the little chariots on the back (as long as baby can sit up) were absolutely amazing - I haven't cycled in years and it did my pelvic floor the world of good! Would thoroughly recommend it, we had a great time!

We've been to both Elevden & Longleat & I have to say I much prefer Longleat. The pool goes outside & at night it is just magical to sit outside in a very warm pool and gaze at the stars! As for the resturants - the indian is fab, but the rest is fairly ordianary. Self-catering with some nice wine & nibbles etc is certainly the way forward. It seems you have to pre-book the spa treatments asap otherwise you are disappointed. Maybe that's why the exec. villas are more popular as they allow to prebook most activities. The nicest thing about centerparks is the outdoor aspect to the holiday in fresh air & +++ safety. Have fun.

We are considering a trip to CP in the next couple of months (DS is now 14m). I wondered if anyone had taken their dog there. I'd like to take ours with us but wondered if it would be worth the hassle. Anyone?

does any one know which centerparcs had the dome collapse a couple of years ago. I remember seeing it on the news, they had to close down the village? rebuild the whole thing.

Nellyk

It was Elvedon - although the Dome didn't collapse, there was a fire in one of the kitchens and being so "open-plan" spread throughout the whole complex.

This was in April 2002.

Just got back from Elveden and what a lovely week it was too.
Unfortunatley as mentioned previously the food is really not up to scratch.
the Indian is fab though and you can do take a way if one likes.
We avoided platform 5 and chose Hucks Diner instead. Oh dear,sticky,wobbly tables,dirty floors, Overcooked steak type fillets served with chips and 30 baked beans in a cardboard pot thing.
We should have noted that the restaurant had 6 people in it eating, including us on a prime time night time visit.
Great for families and the trailers are great for babies, more comfortable though with a blanket and pillow from the wardrobe though.
Will try Longleat next as it is very close to us for a long weekend break.

thank you slinky - it was something I wanted to know. I can add that milkshakes in different venues were v. different. The sportsbar and country club were like Nesquick milkshakes but at the Tex Mex place they were full on ice-creams with smarties and loads of squirty cream etc etc