Centreparcs for non-driving family

[SarahWoodruff]

Is Centreparcs a stupid place to go on holiday if you don't have a car? I've never been but think DD (nearly 5) would like the swimming and hanging out in the woods. But we'd have to get there by train (from London). So we wouldn't be able to get groceries en route, which judging by previous Mumsnet threads on the subject is essential. Also we'd have to hire a bike for DD when we were there (unless we could manage it plus luggage on the Tube/ train/ taxi journey, which I'm not sure about). Is it doable without a car? And is it worth the effort?

[Frazzled2207]

You don’t need a car when there and def can get all groceries there just on the expensive side
So the only issue is getting there and back.

[Annexlife]

There is a complimentary bus from Flitwick to Woburn, very easy.
DH has used many times. One of the joys of CP is not needing a car during your stay.

[Classicblunder]

We have done Woburn a few times by train. Some things to be aware of:

the shuttle isn't running at the moment "because of covid" which is a bit ridiculous - but it's less than £10 in a taxi

More annoyingly, they used to keep your luggage for you at reception if you arrived by train until your cabin is ready but now they won't "because of covid" - you can leave stuff in the swimming pool lockers but it is a faff

The site isn't that big, you don't need bikes, you can just walk

There are some big supermarkets at Fliwick station so you can pick up some bits and then get your taxi - we usually just pack some things in our suitcases, like wine which is overpriced on site and then buy the rest from their supermarket.

There are steps at Fliwick station which is a pain with luggage

But all in all, it's fine, it is more sensible than renting a car which you would only use to drive there and back

[KindergartenKop]

I know you asked this question ages ago but I've only just found this thread. Longleat CP is a 20 min taxi ride from the station. The station (Warminster I think) is right next to a supermarket. We've done this trip with a 3yo and a 6month old. DH waited outside the shops with the kids while I went round and then we called a taxi.

Another really accessible place is the Isle of Wight. Get the ferry from Portsmouth harbour to Ryde pier head and then get the train down the Eastern side of the Island. Sandown is perfect for a traditional seaside holiday :)

[emmathedilemma]

I went to the one at Thetford by train although a friend picked me up at the station but it wasn't far away and we did a click & collect shop at the Sainburys that you drive past on the way, so even that might be an option in a taxi. The onsite shop was really well stocked but I didn't look at prices carefully!

[LittleBearPad]

The supermarket on site isn’t that expensive - it’s like M&S or Waitrose. You can also eat out. If you were going 3 or 4 days it would be fine. 7 days could get spendy

[CJay81]

We did whinfelll many years back without a car. About 5 miles from penrith station, we got a taxi. Also thwre was a morrisons just over the road from the train station, so one of us stayed with ds at station while the other grabbed a couple of bags of shopping before we got the taxi. There's plenty to do at center parcs you don't need to leave and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

[MarshmallowFondant]

The one in the Lake District is about 5 miles from Penrith which is on the main west coast train line. There's a huge Morrison's right by the station, you could travel up by train, do a bit of shopping and get a taxi.

[PicaK]

Woburn will be fine to get to without a car.
The Parc Market has absolutely everything you need - just think Waitrose prices. (With the essentials range).
Looking at the map. The bike hire place is on the top of a ridge as are the villas to the right - then it immediately drops down to where the lake and sports centre and STSP are. It goes up again immediately beyond them.
So I'd pick a villa that isn't beyond the lake etc to avoid the uphill.

[MinnieMountain]

Taxis are allowed past the entrance. We’ve been to the one near Thetford twice without a car.

[Princessdebthe1st]

Also recommend doing a quick grocery shop in Warminster. And taking a trip to Longleat Safari Park. You will have to book a taxi to take you there. The safari bus may be running, if not they do very good value ‘private’ tours with the rangers.

[Princessdebthe1st]

OP,
I am in East London and have been to Longleat Centre Parcs on a number of occasions with no problem at all. Train from Waterloo to Warminster and then a 5 min taxi ride from the taxi company in the station. We have had a great time and I highly recommend it. I would suggest booking accommodation nearer the main square to make transition days easier as hauling suitcases a long way through the park on arrival and leaving (when the train isn’t running) wouldn’t be a lot of fun.

[MajorCarolDanvers]

Whinfell is less than 10 minutes from Penrith train station in a taxi.

[SarahWoodruff]

Wow this is all really helpful! In answer to questions: budget not a particular issue, so if the shops in there are available but expensive that's fine, I'd rather have the extra cost than carry food with us. Likewise taxis to and from whichever station is closest.

Location: we are in East London so I was thinking Woburn was probably easiest, as we could get the tube to Kings X then the train. But open to suggestions.

Also very open to other holiday suggestions, so please bring on the recommendations!

[Cherryblossoms85]

The Woburn one isn't that big. I've never bothered with bikes as everything of interest is walking distance. It's not the food market that makes it pricy it's all the activities that cost extra.

[Ozanj]

@SarahWoodruff

Is Centreparcs a stupid place to go on holiday if you don't have a car? I've never been but think DD (nearly 5) would like the swimming and hanging out in the woods. But we'd have to get there by train (from London). So we wouldn't be able to get groceries en route, which judging by previous Mumsnet threads on the subject is essential. Also we'd have to hire a bike for DD when we were there (unless we could manage it plus luggage on the Tube/ train/ taxi journey, which I'm not sure about). Is it doable without a car? And is it worth the effort?

You just need one which is fairly close to public transport. There’s one near Milton Keynes which is just a 30-45min taxi ride from the train station & you can stop for groceries on route.

[Shewalksinbeautylikethenight]

Ah cross posted re: courtesy bus. Taxi from Flitwick is prob still less than a tenner though.

[thevassal]

If you do go for it try and book a cabin near the entrance - last time went to longleat the cabin took 25 minutes to drive to or 50 mins to walk, and the train doesn't go on move in days. I don't think a taxi wouldn't be allowed past the entrance (I had to provide my car registration before I arrived) so it could be a long walk with luggage. Then you'd have to walk back again to pick up your bikes etc.

[Shewalksinbeautylikethenight]

Seconding the suggestion of Woburn, I’ve been several times without a car. As well as the Flitwick Tesco there’s a Waitrose in Ampthill which is just about walkable. You can stock up at Flitwick Tescos and take shopping on the courtesy bus. Practically I would expect most people who can afford CP can also afford bike hire/a taxi for the v short distance between CP and Flitwick/Ampthill, it’s only a couple of miles.

[Embracelife]

Just take one of the suitcases loaded with basics like pasta and favourites

[Embracelife]

Sorry they usex to but say
Due to COVID-19, we are unable to run our usual complimentary guest shuttle bus from Flitwick Station to Woburn Forest. Guests travelling by train can book a taxi to the village at a special discounted rate from A1 Station Taxis, who can be contacted on 01525 757575. If you have further queries, please call Guest Services on 01525 842855.

[Embracelife]

Woburn has ,free c p shuttle bus from flitwick. Easy

[Mum090521]

You can hire bikes when you get there at Sherwood Forest and there's a supermarket on site. If you can get there you don't need a car.

[AHobbyaweek]

I have got the train to and from Woburn before and it is easy enough. Last time we went we got a Gousto box and their welcome breakfast type thing and it did most of our groceries.

[negomi90]

If you don't have a car, do you have a licence? If you can drive, you could rent a car which will give you more options about which one to go to and make it easier to pack lots.