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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Centre Parks with 9mo

12 replies

Girlmumma1 · 10/01/2023 08:41

Hi All,

Just looking for some opinions on centre parks.

We're looking at going to longleat this year for our honeymoon, but our DD will be 9 months when we go. i wondered if anyone had been there with this age DC and has any tips or advice?

I know she'll be too young for most activities but we're happy for a bit of a walking holiday and some swimming etc.

Wasn't sure if it's worth booking elsewhere? Or if there will be enough to do with a younger baby.

Thanks!

OP posts:
cloudychance · 10/01/2023 08:48

We took DD when she was about that age, and spent most of our time wandering around the forest, in the food outlets and playing in the kiddy pool! It was lovely but probably not quite as exciting as it would be for older DC.

We did take grandparents with us as well which meant we could nip to the spa for the day which was HEAVEN.

The lodges are clean and come equipped for baby, but they have furniture with sharp corners so I wouldn't say totally baby proofed!

Original poster
Girlmumma1 · 10/01/2023 09:07

Thanks @cloudychance for your response!

Hmm yea we're happy for a bit of a walking holiday but also don't know if I want to pay that much for not much use of everything. We will also be going alone so not much hope for the spa! 😭

How long did you stay for?

OP posts:
Brendabigbaps · 10/01/2023 09:16

you pay extra for most things at centre parcs! The only things included are the swimming, the free rein of the forest and the use of the restaurants /bars etc Any other activity is expensive. It’s great for little ones tho, just being in the forest, exploring, seeing the wildlife etc. there’s usually a little beach area on the lake. (I’ve not been to longleat but all the others do)
your also allowed out, it’s next door to longleat safari park so I’d go there for a day.

Original poster
Girlmumma1 · 10/01/2023 09:26

Brendabigbaps · 10/01/2023 09:16

you pay extra for most things at centre parcs! The only things included are the swimming, the free rein of the forest and the use of the restaurants /bars etc Any other activity is expensive. It’s great for little ones tho, just being in the forest, exploring, seeing the wildlife etc. there’s usually a little beach area on the lake. (I’ve not been to longleat but all the others do)
your also allowed out, it’s next door to longleat safari park so I’d go there for a day.

That's a very good point actually! 🙈 will probably work out cheaper going when she's not old enough for the other activities 🤣

Yep that was the plan as I'd love to do the safari!

I think I'm swayed! Although I'm thinking mom-Friday will be plenty!

Thanks!

OP posts:
cloudychance · 10/01/2023 14:00

We only went for a long weekend which was brill. There are some playgrounds at the one I went to which was good for swings and she was completely obsessed with all the birds, squirrels and monk jacks that came visiting every day!

emmathedilemma · 10/01/2023 14:28

I know you pay extra for the activities at CP but I also think the accommodation is overpriced for the standard and you could do better elsewhere and have nicer places to eat out.

Original poster
Girlmumma1 · 10/01/2023 15:56

emmathedilemma · 10/01/2023 14:28

I know you pay extra for the activities at CP but I also think the accommodation is overpriced for the standard and you could do better elsewhere and have nicer places to eat out.

This is my thinking. Although we're happy with a chilled walking holiday, so I'm sure it'll suit.

Not too sure where else to go 🤔 our Mexico honeymoon is out of the question for a few years! 🤣

OP posts:
emmathedilemma · 10/01/2023 17:25

Forest holidays lodges are nice if you don’t need the facilities of CP.

GHRT · 10/01/2023 17:28

Landal and Darwin Forest holidays would provide you with what you are looking for but are far nicer than Centre Parcs

Original poster
Girlmumma1 · 10/01/2023 17:41

@emmathedilemma @GHRT thankyou! Will look into those!

OP posts:
mrsnjw · 10/01/2023 17:49

Darwin is fab and so much to go and see in the local area. I wouldn't bother with cp with a baby. Very expensive for what you would get out of it. Better for older children in my humble option ( been every year for ten years and it's still my teens favourite place).

BabyTa · 10/01/2023 20:55

It's too much for what you get - I don't understand the concept at all - why not just book a nice cottage in an area you want to visit in the country with walks or historical site nearby?

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