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Holidays

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

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Original poster

Center Parcs

13 replies

Rainbows2018 · 29/08/2023 12:30

Hi all,

We’re looking at Center Parcs. We have a 3 and a 5 year old. We need to go during the school holidays as I work in education.

We’d like to do 4 nights as this it’s more cost effective with the time we have. We’re looking at both the UK ones and abroad.

My questions are, which one would people recommend for children my age? We’re based in Cheshire.

Also, has anyone been to the ones abroad, which ones are good and easier to get to?

Thanks

OP posts:

Fivemoreminutes1 · 29/08/2023 17:57

Woburn is the most compact which makes it more suitable for little legs. However, it’s also one of the more expensive. Elvedon is nice and flat and one of the cheaper locations. It also seems to have the biggest choice of activities.
Personally, based on your location and the age of your dc, I’d go to Bluestone instead. It’s got so many free facilities for children that age. In fact, I’d say it’s more suited for children under 7 than it is for older children.

familyissues12345 · 29/08/2023 17:59

We're at longleat currently, it's a lovely one but pretty hilly! We've stayed here a few times and definitely in the best location this time (Pine) as we're close to the Plaza

Amethystanddiamonds · 29/08/2023 18:17

Erperheide in Belgium is very good for that age. Friends have also recommended Het Meerdal for a similar age but we've not been to that one. We usually use the hull to Rotterdam ferry (also NW) but we also do the channel tunnel depending on price. Our next CP holiday is £400 cheaper for double the nights with travel, than popping a couple of hours away to Whinfell or Sherwood!

dioramadrama · 29/08/2023 18:20

My favourite is Elveden but it's a long way from Cheshire!
I like Sherwood and that wouldn't be too long a drive.
Whinfell I don't love.
Woburn has an AMAZING spa if you're into that. But it's quite compact and hilly which I didn't love being on a bike.
Longleat is ok too but not been for years.
Not been to the one in Ireland or any of the ones abroad.

Original poster

Rainbows2018 · 30/08/2023 12:57

Thank you. Really helpful.

Does anyone with the Europe ones, which are nearest to airports?

OP posts:

froomeonthebroom · 30/08/2023 13:09

There is a very useful Facebook group called Center Parcs Europ for Brits (or something similar) that would be able to answer your questions .

LadyOfACertainAge · 30/08/2023 13:13

From Cheshire you have whinfell and Sherwood to choose from. I’ve not either so can’t comment how suitable they are but having done both longleat and Woburn both were equally fine. The land train at longleat is good plus there are lots of parks and the hills tire the kids out!

however, my friend has just come back from bluestone in wales. It is much cheaper than center parcs and looks v similar. Think it’s a bit further away but might be worth it for 4 nights.

MiniCooperLover · 30/08/2023 13:23

My favourite is Het Hejderbos in Holland (not sure my spelling is quite right, sorry). It's about an hours drive from Hook of Holland (you could go from Hull).

NoNameIdeas · 30/08/2023 15:23

We went to elveden last year and Woburn this year, children are currently 6 and 2.5. Woburn is smaller but hillier and has a split site so not everything is together. Elveden is a much bigger site but everything is central which made it much easier to go to different activities. We also preferred the playgrounds at elveden as well as the range of activities on offer. Woburn made a nice change but probably will go back to Elveden.

FlorenceTheFerocious · 30/08/2023 15:27

I've been to Bluestone and liked it. Accommodation was meant to be nicer than centreparcs from what I'd read, but tbh, it was quite average. I've never been to Centreparcs though so can't compare.

Bluestone is great and has activities, a big spft play and swimming pool. There is also Folly Farm nearby if you get bored of the site. The area around Bluestone is lovely too.

lincolngirl1097 · 30/08/2023 15:30

I've been to Sherwood Forest and whinfell. The pool for little ones is better at sherwood forest. Activities are similar at the them all though

BobbyBleu · 30/08/2023 15:30

We're in Cheshire and we prefer going to Whinfell, but we have been to Sherwood Forest too.
Sherwood Forest is slightly nicer I think, the pool area is also a bit better but the journey to Cumbria is just so much easier.

BeaniesOnToast · 30/08/2023 20:56

Bluestone is great for young children, as well as the pool and soft play there's also the covered Serendome with sand and water play. Hours of free fun! Like Center Parcs though, it doesn't seem like particularly good value when you're paying ££££ just for a pretty average lodge and no other activities included. I wouldn't pay school holiday prices for it.

For European Center Parcs, Erperheide is ideal for young children. There's a water play house, huge soft play, petting zoo. Join the FB group Center Parcs Europe Just For Brits for loads of useful info and recommendations of other sites, including those close to airports. Prices vary depending on which country's website you use, so check .be, .fr, .nl and use Google translate. Tesco clubcard points can be used to book ferry or tunnel.

You could also look at Beekse Bergen, or Landal sites for something a bit cheaper. Check out Little Clogs Holidays, they can help you find a site to meet your needs.

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