Centre Parcs with a 17 Month Old

[DaynaS]

Hi All,

First time Mum here, and looking at going to Centre Parcs (Sherwood Forest) next June, so baby will be 17 months, whereas currently she's 10 months.

We haven't braved the idea of holidays yet, and she's no where near sleeping through the night, but does have a good consistent bedtime routine.

I haven't had her sleep anywhere else yet, and it's generally me or her Dad who puts her to bed.

So.. I'm thinking of booking a UK break (Centre Parcs) before I risk a plane and just looking at Sherwood Forest at the moment. I can't quite work out what's best though in a way of lodge for us and baby.

Has anyone had experience in this? I'm thinking a two bedroom since she sleeps in her own room at home and take a monitor, etc.

So for example, would you book a two storey lodge, or would there be a risk of her getting out of her cot and opening the door at that age? i.e. would it need a stairgate?

The two storey lodges look really good, nice layout, and means she's upstairs of an evening so we wouldn't disturb her downstairs, but it is out of the way and not near the main centre. Would certainly need to cycle everywhere (her in a trailer) and that includes popping to the shops, swimming, etc.

Or, would you go near centre, but a one storey lodge and pay a premium to pick the lodge so you know you're close to the children's play area, swimming, beach, etc?

It all roughly seems the same price (between £780 - £830, lodge style depending) but I don't know whether I should go for lodge layout with two storeys, thinking we might spend a lot of time in the lodge so space would be good. Or, not as good as a layout, but 5 min walk to most main things.

What do you think? If anyone has experience of Centre Parcs with a baby of this age, I'd love to know what you thought, what you'd recommend and how you found it.

Many thanks!
Dayna

We did CP with a toddler of about the same age. I'd go for as close as possible to the play area and swimming. We stayed a little bit out of the way (near the spa in Longleat) so did a lot of cycling and found DD went to sleep the instant either of us started pedalling and then was a beast for the rest of the evening!

I would also pick a location close to the pool etc.. I agree falling asleep in the bike trailer and the hassle of it is not worth the extra space. I would get two bedrooms if at all possible

Hi, just come across this. Definitely book close to the pool as the distances can be quite far, especially when you're on a schedule with naps and meals.
You'll want 2 bedrooms and bring your own travel cot. We used the CP cots and they are TINY and really old and rickety, my boy was a good sleeper and he wouldn't go to sleep in that damn little cot.

We went to CP with our then 11mo as part of a wider family holiday with older kids and I'd say we wouldn't go back until our kids are 4+ as there isn't much for toddlers to do beyond the swimming. It's fantastic for children though.
Have you looked at farmstays? We've done two now and they're excellent for 1/2/3 Yr old
Luccombe farmstay was the best one we've been to.