Centreparcs with Teens

[MB83]

We're looking at doing Centreparcs next year (as part of a trip to the UK from New Zealand), our kids will be 13 & 15 - most of what I can find online is people talking about preschool kids - would teens still enjoy it as much? The swimming looks great - are the pools deep or is it more little kid height?
We haven't decided much yet but would be choosing between Longleat/Woburn and Elveden - would love advice to help choose!
Is it worth being there for Christmas? (We'll either be there or in London) - If not we'll do the week or so after.

Pools would be deep enough and they'd enjoy the waterslides (although I think some are outdoor so could be a bit cold ir maybe even closed in winter?)

But CP is surprisingly expensive in the school holidays. Personally I'd think London has more to offer at Christmas with all of the Christmas lights and shows; consider Go Ape if you want an outdoor activity in London.

Hopefully someone with more recent CP knowledge can comment

Awesome thanks :D We'll be doing London regardless but its just the timing of which to do for actual Christmas Day.

do you want to eat out or self cater on Christmas Day? I would think that's a big consideration. If eating out you need find somewhere open, and book

Haven't quite got to that point of planning yet (this is for next Christmas, not 2 months away) but fine with either - we're pretty used to very low-key Christmas stuff (BBQ or picnic at the beach) so anything winter-y is going to be exciting.

That age group you would be far better going to Potters Resort in Norfolk.

We went to Sherwood for the first time ever last year with 17,14 and 10 year old, and they loved the pool, esp the rapids. They really enjoyed the tree top activities. They had a great time and we plan to go again.

We're not really looking for an AI - the pool/swimming is a big draw for us and staying in the British Woods is quite appealing.

Perfect, this is what I wanted to hear! :)

Longleat is lovely and you could incorporate a trip to Bath , we went in early December , I think it was toddler week ! however it meant that in the evening the pool was virtually empty .

Our teenagers still love it, the pools are fabulous. Longleat is very hilly, haven’t been to the other two as we’re nearer the northern ones. CP has the winter wonderland so there are lights everywhere and it’s all very pretty and twinkly from Nov-Jan. The spa is a must. However, it’ll be extortionate over Christmas and probably cheaper to jump on a plane to wherever you fancy! Like others have said I’d consider London, York, Edinburgh for a truly British Christmas experience.

@MB83 if you can fit it in on your trip the Christmas season at Disneyland Paris is worth a visit , it really makes you feel festive .

We're actually thinking we'll do Disney Hong Kong as part of the trip! (We just came back via Paris Disney last month haha)

My niece is about to turn 14 and her and her Mum go often, we are in the north so they always go to the one near Lake District, but they have Segway excursions, high ropes, crafting, seems plenty to do for that age range in addition to the pool. The prices always scare me a bit, all the activities apart from swimming cost extra.

I’m almost certain that age would enjoy it, also they could explore the site independently and safely. They will love the pool .

it is however IMO very overpriced UNLESS you can go outside school holidays which is why many people (including us) favour it with preschool aged kids which is when it is affordable.

We went to Longleat this year with my 14 year old and 16 year old and they absolutely loved it

This is why I love centre parcs-
Whatever age the kids are they love it.
Now late teens- the pool and rapids, biking, playing pool, badminton, walks to Starbucks, movies and takeouts in the lodge
All happy.

I wouldn't choose Woburn with older teens, it's smaller and I don't the pool is so good.
They'll all be busy over Christmas with a wide range of ages.
Restaurants overpriced and not great for a special meal, but if you're planning to self cater that's OK. The onsite supermarket has a good range of stuff...at a price!

Of those three I think Longleat best with older kids. I believe the other two are smaller.

Fair enough but they have a lovely indoor pool with an outdoor section.

I second potters resort in Norfolk, great for teams and adults

We took our DC to centerparcs from being babies. The last time was when they were 17 and 19 and they loved it just as much.
The thing that appeals is the rapids. It's not just a pool with slides it's quite unique. There are outdoor pools which are very hot and it's great to swim outdoors in the snow.
We have been mostly to Sherwood and some in the Netherlands, once to Whinfell. They are all similar.
It's true they are geared up for small children but they definately appeal to teenagers as well. In winter it's nice to go somewhere where it won't matter if it's foggy or wet.
MN generally hate CP but I think they fill a spot in the UK.
Yes they are not cheap but if you were to rent a nice cottage with ensuite bedrooms in a good location you could easily pay more and not have the amenities of a water park included.

We are going next week as a family with DC and their partners.

We took our 10 year old and 12 year old this summer and they had a great time. They loved the independence - being able to go off on bike rides and take themselves off swimming etc. We also did lots of family activities like tennis and badminton. At Christmas you will probably end up spending lots of time in the Sports Plaza which is great if they like sport. Booking courts is quite reasonable imo (certainly compared to more expensive activities like high ropes etc which they're probably too old for anyway). The accommodation is cosy, there is wifi and Starbucks so I'm sure teenagers would be happy!

Perfect - You're right, because we'll be travelling we're going to be paying for accomodation regardless so staying somewhere with the pool/rapids and lovely atmosphere is just starting to make more sense than anything else haha.

Currently on our way home from a stay in Longleat with 5 teenagers - they had a blast. Spent hours in the pool racing down the rapids. Badminton , table tennis, starbucks & the sports bar all went down well. If you can stretch to a lodge with hot tub and games room, that gives you even more options. Enjoy!