Centre Parcs experience?

[IlanaK]

Has anyone been to any of the Centre PArcs in the UK? We are thinking of a midweek holiday in early June and want to spend under £500. I noticed on their site that trhey do special %15 discount if you are taking under 5's. So it would make it affordable. But I am wondering if they are any good? And how much do you end up spending while you are there? Can you self cater? Or do you end up eating out each meal? And is every activity extra? Which is the closest to London to drive? And is there stuff to do around them?

Any tips welcome. We just can't decide what to do as even a late availability holiday abroad seems too expensive.

Hi I have been to Elevedon a few yrs back but we are going again on the 16th May my whole family are going this time. It is a brilliant place with loads to do! The prices are not bad althought the eating out seems quite pricey but we dont intend to eat out we have booked a chalet with a barbeque.
Also i have just got my price list through which they send 2-3 weeks before you are due to go once you have booked! If you would like to know any prices pls just let me know and i will try and help you.
The experience is not worth missing though its a fab break .

IlanaK

Try using this discount code SPR05. Gives betwwen 10-30% off , depending on where/when booked. Should still be valid and is completely legitimate.

Don't ever pay full price for a CP hol unless you go in school hols. There are alwat=ys discount codes on this website (try searching in products or travel) or on moneysavingexpertdotcom

Have a great hol

I stayed in an Exec villa at Longleat and found it clean, smart and presentable (and my standards are quite high). Also a family of ducks would waddle up the french windows for a feed most days.

I can't relate to the prison camp analogies [bemused emoticon]

I find holidaying with small children ( mine are 4 and 18 months ) extremely stressful and exhausting. Centerparcs, IMO, takes all the stress away. I agree with all the negatives that people have mentioned, to a degree, but it's still the best holiday experience I can imagine having with my children. Have always found the accomodation fine - a bit "travel-inny" maybe, but clean and functional. We don't "do" any extras apart from sessions in the creche for the kids and the aqua sana for us. Rest of the time we make full use of the outdoor play areas and the "sub tropical paradise", mmh that may be overstating it a bit, but it does the job!

Thanks everyone. It has been very interesting to read this. I think, as with all holidays, people's expectations will determine how much they like a place. I think we would certainly be happy not to do many activities and just use the free stuff plus maybe the creche or spa once or twice. I think what I may do is wait until the last minute and see if they have any late availbility deals. They have some on their site right now, but not for June yet.