We have just come back from Sherwood (2nd timer) on Friday. It's the only one I've been to, we're North West between Sherwood and Whinfell, and have heard several reports that Sherwood is better as Whinfell was originally an Oasis park and not the usual set up?
We stay in the 2 bed 2 storey accom right by the spa which suits us and our young son. As you walk from that side into the centre, (SE side of the of the park on the map) a lot of these woodland lodges are looking tired from the outside at least and could tell the furnishings inside were old.
When we went walking one of the days, I commented how the lodges on the West side of the park (by the Country Club) seem much newer, so I'd try to get one of those if you could. I think at the time of booking, I noticed there were some 3 bed Execs on that side of the parc only, so you didn't need to pay their stupid 'pick a unit' charge. This would have been too far out for us with our just 2 year old son, so were happy to be where we were by the spa and a quick walk to the centre.
Overall, we really enjoyed our second stay at Sherwood but I don't have anything to compare to. I think the pool overall is really good, but the toddler bit is pretty old and tired. (Typical, that was the only bit my son wanted to go in!). Otherwise, restaurants and village centre nice, we had a good couple of meals out but usually self cater mostly.