Are ANY Center Parcs any good at all?

[Dalesgirl16]

I really wanted to visit Center Parcs for a long weekend with my husband and toddler this year. However, I have so far read reviews on Woburn, Longleat and Elvedon and am very put off by bad reviews of dirty and tired looking accommodation, dirty changing rooms and that the big pool is too cold everywhere. I know that it's expensive but we are not looking to do many activities, more exploring the walks, cycling, pool and I thought I'd treat myself to a visit to the spa (noisy and too busy at weekends?). I would love to hear reviews about your stays, in particular the accommodation. I have gathered it's expensive.

I like sherwood as you can ride for miles around the actual forestry commission managed woodland right next to center parcs, so you can go on proper bike rides and walks in the morning , then hit the pool and playgrounds later. Avoid paying for many activities as there’s enough to do without the extra cost. The only downside is the chain restaurant issue. They used to have there own independent restaurant and cafes. It does make the eating out experience feel bland. The takeout service is ok though. Shop before you arrive to save money as on-site supermarket is pricey. Kids love the pool soooo much.

Do they have bikes where you can pop a toddler in with you at the front?

Dales I have not seen bikes like that. You can hire bikes with trailers which you put little ones in. You can also take your own bikes, but make sure you take bike locks

Whinfell was lovely last time I went there.

Have you thought about Bluestone in pembrokeshire?. same sort of set up but smaller/quieter/much less commercialised....

Sherwood Forest was my favourite place as a kid and an adult.
I think the nostalgia and a love of outdoors, campfires, cabins etc is a must.
I tucking love centre parks. And I have travelled extensively

Sherwood Forest also never made me ill and I’ve been from age 6mo-20years

Will look up bluestone. I think after all these replies I will try to find a much cheaper price than £800 and give it a go.

Have a look at Forest Holidays as well op. They are a similar set up but don't have the pool. Much cheaper though.

I don't think I'd go to Centre Parcs with just a toddler. It's too busy and expensive and there are plenty of alternatives when they are little.

If you go out of school holiday time it is much cheaper. You can always tell when the holidays are on by just looking at the prices on the website.

DS has a slightly longer Easter holiday this year but unfortunately it's not a full week longer, but we are still considering whether it is worth going for 3 days but pay the full price for mid-week because it is a third of the cost of the previous mid-week and half the price of the weekend cost, if that makes sense

We've also been more than 10 times over the past 15 years and never been sick.

I feel the opposite in terms of toddlers - for us, it's brilliant value as all we pay is accommodation and cycle hire. No need to spend any extra on activities and like a pp, I also batch cook and freeze meals in advance so we don't spend on eating out either. Coupled with the fact that we are going in term time, we feel £175 per family for 4 nights with unlimited access to all the pool facilities is a great short break. We've never found it to be too crowded in term time - quite the opposite, we find they operate at less than 50% of full capacity!