Which Centerparcs has best location?

[GoodnightVienna53]

We are planning a UK Centerparcs holiday this year traveling from Ireland. Longleat, Sherwood and Whinfell are options for us and I need to decide which one to go for based on what else is worth visiting in the area (within an hour or so driving).

Countryside and beaches aren't hugely appealing as we have plenty of those at home so we are interested in theme parks, historic sights and interesting towns. We have a baby and a three year old so will keep it pretty simple (hence Centerparcs ) but would like to do a couple of day trips etc.
Any advice?

How long are you going for? We always find plenty to do onsite and never leave once we are there!

Going for ten/eleven nights. It looks like there is plenty to do there but it seems a pity to travel so far and not get out and about for a couple of days.
I was considering just spending a week there and then booking accommodation elsewhere for a few nights for something different but it's our first holiday with two littlies so want to make it as straightforward as possible

We've been to whinfell. There was loads to do on site, but we could have travelled to loads of places nearby. Carlisle is very historic, they have the castle and tulle house museum, and then in Penrith there is the rheged centre which has different attractions throughout the year. You're not far from keswick, Windermere etc. Of course these places are easy to get to if you have a car with you, so it depends how you will travel.

Thanks. Yes we will have a car, we will travel by ferry to Holyhead in Wales and go from there.

There’s lots of Robin Hood themes events/ places in and around sherwood !

(Even though he was actually from Yorkshire and Nottingham has just stolen him).

Centerparcs might not be the best base to go sightseeing locally. Once you arrive and unpack your car you have to leave it on the car park until your leaving day. depending on where your lodge is you might have a bit of a trek every morning and evening with a 3yo (eg potentially a 20 min brisk adult walk each way) Maybe stay at Centerparcs Mon - Fri for the pool and activities then in a cottage or something for a week?

I'd definitely go for Longleat.
For a start, you've got the safari park to explore. Not only does it have the enclosures to drive but several other animal exhibits including penguin island and walk though monkey and parrot enclosures. There's also a boat cruise to an island of gorillas, a big hedge maze, railway, adventure castle playground, bat cave, petting zoo and small aquarium. The house and garden are worth going round too, if you have time.
Secondly, it's about 35mins drive from Bath, which is either a full day out or two smaller day trips. I'd recommend going to the Roman baths, pump room cafe, Jane Austen centre and exploring the lovely lanes of individual shops and eateries.
50 mins from Center Parcs is Cheddar Gorge, which is well worth a trip.

I'd discount sherwood as that is looking a bit tired IMO

If you want something very similar to the lodge-style accommodation and activities in Center Parcs but without the price tag and restrictions, then try Cheddar Wood Resort and Spa in Somerset. It has an outdoor adventure playground, indoor soft play, farm shop, restaurant, bar, cafe, pizzeria and activities like archery, fencing, rifles etc... The indoor pool complex has a separate children's pool.

Whinfel is in a great position in my opinion as you could go on to the Lake District and stay a few days there.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions; lots to think about