Why is Center parcs so expensive?

[TomAllenWife]

I was hoping to do 3 nights November or December
The cheapest lodge is £799

I've just been to Tenerife for 5 days for £540!!!!!

Is there cheaper times? Or parcs? I just can't fathom it at all

Mine are 13 & 17, I just have no idea what to do with them

17 year old will be happy with his vape, Wi-Fi & a pint of cider 🤷🏼‍♀️

I've only been to the Bognor Butlins during October half terms and stayed in the Shoreline hotel which has gorgeous sunset views through the floor to ceiling windows. We went when DC were primary school age. So went to all the shows, pool, wrestling, playground etc ate at the hotel.

The first time we ever went we stayed in silver accommodation apartments which were awful and the dining hall was horrific and I hated it with a passion.

But I gave it another go and changed accommodation and planned events better to avoid all the parts I wasn't fond of.

I went last week with teens (19/17/13) £379 for a 3 bed lodge.

You can make it cheaper. Ive always taken the kids out if school. They have no issues with it.

Because people pay and it’s always rammed full. Kids love it though

Just back from 4 nights at centre parcs (whinfell) and thought it was well worth the money out of season. (Even took the kids out of school which will do no harm 🙂).

School holiday prices are very pricey but then others pay £1400 for a caravan for a week. It’s all down to preference and what kind of holiday you enjoy.

I dedicated 1 day to paid activities for the kids because let’s be serious, each activity was pretty much £20 or more per child.

My kids enjoyed the freedom of bike rides, frisbee with their family & the swimming pool (which was fab). The calmness of being in the Forrest, made it an enjoyable time for all away from the hustle and bustle.

Would definitely return again.

What about Sandy Balls in the New Forest instead? They have a varied selection of accommodation and activities onsite and a pool, restaurant etc. You're not confined onsite and can get out to explore the New Forest. Paultons Park is nearby too.

I only go Center Parcs now if we share with my sisters family as it's so darned expensive and the only draw is the pool if I'm honest (even if I do come back with an ear infection every time). Give me a holiday cottage in Norfolk any time.

Can I ask the rough prices for a spa session for me and adult bikes with a kiddie seat at Whinfell please? We’re going in June but booking doesn’t open for a couple of weeks. Also, do you need to book restaurants in advance? I’m thinking a couple of brunches and a couple of takeaways in the evening so wasn’t sure if needed.

The cost is part of the appeal, it means it's full of "people like us". It doesn't really offer anything Butlins doesn't, except different clientelle.

Only if your 'people like us' criteria are solely financial. Personally, people like me hire a cheapish cottage or go to a nice quiet campsite with strictly no entertainments. The implied assumption that anyone who can afford Centre Parks must be a 'naice' middle class family with civilised children is surely nonsense?