Center Parcs Whinfell advice and tips

[NancyDrooo]

Going to Whinfell soon and it’s been quite a few years since our last visit there, so I’ve got a few questions:

Has the pool been upgraded / expanded at all recently? I’ve looked at the pool map and it doesn’t look familiar at all!

Are there any different shops to a few years ago, or any new must do activities? Basically any changes to the site at all?

And finally, bit of an odd one, do the bedroom windows open wide? We can’t open ours much at home as the pets might fall out but I do love a breezy bedroom (we’ll be upstairs so not worried about squirrels getting in!)

Any other Whinfell or CP top tips? Won’t be taking any beakers

I know it’s had a few changes, such as newer lodges built and the lodges have been re-decorated, I can’t say that there have been any massive changes over the years.

We’ve only ever been in the winter, so wouldn’t have the need to open the windows wide, but I don’t think they do.

If travelling with young kids (or adults who are light sleepers) I’d recommend getting a blackout blind (gro blind or similar) as the curtains are thin.

I’d also recommend buying some bird seed and plain peanuts or similar to put out for the wildlife. This attracts ducks birds & squirrels to your back door and is a lovely experience to watch through the patio doors.

Last time, we ate at Hucks which was lovely food, great service (especially the greeter who was great with kids). Reasonably priced. I wouldn’t recommend it though want a quiet meal.

We have a ritual at Center Parcs and that is after our evening meal we go swimming – We don’t go during the day as it is very, very busy.

Definitely pack a picnic for your first day if you are planning on arriving before 3:30pm - there are picnic tables by the lake too. There is a small beach at Whinfell around the lake. Make sure you pack your buckets and spadesas it is the ideal place to relax for a few hours for free.

We were at Whinfell in February. The pool has not been updated and there is no cafe in there as they are short staffed so take your own food/snacks and drinks if you are planning on staying in there for a while.

There are plans to change the pool, some bits outside the pool where blocked off with signs saying work was planned when we were there in Dec.
The windows don’t open wide upstairs but do downstairs.
It’s ages since any restaurants changed. We usually only eat at Starbucks, Bella Italia and Rajinda. Although Rajinda has been closed the last 2 times we’ve been because of “Covid”.
My DC love the mini jet skis in the pool and the crazy science activities. They generally spend the rest of the time in the play areas and in the pool. There’s an indoor play area above Cafe Rouge if it’s wet. They also enjoy riding their bikes round the site.
Don’t forget to take dishwasher tablets because the 3 they provide is never enough.
They’re also offering takeaways from more of the restaurants now but you can only book them about 3 days ahead.

There's also a Center parcs whinfell Facebook group which is great for advice.

Thanks all, looking forward to it. Packed extra loo roll and peanuts!!

Having a lovely time! The upstairs windows do open, they’re on a latch which you can unhook, lovely having fresh air through the night.

The pool cafe was open. They’re building the tropical cyclone to open Spring 2021. Everything otherwise the same as ever.

Plenty of red squirrels about!

I reckon I prefer Sherwood though, certainly the pool and beach. Longleat is great albeit hilly but not worth the extra travel for us.

Any pros or cons with Woburn or Elvedon? Anyone been to the Irish one?

Take a window bird feeder, it really attracts the wildlife.

A few of the shops have shut, and they are having serious staff shortages, so some activities were cancelled when I visited at the end of last year. I still had an amazing time though.

The main difference is not to expect to book things spontaneously any more - you need to plan and book most things in advance. Especially restuarants - they will book out almost straight away.

Sorry, just saw you are already there! Have fun.