What’s like centre parcs but not

[Whattowearintheoffice]

In an ideal world, we’d go to whinfell or Woburn forest centerparcs. But it isn’t an option. So is there something similar, either ideally within an hour or so north of London, or in Cumbria? Have a Preschool-age child and a toddler, who will both mostly be interested in an excellent pool and somewhere to run around. Also keen for nice outdoor areas etc! Any help would be great!

What's stopping cp? The price?

For preschool look at butlins under 5's weekends perhaps

PGL activity centres do family breaks in school holidays.

Blue something, perhaps blue water is apparently similar to CP but much cheaper. Someone will know the name of the place soon.

It’s Bluestone in Pembrokeshire.

The centre parcs in Belgium and Holland are super easy to get to from the SE and much cheaper than UK if it is a money issue.

No, price isn’t an issue, especially as we can go outside of school holidays for the next few months.

CP would likely be perfect (have never been) but for very personal reasons it is a no-go for my DP. So I would rather come up with an alternative. Nice pool, nice lodges, nice setting etc!

That’s exactly what I’m looking for. But not in Wales!

We’ve been to 2 Sunparks in Belgium, they were great, not that far from Eurotunnel. The one in De Hann was close to beach.

Thanks. We’ve planned a similar break in Europe later this year. But was just looking for an easy UK option that we could either do in a weekend with just an hour or so of travel, or one that would work into a longer trip to Cumbria where we like to spend time. Maybe there is no other option!

Something like this? It's much much smaller but does have a pool and is lovely

www.alpacalodge.co.uk/

Ribby Hall in Lancashire?

We went here with two small children and it was great.

darwinforest.co.uk/

I agree. Been to a few European cp. they are great value.

www.landal.co.uk/theme/activity-holiday#filter:e30=

These do activities for kids. Also have parks in Europe. Not been to a uk one though.

And some have pools. I think the one in the Peak District does.

Sandy Balls in Hampshire / New Forest? I've not been but it gets good reviews

As with the above poster, came here to say Sandy Balls in the New Forest is lovely. On-site pool, lots of activities for kids, restaurant/bar. Nice walks and attractions nearby. Some of the lodges have hot tubs too which is great for the adults. We even went to Bournemouth for a day as it's not a far drive. Can really recommend

What about centre parcs europe? or is that a no go for your DP?

Haven static van parks are worth looking at. Usually have a decent pool but not centre parks level. Playgrounds and kids activities. Outside of season pretty cheap too.

Why not Wales? We looked last year for something like CP in the UK, just because we had done CP a few times and were looking for something similar but a bit of a change. We decided on bluestone and it was great, would definitely go back

It’s just too far/not convenient for what is meant to be a quick break. I’d definitely consider it in the future, but for this possible trip if either needs to be close to London (ideally less than an hour north) or in Cumbria or possible on the way to Cumbria from London (where we could make it work in an already planned trip).

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I will take a look!

I second Ribby Hall , it has quality holiday cottages , lovely indoor pool area and outdoor areas too , little animal zoo etc.
Onsite entertainment and eateries.
It feels like a better quality holiday park.

@Whattowearintheoffice fair enough, We do go to whinfell a lot and enjoy.

I would say Kielder or ribey hall.

The Balls are great. Pool, kids stuff but not so in your face commercialised as CP.

Lots to do off-site for little ones as well