How does bluestone compare to CP?

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We've just returned from another fabulous half term break at Sherwood CP with our DD5 and DS20 months. We've been every year for the last 4 years so possibly contemplating something different next year.

Someone has mentioned bluestone being good for younger kids but I'm worried that we might feel it's not quite as good when we get there. We love that 'feeling' you get when you drive up to centre parcs and through the trees.

Can anyone who has done both tell me how they compare?

Generally speaking there are less facilities and activities at Bluestone compared to CP, but I think Bluestone is actually the better option for small children as the play areas are much better and there are free children’s shows. Bluestone is smaller and has a more intimate vibe. It’s easier to go off-site for a day trip and it would be a shame not to as there are some great local beaches and very child-friendly attractions. The pool complex at Bluestone isn’t as good as CP, although it’s more than adequate if you’re only going to spend an hour or so there each day.

@Forgottenmyphone thank you this is really helpful!

I like Bluestone but it’s a long way from us to travel with small children so I’d go to Centre Parks next time. It seems quieter and I liked that; the house we chose was great but we needed to use the golf buggy we hired as facilities were uphill and quite a way to walk. They can all be booked out so best get one sorted ahead of time.
The cafe in soft play is quite limited; the restaurant booked up quickly and the shop was small so we were glad we picked up a food shop on the way there.
It seems great for small children and a peaceful break and has large covered all weather play area and bars. We walked around the paths and lake, As we went in the summer we had a day out at the beach in Tenby too.

We go to both fairly frequently. Bluestone has nicer accommodation, better indoor play and has lots of nice places to visit off site (beaches etc), plus the fun of the golf buggies (if you go, make sure you book one asap as they sell out). CP has a better pool and nicer restaurants, plus more activities for older kids. Mine are 6 and 9 now, we are going to bluestone for Xmas but it will probably be our last visit.

My little girl has finally felt this year like she is the right age for center parcs as there was lots she was big enough to do such as the Ariel tree trekking and climbing wall. Do they still have those bits at bluestone? And do you get that center parcs 'feeling?'

It’s a slightly different feel to CP, not so many trees, it’s on a hill so the golf buggies are more helpful than push bikes. Pool not as good.
I preferred the accomodation and atmosphere though. And more in the local area to visit whereas at CP people tend to stay on site. There is a kids theme park extremely close, I think it’s called Folly Farm. We had a better time than at CP but that will be partly because the weather was amazing and we ended up on the beach

To answer your question no you don’t get a CP feeling because it’s not CP! It’s nice though.

I think I actually quite like the fact we stay on site rather than visiting the local area. Maybe I might just try another CP instead as we have only ever been to Sherwood! We live in the midlands so are within driving distance of most. Anyone offer a CP they think is better than Sherwood?

We chose Ribby Hall over cp Sherwood, for our break, just felt the accommodation was better

We liked the Cumbria one more than Sherwood. More wooded

@sciaticafanatica I've heard people mention Ribby hall before actually, I'll check it out!