CENTER PARCS

I had heard lots of things about Center Parcs and mostly it was everyone saying "its really expensive and you have to pay for everything"... so was always put off by it. So never really thought about it.

I use lots of discount codes so when I found a great discount code for Center Parcs I thought I would have a look.

So I looked up their website which is easy enough to navigate through and found a location, date and then price added the code and it was £140 cheaper... So I decided to go from Monday to Friday...( just in case it was horrible ..)

We booked for first week in the October Holidays.

It was brilliant.

There a plenty sign posts easy to locate. We arrived at 3pm so had to wait about 15mins to get in. But you are surrounded by trees and squirrels that it wasn't stressful. The booking in is done online before you go so when you drive through what looks like a car wash... they greet you with your name and had you all the paperwork and map and it only take about 5 minutes.

You drive to your lodge and unload your car. The lodges are lovely. The are all easy to get to and have brick paths. There are no garden boundaries as such it is all open with trees and stumps etc. But lots of birds and wildlife around. Once you unpack your car you drive it round to the secure car park and leave it there till you leave.

THE LODGE

There is a range to choose from depending on how many in your party ranging from Comfort to Exclusive. The only real difference is what is included in your lodge.
I went for the New Style Woodman Lodge and they are very stylish. Flat screen TV, open plan with wood buring stoves. The rooms are clean and well equipt.

FACILITIES

There is something for everyone, young and old. There is so much to do that you can't do it all in one trip. You will receive a brochure which shows all the activites that are on offer, the timetable of events and costs.
There are a good range of restaurants which you really need to book in advance at peak times. Apart from the Lakeside Inn which is usually easy enough as it has large seating capacity.
There are shops which sell clothes, sports equiptment as well as shops selling toys, sweets and gifts. There is also a grocery store. Starbucks for coffee.

Swimming is of course FREE but to be honost that is really all the kids want to do anyway. The pool area is massive and has a jungle feel. They play bongo drums when the wave machine comes on. There are pools for all levels of swimming. There are baby pools, toddler pools, mini flume and chute complete with water toys.
There is a fast flow pool which goes outside.Great at night time. There is another level at the top which has another pool and then another area with 2 big outside pools with seating area.
There are fast flumes and slower ones plus slides. There are lots of seating areas all around. There are pool table and ther is also a cafe which is poolside.
There are childrens buoyance aids available so you just help yourself. These are great for non swimmers little orange jackets with a zip up the front.
The area is very warm and great for just sitting in.

TIPS

I would recommend that on first trip not to book too many activities. Spend a day or so walking round getting to know where everything is. The parc is massive and depending on where your lodge is can take a while to get round it all. But you are on holiday so take as long as you like.

I would also recommend NOT eating out every night unless you really want to. It can work out very expensive for a family. What I do is I empty my fridge and take food with me. So I have my meals there. So it isn't costing me anything else. The kitchens are well equipted and you can even make homemade apple crumble and custard..

When going swimming go AFTER tea time. It is much much quieter. In October it is dark and the pool area looks amazing and swimming outside in the freezing cold is fun and the kids love it.

Take good comfortable shoes/trainers and waterproof jacket. The accommodation is really warm but you can't guarantee the weather outside.

It is nothing like butlins it is not noisey at night time it is lovely and quiet. The beds are very comfortable.

Remember to take salt and pepper and washing up liquid. I take my rubber gloves and antibac spray.. but I take that anywhere anyway...

This holiday is really what you make it. You can just pay for you accommodation and take your food and it hasn't cost you a penny more. Lots of Playparks for the kids which are availble
Or
You can book activities every day and eat out every day and it will cost alot more.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I would definately recommend going as you won't be dissappointed. I have been many times now and still really enjoy it, if anything the more you go the better it gets.