When my friend, Sam, suggested back in June about going to Centre Parcs,but I was a bit reluctant. I had heard it was a beautiful place, but expensive. So we decided that 3 couples would share a 4 bedroomed lodge, all of us having children. The cost of the lodge from Monday to Friday was £306, which worked out to just £102 per couple. We made a "kitty" and each put in £5 a week, so we wouldnt miss the money so much. We also made a shopping list of what food we wantedto take and got it all the day before we went. As we where there for 4 nights, we brought breakfast cereals, bread, stuff for sandwiches for lunch ,and what we needed for main meals in the evening. On shopping we spent about £60, again splitting it 3 ways.
Finally after a long wait, our much needed holiday arrived and we left for Centre Parcs. The checking in system is very quick. You go to the drive in reception where you get a number for your car, they check you registration number against their list and that's it. You can drive up to your lodge after 3 pm to unload your baggage and then it MUST be returned to the car park. This is because the park is within a forest and is mainly kept in its natural state. There is a one way system that links all the lodges up for unloading but that's it. Its all walking/biking and boy does it open those lungs and get those muscles working.
We agreed to meet up at the swimming pool at 2 pm. This activity is free and you can stay in or go as many times as you like. The swimming centre is all undercover and has everything you need. Most of the
changing rooms are family friendly with a baby changing facility, a toddler seat and are large enough to get changed comfortably. There are separate male, female, and disabled changing rooms too. The lockers are big too with a refundable £1 coin slot. We had no trouble fitting our stuff in. The place was clean with a fairly non slip flooring. I say fairly because most surfaces become slippery when wet. Jess slipped over once but wasn't hurt.
The set out was brilliant. You had a baby pool, which was a foot deep with a small boat in the middle. This had a small slide and small water fountains. Jess, who is nearly 3 yrs old, loved this and played in this pool for about 30 mins or so. Lucy, who is 7.5 mths like this too. She sat splashing her legs and hands in the water, while sitting on my lap.
The main pool was a shallow to deep end, and was set out in a beach format You could walk in and then swim, play or go on the slides. Surrounding it was foliage and rocks set so it looks just like paradise.
There were 3 slides for over twos. A short one with a tunnel and a few turns. A larger one which had a tunnel and was very twisty indeed. The third was a steep slide that joined a section of the adults rapids. Jess loved all these slides as she could go down on our laps. The pool that you land in is about 4 foot deep so you have to remember to hold the child around the waist so you can lift then up above the water level as you go in. I nearly drowned Jess and myself because I forgot!!! Still she went back on.
The adult Rapids must be the best. You go to the top pool which is about 4.5 ft deep and it goes out onto the roof of the centre. Up there is had a FREEZING cold plunge pool. I know, I went in !!! It has a mini spa pool and the Rapids. The rapids are in 3 sections and starts off gentle but gets more and more fun. Lots of turns, twists and losing of swim wear. Beware ladies DO NOT wear bikinis and men wear swim shorts not swim pants. Its a hell of a ride!
Once we had recovered from swimming we went back to the car park, got the car to unload at the lodge.
The lodges come in different sizes from a 1 bed to a 4 bedroom. We went for a 4 bedroomed lodge so the kids could have their own room. It was well worth it. The lodge is basic but comfortable. A small kitchenette leading to a good sized living area with a T.V. Three bedrooms with a small wardrobe and 2 single beds in each room, and a double bed in the 4th bedroom. There was also a shower room, a bathroom and 2 toilets, which was great. No queues for the bathroom!
The view from the lodge backed down to one of the lakes, which was frozen over. The whole place with the frost looked like a winter wonderland, and Jess asked me if it was Christmas again. The wildlife in the complex was so tame. On a few occasions we had ducks and geese tapping on the patio window for some bread and the squirrels will some in and eat from your hand. It really was amazing. Even though we had 4 children between us, the place was so relaxed, quiet and very serene.
After dinner and the kids where in bed you can either hire a baby sitter(£3 per hour) and take yourselves out or you can stay in and relax in front of the TV. You have to book the baby-sitter from the main reception just by the swimming complex. we chose to say in and have a laugh with a very drinking games and board games. A good laugh indeed!
During the week we went swimming at least once a day, which tired all the children out. On Tuesday the men decided to have a go at the Golf Driving Range. This cost £2.50 for 50 balls and apparently they had a good laugh at my hubby who cant even hit a ball 20 yards!
While they did golf, us ladies and children went to the County Club. Here you can sit and relax with a Deluxe Hot Chocolate, with cream and a flake, while the children play in the Ball pond. The kids, who are all within a year of each other really played well. We had a few squabbles but on the whole they were very well behaved. There are baby changing facilities, toilets and very friendly staff is just a shame that the prices for food are on the expensive side. Also available at the County Club was a small cinema, pool, snooker and a variety of food. The only thing that is a criticism is that the cinema charges £3.50 for films that are already on video. Last week is was Stuart Little. I think this is a bit of a rip off really but if it keeps the kids happy....
You can hire bikes if you want to ride around. Children and adult bikes are available at a charge of £2.50 a day plus a £3 deposit for a lock. You get the deposit back when you hand in your lock. We hired a small bike with stabilisers for Jess and she really enjoyed it. I would advise though if you are thinking for hiring bikes, get a safety helmet before you go. Either buy on from Halfords, Mothercare or any good bike store. Unfortunately Jess fell off her bike and landed forehead first, left a big dent in the path, and a lovely egg on her head. Luckily she was OK and didn't suffer from concussion but she he had landed on the side or back of her head, she could of.
We went 10 Pin Bowling on Wednesday, which was really good. This was held in the Sports Centre and there also do Aerobics, Squash, Tennis and a array of other activities.
Bowling worked out about £4 per couple for 2 games, about £12 for the lane for an hour which wasn't bad. There was a little frame so the kids could have a go, and rails in the gutter for them too. We had a good laugh, and I think the kids scored more than the adults did! There was a bar, so you could have a drink and windows which looked down through to the swimming pool.
There are lots of activities that we could of done but didn't have the time. I think I was just contented in just walking about, taking in the fresh air and relaxing. You can make this holiday as busy or as relaxing as you want.
There are discos available most nights for children starting at 7 pm till 10 pm
A club for 3 yrs and over if you want to let them do their own thing
Boating. The lake was frozen this time of year,but it was funny seeing the ducks, swans and geese ice skating.
A beauty salon within the swimming complex. Prices starting from £15 for a basic facial.
I would recommend anyone to try Centre Parcs. It can be expensive but with you go with friends and share the cost of the lodge, food and activities it can work out quite cheap. Apparently it gets very busy during summer, but I think I preferred the winter break. It was quite, scenery was beautiful, and I really enjoyed myself. Five days was long enough with my friends. No disrespect, but I have heard many horror stories about people going on holiday with friends and by the end they hated each other. With a short break it was perfect, no arguing or fighting. .just a good laugh
You don't have to stay in Britain, Centre Parcs has villages across the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. If you want to know more about Centre Parcs visit www.centreparc.co.uk
This web site has information about the villages, what's on offer and even maps to get there. So go and experience.....
Center Parcs Spa, the Aqua Sana is no longer adults only, it is now open to teenagers who are encouraged to use it. So it is very noisy and unpleasant. Speak to the Spa Operations Manager at their Head office if you have a complaint, the local staff have no influence on policy and just have to toe the line.
barney_mcrury 18.09.2003 15:50
good op, the price always put me off but i will think a little more about it now!!!! :)
helencbradshaw 30.07.2001 01:00
Great detailed review, I am off to Sherwood Forest CP shortly. I am sure we will enjoy it!
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Advantages: Great family holiday, perfect for kids, lovely natural setting, plenty to do Disadvantages: Lodges can be shabby, you will wear yourself out with all the activity!
fallen121 20.03.2006 (20.03.2006)
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Review of Center Parcs
Feb 27th, 2001
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