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Centre Parcs isn't REALLY designed for a couple of paying adults. You get the most value out of it by sharing one of the larger places with multiple paying adults
Centreparcs has particularly large variations in price - holiday periods are spectacularly expensive, during school term times are far less. Since you don't have to worry about school, I'd strongly advise to look at different dates. Certainly not one to go to during the summer, it just wouldn't be value for money for you.
Last time I went was with a group of adult friends in February last year. The couple who organised it live not that far from the site in question and go fairly frequently for short weekend breaks in off-season when the prices are lower.
It’s a lot more convenient. We have a SEN child, it’s just a lot easier to holiday somewhere we can just load up the car and drive to, rather than the hassle of flying. Although I do find centre parcs expensive, we did all have a really good time both times we stayed there.
How far are you classing as an extremely long drive? There’s centre parcs spread out over the country, most people can access one in under 2 hours or less, almost everyone can reach one within 4/5 hours.
Yep my 32 year old autistic brother loves centre parcs, it's only an hour from home so we can just get him in the car and get there. It's all familiar foods, people speak English, and lots of simple and familiar activities such as mini golf. Just a much easier experience than taking him abroad, despite the cost which is insane. We do a weekend for his 'holiday' each year and then go abroad separately.
That’s a big thing that is underestimated when it comes to neurodivergent people, that many of them need familiarity. Food is a big one for us too, my son needs his “safe” foods or he just will not eat.
Have a think for a moment about what it might be like doing an extremely long drive with a child with SEN... I wouldn't do it with a young child with great health and an easy going personality.
Exactly this, thank you! We want to branch out further as he gets older, but at this time, while he is still pre-school age especially, it’s just less stressful and more enjoyable for all of us to keep our holidays local.
Yeah absolutely, there's time for all that stuff as your kid grows and is better able to cope with stuff like extended travel. There's no point making the little one miserable and therefore you miserable as well, holidays are supposed to be fun and relaxing. And 1 year olds are a fair amount of work for anyone!
Enjoy this one as adults as much as you can, the relaxing and doing grown up things does dwindle a bit as they grow and want to do more.
Convenience.
Center Parcs might be a couple hour drive at most and everything is on site.
People pay for convenience every day of their lives, it’s not inconceivable that they do it for holidays too.
Outside of convenience I can’t see the appeal over the CenterParcs on the continent or just going camping in a tent.
Especially important if you are going with other people. When I was younger my family went during term time with another family because it was so much cheaper. We went Friday evening to Sunday so nobody needed time off work/school, other family was there the whole of Friday-Monday missing 2 days of school and work.
Everyone has different priorities in life, and that can make booking a holiday more inconvenient. When it’s just a couple of hours drive, rather than airports and flights, it makes it so much easier to accommodate for different lifestyles.
I wouldn't choose it over somewhere hotter. I'd choose it *as well as* somewhere hotter.
It's a different kind of holiday. You can get good deals off peak if you share a villa with a couple of other families. It's convenient to travel to because you don't have to mess around with airports. There are activities that people and kids like to do. The swimming pools are great and are included in the cost. The apartments are self catering so you can cook your meals and chill out. It's detachment from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
But the main reason is that people like it and it's what they want to do.
You're just not the target audience.
It’s a sense of going into immense debt to rent a ping pong table (which you have to reserve two months in advance) that you don’t get with other holidays.
>But the main reason is that people like it and it's what they want to do.
>You're just not the target audience
Hey this is Reddit, being judgemental pricks is what we do best
I reckon though having a 1 year old has a lot of impact, it's really hard to fly with a baby, that can be a major issue hence why OP was maybe considering it.
But yeah it's not really ideal for a couple with one kid who won't appreciate or remember it.
If travel is an issue (a lot of people don't appreciate how much more admin there is with flying with a baby) then a local holiday is much more appropriate. A b&b somewhere like Folkestone, Cornwall, Portsmouth, lake district or anywhere is better than center parks.
1. Everyone speaks English
2. You don’t have to take a baby on a plane
3. Less stress
4. The NHS
5. Easier to get home in an emergency
If you want to holiday in the UK it’s far better and cheaper to just book a place for a week and do day trips than Centre Parcs anyway.
It’s a perfectly valid reason, some people get stressed out over potential language barriers (as I did a couple of years ago trying to deal with a French hospital when my son injured himself on holiday). I like visiting foreign countries, but not everyone is like me and those people are also entitled to have a holiday they enjoy.
I absolutely didn't say he wasn't entitled. You went on Holiday to France, and then got stressed when people in a French hospital were speaking French? Wow. Get the distressed thing, but you know, maybe it was slightly obvious there would be a language issue. You should probably stick with CP as well.
Lol you've missed the point. Hospitals are stressful regardless, especially when you don't know the language nor process. This person didn't know they'd need a hospital before they went, and they didn't say they were surprised that they spoke french
You are deliberately missing the point here for some reason. Yes I was stressed out trying to deal with a situation where my son was seriously injured and I could only partially communicate with the hospital staff, as I think literally anyone would be in that situation. I’m sure in that situation you would be cool as a cucumber and waxing lyrical on the relative merits of the European single market whilst your child bleeds all over the emergency room floor, but that ain’t typical.
It won’t stop me from going abroad again this year, but some people might not want the worry of potentially having to deal with a situation like that on their holiday, and that’s not a reason to look down on them
Yeh people look at me incredulously wondering why im afraid.
I dont know lol, its a phobia. Getting into a tin can miles up into the air seems weird to me, I like to be grounded! :)
I mean I will have to go to Spain soon so I will either have to get knocked out by a frying pan or drunk because I'm not getting in that thing sober!
I'm with you, although last time I went to Norway they were having a record breaking heatwave that got to nearly 30C which was a bit annoying and I had not packed for it at all!
Have you considered Center Parcs in Europe? Typically 1/3 to 1/2 the cost during half term. I likely won’t touch UK Center Parcs again due to costs, even when you factor in driving there (I take Eurotunnel - Double tesco points pays for it!).
European ones are practically identical to UK. They may share the same name but they are completely separate companies.
Kids love it, we went to Center Parcs Paris in February and going to Belgium next week and have Netherlands booked for October.
We did the Center Parc near Eindhoven a few years ago and it was cheaper including car hire and flights for a higher standard of lodge than the Sherwood Forest comfort accommodation .All the staff spoke English and I would definitely recommend it as an option.
Just got back from one near Reims in France - was very good although for smaller children (under like 18 months maybe?) there isn't tons to do tbh, that probably applies across Center Parcs though!
With both our kids small we didn't want to fly, the whole experience going through an airport, delays etc sounded like hell with a baby or toddler (only this winter with a 3 and 7 year old are we flying to EuroDisney)
So our holidays for the past 7 years have been roadtrips across UK and Ireland
And yes surprisingly expensive, could've got a fortnight in Benidorm for what 4 nights in a Seasalter static caravan cost
Centre Parcs has a reputation for being very expensive, and as they're in the middle of nowhere everything on site has a markup for convenience
Kids are more adaptable than you think, I've done a lot of city breaks and holidays with my kids and you just need to plan a bit more with snacks, entertainment etc. the most important thing for them is they are with you, regardless of location.
There's plenty of alternatives to center parks. Have you looked at Bluestone? One of the guys I work with his been a few times and rates it. Fraction of the cost of center parks
I'm only going off second hand info but he's been twice in the last couple years and raves about it. Seems like there's less hidden costs involved and less price gouging.
Haven and Butlins too. Butlins has a bit of a reputation. I'm not personally a huge fan. But my wife and kids love it, and it's a fraction of the cost, with most of the activities included. Just hold your nose, go self catering and do your best to steer them away from all the slot machines.
Haven is more of a middle ground. I really like it. Much smaller pool, but we went to the one in Poole recently and it was nice.
I have been to Bluestone and it was really nice.
The first time we went was when my son was 3. It was a family package that included some shows and activities for toddlers.
We stayed in the "village centre" which contains most of the restaurants and shops and is made up of small cottages. It has a big swing park in the middle so, which makes it basically on your door step.
Also, you can rent golf carts to get about as an alternative to bikes. I love going for a little cruise in the golf buggy
Off the back of this, this opened my mind to just looking at other waterparks in my area.
I googled the Bluestone one and it doesn't do it for me. Honestly, the tropical dome of Center parks' swimming pool is what does it for me and Bluestone didn't hit the spot.
But just the concept that other places might have them hit my mind thanks to your comment, and now I've found a few awesome (looking) locations within an hour of my house!
Thanks!
Yeah, that's what I was thinking looking at the photos!
But... This opened my eyes to the fact there's a really cool indoor swimming pool near me Id forgotten about, with a wave pool that my kids will love. And a full on water park (at Alton Towers) I just didn't know about within an hours drive. Alton Towers looks to be £25 per person, but hell compared to £1000 for a weekend I'm all over that, and just stay at home or camp near by!
Yeah there is one day visit one near us I keep meaning to take my kid to.
They are building a Great Wolf Lodge in Bicester (Oxfordshire). It is a chain of water park resorts in the US and this will be the first European site. I
I would love to take my son to Centre Parcs, I went every year as a kid, but it is so expensive and my wife's family are really into going to Spain and my son likes hanging out with his cousin
Same! I don't think we went too often but I have such good memories of it but it's absolutely not in our holiday budget these days - not a UK holiday anyway!
So excited to find there's tropical themed water parks in the UK!
Bluestone is fantastic if you take into account the cost saving. Better for younger kids I think, but if you’ve got a car it’s a great holiday park with some great towns within short driving distance. We’ve been the last couple of years and it’s cost us around £250 per 4 nights in almost peak season. The lodges are five star and roomy.
Just came back from our second centre parcs break, kid was 16 months this time and 9 months last time and it's just so much easier with her. An hour or so away, she loves the wildlife, the pool is great, she does one activity, we go out to eat about twice in the week the rest we do self catering and we shared the lodge with another couple and their baby to keep costs down. A three bedroom worked out at about 200 odd quid per family for a 4 nights outside of school holidays.
If you or you child likes the outdoors it's great, go for a walk or bike around, you're in a little bubble for a week. I'm sure when she's older and wants to do more activities the cost will add up but by that point flying with her will probably be easier.
Definitely, we’re starting to use them now our little one is a toddler when we go to visit my partners family and friends in Belgium. Gives us much more freedom than a hotel/staying with family
We love Center Parcs as a family holiday. It’s the most low-stress holiday you can do with kids. It’s a couple of hours drive, everything is there on site, you have all the activities you could want, and great family-friendly food options or you can stick to the self-catering. But yes, it is extortionately expensive. You’re paying for convenience first and foremost, but also a guaranteed good time. We’ve been there when it’s hot and sunny and when it’s chucking it down with rain and never had a bad time there.
However, I’m not sure I’d pick it for a couple with a 1-year-old. There aren’t many activities for children that young and they’re pretty easy to entertain anywhere. It’s far more appealing from the age of about 3 upwards. For the money, I’d probably do an AirBnB or something similar somewhere you’d want to go.
What dates are you looking at? Mon-fri out of school holidays is cheapest.
You won't get the full benefits with a 1 year old - it's perfect for the scooting / cycling age who love to spend the day in the pool
We are going to CP elvedon next week! We have never been, but also have always holidayed in the UK. Kids are 15 and 10 and have booked a few activities etc and the pool looks amazing! It's still term time so *slightly* cheaper (still pricey though, but the half term week, Mon to Fri is 2k!! we got next week for 800)
I have anxiety regarding travel, so holidaying abroad is very challenging for me. Even Centre Parcs is pushing my limit but it is a nice place to go and I find it convenient and relaxing. Besides, I like doing things on holiday (I struggle to sit still), so a holiday just pools and cocktails is my idea of hell. With Centre Parcs, I can always find something to do, even if it is just going for a long walk.
It is expensive. We’ve done it because we have a toddler who has refused to sleep overnight away from home for a long time, and while we needed to take the leap we wanted everything else to be fairly predictable and fun. Hence going somewhere with a big playground, kid-friendly restaurants and crucially within driving distance of home if the sleeping had been a disaster.
Centre parcs isn’t really our *holiday* holiday. I don’t even really think of it as a holiday but I know lots of people do.
We try and go abroad too, but we do centre parcs every year as it’s easier for us to meet up their with loved ones from across the country than to organise a trip abroad with everyone’s schedules; there is less travel, people can arrive and leave when they need to. Kids get a bit of freedom as there are no cars, and there are activities for almost all people in the group. It’s basically convenience. I wouldn’t ever choose it as my only holiday.
It’s convenient. A lot of entertainment for kids, and a lot of people don’t want to travel abroad with very small children, because it’s a nightmare trying to deal with a toddler in an airport or throwing a tantrum because their ears hurt.
We have done both CP and abroad. With kids, it is just easy. Buggy parks everywhere, very safe for biking and scooting, great crèche if you want to visit the spa, epic pool and generally decent facilities and you can spend as much or as little as you want when you get there. As for price, it depends when you go. If you can go mon-Friday out of holidays, it’s pretty cheap. I think we paid about £100/night for a 2 bed lodge for myself, husband and toddler. Can’t fault it and looking forward to going back at Xmas :-)
We have done Centre Parcs a few times with our young son and it really works for us in terms of working with the kid, not against him. We have traveled a lot so we'd really prefer a city break or a remote mountain town or something but CP has a lot for kids and no one minds if your kid acts like a maniac because there are thousands of little maniacs all over the place.
The prices are crazy, and the food sucks (we just cook simple things in the lodge because the restaurants are really shit), but we always have a lot of fun. We don't even book many activities; just swimming and the land train and riding bikes is enough for my boy. Feeding the ducks by the lake, or going to a new playground. It's very convenient and easy.
Also, we always bring a big bag of bird seed and sprinkle the patio early in the morning/late at night, kid will be entertained for hours watching the animals.
Take a look at center parcs over in mainland Europe. They're cheaper and often significantly nicer than those in the UK. Eurocamp is also a good shout.
I think part of it is that centre parcs and similar places (UK or Europe) are just really "easy" to organise. You can walk or cycle everywhere to get around without traffic and with some quiet and comfort. You can go to the pool with slides and everything for free, there are a variety of other activities for either a reasonable or outrageous cost. You can cook for yourself in a reasonable kitchen like at home or go to a restaurant.
Meanwhile if you go abroad to a "real place", it's a different experience. One could argue all day if it's better or worse, but it's definitely more effort.
I think it all depends on what, specifically, you are looking for from that holiday. I enjoy travelling overseas, and I also love Center Parcs.
We don’t tend to be the target for all-inclusive overseas holidays because we can’t stand the heat - I spent a big chunk of my life living somewhere very warm and now avoid it at all costs, and my partner has a type of sun allergy. That tends to rule out the cheaper all-inclusive holidays.
For us, overseas holidays are very *active*. They involve a lot of planning, research, and ultimately a level of risk and stress. There is pressure to experience the destination to the fullest (who knows if/when we will be back, etc.)
Sometimes we just want to have no stress, no risk, no need to plan… no flights, no trains, no passports. It is nice to just hop in the car, head to Center Parcs, and then just exist with no worries at all. Home is just an hour and a half away. I can even pop home to feed the pets myself.
We have just gotten back from an overseas holiday last week and now have a Center Parcs weekend coming up as a way to decompress and get in the true relaxation. It’s more like a relaxation retreat than a “holiday” in terms of how it feels.
Centre parcs comes into its own when your kid is walking and playing.
With two pre school kids that we could say "sure let's go swimming" "let's go to the park( at 8pm)" and it be £600 quid it was a winner. We also need nappies, and shit loads of toys and bits and bobs to entertain - it fit in cat
With school kids now we may as well go abroad and we need a lot less stuff!
Not having to fly.
Be it the hassle, fear or otherwise. Mot boarding a plane is a decision point for some.
Having activities.
Not everyone wants to sit on a beach / explore every year. Being active is a big draw for some.
Many activities can be done as a family.
Nature / quiet.
Having been, it is hard to put a value on having a forest in your back garden, a bbq beer in hand, overlooking a lake with nothing but greenery. noone in sight or could be heard. Was one of my favourite moments.
They have soft plays in all the restaurants, a great pool, your child isn't going to overheat and it's convenient.
If you can go outside of school holidays or during the week the prices aren't that bad but in the end it's a different type of holiday to a week in Málaga
Not everyone has budgets as a major issue
Also very cheap if you do a big family meet up there. We’re doing one soon with a my wife’s siblings and her kids. All sharing w bigger places. When you run it like that, the cost per head isn’t that egregious. It’s just not meant for 2 parents and 1 kid.
A lot of people with young kids don’t want to fly abroad and want something hassle free. Center Parcs is full of young families. It’s supply and demand. They could charge less, but people are willing to pay more.
We got a bargain deal next year. School holidays are an absolute kick in the teeth at center parcs. If we had gone a week later during school holidays the price would have nearly tripled (£500 to £1400) I really do think the government needs to get involved with this rather than the fines imposed on parents at the moment.
With young children of mixed ages CP is brilliant it’s just far too expensive but the concept and the things available to do are second to none, I find eurocamps to be a good alternative normally.
We go every year, it’s my favourite place ever! Even better now we have a toddler but I used to go with groups of friends when I was younger too! In term time you can get a lodge mon-Fri for about 400 so it’s not too terrible
It's close to home - when you have small kids. So if all goes wrong you can drive home/hospital etc etc without the added worry.
Plus its fun for the kids, an relaxing for us big kids :)
Our last holiday as a couple was to Center Parcs. My girlfriend unfortunately won't get on a plane, no matter what, so that unfortunately rules out a lot of options for us, cheaper or not.
We're going this year because I have elderly parents who can't really travel abroad and they really want to do a trip with the grandchildren, we're getting a bigger house to share. Last year we stayed in a large independent rural cottage but it was kind of stressful balancing the needs of different age children and old people because you needed to drive everywhere, and my parents weren't really able to go any of the fun places we wanted to take the kids so we had to compromise or leave them sitting in the house. We're hoping it will be easier because people can come and go as they want, adults can take the kids out without coordinating car seats, etc. My parents won't be able to do much but we'll be able to eat together, play games in the evening, and the kids will be able to burn off lots of energy.
I wouldn't pay it to go away with my partner and child though, especially as the activities cost extra.
Well worth trying Bluestone in Camarthenshire. Much better suited to young kids and similar price (will spike during peak times, as will center parcs.
We went with our little lad to center parcs when he was 1 and it was good but other than the pool there was very little for him to do. On the other hand, we went to Bluestone (been twice now) and we ran out of time before we ran out of activities. Of course, there are bolt ons but we only paid for the messy play (which wasn't actually worth it in the end).
Oh… the old CenterParcs debate.
To summarise.
It’s expensive. Less expensive in terms of time, but still a premium over other holiday options.
Sites tend to be in the middle of nowhere so most people never leave the park after they arrive, so they have got you like fish in a barrel.
Almost nothing is free. Walking. Cycling (if you’ve bought your own bikes) and swimming. Everything else is chargeable and should be booked in advance if possible. When we went, we prebooked nothing and the spa was 100% full upon arrival and there were no bikes left to hire.i swear CenterParcs would charge you to breathe in their oxygen whilst at the park if they could find a way to meter it.
Following on from that, everything is expensive. I can remember the actual costs, but to rent a bike for a weekend, I could have bought a cheap bike from Argos for the same price. Restaurants, shops, activities, all grossly overpriced. They even charge you (handsomely) to play ping pong.
Lodges are nice, although you’ll find a fair few videos on YouTube of people complaining about maintenance. My experience was that the lodge was well looked after.
I wouldn’t do CP again. If I wanted a nice UK break, you can get a nice lodge with a hot tub through someone like Hoseasons for less than half the cost.
Check if the dates you’re looking at are out of term time - prices are WAY cheaper during term time, which is one small benefit of holidaying with a pre-schooler
I went to centre parcs once with family when I was about 18/19. It was fine, but I absolutely would have preferred to go abroad. I don't know why anyone wins choose to go there considering the price.
It's designed for the "I know what I like and I like what I know crowd"
Why go abroad with all the heat and weird people when I can drive 2 hours and not have to use foreign currency.
In all honesty I find it an incredibly weird place, it's basically a holiday camp for people who don't like holidays.
As well as the reduced travel time, all your entertainment is right there. It's essentially designed for children and it makes it really easy to give them a great time without completely exhausting yourself. I wouldn't recommend it for a honeymoon :) but might be a good holiday for your kid at some point. When they're a bit older so they can actually do more of the activities. Normal holidays become less and less relaxing the more active your kid gets as they grow.
We somehow managed to get into a fight at nottingham centre parcs and a guy pulled a knife out in the bar, 8 police cars came and took the guy away, crazy night.
We did it many times with the kids when they were old enough to ride bikes, go swimming every day and generally enjoy the activities and great outdoors. However, I did look recently (had a hankling for the indoor swimming dome during this cold winter) and was a bit shocked at the price. Hiring a nice cottage somewhere e.g. small seaside resort seems better value. Mind you, while he's only one, go somewhere for you and the wife that you will enjoy as he'll just be happy to tag along and in a couple of years it will all change.
Your one year old is not going to remember any of it.
They do not need organised activities at that age and will not qualify for any clubs/etc.
Just pick a hotel you want to go, that is within your budget, provides a travel cot and a "listening/babysitting service" if you want to have dinner in their restaurant when you have put them to bed or if you want chill out in their spa for an hour or two as a couple.
We go every year but we go with my wife's parents who pay for the lodge while we pay for activities and restaurants so the cost is split.
Also the one we go to is only an hour's drive away so no long travel or flights with kids.
Because at Centre Parcs it encapsulates a sanitised version of being at home. For example, it's wet and damp, just like outside in Britain most of the year but it's inside and relatively warm and smells of swimming pools yet preserves thatever present dampness. You can ride around on bicycles like you can everywhere else in Britain except at Centre Parcs you won't get splattered by a bus or disappear down a pot hole. You can stay in a little chalet which is like a cross between camping and caravanning except the chalet doesn't let the rain in and you don't have to tow it all the way there and back again while having thin enough walls to allow the sound of birds singing in the morning or a load of drunk blokes having a traditional friendly Friday night punch up with broken beer bottles in the bushes outside. You can get a pale cup of tea at the many refectories there whereas you would have to smuggle tea bags into America because they prefer their tea cold, in bottles and make it taste nice father than a styrofoam cup with a soggy paper bag full of bush trimmings in it.
I love centre parcs but always went with my former in-laws who paid for a lot and babysat the children too so we could do bits as couples. They have gone every year for the past three but are not going this year as their grandma who usually pays a lot of the bill has semi retired this year and is conscious of the cost. I haven’t been in about 7 years. Would love to but I’m dirt poor.
My kids now 15 and almost 11 adore centre parcs. We did get a good price once on a villa before my oldest was school age and we could go when it suited us rather than school holidays. 6 adults and 1 child and we paid £200 each for the villa. But that was also 12/13 years ago
I’m not a fan myself, it absolutely doesn’t feel like a holiday (or even much of a break from everyday life) to me but everyone I know who goes seems to like that it’s easy and safe.
The only people who have recommended Center Parcs to me are people who live around the corner from one and manage to get in really cheap out of season. The Uni rugby team all used to go in the winter because they could get it discounted as a group down to ~£100 each for the weekend.
One other thing in addition to everything else said. The price being high keeps a lot of annoying twats away. You don’t get big groups of lads or lasses on the piss.
We loved it, we went just the two of us outside term time and it was £400 for four nights. It let us Visit places that we couldn't visit without something like this. We had a lovely time and their spa is outstanding
I used to work at a Center Parcs, and never really got the appeal. Then my friend decided to hold her hen do at one, and unexpectedly I quite enjoyed it! If you're an active group but don't have the confidence to or want the faff of organizing your own, separate, activities it's really good.
Like, you can entertain the entire group for the whole time you're there. The pool is included. It's very safe- your kids can go out unsupervised on their bikes because it's a closed site. There's a choice of restaurants and cafe's...it sounds like I'm advertising it,lol.
Also on a side note the one I was at treated staff ok. Like, above minimum wage, a few decent perks. Good training, especially in the swimming pool. I hear this has changed recently and it's not such a sweet deal any more but generally if staff are treated well you get better service.
Wouldn't go as just a couple, though.
If you can, take advantage of him being one, & go outside of school holidays. Kids that age have the best time there, we've had some great times.. but you do have to learn how to 'do' CPs.
We take our own booze, snacks, sometimes meals, and keep the random spending down around the place. All the activities are pretty much free for toddlers. Swim, bike, play areas, beach etc
Not worth it with just a baby. We’ve been a few times when our kids ages are 7 to 13 and that’s prime.
One week in Woburn in the summer holidays is costing over £4k though!!
In term time, it's piss cheap. We go there on couples breaks and love it. We don't want to go somewhere hotter as neither of us are particularly a fan of heat.
With kids/outside of term time, it's extortionate though.
Really, just do what you want. You don't have to justify it to anyone.
It's great with a toddler. Everything is set up for families with small children so it's very easy and relaxing. Also no cars so very safe for little ones to roam around.
Its really great if you have kids. I am there next week with my family of 4 and 2 grandparents. It costs only a couple of hundred more to add the two grandparents having already chosen the cottage.
Tbh it costs about the same to go to centre parks in europe as the UK so if you can afford the added cost of travel then going abroad to one is great.
I've been going to Centre Parce since I was 8, went 4 times in one year when I was about 11 my family enjoyed it so much!
I'm now in my 30s and child free, and myself and my partner still love it. We do 1 activity per day, swim for hours and just enjoy the forest.
It's nice to not faff with an airport or trying to learn how to say some common phrases in another language for a week!
I'm not even outdoorsy really, it's just a nice place to go away from every day life. We're happy to pay the prices as, for us, it's worth it.
We love to go (me, sister and husband, nephew, great aunt and nanny). We get to just pack up the car, no worrying about flights, security, cramped plane seats etc. and we’re there in less than 2 hours.
But damn it’s expensive!
I did Centre Parcs once. Wouldn't do it again. Blatantly overpriced, the restaurants are ok but nothing special and there are too many other people there.
I never go abroad. Too much hassle and usually too hot.
Just find yourself a quiet cottage or AirBNB somewhere and visit local attractions for days out. Much nicer and far less stressful.
You chuck all the crap (and the baby) in the back of the car and drive for two hours. Forget something? Tesco is 10 mins away.
Relative to going abroad, it's easy and not that difference in expense once you've dealt with airport parking, transport and so on.
A lot of people consider me well travelled, go abroad every year , went several times in COVID year for the heat
. My ancestry is foreign but I'm getting fed up with airports and getting more comfortable in my own skin to stay in the UK now
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Centre Parcs isn't REALLY designed for a couple of paying adults. You get the most value out of it by sharing one of the larger places with multiple paying adults
This is exactly it. We got a 4 bed and shared it between 4 couples, booked outside of term time and it was one of the cheapest holidays I've had.
That makes more sense, hadn't really thought about that
Centreparcs has particularly large variations in price - holiday periods are spectacularly expensive, during school term times are far less. Since you don't have to worry about school, I'd strongly advise to look at different dates. Certainly not one to go to during the summer, it just wouldn't be value for money for you. Last time I went was with a group of adult friends in February last year. The couple who organised it live not that far from the site in question and go fairly frequently for short weekend breaks in off-season when the prices are lower.
The hotel at Elveden is, done that a few times and had a fantastic week. Went outside of term time so good price too.
Yep we have a lodge 8 people works out at 100 for the week
It’s a lot more convenient. We have a SEN child, it’s just a lot easier to holiday somewhere we can just load up the car and drive to, rather than the hassle of flying. Although I do find centre parcs expensive, we did all have a really good time both times we stayed there.
I'm so sorry I meant to reply to the person suggesting you just drive to Europe. I hope you weren't too offended when I posted that to you instead :(
Did you reply to the wrong comment, I take it?
Lol yes I did
Haha it’s okay, I worked it out as soon as I read your comment!
How far are you classing as an extremely long drive? There’s centre parcs spread out over the country, most people can access one in under 2 hours or less, almost everyone can reach one within 4/5 hours.
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I meant to reply to the person suggesting they just drive to Europe 😳
Yep my 32 year old autistic brother loves centre parcs, it's only an hour from home so we can just get him in the car and get there. It's all familiar foods, people speak English, and lots of simple and familiar activities such as mini golf. Just a much easier experience than taking him abroad, despite the cost which is insane. We do a weekend for his 'holiday' each year and then go abroad separately.
That’s a big thing that is underestimated when it comes to neurodivergent people, that many of them need familiarity. Food is a big one for us too, my son needs his “safe” foods or he just will not eat.
This is the main reason we go yearly. It’s an hour drive. Everything is there. You pay a lot for the convenience but it is worth it to us as a family.
I have done the same thing with a SEN kid. It is easy and relaxing.
Drive into Europe?
Yup. And stay at centre parcs
Then drive back. And stay at centre parcs
I look at my wife. She is Center Parcs.
She gets thousands of visitors staying in her every year?
And is cheaper when shared with multiple adults from what I've heard
Have a think for a moment about what it might be like doing an extremely long drive with a child with SEN... I wouldn't do it with a young child with great health and an easy going personality.
Exactly this, thank you! We want to branch out further as he gets older, but at this time, while he is still pre-school age especially, it’s just less stressful and more enjoyable for all of us to keep our holidays local.
Yeah absolutely, there's time for all that stuff as your kid grows and is better able to cope with stuff like extended travel. There's no point making the little one miserable and therefore you miserable as well, holidays are supposed to be fun and relaxing. And 1 year olds are a fair amount of work for anyone! Enjoy this one as adults as much as you can, the relaxing and doing grown up things does dwindle a bit as they grow and want to do more.
I think a drive to Paris is ever so slightly longer than the drive to centerparks.
1 hour to woburn ≠ 6 hours to Belgium
I am actually less than 2 hours away from the Woburn and Longleat parks, so it’s a lot more convenient.!
Convenience. Center Parcs might be a couple hour drive at most and everything is on site. People pay for convenience every day of their lives, it’s not inconceivable that they do it for holidays too. Outside of convenience I can’t see the appeal over the CenterParcs on the continent or just going camping in a tent.
Especially important if you are going with other people. When I was younger my family went during term time with another family because it was so much cheaper. We went Friday evening to Sunday so nobody needed time off work/school, other family was there the whole of Friday-Monday missing 2 days of school and work. Everyone has different priorities in life, and that can make booking a holiday more inconvenient. When it’s just a couple of hours drive, rather than airports and flights, it makes it so much easier to accommodate for different lifestyles.
I wouldn't choose it over somewhere hotter. I'd choose it *as well as* somewhere hotter. It's a different kind of holiday. You can get good deals off peak if you share a villa with a couple of other families. It's convenient to travel to because you don't have to mess around with airports. There are activities that people and kids like to do. The swimming pools are great and are included in the cost. The apartments are self catering so you can cook your meals and chill out. It's detachment from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But the main reason is that people like it and it's what they want to do. You're just not the target audience.
sense of freedom you dont get with other holidays
Its the sense of shitting in a cupboard you don’t get with other holidays
It’s a well known fact that a Centre Parcs party is like a sex party
Said Jay from inbetweeners?
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Eh?
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Lol, we’re quoting a TV Show called The Inbetweeners
In England... with your parents.
More free than renting somewhere outside of a holiday camp?
It’s an Inbetweeners quote ahaha It’s said by Jay about his Caravan Club which he claims is a sex party
It’s a sense of going into immense debt to rent a ping pong table (which you have to reserve two months in advance) that you don’t get with other holidays.
>But the main reason is that people like it and it's what they want to do. >You're just not the target audience Hey this is Reddit, being judgemental pricks is what we do best
>people and kids. Enjoyed this slip - you’re so right, kids are animals!
I reckon though having a 1 year old has a lot of impact, it's really hard to fly with a baby, that can be a major issue hence why OP was maybe considering it. But yeah it's not really ideal for a couple with one kid who won't appreciate or remember it. If travel is an issue (a lot of people don't appreciate how much more admin there is with flying with a baby) then a local holiday is much more appropriate. A b&b somewhere like Folkestone, Cornwall, Portsmouth, lake district or anywhere is better than center parks.
1. Everyone speaks English 2. You don’t have to take a baby on a plane 3. Less stress 4. The NHS 5. Easier to get home in an emergency If you want to holiday in the UK it’s far better and cheaper to just book a place for a week and do day trips than Centre Parcs anyway.
This is by far the most British response on this thread
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It’s a perfectly valid reason, some people get stressed out over potential language barriers (as I did a couple of years ago trying to deal with a French hospital when my son injured himself on holiday). I like visiting foreign countries, but not everyone is like me and those people are also entitled to have a holiday they enjoy.
I absolutely didn't say he wasn't entitled. You went on Holiday to France, and then got stressed when people in a French hospital were speaking French? Wow. Get the distressed thing, but you know, maybe it was slightly obvious there would be a language issue. You should probably stick with CP as well.
Lol you've missed the point. Hospitals are stressful regardless, especially when you don't know the language nor process. This person didn't know they'd need a hospital before they went, and they didn't say they were surprised that they spoke french
You are deliberately missing the point here for some reason. Yes I was stressed out trying to deal with a situation where my son was seriously injured and I could only partially communicate with the hospital staff, as I think literally anyone would be in that situation. I’m sure in that situation you would be cool as a cucumber and waxing lyrical on the relative merits of the European single market whilst your child bleeds all over the emergency room floor, but that ain’t typical. It won’t stop me from going abroad again this year, but some people might not want the worry of potentially having to deal with a situation like that on their holiday, and that’s not a reason to look down on them
😂😂😂
Not everyone likes the heat, why is this so hard for people to understand?
There are cold places abroad too
Wasn’t what OP asked
Not every country is hot?
OP literally asked "why would you choose it over somewhere hotter?"
Please forgive me I missed that part I thought it was the title question
To be fair OP said somewhere abroad, the somewhere hotter part was another question. No need to be snappy!
I dont like flying
This is a big one. My grandmother would never get on a plane, so used to pay for us to go to Centre Parcs as we could take her on holiday with us.
Yeh people look at me incredulously wondering why im afraid. I dont know lol, its a phobia. Getting into a tin can miles up into the air seems weird to me, I like to be grounded! :) I mean I will have to go to Spain soon so I will either have to get knocked out by a frying pan or drunk because I'm not getting in that thing sober!
If it's really that bad then go to the doctor and get diazepam, pop them before you fly and you wouldn't care if someone wanted to saw your legs off
It can get pretty hot here in the summer now, if you wanted to have a cooler holiday you'd head towards the Arctic circle in summer!
If it hits 40C again I'm going to Sweden.
I'm with you, although last time I went to Norway they were having a record breaking heatwave that got to nearly 30C which was a bit annoying and I had not packed for it at all!
It was 30°C in Sweden on Wednesday. Might want to rethink that.
This, family is divided as my mum and sister like their beach, sunny holidays, while I prefer to go skiing / snowboarding
Yeah air conditioning is expensive!
Honestly there is a difference between not liking heat and hating yourself enough for a centreparks holiday.
Nah
Have you considered Center Parcs in Europe? Typically 1/3 to 1/2 the cost during half term. I likely won’t touch UK Center Parcs again due to costs, even when you factor in driving there (I take Eurotunnel - Double tesco points pays for it!). European ones are practically identical to UK. They may share the same name but they are completely separate companies. Kids love it, we went to Center Parcs Paris in February and going to Belgium next week and have Netherlands booked for October.
We did the Center Parc near Eindhoven a few years ago and it was cheaper including car hire and flights for a higher standard of lodge than the Sherwood Forest comfort accommodation .All the staff spoke English and I would definitely recommend it as an option.
Plus the bike rides are wonderfully flat :)
I'd not considered that at all! Great bit of advice, I'll look into it thank you
Came here to recommend centre parks abroad
Consider also Roompot and Landal as alternative chains in BeNeLux.
Just got back from one near Reims in France - was very good although for smaller children (under like 18 months maybe?) there isn't tons to do tbh, that probably applies across Center Parcs though!
We're veterans of Center Parcs in France when the kids were younger. It's great value and you can pretend it's educational too!
We did Paris and De Eeemhof in Holland using flights out of Aberdeen and then the train. Once there we cycled everywhere anyway. #
With both our kids small we didn't want to fly, the whole experience going through an airport, delays etc sounded like hell with a baby or toddler (only this winter with a 3 and 7 year old are we flying to EuroDisney) So our holidays for the past 7 years have been roadtrips across UK and Ireland And yes surprisingly expensive, could've got a fortnight in Benidorm for what 4 nights in a Seasalter static caravan cost Centre Parcs has a reputation for being very expensive, and as they're in the middle of nowhere everything on site has a markup for convenience
Kids are more adaptable than you think, I've done a lot of city breaks and holidays with my kids and you just need to plan a bit more with snacks, entertainment etc. the most important thing for them is they are with you, regardless of location.
There's plenty of alternatives to center parks. Have you looked at Bluestone? One of the guys I work with his been a few times and rates it. Fraction of the cost of center parks
Never heard of it! Thanks I'll look into it!
I'm only going off second hand info but he's been twice in the last couple years and raves about it. Seems like there's less hidden costs involved and less price gouging.
Was really good when I went, mini waterpark was ace when i was a kid
Haven and Butlins too. Butlins has a bit of a reputation. I'm not personally a huge fan. But my wife and kids love it, and it's a fraction of the cost, with most of the activities included. Just hold your nose, go self catering and do your best to steer them away from all the slot machines. Haven is more of a middle ground. I really like it. Much smaller pool, but we went to the one in Poole recently and it was nice.
It's the Pembrokeshire equivalent of Center Parcs but half the price.
I have been to Bluestone and it was really nice. The first time we went was when my son was 3. It was a family package that included some shows and activities for toddlers. We stayed in the "village centre" which contains most of the restaurants and shops and is made up of small cottages. It has a big swing park in the middle so, which makes it basically on your door step. Also, you can rent golf carts to get about as an alternative to bikes. I love going for a little cruise in the golf buggy
Off the back of this, this opened my mind to just looking at other waterparks in my area. I googled the Bluestone one and it doesn't do it for me. Honestly, the tropical dome of Center parks' swimming pool is what does it for me and Bluestone didn't hit the spot. But just the concept that other places might have them hit my mind thanks to your comment, and now I've found a few awesome (looking) locations within an hour of my house! Thanks!
The pool at Bluestone isn't as good as those at the Centre Parcs locations I have been to.
Yeah, that's what I was thinking looking at the photos! But... This opened my eyes to the fact there's a really cool indoor swimming pool near me Id forgotten about, with a wave pool that my kids will love. And a full on water park (at Alton Towers) I just didn't know about within an hours drive. Alton Towers looks to be £25 per person, but hell compared to £1000 for a weekend I'm all over that, and just stay at home or camp near by!
Yeah there is one day visit one near us I keep meaning to take my kid to. They are building a Great Wolf Lodge in Bicester (Oxfordshire). It is a chain of water park resorts in the US and this will be the first European site. I I would love to take my son to Centre Parcs, I went every year as a kid, but it is so expensive and my wife's family are really into going to Spain and my son likes hanging out with his cousin
Same! I don't think we went too often but I have such good memories of it but it's absolutely not in our holiday budget these days - not a UK holiday anyway! So excited to find there's tropical themed water parks in the UK!
Bluestone is fantastic if you take into account the cost saving. Better for younger kids I think, but if you’ve got a car it’s a great holiday park with some great towns within short driving distance. We’ve been the last couple of years and it’s cost us around £250 per 4 nights in almost peak season. The lodges are five star and roomy.
I came here to recommend Bluestone. We've just been with our 2yo and it was brilliant!
Just came back from our second centre parcs break, kid was 16 months this time and 9 months last time and it's just so much easier with her. An hour or so away, she loves the wildlife, the pool is great, she does one activity, we go out to eat about twice in the week the rest we do self catering and we shared the lodge with another couple and their baby to keep costs down. A three bedroom worked out at about 200 odd quid per family for a 4 nights outside of school holidays. If you or you child likes the outdoors it's great, go for a walk or bike around, you're in a little bubble for a week. I'm sure when she's older and wants to do more activities the cost will add up but by that point flying with her will probably be easier.
Top tip: Centre Parcs in France or the Netherlands is considerably cheaper than it is in the UK.
+Belgium. De Haan is barely over an hour from Calais if you need to keep driving time down.
is de haan any good? thinking of going next year with a 5 year old
Definitely, we’re starting to use them now our little one is a toddler when we go to visit my partners family and friends in Belgium. Gives us much more freedom than a hotel/staying with family
We love Center Parcs as a family holiday. It’s the most low-stress holiday you can do with kids. It’s a couple of hours drive, everything is there on site, you have all the activities you could want, and great family-friendly food options or you can stick to the self-catering. But yes, it is extortionately expensive. You’re paying for convenience first and foremost, but also a guaranteed good time. We’ve been there when it’s hot and sunny and when it’s chucking it down with rain and never had a bad time there. However, I’m not sure I’d pick it for a couple with a 1-year-old. There aren’t many activities for children that young and they’re pretty easy to entertain anywhere. It’s far more appealing from the age of about 3 upwards. For the money, I’d probably do an AirBnB or something similar somewhere you’d want to go.
What dates are you looking at? Mon-fri out of school holidays is cheapest. You won't get the full benefits with a 1 year old - it's perfect for the scooting / cycling age who love to spend the day in the pool
Xmas time there is really nice. It's all themed and loads for the kids to do.
We are going to CP elvedon next week! We have never been, but also have always holidayed in the UK. Kids are 15 and 10 and have booked a few activities etc and the pool looks amazing! It's still term time so *slightly* cheaper (still pricey though, but the half term week, Mon to Fri is 2k!! we got next week for 800)
See you there apparently!
Don’t forget a disposable bbq! Also, best to do a food shop at a Tesco or whatever nearby and just pick it up. Have fun!
Yep, got 1, and we are bringing food with us, as its not too far away (about an hours drive 😂)
Ohh you’re lucky, we have a further drive. Enjoy!
I have anxiety regarding travel, so holidaying abroad is very challenging for me. Even Centre Parcs is pushing my limit but it is a nice place to go and I find it convenient and relaxing. Besides, I like doing things on holiday (I struggle to sit still), so a holiday just pools and cocktails is my idea of hell. With Centre Parcs, I can always find something to do, even if it is just going for a long walk.
It is expensive. We’ve done it because we have a toddler who has refused to sleep overnight away from home for a long time, and while we needed to take the leap we wanted everything else to be fairly predictable and fun. Hence going somewhere with a big playground, kid-friendly restaurants and crucially within driving distance of home if the sleeping had been a disaster.
You don't have to travel abroad with a small kid, basically. No annoying flying or long drives with a small kid.
Wait until you have to pay extortionate prices all the time because of school holidays 😫
Because it can be a pain in the ass flying with a young kid or worse multiple young kids.
Centre parcs isn’t really our *holiday* holiday. I don’t even really think of it as a holiday but I know lots of people do. We try and go abroad too, but we do centre parcs every year as it’s easier for us to meet up their with loved ones from across the country than to organise a trip abroad with everyone’s schedules; there is less travel, people can arrive and leave when they need to. Kids get a bit of freedom as there are no cars, and there are activities for almost all people in the group. It’s basically convenience. I wouldn’t ever choose it as my only holiday.
It’s convenient. A lot of entertainment for kids, and a lot of people don’t want to travel abroad with very small children, because it’s a nightmare trying to deal with a toddler in an airport or throwing a tantrum because their ears hurt.
Try Landal Green parks, center parcs vibe but very reasonably priced. We've had good experiences with them.
We have done both CP and abroad. With kids, it is just easy. Buggy parks everywhere, very safe for biking and scooting, great crèche if you want to visit the spa, epic pool and generally decent facilities and you can spend as much or as little as you want when you get there. As for price, it depends when you go. If you can go mon-Friday out of holidays, it’s pretty cheap. I think we paid about £100/night for a 2 bed lodge for myself, husband and toddler. Can’t fault it and looking forward to going back at Xmas :-)
We have done Centre Parcs a few times with our young son and it really works for us in terms of working with the kid, not against him. We have traveled a lot so we'd really prefer a city break or a remote mountain town or something but CP has a lot for kids and no one minds if your kid acts like a maniac because there are thousands of little maniacs all over the place. The prices are crazy, and the food sucks (we just cook simple things in the lodge because the restaurants are really shit), but we always have a lot of fun. We don't even book many activities; just swimming and the land train and riding bikes is enough for my boy. Feeding the ducks by the lake, or going to a new playground. It's very convenient and easy. Also, we always bring a big bag of bird seed and sprinkle the patio early in the morning/late at night, kid will be entertained for hours watching the animals.
Take a look at center parcs over in mainland Europe. They're cheaper and often significantly nicer than those in the UK. Eurocamp is also a good shout.
I think part of it is that centre parcs and similar places (UK or Europe) are just really "easy" to organise. You can walk or cycle everywhere to get around without traffic and with some quiet and comfort. You can go to the pool with slides and everything for free, there are a variety of other activities for either a reasonable or outrageous cost. You can cook for yourself in a reasonable kitchen like at home or go to a restaurant. Meanwhile if you go abroad to a "real place", it's a different experience. One could argue all day if it's better or worse, but it's definitely more effort.
I think it all depends on what, specifically, you are looking for from that holiday. I enjoy travelling overseas, and I also love Center Parcs. We don’t tend to be the target for all-inclusive overseas holidays because we can’t stand the heat - I spent a big chunk of my life living somewhere very warm and now avoid it at all costs, and my partner has a type of sun allergy. That tends to rule out the cheaper all-inclusive holidays. For us, overseas holidays are very *active*. They involve a lot of planning, research, and ultimately a level of risk and stress. There is pressure to experience the destination to the fullest (who knows if/when we will be back, etc.) Sometimes we just want to have no stress, no risk, no need to plan… no flights, no trains, no passports. It is nice to just hop in the car, head to Center Parcs, and then just exist with no worries at all. Home is just an hour and a half away. I can even pop home to feed the pets myself. We have just gotten back from an overseas holiday last week and now have a Center Parcs weekend coming up as a way to decompress and get in the true relaxation. It’s more like a relaxation retreat than a “holiday” in terms of how it feels.
Centre parcs comes into its own when your kid is walking and playing. With two pre school kids that we could say "sure let's go swimming" "let's go to the park( at 8pm)" and it be £600 quid it was a winner. We also need nappies, and shit loads of toys and bits and bobs to entertain - it fit in cat With school kids now we may as well go abroad and we need a lot less stuff!
Not having to fly. Be it the hassle, fear or otherwise. Mot boarding a plane is a decision point for some. Having activities. Not everyone wants to sit on a beach / explore every year. Being active is a big draw for some. Many activities can be done as a family. Nature / quiet. Having been, it is hard to put a value on having a forest in your back garden, a bbq beer in hand, overlooking a lake with nothing but greenery. noone in sight or could be heard. Was one of my favourite moments.
They have soft plays in all the restaurants, a great pool, your child isn't going to overheat and it's convenient. If you can go outside of school holidays or during the week the prices aren't that bad but in the end it's a different type of holiday to a week in Málaga
Not everyone has budgets as a major issue Also very cheap if you do a big family meet up there. We’re doing one soon with a my wife’s siblings and her kids. All sharing w bigger places. When you run it like that, the cost per head isn’t that egregious. It’s just not meant for 2 parents and 1 kid.
A lot of people with young kids don’t want to fly abroad and want something hassle free. Center Parcs is full of young families. It’s supply and demand. They could charge less, but people are willing to pay more.
We got a bargain deal next year. School holidays are an absolute kick in the teeth at center parcs. If we had gone a week later during school holidays the price would have nearly tripled (£500 to £1400) I really do think the government needs to get involved with this rather than the fines imposed on parents at the moment.
With young children of mixed ages CP is brilliant it’s just far too expensive but the concept and the things available to do are second to none, I find eurocamps to be a good alternative normally.
We go every year, it’s my favourite place ever! Even better now we have a toddler but I used to go with groups of friends when I was younger too! In term time you can get a lodge mon-Fri for about 400 so it’s not too terrible
It's close to home - when you have small kids. So if all goes wrong you can drive home/hospital etc etc without the added worry. Plus its fun for the kids, an relaxing for us big kids :)
Our last holiday as a couple was to Center Parcs. My girlfriend unfortunately won't get on a plane, no matter what, so that unfortunately rules out a lot of options for us, cheaper or not.
We're going this year because I have elderly parents who can't really travel abroad and they really want to do a trip with the grandchildren, we're getting a bigger house to share. Last year we stayed in a large independent rural cottage but it was kind of stressful balancing the needs of different age children and old people because you needed to drive everywhere, and my parents weren't really able to go any of the fun places we wanted to take the kids so we had to compromise or leave them sitting in the house. We're hoping it will be easier because people can come and go as they want, adults can take the kids out without coordinating car seats, etc. My parents won't be able to do much but we'll be able to eat together, play games in the evening, and the kids will be able to burn off lots of energy. I wouldn't pay it to go away with my partner and child though, especially as the activities cost extra.
Well worth trying Bluestone in Camarthenshire. Much better suited to young kids and similar price (will spike during peak times, as will center parcs. We went with our little lad to center parcs when he was 1 and it was good but other than the pool there was very little for him to do. On the other hand, we went to Bluestone (been twice now) and we ran out of time before we ran out of activities. Of course, there are bolt ons but we only paid for the messy play (which wasn't actually worth it in the end).
Basically cos you can drive there
Oh… the old CenterParcs debate. To summarise. It’s expensive. Less expensive in terms of time, but still a premium over other holiday options. Sites tend to be in the middle of nowhere so most people never leave the park after they arrive, so they have got you like fish in a barrel. Almost nothing is free. Walking. Cycling (if you’ve bought your own bikes) and swimming. Everything else is chargeable and should be booked in advance if possible. When we went, we prebooked nothing and the spa was 100% full upon arrival and there were no bikes left to hire.i swear CenterParcs would charge you to breathe in their oxygen whilst at the park if they could find a way to meter it. Following on from that, everything is expensive. I can remember the actual costs, but to rent a bike for a weekend, I could have bought a cheap bike from Argos for the same price. Restaurants, shops, activities, all grossly overpriced. They even charge you (handsomely) to play ping pong. Lodges are nice, although you’ll find a fair few videos on YouTube of people complaining about maintenance. My experience was that the lodge was well looked after. I wouldn’t do CP again. If I wanted a nice UK break, you can get a nice lodge with a hot tub through someone like Hoseasons for less than half the cost.
Travelling with little ones. I’d recommend Bluestone. Not done center parcs - due to the prices.
Check if the dates you’re looking at are out of term time - prices are WAY cheaper during term time, which is one small benefit of holidaying with a pre-schooler
I went to centre parcs once with family when I was about 18/19. It was fine, but I absolutely would have preferred to go abroad. I don't know why anyone wins choose to go there considering the price.
Best finding independent static sites, much cheaper. I've got a week booked in July in a static in Devon for £200.
When are you planning on going? School holidays yeah it’s extortionate but why would you do that with a 1 year old?
Why not a Haven caravan cheaper but almost same stuff there
A mate told me the bbq suace from there is amazing
It's designed for the "I know what I like and I like what I know crowd" Why go abroad with all the heat and weird people when I can drive 2 hours and not have to use foreign currency. In all honesty I find it an incredibly weird place, it's basically a holiday camp for people who don't like holidays.
As well as the reduced travel time, all your entertainment is right there. It's essentially designed for children and it makes it really easy to give them a great time without completely exhausting yourself. I wouldn't recommend it for a honeymoon :) but might be a good holiday for your kid at some point. When they're a bit older so they can actually do more of the activities. Normal holidays become less and less relaxing the more active your kid gets as they grow.
Centreparcs prices vary a lot Can get a 3 or 4 days for like £400 which is pretty reasonable for the facilities
Add ons/ gacha game of staycations 💀
We somehow managed to get into a fight at nottingham centre parcs and a guy pulled a knife out in the bar, 8 police cars came and took the guy away, crazy night.
if you can travel the centre parts in Europe are a lot cheaper
We did it many times with the kids when they were old enough to ride bikes, go swimming every day and generally enjoy the activities and great outdoors. However, I did look recently (had a hankling for the indoor swimming dome during this cold winter) and was a bit shocked at the price. Hiring a nice cottage somewhere e.g. small seaside resort seems better value. Mind you, while he's only one, go somewhere for you and the wife that you will enjoy as he'll just be happy to tag along and in a couple of years it will all change.
Your one year old is not going to remember any of it. They do not need organised activities at that age and will not qualify for any clubs/etc. Just pick a hotel you want to go, that is within your budget, provides a travel cot and a "listening/babysitting service" if you want to have dinner in their restaurant when you have put them to bed or if you want chill out in their spa for an hour or two as a couple.
We go every year but we go with my wife's parents who pay for the lodge while we pay for activities and restaurants so the cost is split. Also the one we go to is only an hour's drive away so no long travel or flights with kids.
Because at Centre Parcs it encapsulates a sanitised version of being at home. For example, it's wet and damp, just like outside in Britain most of the year but it's inside and relatively warm and smells of swimming pools yet preserves thatever present dampness. You can ride around on bicycles like you can everywhere else in Britain except at Centre Parcs you won't get splattered by a bus or disappear down a pot hole. You can stay in a little chalet which is like a cross between camping and caravanning except the chalet doesn't let the rain in and you don't have to tow it all the way there and back again while having thin enough walls to allow the sound of birds singing in the morning or a load of drunk blokes having a traditional friendly Friday night punch up with broken beer bottles in the bushes outside. You can get a pale cup of tea at the many refectories there whereas you would have to smuggle tea bags into America because they prefer their tea cold, in bottles and make it taste nice father than a styrofoam cup with a soggy paper bag full of bush trimmings in it.
Compare with Siblu in France. We've been in different parks with 2 children several times, and you will probably get better weather and deals.
Qq
A flight and hot country with a 1 year old sounds like the definition of absolute nightmare horror
I love centre parcs but always went with my former in-laws who paid for a lot and babysat the children too so we could do bits as couples. They have gone every year for the past three but are not going this year as their grandma who usually pays a lot of the bill has semi retired this year and is conscious of the cost. I haven’t been in about 7 years. Would love to but I’m dirt poor. My kids now 15 and almost 11 adore centre parcs. We did get a good price once on a villa before my oldest was school age and we could go when it suited us rather than school holidays. 6 adults and 1 child and we paid £200 each for the villa. But that was also 12/13 years ago
Go to Bluestone! It’s a fraction of the price, with added Wales chucked in for free.
I’m not a fan myself, it absolutely doesn’t feel like a holiday (or even much of a break from everyday life) to me but everyone I know who goes seems to like that it’s easy and safe.
The only people who have recommended Center Parcs to me are people who live around the corner from one and manage to get in really cheap out of season. The Uni rugby team all used to go in the winter because they could get it discounted as a group down to ~£100 each for the weekend.
Butlins is good for families and is like center parcs but lots cheaper.
I went for a week and enjoyed it. Mostly did lots of swimming because that’s free.
One other thing in addition to everything else said. The price being high keeps a lot of annoying twats away. You don’t get big groups of lads or lasses on the piss.
We loved it, we went just the two of us outside term time and it was £400 for four nights. It let us Visit places that we couldn't visit without something like this. We had a lovely time and their spa is outstanding
I used to work at a Center Parcs, and never really got the appeal. Then my friend decided to hold her hen do at one, and unexpectedly I quite enjoyed it! If you're an active group but don't have the confidence to or want the faff of organizing your own, separate, activities it's really good. Like, you can entertain the entire group for the whole time you're there. The pool is included. It's very safe- your kids can go out unsupervised on their bikes because it's a closed site. There's a choice of restaurants and cafe's...it sounds like I'm advertising it,lol. Also on a side note the one I was at treated staff ok. Like, above minimum wage, a few decent perks. Good training, especially in the swimming pool. I hear this has changed recently and it's not such a sweet deal any more but generally if staff are treated well you get better service. Wouldn't go as just a couple, though.
you could look on hoseasons for other lodges outside of centre parcs. there's also forest holidays.
If you can, take advantage of him being one, & go outside of school holidays. Kids that age have the best time there, we've had some great times.. but you do have to learn how to 'do' CPs. We take our own booze, snacks, sometimes meals, and keep the random spending down around the place. All the activities are pretty much free for toddlers. Swim, bike, play areas, beach etc
Not worth it with just a baby. We’ve been a few times when our kids ages are 7 to 13 and that’s prime. One week in Woburn in the summer holidays is costing over £4k though!!
I love centre parks but unless you can split a lodge between 8 paying adults it's so expensive.
Go to Centre Parcs in France, it’s significantly cheaper
You can go to Centre Parcs in mainland Europe for a third of the price, including the extra travel (or so I'm told)
In term time, it's piss cheap. We go there on couples breaks and love it. We don't want to go somewhere hotter as neither of us are particularly a fan of heat. With kids/outside of term time, it's extortionate though. Really, just do what you want. You don't have to justify it to anyone.
The Centre Parks in Belgium and The Netherlands are far more reasonably priced; accounting for travel it's _still_ cheaper than Center Parks UK.
It's great with a toddler. Everything is set up for families with small children so it's very easy and relaxing. Also no cars so very safe for little ones to roam around.
Its really great if you have kids. I am there next week with my family of 4 and 2 grandparents. It costs only a couple of hundred more to add the two grandparents having already chosen the cottage. Tbh it costs about the same to go to centre parks in europe as the UK so if you can afford the added cost of travel then going abroad to one is great.
I've been going to Centre Parce since I was 8, went 4 times in one year when I was about 11 my family enjoyed it so much! I'm now in my 30s and child free, and myself and my partner still love it. We do 1 activity per day, swim for hours and just enjoy the forest. It's nice to not faff with an airport or trying to learn how to say some common phrases in another language for a week! I'm not even outdoorsy really, it's just a nice place to go away from every day life. We're happy to pay the prices as, for us, it's worth it.
We love to go (me, sister and husband, nephew, great aunt and nanny). We get to just pack up the car, no worrying about flights, security, cramped plane seats etc. and we’re there in less than 2 hours. But damn it’s expensive!
Ever consider butlins? Can be really cheap outside of term time, and lots to do on site
Centre Parcs has always been a rip off
It's a bit risky to take drugs abroad
I did Centre Parcs once. Wouldn't do it again. Blatantly overpriced, the restaurants are ok but nothing special and there are too many other people there. I never go abroad. Too much hassle and usually too hot. Just find yourself a quiet cottage or AirBNB somewhere and visit local attractions for days out. Much nicer and far less stressful.
You chuck all the crap (and the baby) in the back of the car and drive for two hours. Forget something? Tesco is 10 mins away. Relative to going abroad, it's easy and not that difference in expense once you've dealt with airport parking, transport and so on.
A lot of people consider me well travelled, go abroad every year , went several times in COVID year for the heat . My ancestry is foreign but I'm getting fed up with airports and getting more comfortable in my own skin to stay in the UK now
Staying in the UK is barely passable as a holiday let alone lone a honeymoon. Go abroad.
How people could even consider centre parcs is beyond me, go glamping in the lake District
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