Center Parcs

jaffacat · Post by **jaffacat** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 8:53 pm

Thinking of taking the wife and kids (3 + 2yo) to Center Parcs for a short break.
Anyone been?
Is it any good and is it ok for kids of 3 + 2?

betchrider · Post by **betchrider** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 9:12 pm

Take plenty of dough!

mr lugsy · Post by **mr lugsy** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 9:22 pm

why? do they have bread making competitions?

yeah, i have friends who've been a few times . apparently it's a step up in class from something like butlins ,more for the healthy lifestyle and fitness fans.

iirc a three day break (not in season) cost them something in the region of about 450 quid S/C

Captain.Tattybojangles · Sat Jan 09, 2010 1:40 pm

Probably some of my happiest days were at Center Parcs, we've been a good 10 plus times so I can give you some tips.
Fruit machines are generally OK
Watch out were you eat, some of the places can be complete shit. Lets seeeee. Actually, the problem is Kids meals. Not at all worth what you pay for them. Go the whole hog and order adult meals for everyone.
Restauraunt names and that will depend on what Centerparcs you are going to. Oasis was formerly independent before being taken over, however it has a better selection of machines. Albeit accommodation is different from usual Centerparcs.
So just enjoy yourself where you go and have fun!

jaffacat · Post by **jaffacat** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 2:33 pm

Was thinking of going to the one in Cumbria - being the closest one to me.
Thanks for the tips!

Captain.Tattybojangles · Sat Jan 09, 2010 3:55 pm

That one has a nice amount of machines in it. I was there in 2003 last, so a while back, but I'll try and name all the machines off the top of my head
It is the best one in my experience for machines
Cops n Robbers
Car Wash(was the worst)
Super Star
Ultimo
Money Laundry
Dambuster
Knights Trail
Reel Good Time
These were all on £5, as I wasn't 18 at this time.
The whole bowling alley went into a "night theme" or something after half 6 or so and got a lot more rave-ish

The only over 18s I took note of were in a seperate "country pub" themed place, but was generally a Wetherspoons without the selling dregs, and drunks and sharks. Had Jolly Roger, Honey Money, and Never Mind the Jackpots

Now for some non fruit tips.
Hire bikes ASAP
The New York themed restauraunt is rubbish
Need a break from the kids, there's an Adults Only room or 2 in the bowling alley bit. Can't remember the name though
Can't go in accommodation until 3PM and must be out at 10AM on leaving day, so best go to the pool then for the day
Canyon Ride is over rated, they brag about it a lot, but it's just a big water slide. If you went on the rapids at the other places, you would find these lots better. Can't remember anything about the kids pool
Quite a lot to do out on the bikes as well, such as various trasure hunts and that printed around the forest. The little ones should enjoy that
And you did pay a lot for the holiday, Sorry, it's expensive inside the place as well, just generally. I never venture outside the park though haha

Drpepper · Post by **Drpepper** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 7:29 pm

Last time i went to whinfell forest(cumbria) which is going back 3 or 4 years, it had a cabin fever and a money laundry in the country club place, ended up having a free holiday

..

Theres a crappy little arcade with a few pool tables, then a bar with a couple of machines, and the country club too.

anfield road · Post by **anfield road** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 8:53 pm

haven well better, well better for kids aswel.... I got a few hits in the 2 up here and its always busy and quite smart

GaryChandler · Post by **GaryChandler** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 9:25 pm

Havens aint open are they?

mr lugsy · Post by **mr lugsy** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 9:32 pm

bourne leisure own havens and butlins. both are all shut in january for accom refurbs and site maintenance .......i think.

also i think they escape paying council tax on the accomodation as long as it's not let all year round. maybe untrue as i heard this in a pub .

GaryChandler · Post by **GaryChandler** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 10:05 pm

Yeah this is true, other caravan parks do this aswell.

shadmun · Post by **shadmun** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 11:41 pm

jaffacat wrote:Was thinking of going to the one in Cumbria - being the closest one to me.
Thanks for the tips!

I checked there in the summer nothing worth mentioning .

CrosbyRules · Post by **CrosbyRules** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 10:27 pm

i made huge in thetford last summer, paid for my week there with my mates, was a huge piss up!!

Drpepper · Post by **Drpepper** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 2:17 am

anyone near filey north yorkshire there's 2 havens with big £35/70 sections, would be massive in the summer... I went in the summer, there was a bank of 12 dials next to each other along with some reds, oh how i wish i could've sacked the GF off for a bit.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » Wed Jan 13, 2010 9:10 pm

12 dials, ya should have told her to fuck off for a bit while you get the money for a holiday abroad next holiday... lol