Things did not go entirely to plan (when do they ever?) as Theo picked up a bug on day 2 which resulted in us heading home early on day 3. But we still had a great time and managed to have a good session in the pool on the first day.
What we liked....
The villa : The woodland villas are the original 60s design by Dutch architect Jaap Bakema, with fairlights in the kitchen and bathroom and large windows. They've all been given a contemporary makeover internally which is in sympathy with the original design. As a fan of 60s architecture this was a very unexpected perk of the trip!
The traffic free environment of the village : For young kids bikes really are a adventure of their own. Theo absolutely loved his kids bike trailer we had provided and it made any journey round the site fun.
The pool : Although we only had a short stint in it on the first day. The pool really does offer something for everyone. There is loads to do even for kids of Theo's age, with a lovely children's pool and a couple of good slides just for small kids. I am really sad we didn't get to go back for another go!
The Pancake House : The Pancake House is a Center Parcs institution and we loved the way it was styled like an alpine ski lodge. A lovely cosy place to visit on a cold day!
What we didn't like...
Being off-grid : There was very poor mobile reception (T-Mobile/EE) generally and no wi-fi in the villa. There also was no internal phone system in the villa for calls to site services. However we have been told though that they are working on upgrading wi-fi.
Being CP newbies : Center Parcs was overwhelming to begin with. It's a huge site (particularly if you have no sense of direction like me) and there are more than 150 different activities you can take part in. We spoke to lots of people who come back year after year and I think knowing the routine, the activities and the geography would be a bonus.
We are Center Parcs Family Bloggers and received our trip to Longleat free of charge. If you'd like to be in with a chance of winning your own trip keep an eye out on this blog for details of the next Center Parcs monthly challenge.
I went there in October 2012 with 9 other girls for a girly weekend and our lodge looks exactly like the one you stayed in! We loved it, had an amazing time! We are going again in November but will be trying out the New Woburn one.
ReplyDeleteWow, fab photos! We love Center Parcs, it's such a great family-orientated place to go x
ReplyDeleteWe love Centre Parcs in Longleat, it's the only one we've been to in the UK. I suggest you try De Kemperveneen in Holland too, it's fantastic.
ReplyDeleteSorry you had to leave early, it looks like you had a good couple of days. Your photos are amazing xx
I've heard very good things about the Dutch one, I must look it up online..
DeleteLovely photos and the accommodation looks better than people had led me to believe (a lot of folk say a lot of CP looks a bit shabby these days? Hope Theo is better now.
ReplyDeleteI think they are upgrading all the time, cabins don't look much from the outside but they are quite cute inside....
DeleteI have been thinking about booking a centre parcs holiday for us and i love this post :) Thank you so much for linking up with us. I am excited to look through your blog :) x
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame you had to cut your trip short it looks and sounds like you were having a great time! With the choice of all the activities and amount of outdoor space - what's not to like. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures! I love center parcs and can't wait to take the boys one day :) x
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos Claire! Its a shame you had to leave early but looks like you still fitted lots in. We've been looking at going to the one in Longleat for a few days so its great to see this. xx
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great time! Unfortunately tummy bugs are par for the course with these kinds of pools - so many kids doing things that they shouldn't in the water - the filters have a hard time keeping up!
ReplyDeleteWe've been to CP Whinfell about 4 times for a long weekend with Lucas. When we ask him what he wants to do on a weekend he almost always says Center Parcs! I have to explain that we can't just rock up there. ha It's a great easy getaway for a family weekend and yes it is made simpler the more you go as you know exactly what to expect and where to go etc. We haven't been in a couple of years but is more down to me getting good deals onCopenhagen trips which cost about the same. I'm sure we'd go again though sometime but maybe try a different one.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear Theo picked up a bug! I was ill will a throat infection on the day before we left and they have no doctors on site. The nurse could only prescribe painkillers or suggest I go off camp to a hospital... I waited until I got home. Not something I would have done if it was Lucas though. x