Whinfell November 06 (Center Parcs)

Member Name: Julie

Product:	Center Parcs
Date:	11/11/06 (990 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots to do

Disadvantages: Staff attitude!!

Have just returned from a midweek break at Whinfell forest. We went back in January and had a great time so decided to return in November. I would say generally we were pleased again though do have a few gripes. (more on them later) All in all though I would definitely recommend Whinfell as a great place for a short break.

We arrived at about 2:30pm and at this time check in was a fairly painless experience with only about 5 mins in the queue. Presumably this will be a lot longer earlier in the day when the park opens with most people arriving at the same time. We discovered our lodge this time was on 'Three Oaks'. Was initially disappointed with this as it was right next to the main car park and quite a distance from centre. This didn't turn out to be a problem though as its only a ten minute walk to the centre. We did not take or hire bikes. To be honest I really don't see the point in taking or hiring bikes. There are really no 'off road' tracks to go on and a bike is completely un-necessary to get around, well, for a non lazy person! Everything is within walking distance. We walked from our lodge right across the whole length of the park out to the Outdoor Activity centre and the Archery range. It’s a fair distance but a 'good walk'.

The lodge was generally excellent. Not sure how old it was but it appeared to be very new inside, possibly re-furbished. One double bedroom and a couple of twin rooms. The lodge sleeps up to 6 people so it seemed a bit 'overkill' for just two of us. The heating was really good and we were generally nice and warm. Beds were slightly disappointing and not the softest, plus the springs were very prominent and not very comfy. The usual telly was provided along with a CD player (was surprised at this as earlier in the year we didn't have this). Didn't manage to catch any badgers on the badger cam this time but we did see them earlier in the year. Also had the usual rabbits on our patio after leaving them some chopped up carrot. Centre Parcs is a great place to see wildlife in its 'natural' environment.

Went to the Aqua Sana on the first day. Its cheaper if you go on an arrival or leaving day and is also generally quieter on those days so would recommend going on one of those days. Very relaxing as it was last time. A great way to start (or finish) the break.

The 'Sub Tropical swimming paradise' is definitely recommended. Mainly because it’s probably the only thing in the place that is free! I’m sure its a godsend to parents (and their wallets!). Decided to go here later in the day as it would be a bit quieter and this proved to be the case. The swimming pools offer quite a variety. The rapids are fun but only seem to be on at certain times. There’s always one person (normally a kid) trying to swim UP them though which is annoying and spoils the fun. Its worth going in the outside pool though to get to this you have to climb stairs (the same route to the slides) and then have a very cold (certainly in November!) run outside till you jump into the heated water.

We also tried Archery this time which was excellent. A very good instructor and most of the time you actually got to shoot and didn't have to listen to endless talk. Just a briefing at the beginning to grasp the basics.

Also tried our hand at painting our own mugs (a new thing I think, well certainly wasn't there in January). Good fun but VERY expensive. You buy the 'thing' you want to paint (i.e. mug, plate etc) then pay a fee to paint it. This worked out at £30 for both of us). Still, was good fun.

We only ate out on one night, at Yang Chinese restaurant. Was ok but not 'outstanding'. We ate at the Rock Legends last time, which is very much an American Grill place with the usual burgers etc.

OK - THE GRIPES!

The cost!

The main fee to stay is certainly very reasonable. We paid about £230 for our lodge and you can get them even cheaper depending on the time of year. But if you want to eat, do activities, shop in the Parc Market, you really need to set aside several hundred pounds extra as everything costs big time. The produce in the Parc Market is very expensive so if you are planning to cater for yourselves on some nights then I would recommend buying your food at your local supermarket and taking it with you. It will be cheaper believe me. You can even but the logs to burn in the fires (if your lodge has one) much cheaper at a supermarket. A pack of 3 at the Parc Market is over £8. You can also but single 'crackling log' for over £4 (not worth it for a few 'crackles'. Naturally there is a notice on the lodge fires stating that only logs that have been purchased at the Parc Market may be burned. Yeah, naturally!

Staff attitude

Probably our worst gripe. In particular the staff attitude at the sports cafe and Chez Pierre were appalling. Disinterested, rude, unable to smile. A lot of them are very young and clearly need to develop some 'people skills'.

Everything’s for the kids the kids!

Obviously Centre Parcs is very child/family focused but they seem to have forgotten that adult couples/friends would also like to visit. You almost feel like an alien if you don’t have a few kids in tow, or a baby or two under your arms. And while were on the subject, it appears families on bikes have right of way. We constantly stopped to let groups of dads/mums/kids on bikes through gates etc and rarely got a thank you. Very annoying!

All in all though there are more positives than negatives. I would definitely recommend Whinfell as a great place for a short break. If you don’t have kids though be prepared to feel a bit left out, and if your parents, take LOTS OF CASH!



Summary: 8/10

Summary: 8/10