Centerparcs at Elveden Forest, May 2008 (Center Parcs)

Member Name: backscratchers

Product:	Center Parcs
Date:	23/06/08 (1131 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Loads to do, beautiful and peaceful surroundings, amazing beds!

Disadvantages: Cost of food, minor maintenance issues

Well, we had a brilliant time!

I managed to bag a late deal and my daughter (8) and I stayed in the Lakeview Hotel at Elveden Forest Centerparcs. It cost £199 for a weekend (3 night) break.

This was my second trip to Centerparcs - as a teenager I went with friends to the Sherwood site (about 16 years ago!) and like many others here have mentioned, had the rose tinted specs on and wanted to recreate the experience.

I prepared myself for a sense of anti-climax as my adult reactions tuned in with my teenage expectations, but it never came. Instead I reverted to the mindset of a child, and swam, slid and cycled my socks off as much as time allowed.

Our other expenses included bike hire (£36 for 1 adult and 1 child) and one pre-booked activity; The Treasure Trail, which at only £6.00 was one of the cheapest age appropriate choices for us. It entailed a 40 minute goose chase on bikes around the whole site - we were exhausted but got into the spirit of the chase and collected our medal at the end. (Everyone gets one regardless of the winner, so no tears for younger participants!)

The Swimming Paradise is absolutely ace - we spent about 24 hours over the weekend in there, poolside catering is limited but fine for a quick snack if you're not ready to stop having fun. The Rapids are fab - I went on at least 30 times on the Saturday (once for every year of my life, think I might make a tradition of it!)

Some have mentioned cleanliness issues in the salt pool - I found it to be fine on our visit, although the cold plunge pool was a dubious shade of dark yellow on the night we arrived. It was miraculously clear and sparkling again the following morning.

Other points on the Rapids: There are a few rough patches in the enamel and therefore some parts have been cordoned off as you travel through the outside area of the rapids, but this doesn't really interfere with the ride. I thoroughly recommend going on the rapids in the evening when there are less people around.

It is at its most magical with stars above and the water lit from below. (This is also the best time if you want a 'proper swim' in any of the pools or a real play with the wave machine.)

If you have young children or less confident swimmers look out for the last part of the rapids where things really speed up; the current in the landing pool is really strong and can sweep you off your feet. (My tactic was to just shut my eyes, hold my nose and let the current carry me to the exit ladder - apologies to all the bodies I crashed into!)

DO go on the 'white slide' - if you lie back flat and rest on your wrist and ankle joints you will go like the proverbial off a garden implement!

Food was our only major expense (as we stayed in the Hotel we had just the standard mini fridge and kettle, although some rooms apparently have a proper kitchenette.) The Parc Market prices are, as you would expect, somewhat over the odds. You can sometimes take advantage of late in the day bargains if you get your timing right. If you have time and car space I'd strongly recommend grabbing some basics on your way there.

We ate out at Hucks, The Lagoon Bar (Poolside) The Italian restaurant, and the Pancake House - all were great, service was fine, polite and timely and we didn't need to book ahead (although they obviously prefer you to.) Oh and we had a very expensive breakfast in the Revolving Restaurant which was worth every penny (I even took a photo of my fry up, such was its merit!)

Other points of note - the beds are FANTASTIC!! I don't know if the chalets have the same ones so check first if sleeping on the mattress of your wildest dreams appeals to you.

Also - look out for the Peacock that hangs out around the hotel- he's a real show off and we were lucky to catch his display more than once at close quarters. And if you like "squidges and babbits" you'll be very happy here as they are quite literally everywhere.

Had I the budget I would have booked us into extra activities, but we didn't suffer for lack of things to do. It was great to take advantage of the car-less roads and watch my daughter's confidence in cycling blossom in a matter of minutes as we gunned around (off the beaten track) the perimeter of the site.

All in all, I came back absolutely shattered, somewhat broke but thoroughly satisfied, knowing my daughter had just had "the best holiday ever ever ever ever" and more than willing to commit another weeks wages to our next trip...

I agree with some of the opinions expressed here regarding the expense of Centerparcs but if you plan it right you can spread the cost - and if you make a repeat booking after your visit you get a 25% discount on the next one. I'm hoping to take advantage of this offer and go back again soon for an adults only break, and get myself inside that spa...can't wait!

Summary: Jasmine, aged 8: "The best holiday ever ever ever"