Great family break (Center Parcs)

Member Name: emmachilcott

Product:	Center Parcs
Date:	13/05/09 (289 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fab pool with free entry

Disadvantages: Expensive activities and restaurants

Just arrived back from Centre Parcs in Longleat, and we had a really great time, having said that, I would be reluctant to return in the foreseeable future.


Always look for a code on the internet before booking, as this can often save up to 1/3, and obviously if you can go off peak it is much cheaper and quieter. I paid £204 for a four night mid week break in a two bedroomed comfort plus villa. Even though it was off peak, the parc felt quite busy, and I can imagine queuing a fair amount during peak periods.


The check in process was quick and easy. You are not allowed into your accommodation until 3pm, however there is no reason why you can't arrive in the morning and use the facilities including the pool. Because nobody can get into their accommodation, the plaza and all of the places to eat were full and busy. I would recommend that you take a picnic for the first day.


When 3pm comes, the gates open and you are allowed to drive your car to your accommodation to unpack, returning it to the car park as soon as you are done. The villa was a tad shabby round the edges and smelt a bit musty, but after an airing it was fine. It was clean, comfortable and felt cosy in the evenings. The facilities were good - two TV's, dishwasher, DVD player, stereo, a fully equipped kitchen and centrally heated with an open fire if you want one (special logs availble from the parcmarket). Outside there was a brick barbeque (for use with disposables) and patio furniture. We regularly had ducks, rabbits, squirrels and deers outside our door which the kids loved.


Although I knew before we arrived that it was going to be expensive to participate in activities, I was still a bit surprised to find that it was such poor value for money, for instance, half an hour on a pedalo is £9, which I think is a little greedy. We took our tennis rackets, but didn't use them as I was reluctant to pay £10 for an hour on the court, so was everyone else apparently as we didn't see them used the whole time we were there. We barely saw anyone doing activities, and I can't help thinking that if the prices were lowered a little, there would be a lot more interest. I don't mind treating my children by paying for things if I feel that I am getting good value, but feeling ripped off just isn't good. If money isn't an issue for you, there is masses to do both inside and out, and I would recommend planning your stay before you leave home; an informative pack is sent to you with your booking details.


We spent most of our time in the pool (free entry), which was the best complex we have ever seen with slides, rapids, a dedicated toddler area, large pool with wave machine, jacuzzi, plunge pool (not personally recommended!) and a large outdoor pool. Six hours a day went by quickly in there (reasonably priced cafe inside for lunch), and it made us sleep really well! The changing rooms were clean and plentiful with lots of lockers available - you need a £1 coin to operate these.


Taking your own bikes cuts down costs, and makes it easy to get around, but we also used the land train a lot which runs regularly, however it was often full to capacity and a couple of times we had to walk 20 mins back to our villa which wasn't ideal with two swam-out wet tired children!


We went on lots of walks during our time here, but be prepared it really is quite hilly, but the scenery is lovely, and there is always something different to look at; wildlife, plants, streams, trees and lots of man-made features.


We took our own food, as eating out is not cheap in the evening, especially with a family. Again I feel that it is over priced - £11 for two coffees and two lemonades made me sweat a little, but maybe I'm just tight! The Parcmarket is well stocked and reasonably priced for essentials, as well as freshly baked cakes and snacks. I really liked the fact that they stock holiday sized proucts eg. small tubs of margerine, and little bottles of shampoo.


We were generally in bed by 10pm, as there wasn't anything to do after dark - if there was we couldn't find it! This was fine for us because we were shattered by all of the swimming and walking. It was nice spending time as a family in the cosy villa playing board games, and we really appreciated the quality time together.


As I said at the beginning we really did enjoy our time here, but I feel that for the cost of the accommodation, plus all of the extras when you get there, there are better options available.

Summary: Ideal for a short break, but not for relaxing!