Centre Parcs Oasis Windfell Forest (Center Parcs)

Name: Muzza

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Product:	Center Parcs
Date:	31.07.04 (9963 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Relaxing, Plenty to do, A great holiday in the UK

Disadvantages: Cost can mount up, Watch out for park re-furbishments

Myself and my partner visited Centre Parcs at Oasis Windfell Forest in Cumbria at the start of the year and can I just say upfront that this was one of the most relaxing holidays I have ever had, and only 1hr drive from home!!!

New to the Centre Parcs portfolio Oasis Windfell is set right in the heart of Cumbria only a few miles from Penrith on the A66 and only a stones throw away from the Lake District.

It is situated in a very secluded hill side with deep forest surrounding every corner of the village.

After a drive up the long and winding access road you will be greeted at the security gate and be guided on your way to check-in.

Check-in is contained in a very future like building where you drive through some automatic doors to be greeted by a host who takes down your details and issues you with maps, keys and other documents (it is advisable to pre-register your party on-line - this makes check-in dead simple).

Access to the lodges is from 4pm so it was off the newly refurbished adults only Spa. You get a deal if you visit on your first or last day.

May I say the Spa with all its unique and traquil rooms was just pure bliss, peace and relaxation all rolled into one (note the spa is for adults only)!!

The outdoor pool in the winter with snow all around was just heaven although climbing out led to the shivers!!!

So 4pm arrived and off to the lodge we go (BIG MISTAKE). Do not try and enter the park at 4pm when evryone else is trying to get in - it was just mayhem. Leave it for an hour or so then go in when the queues go down a bit.

So after returning the car to the secure car park for the week it was back to the lodge.

We hired a one bed luxury apartment - basically two rooms (bedroom & living area) with
en-suite bathroom with jacuzzi bath and small kitchen area. These luxury apartments look out over onto the lake and onwards to the village centre.

Only complaint about the apartment was the shower which only trickled water (this seemed to be because of works being carried out elswhere on the park).

As for the activities there were many to choose from. Many pre-bookable or during quiet times can be booked on the park at the booking offices either at the village centre or sports plaza.

We tried a day at the adventure centre (fan desending, absailing, zip wire etc) very pricey but great fun and with expert instructors and equipment all included.

The indoor tropical water complex was just superb although was slightly cool even for my liking. Good changing room system too.

As for eating there are many restaurants and bars around the village all themed in various ways. We tried Italian, Chinese, American and French as well as a good old burger from Burger King. Although the food is not entirley authentic it was well presented and tasted just delicious. Only word of warning the Lakeside Inn, the Indian and one of the village bars were closed throughout our stay. Centre Parcs say that is was due to refurbishment, I beleive it was due to labour costs at this quiet time of the year. Albeit still great choice in the eating department.

Entertainment wise even at a quiet time of the year was excellent. We saw two shows which although not West End material did provide a few laughs. Hit of our visit though was the entertaiment in Rock Legends. Two gentlemen with guitar and keyboard rocking and rolling into the night - great entertainment just pity they could not get them into the show bar.

Overall as I say at the beginning this review this was an excellent holiday and although expensi
ve, in my opinion was well worth it. It is a great chance to escape the hustle of normal life and for those that drive alot a chance to escape the car.

Here are some other quick tips:

Pre-arrival - plan what you want to do in advance of arrival and try and get to the park as ealy as possible it can add an extra day to your holiday.
World of Spa - For adults visit for perfect relaxation but be warned avoid busy times and book in advance.
Adventure - try at least one or two of the adventure activities and go along in advance and watch others it might help you make up your mind.
Sports Plaza - book activities in advance as it can become very busy especially in wet weather.
Accomodation - the nearer the village centre the better in my opinion.
Bikes - take you own if you have them if not you can hire them from the bike hire centre but not really necessary if your lodge is near the village centre.
Offers - look out at the Centre Parcs website they always seem to have offers on.

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