A LUXURY UK BREAK FOR ANYONE (Center Parcs Whinfell Forest)

Member Name: mumof2boys

Product:	Center Parcs Whinfell Forest
Date:	19/01/09 (897 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Not Far to travel too, Everything in one place, lovely surroundings, gorgeous lodges

Disadvantages: Can be pricey

Center Parcs - Whinfell Forest - Penrith - CUMBRIA

I have just got back from Center Parcs Whinfell
Forest last week and stayed at a midweek break
from Monday to Friday although we didn't set off
till early afternoon as we had to get our
youngest who is 9months checked out by a doctor
as he had a temperature and we wanted to be on
the safe side.

Center Parcs at Whinfell Forest is about 110
miles away from me north so not too long for me
to drive which is good as I hate motorways.

IT is sign posted really well thankfully and we
arrived there no problems, they don't actually
allow you into your lodge until after 3pm
however you can turn up in the morning, park
your car up and go swimming, have something to
eat etc? Or if you have an activity booked in so
you can do that while you wait for your lodge to be free.

There are no cars allowed on site so you have to unload your stuff and take your car back to the car park.

***HOW MUCH DOES IT COST??***

We stayed Monday to Friday from 12th January and
it cost us £299 for all four of us but I did
have 25% off.

You can stay in cheaper lodges or there is a couple of more expensive ones then the one we stayed in.

***ABOUT OUR LODGE (NEW WOODLAND STYLE)***

I chose to stay in A new style woodland lodge on Forrester's Lane because I love a bit of luxury, after all what's
the point in going away if you have to slum it?

The lodge I stayed in was very modern with spot
lights, and modern deco, oak wood flooring with a
bright colourful rug and cushions.

The kitchen was white glossy cupboards with
thick black granite worktop, built in
dishwasher, fridge with a small freezer space,
Kettle with all self catering equipment that you expect to find.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom lodge and there was a flat screen TV with multi channels in the main room and flat screen TV, DVD player and multi channels, from what I can remember there was about 15 of them including Cbeebies, Sky1 but not the full selection that you would get with Sky or Freeview but enough to keep you occupied if you fancied watching something for a bit.

Both bedrooms were equipped with a roomy wardrobe, touch sensitive lamps, spot lights again for that modern touch and a really good powerful hairdryer. Also very comfy and clean crisp white linen and Sealy beds that were soooo comfortable I could have stayed there all day!

The main bedroom also had a wooden cot that was collapsible to save space.


***THE BATHROOM***

There was one main bathroom which was equipped with a rainforest type shower, modern taps and it was a nicely sized bathroom with mirrors and lots of shelf space to store toiletries.
The best bit was the heated floor which was lovely and also there was a volume control from the TV in the main room although I never got round to using this but it was that added little luxury.

There is also a bathroom with sink in the lobby bit where you walk in, this is where the Henry Hoover is kept with dustpan brush and also where the boiler is situated.


***THE MAIN LIVING AREA***

This was a big enough space to fit us all in comfortably, 2 adults, 1 toddler and a baby in a high chair.

The corner fabric sofa was nice and comfortable but could have been a bit wider to fit my bottom in just perfectly. Might not be as comfy for the larger person though as im 5ft 3 and a size 10-12 and I found it was a little on the skinny size.

Also a log fire can be used but we never used it as its expensive you buy the logs 3 for £10 at the parc market (local onsite supermarket)

There was also a Kitchen table that we didn't really use either as we did eat out a fair bit.

Sliding patio doors to outside where there is facilities to have your own bbq

Also if you pay £35 you can choose your lodge and be closer to the centre, we did this as the weather in January is never great and we have 2 small children under 3.

***WHAT IS THERE TO DO AT CENTER PARCS?***

You can do so much at Center Parcs from Quad Biking, Horse Riding, Tennis, Abseiling, and these are all activities that you have to pay for yourself, I did Quad biking that was £35 and it was alright for the money but I don't think id pay to do it again there anyway, and also used the Spa which was £25.

I didn't think much of the spa I thought it was a bit like a posh swimming pool with beds by the side, quite expensive for £25 for 3 hours, and I just got bored as you have to be quiet which I find very hard too.

You can hire bikes but we never bothered as have children still in a pram and didn't fancy it this time but I would like too next time.

The main complex is about a 7 minute walk away from where our lodge was located and we were on Foresters Lane.

In the main complex you have a few shops such as a Parc Market this is like a supermarket, prices are a little higher but that's expected.

There's only one Cash Machine on the whole site which is a bit of a disappointment as when I went to get some money out it was out of order.

There is a couple of shops selling gifts, toys and clothes that are way too expensive for my liking.

***WHATS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?***

They have soft play areas situated all around center parcs so our little one loved going in these and they are included in the price of your stay

SWIMMING - They have a sub-tropical swimming pool with slides and wave machines with a baby pool.


***QUIRKY EXTRAS***

What I love is they have free baby food all in the restaurants' and you can help yourself (within reason)

Takeaway to your lodge
You can order a combination Chinese, Italian and Indian there is not a huge choice but its nice you can choose a variety all in one order. The prices are reasonable not too expensive about £8 for a main meal. And there is a £2.50 delivery charge which is fair enough and its really tasty food!

They have Wi-Fi in exclusive lodges and also wifi is available at no extra cost in some of the pubs and seating areas.


I would recommend Center Parcs to all, its friendly and affordable, and there is lots to do for the whole family and if you have small kids you don't want to travel far this place really puts a smile on there face and yours!

Summary: A must have break for anyone of any age!