White Cross Bay plus Special Guests (South Lakeland Parks)

Member Name: Amanda2114

Product:	South Lakeland Parks
Date:	10/06/09 (130 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Great Holiday

Disadvantages: I can't wait to try others now!

A bit of background
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South Lakeland Parks is a holiday and holiday home ownership company. They were established in 1988 and previously known as South Lakeland Caravans until June 2006. They specialise in developing and running holiday parks in the UK, these include caravan holidays and sales, and wood lodge holidays and sales.

I came across the company when my friend recommended it as a summer UK holiday destination. There were a group of about 7 family members (myself included) who were looking to go on holiday together and so after looking at their website we decided on White Cross Bay in the Lake District. I have to say we all have a thoroughly fantastic time and I would definitely recommend it and we will be going back.

The company has 9 locations ranging from smaller caravan parks to larger holiday villages all are complete with leisure facilities. 6 of the parks offer holiday breaks, all 9 parks offer holiday homes to buy and 4 have timber lodges.

While I can only comment personally on the facilities and experience we had at White Cross Bay, to provide a full review I have researched all the parks available from South Lakeland Parks.

South Lakeland Parks is split into three divisions of the company:

1) SLHolidays - http://www.slholidays.co.uk/

These are available at White Cross Bay, Fallbarrow, Limefitt, Todber, Ocean Edge and Regent.

2) SLParks - http://www.slparks.co.uk

These are available at White Cross Bay, Fallbarrow, Limefitt, Todber, Gatebeck, Regent, Ocean Edge, Hawthorne and Marina.

3) SLLodges - http://www.sllodges.co.uk

SLLodges focuses on the private holiday lodge home provided by South Lakeland Parks. These are available at White Cross Bay, Fallbarrow, Limefitt and Gatebeck.

The Parks
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* White Cross Bay *

We absolutely loved it at White Cross Bay. The setting of Lake Windermere was idyllic and the surroundings unbelievably beautiful.

The park facilities were amazing, we couldn't have asked for anything else. And the location placed us slap bang in the heart of the Lake District.

The park facilities were unbelievable - with an indoor heated swimming pool we began each morning with a dip, then sauna. My brothers enjoyed the gym while we swam. There was a family lounge for us all to meet up after our morning exercise and have a coffee. A great outdoor play ground for the kids kept them entertained. And the beer garden and picnic area meant we could spend plenty of time outdoors. There was a shop for all the basics that I always forget, and a great restaurant on-site for a relaxing, delicious evening meal.

During our week stay there really was so much for us to do. We went to the South Lakes Wild Animal Park, which I absolutely loved and ended up sponsoring a tiger called Tess (after our dog). The little ones loved the World of Beatrix Potter and the Aquarium of the lakes, although for older children they might not keep their interest for long. The grand parents looked after the kids one day and we all went mountain biking to explore the Lakes. We took a leisurely trip across Lake Windermere on a Lake cruises, which was lovely (although take a cardigan as it is colder than you'd expect). The boys enjoyed a spot of fishing and golf while us girls went shopping in Ambleside and Kendal. Finally there was Go Ape at Grizedale forest which everyone enjoyed, although it was takeaway that evening cause we were all to tired to move.

We had an unbelievably adventurous, fun holiday here at White Cross Bay and will definitely be returning in the near future.

* Fallbarrow *

Fallbarrow Park is in a 5 star parks set in the wooded countryside of Lake Windermere. There are extensive grounds to the park that runs alongside the waters edge. Fallbarrow has boat launch facilities, a Bar and Eatery, Outdoor Children's Play Area, Games Room, Launderette, Shop, Picnic Area, and a new Deli and Café, plus use of the leisure facilities at nearby White Cross Bay.

* Limefitt *

Limefitt Park is again in the beautiful setting of the Lake District. Limefitt is a little different to White Cross Bay and Fallbarrow with Lakeland stone buildings, mature trees, traditional stone walls and grazing sheep. On park facilities include a fully equipped adventure playground, cosy Lakeland bar and lounge area, Games Room, nearby Fishing, Launderette and use of the leisure facilities at nearby White Cross Bay.

* Todber *

Todber is a country holiday retreat with views across the gorgeous Ribble Valley, Ingleborough, Penyghent and Wernside. The park is situated just a short drive away from the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the Trough of Bowland, Gisburn Forest and Skipton. On park facilities include Family bar and lounge, a football field, Basketball & Volleyball courts, a Launderette, Pets are allowed, there is a new Outdoor Children's Play Area, Arcade and on-site Shops.

* Ocean Edge *

Ocean Edge is based on the coast of Morecambe Bay in the village of Heysham (pronounced He-Sham not Hay-sham). on park facilities include a family beer garden, café, indoor heated swimming pool and sauna, and soft play area.

* Regent *

Regent Leisure Park is just a short stroll away from Morecambe bay promenade and beach. Whatever the season, on a clear day there can be no finer view in the whole of the country than that across Morecambe Bay. On park facilities include a new indoor swimming pool and sauna, outdoor sports arena and indoor children's play area.

* Gatebeck *

Gatebeck is in a very unique position. A peaceful, quiet park in an ideal woodland location on the outskirts of Kendal. On park facilities include: a Launderette, Dog Freedom Paddock, Outdoor Children's Play Area, Woodland Walks, Fishing close by, RSPB - Leighton Moss nearby and a book and Entertainment Library.

* Hawthorne *

Hawthorne hidden away at Middleton Sands, close to the shores of Morecambe Bay it is a smaller park, on park Facilities include children's area, bar and laundrette. Dogs are allowed.

* Marina *

Marina is based at Glasson Dock, just 4 miles south of the historic city of Lancaster and 8 miles from Garstang. Park facilities include children's play area, bar, laundrette and outdoor swimming pool. Dog are allowed at this park.

Summary: Brilliant Holiday - Recommended.