A Modern Mother goes to Center Parcs and loves it!

Center pacrs lake longleat
I love the concept of Center Parcs: Abandon your car, adopt bicycles and do lots of stuff outdoors with the family. Fabulous. Sign me up please.

Center Parcs kindly asked the Modern Family to try out their park at Longleat Forest. I’ve outlined our experience below and put together a few tips for packing and getting the most out of your trip. Net is we loved it and would go back again (and again, and again and again).

Longleat Forest open in 1994 and is located in Wiltshire, about 1/2 hour south of Bath. It took us less than two hours to get there, which is a huge plus for a weekend getaway. I was surprised that of the park’s nearly 800 units were occupied on the brisk March weekend we visited, but apparently winter breaks are popular because of the off-season prices.We had lots of family time, loys of ourdoor time and really felt like we had a break from our regular routine.

Why we love Center Parcs.

I love it because it gets everyone outdoors and doing stuff. Even if it is raining. The girls loved the subtropical swimming pool (especially the rapids) and exploring the woodlands right outside our back door. They built a “den” out of sticks and leaves. We loved biking everywhere and I loved that the whole family could walk to the village to have dinner and then I didn’t have to do the washing up. Hubby loved that he could sneak away and read the Weekend FT while we were in cheerleading class or horseback riding. All in all, it’s a very easy and pleasant weekend getaway.

Center parcs lodge
The accommodation.

Our 3-bedroom woodland lodge slept up to six. It was cheerfully decorated in bright colours and the kitchen had all the basics for self catering. The girls especially liked the wall in the kitchen that was a giant chalk board and took turns writing messages to each other.

What we did.

Boardwalk LF 32

Biked. Everywhere.

Saturday morning the sun was shining, and I was very nearly tempted to shed my winter coat. We biked over to the lake and rented pedal boats. The girls enjoyed being on the water, and we got some nice closeups of a group of fish that swam right up to us.

Then we walked down to Jardin de Sports for our prebooked Family Fun Cheerleading class. It was a 45-minute session that was advertised for over 3s, and I was a bit worried my older girls  would think it was babyish. Not so. The class was a highlight of the weekend for my High School Musical-loving seven-year-old. Ready, O-Kay! We learned all the moves:  T, Broken T, Arrow; and moved to HSM’s “Together”. At the end we got into groups and created our own cheer: “Go! Girls! Yeah!! I was very proud for suggesting we got down on our knees for the last bit.

Another highlight was the Horseback Riding Lesson, which was off site at the White Horse Trekking Centre, about 15 minutes away (you need to make your own way there). The girls got 45 minutes of riding instruction by really friendly staff. The facility had all the gear there and the west country setting is beautiful and the girls really enjoyed it.

While the modern family lazed around, I got to go to Aqua Sauna and try the World of Spa, which is 16 spa experiences inspired from around the world. My favourites were the Japanese Salt Sea Bath (think jasmine, mint and steam), the water beds (I nearly fell asleep) and the Meditation Room (again, I almost fell asleep). The Greek Herbal Bath reminded me of, ahem, university (have you ever smelt burning marjoram?)

Rapids LF 16

Of course you can’t go to Centre Parcs without experiencing the Subtropical Swimming Pool! I’m not a huge fan of public pools, but this one is clean and well managed. You can easily pass time splashing in the warm water. My oldest especially liked the waterslides, rapids and wave machine. Because the park was full, the pool was full too and it was difficult to find a family changing area, so instead we went into the single sex ones (good for hubby, he went on his own!) Don’t forget to bring £1 coins for the lockers and the “body” dryers which blow warms bursts of air on your entire body.

 

Eating options.

When we arrived there was a grocery pack full of food from the Parc Market, including local sausages and bacon, biscuits, pear juice, croissants and lots of breakfast and snack items. Our plan was to have leisurely breakfasts in the privacy of our lodge, and spend the rest of the day out and about. The items that needed to stay cold were already placed in the refrigerator. Thank you to Dianne who cleaned our lodge.

There are 11 restaurants and bars (including two Starbucks) so there is lots to choose from.

Hucks
Hucks. This American bar and grill is located in the Plaza.The girls chose the child buffet and had all-you-can-eat access to hot dogs, penne bolognese, chicken nuggets, fish fingers, chips, baked beans, peas and sweet corn. Hubby ordered chicken wings and smoked ribs and I had sizzling fajitas. I felt like I was back in California. I had a (large) glass of fair trade savignion blanc and the girls had fun ordering from the drinks menu: Blueberry lemonade and the black cow (coca-cola, chocolate sauce, and vanilla ice cream).  There’s a kid’s adventure play area adjacent to the restaurant, and several Apple macs with video games to help entertain. We were there for three full hours, which rarely happens with us in restaurants.

Sports Cafe. Located in the Jardin de Sports. This is a pub-like restaurant with burgers, meatball pasta and penne for the kids. I ordered a light lunch of a chicken Caesar wrap and roasted red pepper soup. A great pick-me-up before going to cheerleading class.

Ortega. A tapas bar and cantina. We shared a tapas plate — potatas bravas, garlic shrimp, mushrooms, chorizo and potatoes, paella. The kids had nuggets, a pizza baguette, cheesy croques, and did start to mention that the kids choices were a bit samey. But then they started trying some of our tapas and we had to order more quesadilla!

What could be improved.

It would be great if there were more signs on the bicycle paths for the directionally impaired such as myself. Also, each morning the fire alarm went of several times while I grilled sausages for breakfast. Hubby turned it into a bit of a comic affair, by standing under the alarm fanning it with a towel.

Things I wished I has taken with me:

  • Helmets. Bike hire does not include helmets. If you have some, bring them. (Hire does come with padlocks, and you even get to keep them!)
  • Paper towels.Very useful for cleaning and you can recycle them.
  • Ground coffee. The units come with a cafetiere!
  • £1 coins (for lockers) and body dryers in the Subtropical Swimming Pool.
  • Rain gear. Somehow I forget the wellies. Silly me.

A note on emergency services:

My six-year-old bumped her head and developed quite a grapefruit on her forehead. I of course panicked. Luckily the well-organised information binder had a list of helpful numbers, including one for medical questions. A nurse called back within the hour and talked us through what to look for. It turned out to be nothing, but I did feel better getting some professional advice.

Pricing

  • We stayed in a 3 Bedroom Woodland Lodge (which sleeps up to 6 people), breaks in this style of accommodation at Longleat Forest start from £499.
  • Childs (7 – 14yrs) bike hire – From £12.00 for weekend
  • Adult bike hire – From £22.00 for weekend
  • Spa Session – £26 – £36 per 3hr session
  • Cheerleading,  £6
  • Horseback riding, £25 for 45 minutes
  • Pedal boat for 4 people £10 half hour

Have you ever been to Center Parcs? What do you think about it?

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Note: Our accommodation was provided by Center Parcs for the purposes of this review. All opinions are mine and my family’s.

14 COMMENTS

  1. Grace Dicken | 31st Mar 19

    I have been centerparks with my family ever year since I was one it is the best family getaway the swimming is free and honestly that’s were we spend all our additional time I woul recommend it to any body who asked.

  2. D Dog | 9th Jul 12

    Yes great I am going this teat and went last year I am 14 and if you book some classes it is such fun’

  3. Jody Brettkelly | 29th Mar 11

    We actually had a great time at CenterParcs when we lived in London. Everything is there for you. I know some friends would go for a week and I thought that would be too much as still the weather is the same as rest of England. However they loved it. As kids get older they could bike around by themselves. Here in California we have a great camp (relatively inexpensive) called the Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center, You stay a the Uni, eat at the Uni – and best of all the students look after you kids all day so you can go hiking surfing, tennis, wine tasting, best camp ever!

  4. Muddling Along | 28th Mar 11

    Very tempted by the idea but wonder if with ours being so young its worth it – also is there any chance of babysitting? Again half of the thing about going away is the chance to have at least one meal sans smalls

  5. @simply_Hayley | 25th Mar 11

    MEGA jealous! I adore Longleat Center Parcs! Its the only one I’ve ever been too and I wouldn’t consider visitng any of the others! Sadly we haven’t been for about 3 years now which is really annoying but in the current climate its just not affordable.
    LOVE that you had the same problem we always do as well with the fire alarm and cooked breakfasts! My Uncle used to have to just stand there holding a tea towel around it LOL!
    Glad you had such a great time! 😀

  6. Babes about Town | 25th Mar 11

    Wow sounds like you had a blast! It’s funny I always used to watch those Center Parcs ads on telly and think, how cheesy. But since becoming a mum and the attraction of the staycation, I can hardly think of a better place to get away. You’ve inspired me to put a trip to Center Parcs on my wish list. Cheers!

  7. Calif Lorna | 24th Mar 11

    We lived 10 mins from Longleat Center Parcs and went quite a bit. We loved it, we were always so happy there. It feels like such a safe place and it was great to give our boys the freedom to roam. I LOVE the rapids and my stomach always aches afterwards because I laugh so much going along!
    When we talk about visiting the UK, the boys first question is ‘can we go to Center Parcs?!’

  8. Lisa | 24th Mar 11

    Looks like a lot of fun. So cool they have horse backing riding, along with everything else!

  9. Susanna | 24th Mar 11

    I think that might be Centre Parcs now, Whinfell Forest maybe???

  10. Susanna | 24th Mar 11

    Lots of older kids there, I saw them on the ropes course, zip wire, climbing etc. You won’t find me on those though!

  11. Iota | 24th Mar 11

    We went years ago, together with grandparents and cousins, for a long week-end. It was great. I loved being without a car for the duration. It wasn’t Centre Parcs, though. It was a similar place whose name I forget, near Penrith in Cumbria.
    At the time, the 4 kids we had between the 2 families were preschool age. We felt we weren’t getting the most out of the place, but it was still fun. We spent loads of time at the pool, didn’t do any classes, and when we weren’t at the pool, we either biked, or pottered about outside.

  12. Trish @ Mum's Gone to | 24th Mar 11

    Great post with all the salient points covered! I’ve often been tempted by Center Parcs but for some reason never tried it. What do you think it would be like for a 15 year old boy? Cool enough? He could bring a pal and then could be free to explore with someone his own age, I suppose.

    • Alex | 15th Sep 18

      I loved center parcs at all ages, lots to do for everyone havnt been fir years now it was cool enough for me when I was 15 but now I’m 30 with a 2yr old and heading back 🙂

  13. Hot Cross Mum | 24th Mar 11

    Great review. We’ve never been but I know other families who have and have always thought it was excellent. The pool sounds fab 🙂

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