Our first time at Centre Parcs: recommendations

[bee74]

Hello,

we are going for the first time to Longleat Centre Parks... what would you recommend we do and bring?

Thank you

Two adults, 6 year old and 9 year old and maybe a dog (we have paid for her but not sure if she will come)

[cantthinkofaname]

a *lot* of money.

[redjam]

Ha! Very true...

My one bit of advice would be to self-cater and bring heaps of food with you to avoid having to do a shop onsite when you get there. We thought we'd eat out both nights when we went but it was a mistake as the food options aren't great and, as the previous poster implies, it does add to the not inconsiderable cost!

Don't meant to sound negative about it on the whole - I was a bit sniffy about the idea of Centre Parcs beforehand but actually we all really enjoyed it and the kids bang on endlessly about going back again. It is wildly expensive but there is something about being in that lovely carless, natural environment - with loads of activities - that makes it a very good family destination. I came away a bit of a convert.

[Mrs TP]

If you are going in school hols and do want to book a restaurant there and specific activities then book now. The restaurants are rarely able to take bookings on the day in school hols. Longleat Safari park is next door and well worth a visit. The traffic around Stonehenge is usually v heavy and slow on the way - other than that v. easy to get to. The on-site grocery shop is well stocked and not drastically over-priced but certainly take at least basics such as cooking oil, butter, ketchup, washing up liquid / dishwasher tabs, tea / coffee - your family essentials. We had quite a few fun hols their with relatives and mixed age kids - it's easy to do, enjoy!

[bee74]

Thank you everyone!

Do you need to take towels and beddings? The site says no but a couple of friends said there was noting there when they arrived...

[dellmer]

We've just returned, and I asked exactly the same question on a Facebook group I belong too. Their advice was great....

- all bedding and towels are provided

- pack good waterproofs as you'll walk everywhere

- if you want to save money/time cook up some easy meals before you go, I was super glad of my Tupperware full of chilli!

- food shop before you get there, not a great selection in the shop, just essentials and over priced extras. There are restaurants on site, but the cabins are nicer than I expected, I was happy to chill in the evening

- bring two lots of swimmers as they tend not to dry over night and you'll be in the pool a lot!

- bring dishwasher, salt/pepper etc

- bring your own wine the selection on site is bad!! And if you want something stronger, bring it, the gin (small) was ?18!

Enjoy :)

[pilsbury]

Ditto what everyone else says about taking your own food/booze. Also if you have further questions - just jump on the Centre Parks FB site and you can send them a DM and they're really quick at getting back to you and super helpful... We've been to Woburn twice now (kids are 6 and 4) and absolutely love it!

[SLad]

There?s a Waitrose very nearby so get a stack of beautiful overpriced food from there and then head in. We found the restaurant food a bit dire but okayish if you just want to avoid cooking.

Don?t book so many activities that you can?t spend time in the pools which are amazing and kept us happy for 2 hours or so a day (with a 3 yr old and me at 6 mths pregnant).