centre parks

Sounds great Mary, makes me want to go there again, has been a few years now. Longleat is a lovely setting.

Well we are back from the weekend and I thought Longleat was great. The accommodation was very comfortable and clean and kitchen very well equipped. Everything spotless. The GC took delight in everything new to him and there was so much of course. When he spotted a deer off he went after it! He loved the small pool and all the fish outside in the plaza area. We had good weather most of the time. He found much to amuse him there!

We did enjoy it!

I ve been twice and it’s an amazing place I ve been to the Norfolk one The kitchens have everything you could want including a microwave I found everything perfect although pricey couldn’t go too often

Hi Mary (it's a it weird to see my post from 2017). We had a lovely stay at Center Parcs back then, the kitchen was well equipped. We bought groceries beforehand but we also ate in the various food places often.

It is hilly and you may find that you have to walk a lot, but there is a hop-on hop-off train.

We paid extra to have early access because it gets really busy at check in time.

Longleat Safari Park next door is smashing.

Hope all this helps, enjoy!

I agree with the comments about the utensils, especially knives. We also found when we went with GC twins about the age of your youngest guest that because the kitchen/lounge is open plan they were continually trying to get into the narrow galley kitchen area which was very trying. I don’t know if a stair gate would be useful, but I can’t remember how big the gap was.

I have been to the one in Woburn recently and it was well equipped. I always take my own knives though.

I remember being taken there (Longleat) decades ago by one of my AC.
I lost him in the maze. It started to rain, then it poured down. I was soaked, he had sheltered in a nook.
He kindly lent me a tshirt but I struggled to fit into it as I was a much bigger size.
I remember it well. ?

We enjoyed Centre Parks in Woburn. However it works out expensive for older children as only the pool is free Great for little ones.

Bikes were a problem as the hills were steep and my GSon was knocked off his scooter by a bike freewheeling down the hill. Bikes were everywhere and not everyone was considerate of pedestrians. Bikes can be a bit of a problem as cyclists expect me to react quicker than I am able to.

Oh forgot I posted on the other thread, can't remember what I said, so have probably repeated myself. Yes do be aware of ticks, so important.

Hope you have a lovely time at Longleat, haven't been there for a while but it's a great place lovely setting. There's a supermarket on site, okay for essentials, somewhat limited though and as it has a captive audience it can bump the prices up somewhat. It's a bit of a pain but I think we went off site to Warminster to stock up from nearby Sainsburys.

Try gathering around your window overlooking the patio in the evening, maybe with the lights off, last time we were there saw badgers, (a first for me very exciting) and deer. There were also quite a few feral cats with kittens.

Thanks for all the replies so far and useful tips, Shysal and Gabriella. I will take some decent knives and let the others know about the ticks Terribull.

We have 6 bedder with cot and highchair provided so all sounds good!

They only have small pans so take a big wok or pasta pan, and some sharp knives. The fridge was quite small too.

If you do a search for 'Centre Parcs' in the box at the top of the page (at least it is there on the desktop site, not sure about the mobile site.) you will find quite a few previous threads on the subject. All good reports I hope.

...and this...

You might find this GN thread helpful (2017)
It seems just what you're looking for, info wise.

I was at centre Parcs at Penrith in June of this year. Kitchen has everything you could want. Fully equipped. You could live there. We took groceries. The shop is expensive but ok if you just need to top up with milk or bread. The lodges are excellent. We shared a 3 bed lodge with son, dil and two wee ones. All good. Our downstairs room had an en suite and main bathroom upstairs with other two bedrooms. Also a cloakroom in the hall. Table and chairs for 6. Two sofas and an armchair. Coffee table. Outside table and chairs also.

We ate in the Italian restaurant and it was not overly expensive. Also dined in the pub and it was ok price wise

Swimming pool area is all free and superb. For those not wanting to swim there are tables and chairs and a cafe to sit and watch. Also a walkway to dander around a view all the different water fun areas.

We went to the willow making class and came home with a piece that is displayed in my porch. Also went as a family to the pottery painting. amazing how everything looked good once they glazed and fired it.

I think you will enjoy it.

I have been 4 times in the last 2 years! Once to Sherwood and the rest Whinfell.
I don’t think the cooking is great. Gas when I am used to electric. Fridge is fairly small and no freezer so catering for a week is tricky. One tip is to take some utensils and your own kitchen knives.
I go with my 10 year old DGS. The first time my husband came but after he died my daughter came (DGS Auntie). We go for the executive accommodation which is a bit more expensive but we each had a bathroom. We also hire bikes to get around.
Enjoy!

I’ve been to the Sherwood Forest one a couple of times with family. It was a good venue that suited a group with a variety of ages. We mainly self catered and as far as I remember the facilities were good. Enjoy!

I spent several breaks at the Longleat Centre Parcs, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The kitchens were well equipped, but it depended on the type of place you chose. I expect there have been updates since I was there, about 10 years ago. I always self-catered, but took as many provisions as possible as the shop on site is expensive and nowhere else locally.
I also went with family, but chose to have separate accommodation. It was lovely spending time with them, but I wanted to give them their own space.
At Longleat you will have to be prepared to do a fair bit of walking to reach the different areas, including some hills, but it helps to fill the day.
I hope you have a great time, leaving you with fond memories.

I don't know about Centerparcs but Longleat is amazing.

Looking forward to hearing how you get on, I've always fancied this type of holiday but never quite got round to booking it.
I will read with interest your experience.
Tricia x

I don't know about you but I found it just now on my mobile and it works fine.
There are lots of customer photos incl one of a kitchen but why not ring them and ask what tbey provide in the kind/size of lodge you have booked?