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Family get-together holiday

(20 Posts)
granfromafar Sun 28-Oct-18 18:00:40

Thinking about arranging a long weekend away next year for OH's big birthday. There would probably be 9 adults and 5 children aged from 6 to 10, plus a nearly one-year old. First thought was to hire a large cottage with enough bedrooms to accommodate everyone, but OH has suggested Center Parcs as he feels there would be more to occupy the children. Have never been to Centre Parcs before (although SD and family have so will consult her) and have never been away in a large family group before either! My only experience of hiring a huge house was for DIL's hen weekend last year which was fabulous, but lots of activities had been planned and everyone had a great time!. Would appreciate any thoughts of how the 2 types of holiday compare from anyone who's done both.

Flossieturner Sun 28-Oct-18 18:04:32

We went to,Centre Parcs for my 60th. It was great. The 7 Children were 3 to teens and we had 9 adults. Just make sure you book activities before you go as they get booked up quickly,

Buffybee Sun 28-Oct-18 18:09:13

Definately would recommend Centre Parks and as advised above, make sure that you book the activities.

glammanana Sun 28-Oct-18 18:14:47

I would certainly suggest Centre Parc's the activities on offer will suit all age ranges also suggest book activities in advance.

winterwhite Sun 28-Oct-18 18:35:20

We have done this twice with numbers of 20 plus and go for a very large house so that we can all eat together in the evening when children are in bed. Lots of choice because large group weekends/holidays are popular. Easy to find somewhere with decent outdoor space, and that and variety of people satisfies the children. For Big birthdays I’d put the adults first.

ginny Sun 28-Oct-18 18:43:09

I’m sure either would be great fun. Do remember , if you go to CP as well as booking activities, make sure you check the cost and factor them in. They are not cheap.

Kittye Sun 28-Oct-18 19:14:15

We went to Center Parcs a couple of years ago. There were 13 of us, 7 adults and 6 children. We had 4 lodges between us. We had a really good time. The grandchildren loved it there was so much for them to do. The activities were rather expensive but great fun.

DoraMarr Sun 28-Oct-18 19:23:04

We’ve hired a youth hostel before now, which is a budget option.

crystaltipps Sun 28-Oct-18 19:30:09

Center Parcs is great but very expensive. We went there for a big birthday and it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the spa. A big house is also great, make sure you organise who is doing what meals and have a clearing up rota.

Kittye Sun 28-Oct-18 19:42:49

crystaltipps we ladies really enjoyed the spa

GrannyGravy13 Sun 28-Oct-18 19:50:41

We went this year with AC and GC, had a fabulous time, we cooked a couple of nights and ate out a couple of nights.

Expensive in school holidays, but so much to do.

Melanieeastanglia Sun 28-Oct-18 20:13:24

Center Parcs sounds like a good idea but I have heard that it is expensive. I have also been told that it is essential to book the activities.

J52 Sun 28-Oct-18 20:16:26

I’m planning something similar for DHs big birthday, next year.
The school age children will not be able to miss days, unless planned for the holidays, so I’m thinking of a large house in a small coastal town, not too far away, for the week. That way weekenders can come and go, then friends, extended family can join us for a few days.

cornergran Sun 28-Oct-18 21:44:48

Exactly what we did this year j52, worked very well. We were pleased we’d factored in enough bathrooms smile

granfromafar Sun 28-Oct-18 21:49:05

Thanks for all the helpful comments. Having had a long chat with SD who has experience of the Woburn Centre Parcs, it sounds really good. Luckily it's not in the school holidays which means that the prices may be a little lower, the ones with school-age children can do Friday pm to Sunday, and those without can stay the extra night.Will definitely pre-book any activities. Hope your trip goes well J52 and let's hope our OHs have a great birthday celebration!

J52 Sun 28-Oct-18 22:04:00

All sounds good granfromafar. Our DS and family have been to Woburn Centre Paris several times and enjoyed it. I’m sure you’ll have a good time.

M0nica Sun 28-Oct-18 23:38:54

We hired a large house in Bath for a week this summer for a party of 14 to celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary.

We chose a city destination and somewhere close in so that all guests could do as much or as little sight seeing as they wished, with who ever they chose and we would then gather in the evening for a buffet meal and family time.

It worked excellently, no hot-housing of people who did not know each other, people could do all the things they wanted to do, no enforced joint activities, and something to talk about in the evening over a meal and a glass of wine.

DDiL is now planning something similar for her 50th birthday.

Coolgran65 Sun 28-Oct-18 23:54:44

Our ds, ddil and two children 2 and 4, have invited us to join them at Centre Parcs next June. Just a matter of a 3 bedroom lodge rather than a two bed. They have been several times and love it and it's only one hour drive from their home. We will have to get a two hour ferry and a 3 hour drive and will meet them there. Everyone says we will love it.

I had fancied trying the aerial walk with zip line but have since discovered that it is a bit of an assault course so reckon I'll be giving that a miss.

Can anyone suggest the best activities to book. The pottery sounds fun. I am 70 and young at heart. Also have been told that the best way to see around is to hire a bike.

crystaltipps Mon 29-Oct-18 09:51:46

coolgran definitely book a spa session it’s adults only and really lovely. You can have treatments, manicures etc but they are quite pricey, but nice for a treat. They also have Pilates, yoga etc classes, sometimes painting, woodland nature walks - book online before you go x

crystaltipps Mon 29-Oct-18 09:52:10

Oh yes definitely hire a bike x