HelpHound

My first time at Center Parcs - reconnaissance for impending event. Far too much to write about to give the place justice. The Plaza/pool complex is excellent. Great choice of food (Strada, Cafe Rouge and Ortega we used and they were great, Hucks we didn't) and a fantastic sub tropical pool complex that was simply the best fun I've had in years (you'll also find downstairs the luminous 10 pin bowling and bar and cash point. Upstairs are the supermarket -good if expensive, a gift shop, sweets, ice cream etc, clothes - La Coste, customer services, Starbucks). Fantastic heated pool in doors and out, less busy during the evening, although always well attended. Floating on my back looking up at the stars was absolutely priceless. I managed the rapids headfirst (illegal) in the end, once I got over the fear. The slides offer other leaps of faith, some of which I was only prepared to take once. For the nervy there are lifeguards everywhere - discrete, but everywhere. You will be required too get your hair wet and hold your breath at times - go on let yourself go! This place is about fun. Ok, you have to ignore the sullen, inconsiderate youths at times (and some of the parents) and put up with the cramped, mixed changing (it's not a sordid as it sounds - larger changing for families), but, on the whole people tend to behave themselves and look to have a wonderful time. The tinys are catered for in their own section, away from the melee and more sedate swimming is offered upstairs/outside and includes a hot tub. The wave machine in the main pool will take you by surprise if unprepared and the strong current in and around the rocks is just the best fun.

Hire bikes, especially if your chalet is far from the Plaza, they are great fun and a great reminder of former youthful days - Am now committed to purchasing. Take your own bike to save - 22 per weekend for adults. There is a land train to get you around. It's fine, if a little uncomfortable, slow and busy a peak times. Biking will give you a very sore bum and plenty of giggles - second day abandonment is noticeable. Advise sticking with it as by the time your ready to go home you will just of got used to the pain - endure. We hired an electric wheelchair for currently disabled (good access for most things) father-in-law, essential for the frail as there can be a lot of walking, even from the bus stops.

The accommodation we had was fine. a good living space and comfortable. Good bedrooms. A program of refurbishment is currently underway and they look fab. Great privacy, due to chalet staggering and fantastic wildlife can appear at your door - the best fed ducks in Wilts.

The sports facilities looked great, if a little communal. The lake and beach is lovely.

Take away facility is brilliant. Loved the Indian and Chinese delivered!

This place is not cheap. In fairness I feel that it's good value even if all you do is swim (inclusive).Check the website for deals.

Top tips include: WiFi in Starbucks, no mobile signal, wear shorts to the pool for ease of changing, take money with you everywhere, baby sitters.

The Centre Parcs staff were very helpful and polite. The staff Strada (Barbara & James) were good and at Ortega fine.

Decisions are easily made here and money spent. Most of the stresses of any family holiday are annulled due to the proximity and choice of everything within a safe, pleasant, well organised and relaxing environment - deserving of a wagging tail.

A fantastic family resort, with so many activities to fill your days. The pool, which is free to use whenever you want is the best asset as it has so many areas for all ages. A great range of restaurants are in the resort, including Indian, Italian and American. The villas are always to a great standard and spotless. The surrounding is beautiful and I have been on so many great holidays here. Highly recommend!

If your an active person who likes outdoor activities then this is right up your street. I have been here twice and enjoyed it immensely. Cars are banned so you either walk around the park our bring your bikes and cycle. There is also the chance to hire bikes out but i would recommend that you bring your own as they aren't the best bikes in the world. You can participate in a number of activities; Badminton, Tennis, football, swimming, ten pin bowling, adventure golf, scuba diving. You can also relax in the spa and treatments section of the park. There are plenty of places to eat out in the evenings, where you go is dependent on your tastes. There is also a pancake house that i highly recommend visiting. All in all a very good place to go with friends and family.

This place is really good fun, there is loads to do from swimming, quadbiking, archery, tennis, football and climbling. I was hear about a year and a half a go for new years and it was great fun with a really good party thrown. Its really good entertainment and as well as all the great activites there are great places to eat and the accomidation is all really nice and blends in excellently with the environment. The staff are realy friendly and the fact that you are on bikes and no cars makes it really natural.

We have visited this resort twice as not only is it a great place for families to stay but also very cheap and easy to book. The pool area is fantastic and great fun and the villas themselves are very comfortable. The supermarket has all you'd ever need and at a good price too.

I visited Center Parcs this October and enjoyed a fantastic holiday! The accomodation was spacious and clean. The decor could do with a bit of a revamp, but I believe that they will be attending to this over the next few years. The kitchen was well equipped and everything was easy to find. The bed was quite soft, but after a long day in the bicycle saddle this was exactly what was needed! On arrival we were ushered through quite quickly and the signage helped us quickly find our villa, we unpacked and then headed off to find our bikes. We picked them up quickly too and we soon found our way back via the main plaza. We had various activities planned throughout the stay including archery, falconry (the most amazing experience) and a trip to the spa where we were thoroughly relaxed (I can't wait for my next stay). These extras were quite expensive, but well worth the money and the convenience of their locations made the whole process very relaxing.The food was lovely and the staff in all the restaurants were extremely friendly and provided excellent customer service even when there were customers complaining.By the time we left I was so relaxed and I would love to go back. I would definitely choose to go during term-time again, as I would imagine there are crowds of children during the holidays.

A great Center Parcs. I have been twice to the Longleat "village" and have thoroughly enjoyed both stays. Fantastic place to take the kids, if I had any, but I know that it's a fantastic place to take the dogs!!My recent trip involved four friends, two dogs, wine, a copious amount of snacks and food, wine, wellies, far too many clothes and did I mention the wine? Beautiful setting, you can do as much or as little as you like. Needless to say we chose the latter.
Quick tips: *Book well in advance for weekend stays and activities as they get snapped up!*It is cheaper to go Monday-Friday rather than Friday-Monday*Hire a bike I paid 21 and depending on where you are staying it could come in very handy! Be warned, you will leave wondering why your parents didn't take you there!