Center Parcs - 1st timers (Sherwood Forest)

Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to go to Center Parcs! Growing up my mum had said it was too expensive, but looking back I think what she really meant was “it's not really her thing!” (she loved a beach so a UK break would always be somewhere on the coast). Now as a parent myself – parenting a toddler obsessed with the outdoors, the woods and swimming – Center Parcs seemed a great choice for her too, meaning my reluctant husband was outnumbered this year (he also likes a beach holiday). So at the end of June, in the middle of some beautifully warm British summertime weather, off we all went! 

By (in) the lake

 It’s fair to say that my mum was right about it being expensive. When LB is of school age and we have to go away in school holidays (and she can ask to do a list of the many exciting activities available) I'm not sure it will be as viable. But after shopping around (a lot) it turned out Monday to Friday at Center Parcs in term time was cheaper than a short break abroad and in line with other holiday parks or accommodation only in the UK. 

Whilst booking and in the run up to our trip I struggled to find information on a few things, and even whilst there I experienced a number of instances where more information would have been useful. I thought anyone considering a trip to Center Parcs for the first time may benefit from a basic overview from a fellow first-timer!!  This is only a reflection of the Sherwood Forest site which we attended, I have no experience of the other parks and my blog is not affiliated with or endorsed by Center Parcs. 

Rabbit spotted on the wildlife trail

Firstly, I do think it felt like the things that weren't made clear were purposely done in a way that would result in you spending more money. For example - Its really hard to find prices for activities and bike hire until you have booked your trip. Once you have booked you can create an account and start to book activities and bike hire although you still have to click on each and choose your date/time before the cost is revealed. 

Watching the ducks on the pond

 Another example once you are there and on-site, regarding toilets and baby change. The information you are given tells you to check the map for baby changing facilities but they are not listed on the map, nor are toilets. The only toilets and changing facilities I found on site were in the restaurants. The restaurants themselves are advertised every which way you look, whether in your lodge or in the Village. I did feel I was being gently nudged towards the restaurants at all times. 

 Accommodation 

We booked the basic lodge and I have to say it exceeded expectations. It was comfortable, spacious, quiet, felt very private and in a beautiful setting. Little details showed they had really considered catering for families; all furniture (including built in units) had curved corners, blind cords were fixed neatly to the wall and out of reach of small children and there was a large chalk board with chalk to entertain. I couldn't tell you if the wildlife we experienced was typical of a Center Parcs trip but there were animals at our window more often than not. We saw squirrels, rabbits, geese and ducks both with babies, moor hens and a variety of birds. My daughter (and Husband) were as excited by the first to the last animal we saw.

Playing with the chalk board. Perfect distraction whilst unloading/loading the car

Swimming

This was another area where I struggled to find information. I wanted to know which slides my daughter (aged 2) and I (5 months pregnant) would be able to go on, if any. It was still unclear once there, there was nothing to say any of the rides were not suitable when pregnant. I used my best judgement (and Husband as a guinea pig) and took LB down a very small flume a couple of times and my husband took her on a much more exciting flume which she named the 'Star Slide'. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the pool was not as crowded as expected, and as the one sat watching at the bottom of a slide time after time…queues for the slides were really short. I was disappointed there was no lazy river at Sherwood, something I believe is at other sites. I also felt the pool itself could be cleaner. Food and drink can be consumed at the water edge - I came across some cucumber, some gum wrapped in its wrapper and a few plasters bobbing about. But overall the pool was fun and one of the limited activities that didn't cost extra.

Activities

There are things you can do without paying extra but with the exception of the pool, it is not all that easy to find. Online they had listed 'Soft play', what we found (not listed on the map or signposted) was a few square metres with some soft cubes and shapes. Children’s playgrounds were listed on the map but the recommended age for each was not. There were four or five playgrounds but only one was suitable for a 2 year old and we had to seek it out. The beach was good fun and easy to find. We were disappointed with the amount of walks we were able to do, with acres of woodland we did expect to be able to explore the forest. There were 2 short nature trails, these were good fun but apart from a green line on the map weren't very well advertised. 

Bossing the Mini Trek

In terms of paid activies: we hired bikes. It was £30 each to hire an adult bike for 5 days, the child seat was an extra £10. For us hiring bikes was fab! It was by far the best way to transport our daughter who's not keen on a pushchair, carrier, or walking a steady speed in the direction you're heading! We also paid £13 for a 30 minute mini trek which LB loved, and £13 for 30 minute pedalo hire which was great fun until little mischief tried to escape the boat!

Before planning an escape from the boat! 

Food 

The restaurants and takeaway options were on the pricey side with what is effectively a captive market, but the mini market was cheaper than I had expected (prices in the same region as you'd expect to see in your local Co-Op or corner shop). We did a shop before we left and mostly ate self-catering using the adequate kitchen facilities within our lodge – which I would definitely recommend if you're on a budget. We ate at Hucks one evening which was only OK, a takeaway another night that was rather nice, but the best food of the week was definitely The Pancake House! It was delicious! They do encourage you to book restaurants in advance but we got a table straight away for dinner around 7pm and lunch around 12pm.

The Pancake House! Nutritious lunches all round!  

Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. It definitely was the best choice for LB, she loved every minute (with the exception of 2 tantrums which she can usually get through in a morning!), and it was definitely more relaxing than our week in Majorca in September - https://onelittlebearuk.blogspot.com/2017/09/holiday-as-couple-vs-holiday-with-1.html