You absolutely must stay in a cabin/lodge to get the full Center Parcs experience. It’s not the same being in an apartment. It’s lovely To wake up with a view of the beautiful forest, and lakes. We always have little squirrels on the patio waiting to bed fed, woodpeckers in the trees and little baby bunnies hopping about! Please go to Longleat Forest Center Parcs, it’s bigger, and you have to stay in a lodge. Plus you can drive for 5 minutes and be at Longleat safari park 😊
Yeh and you must visit the moon on Blue Origin private space flight, to get the most out of living in our solar system. But we don't all have that kinda money, and that kinda money could buy you so much more...
@@Emira_75 get a life dude! Your income is of no interest or significance to anyone. What I can and can’t afford should be no interest to you either…jealous much 😂
Spent the majority of my childhood holidays at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest. Lots of really fond memories as a kid going there and doing all the activities. Being surrounded by trees and feeding the woodland creatures, as well as cycling around made it a nice place to stay. Really good for children but definitely not cheap. Would love to go back one day!
Im the exact same! Considering i live in Mansfield and have an uncle that works there, i was - and still am- there every other week. It's like a second home to me i know it like the back of my hand.
We used to visit Center Parcs in Longleat years ago, as a couple (no children) it was always a nice trip away, but then they started to hike up the prices and we found it cheaper to have a european city break compared to CP, and we haven't been back since. So expensive now.
I've been to Center Parcs twice as a kid. I personally love it - the water park, the zipwire, the wild animals, and the sports centre, there is actually quite a lot going on. I will say that it's very different to a "seaside getaway" in Bournemouth or Blackpool. It's not on the coast and quite remote, once you arrive at Center Parcs, you're kind of stuck in the resort unlike a caravan park where you can walk into the local town. And of course it's very expensive and things need to be prebooked there, so you need to be prepared before you turn up. And as everyone else said, go for a cabin, they have so much more character than the apartments.
I have always regarded Center Parcs as a little piece of heaven on earth. Me and my family have been going to Elveden regularly ever since it opened in the late 1980's. I agree, it is expensive but you don't have to do loads of activities or eat out all the time. Lovely video
Have been going for 30 years, we often shared a 4 bedroom villa with friends. Now take the grandchildren and they are also big fans. Take a load of food and snacks with us, book a treaat each and just enjoy the water and the forrest walks. Being amongst the trees and wildlife is so, so refreshing. Have never been disappointed.
Having never seen the inside of a Center Parcs, thanks so much for the vid. Personally, I’ll save myself the trip and pitch a tent in the garden and burn £20 notes, for the same experience 😜
Yes, I don’t see the point either during school holidays. Its not bad value outside school holidays, especially if you share with friends or other couples.
My family went to Centre Parcs a lot when I was younger, always spent a week frequenting the pool. Haven't been in about 10 or so years, give or take, but the swimming pool is exactly as I remember it. The lazy river, the largest pool, those stairs leading into the rapids, the rapids themselves and of course the cold pool. Really enjoyed watching this solely for the nostalgia value
I went to Center Parcs with a friend's family as a 10 year old back in the 90s, and it is one of my fondest summer memories - there was just so much to do at that age - and the pool alone was one of the best things I'd seen. A few friends with kids swear by it. Really expensive but just so perfect for young families. Need to try it out with my own when she's old enough to justify it!
I used to go to Center Parcs a lot with my parents when I was younger. Loved it every single time! Lots to do for kids. Now here in The Netherlands they've upgraded the parks quite well!
What a wonderful video Tim. Great to see you and Gaby and Casper. Aw Casper he's so precious. he looked liked he loved being in the inflatable. It's does look a great place to stay.
Great video. We always went to centerparcs when the kids were small and always enjoyed it. Always went with a car full of food to cook in the lodge kitchen, I guess the apartments don’t have that option. More recently my son worked at the Woburn one and the staff perks are incredible, free unlimited day passes, free activities and vastly reduced lodges, they seem to look after their staff.
What a contrast to some of the places you stay at! This one, clean, well-maintained, lots to do but yes very costly. Another cracking video Tim (and family)!
You was so right about Albee's taxis. They was brilliant. Fantastic and so cheap lovely and clean brilliant car's the drivers are friendly and good to talk to. So may I say a big thank you for your information
My folks took my niece & her friend to this very place back in 2012. The kids had fun, of course. But my mum & dad felt like they'd spent a years mortgage on the entire stay! It's defo a once in a lifetime event for most families.
@@WalkWithMeTim it looked unique before the fire compared to the other 2 Centre Parcs in the UK at the time. It was more like a giant greenhouse (rather than a dome) with a huge roof which slid back and opened on hot days.
We have been here several times, over two or three years, we found ,food lovely, nice people, couldn't do enough for you,, always enjoyed our stays, making pottery items, so many things to do , you would never be bored,
Been there quite a few times and loved it. Loved it even more when the kids could go out of peak season! Looking forward to getting some time to watch this one.
I visited CP for the first time in the 90's. It's turned into a over-populated, expensive theme park with packet mix food and cocktails since then, but that's what private equity does....
I love centre parcs, being in a wheelchair it’s great. The accessible cabins are great, the pool is accessible (water wheelchairs) the spa is wheelchair accessible as well. They have loads of vegan options in every restaurant too. I go every year with my friend and can’t wait for next year!
We just returned from our first visit to center parcs Woburn today. It was delightful. We were fully aware it would be expensive and that we would be paying extra for activities, drinks and food, which we did. No surprises there. At least 2 activities a day, rented bikes, paid extra to bring the dog and lots of meals out, cost an arm and a leg but it was SO GOOD. It is the best holiday we've had with the children. I wouldn't go for a romantic getaway, but for a family holiday I can't rate it highly enough. 10/10.
You guys are amazing 😃🤗, center parks are yes very expensive" but as your beautiful wife said the tranquility and peace makes it worth it👍, thank you both for sharing and much love to you and your beautiful family🤗💛
This was really helpful. I've never been to Center Pacs because I always thought they were way too expensive. This video helped to prove me right and be happy that I never went.
Designed around swimming and other leisure activities, Center Parcs comes across as a place a family could get through a years wage in less than 3 minutes. Besides that, the place looks well looked after and welcoming. And as a fan of forest bathing, love the pines. Cheers for such an interesting vid, Tim & Gaby 👍
First time I've seen Elveden. As a family we've consistently visited Sherwood and Whinfell since the late 80s. We only started using Whinfell after CP bought it from Oasis. It was surprising to see the apartments (Unlike Whinfell and Longford) didn't have a kitchen. Sherwood to us is the park they got spot on and the one I'd recommend above all else. We typically look for a supermarket nearby and maybe eat out a couple of times to keep the costs down. It is a captive market, so additional activities are quite dear. Really enjoying the videos we've watched loads of them over the past 48hrs whilst trying to figure out where we're going in November for a couple of weeks. Keep up the great work they are incredibly helpful 👌
'Nice but expensive' honestly the best way to sum up Center Parcs. Only ever been to the Sherwood Forest location but it was always enjoyable sadly because of the cost of everything most of my time was spent biking around or enjoying the pool (which is one of the few free things).
Hey Tim, Gaby and Caspar. I have been out of circulation with a back injury and the last time I watched you Tim was when Caspar was born! I just saw you were on a live video so I decided to join and it was like going down memory lane as I had stayed at that same Centre Parcs when I was much younger and my parents were still here with us! I remember having so much fun on the waterslides in the pool and remember the Tarzan sound which was the warning for the wave machine to be turned on LOL. I loved this video, Tim and Gaby you both look amazing, and baby Caspar is gorgeous, what a cute and happy face. Thanks guys enjoyed this immensely!
Ive been to Longleat Center Parcs a few times and planning on going next year. As you mentioned it can be quite expensive or quite reasonable based on when you go, what activities you do etc. Usually I'll go around October, book an 8 bed lodge and see if anyone else wishes to pay their part in coming along. I'm not one for the outdoorsy activities so it's usually a trip to the zoo or local towns, with a shopping trip the first day to get the food for a week. Great video and it definitely shows off the appeal of center parcs, although you have to experience just how nice it is to be out in the forest and wake up each morning with that scenery.
Pancakes are very much a Dutch thing, not just American. Centerparcs of course started in the Netherlands but the U.K. ones are now a separate company. The Dutch parks are cheaper.
Hi Tim and Gaby The room is fabulous and the whole park looks very clean. As for that rude waitress i would remind centre parks managers that this is for families to be catered for with respect to their wishes. Surprised that they didn't just throw a mattress on the floor for our lovely Casper. He is so good💞Staff need re training in customer etiquette and not just give curt answers. There is always another way to solve a problem.
Self catering is the way to go, as it's very expensive for what you get when you eat at the cafes / restaurants. We've been to Elveden Forest three times now and loved it. It's a chilled atmosphere and loads of wildlife. When we stayed at the waterfront apartments, we were on the ground floor and had a peacock on our table and chairs most mornings. Sadly I believe he's since passed away. I've tried most of the activities, and yes they bump up the cost quite a bit, but they've made for a fuller experience. This year we'll be trying the Woburn resort.
Been quite a few times over the years, most recently was this May I think. It was wonderful! I love it myself. Can't say I've ever stayed in one of the apartment blocks though? I feel like the quintessential centre parcs experience is getting a lodge. The tropical water parks are always incredible.
I used to work at centre parcs as a House Keeper about a year ago and a lot of people said it was expensive and you had to be an outdoors type of person or family. A fair few people said the bike rental was expensive too. The mismatched glasses would have been that the second wine glass/ flute would have either gotten broken or been taken by a previous guest and the House Keepers would have replaced it with whatever they had close by or on hand.
Baby food is free, ask behind the bar and they offer loads of ellas kitchen for different stages of weaning. Also, apartments dont come with cots but if you ask customer services they deliver one to your door . And joules....is for all ages not just for middle aged folk!! (She awkwardly says at the age of 29)
Me and my family went to Center Parks (Sheerwood Forest) back in 2010 for Christmas with my gran, grandad and uncle, and also my stepdad's parents too. We stayed in one of the treehouses and I was amazed at how many bedrooms there was. There is indeed a hot tub outside which I remember us going in when it was -2 degrees outside in the snow 😂 That seperate room was actually a games room when I went. There is a pool table inside, a Wii but that might be different now and it was fun. I prefer entertainment in the evenings myself like Haven cause I can find myself being quite bored. Good vlog guys!
Love your videos Tim,especially as you ignore reviews and try these best/worst holiday parks/ hotels out for yourself.Your honesty on rating places as good or bad is probably a great help to people planning on visiting these places.Really good viewing..I can say one thing I would certainly trust your view over other review sites everyday of the week..Keep walking and producing quality videos Tim and thank you for doing so......Andy
Well said I totally agree as Tim does some rather amazing reviews who is a truly a credit as your insights to good or bad reviews really helps others to decide! 😊👍
Been going to Center Parcs for years! Elveden Forest was not always like that. It originally had a large undercover plaza, which housed all the shops, cafes, restaurants, bowling, swimming and sports complex. But it was burned down by a fire in Spring 2002 (the swimming was thankfully unharmed) and it was rebuilt and reopened in Summer 2003. We mainly go to Elveden, but we went to Sherwood when Elveden was closed because of the fire and some of my family tried out Woburn too, but they preferred Elveden. All I say is bring your own food with you (If you’re staying in a lodge), have plenty of spending money on your card, bring some old shoes that you won’t mind getting grubby and don’t forget your swimming trunks/costumes and towels. 28:15 Last time I remember, the wave pool warning used to be bongo drums (Before the fire it was a jungle cry, but not like a Tarzan cry).
Oh gosh, what a blast from the past. Do you remember the river that went through the inside plaza? Lots of childhood memories watching the fish ☺️ showing my age 😅
Awww Tim and family, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed watching your Centre Parks visits....any your little boy is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your experience. Ive loved watching your videos as you have reviewed many places I visited in my younger years so it is great to see how they have changed. XX
Nice review. Been to a few different parks here in the Netherlands. Several of them have quite a lot of 'wildlife', one had a herd with several albino deer. Very strange sight, but wonderful
Great video. We’ve been to Center Parcs with our kids several times. You’re right it’s expensive (especially if you go in the school holidays!) but we always have a fantastic time.
Watching this whilst on holiday in Alcudia Mallorca, and i definitely made the right decision coming abroad over such a place. The rude note on the car and rude staff isn't what you expect when paying good money, and being forced to pay for bike hire for the whole visit and no day option is an absolute joke and a blatant money making exercise. No evening entertainment but yet has a sports bar with a shed loads of screens just seems odd. Sorry but Center Parks ain't for me. But great video as always Tim and Mrs
Tim, where you stayed had self catering appartments they are the ones that over look the lake, and have a kitchen in as-well with basic facilities, your oven microwave, fridge etc, and only cost around £30.00 more for the weekend rate. Defently worth the upgrade. Much better views as well.
A fantastic video Tim&Gaby it shows what happen's when you put some money into a holiday park more resort owners should visit centre parc's, & look what they are missing out on 👌👌
Hi, Great video. I love Center Parcs - saying that, I've only been once and that was about 15 years ago. We went as a family of 6 including my inlaws, to Sherwood Forrest. What I remember from all those years ago was how free of rubbish it all was. It made me wish the world outside of CP was that clean! We had a great week and I would love to go again one day.
I haven’t been to Elveden one, but I been to the Longleat one twice, first time in 1994, when I was a child, when Longleat opened, and the other was Sherwood when it snowed while there. All 3 times was enjoyable.
My last trip to centre parcs was ruined by the lack of security in the car parks ours and a few other cars were broken into, centre parcs doesn't give a toss.
great place went with my girlfriend at the time had a lovley weekend we stayed in the same block as you they were brand new at the time mind you their bassiacally still new now. glad you liked it tim!
Nice one Tim. I went a couple of weeks ago with family and it was so much fun. So much to do there. The pool was probably my favourite part as well as a few cocktails.
I used to do student work at the Center Parcs supermarket in my country. Best time ever! Going for a quick dip in the pool after my shifts. Still love visiting with my husband and kids :D
Thanks Tim, Gabby and baby very interesting I know the grandchildren wood like the place and it looks great look forward to the next thanks again Yvonne 😊
Never went to Center Parcs as a kid. I (23) went with my friends for the first time last month for a week away. It is by no means cheap but it was an amazing experience. The week absolutely flew by, especially when doing loads of activities!
Had a tour of this place (and Nottingham) when I was doing hospitality management at uni, it always changes with the times, but yes, it’s an overpriced holiday leisure centre, mainly for townies who have never seen a duck let alone a deer before. Love this video, well done for covering everything you have. ❤
City dwellers then, the most common complaint our group was told, was ducks quacking in the morning were too loud lol. No unfortunately I’m not a ‘gypsy’ as you say.
I’d rather the townies visit Centre Parcs than use the real countryside as a theme park. Pity we can’t stop them using our local housing as second homes too.
We go every year…it’s only expensive if you choose it to be we go just after Christmas and we do 5 pre payed activities as well as meals out. We spent 200 on accommodation and activities before we went. Around 250 as couple during the 5 days xx
i'm a regular visitor to various parcs and started in sherwood back in the day until one by one Elvden and longleaf came along and you really do need to stay in a lodge to get the full experience and hire bikes etc to get around. the lodges are completely different class to what as once just a hotel before they revamped them to apartments , great report if you are a couple with a baby BUT if you have children the parcs take on a whole new look.
We are possibly looking at a Center Parc visitation next year (although the way domestic energy costs are rising it would prob be cheaper to book a winter visit just to stay warm in the central atrium). Those spiders were spine tingling 🙂
I lover Center Parc's, spent my teens going to Center Parcs Sherwood forest every december :) It can be expensive, but you can absolutely enjoy it on the cheap. We used to do full self catering and bring all our food with us as it was so much more cost effective. We would also set up savings pots to put the money aside for the cost of the lodge every month and spending money. We never booked on the activities and took our own bikes. Its magical going near Christmas :) Cant wait to start going again with my partner.
I wouldn't be a big fan of booking things so far in advance. When you're on vacation, it's nice to see how you feel day to day and not feel committed to exact time frames for activities.
Last went to center parks about 25. It's obviously very different now to how I remember it from my youth. Stayed in a chalet and I remember the Dutch looking bikes and the rapids and archery as well as sailing and the arcades and the sweet shop with delicious Turkish delight
Oh I'm sorry I'm traveling home on the buses so I'll have to catch up with this tonight when I get home. You've Inspired me to see the sea Tim so I've been out on a jaunt to a seaside within a days travelling distance! I'll enjoy catching up later!
@@WalkWithMeTim Ive just got home & settled! Had a lovely day out Tim. I sent you a P.M on Facebook earlier this afternoon about which seaside I went to. I hope you don't mind, I don't like putting personal information on Social Media.
Thanks for saving us a ridiculous amount of money and I agree with Gabby about the Sandcastle at Blackpool. Plus I don’t want to have to book everything way in advance.
My son and family went at May halfterm and really enjoyed it, loads of activities for kids which you have to pre book. Grandkids liked seeing the deer and squirrels each morning on their patio.
Hey Tim, Gaby and Casper, loved this centre parcs video, looked amazing in the pools ,babes was certainly having a lovely splashing time, bless him, take care see you soon.xx
In '96 I actually worked at that exact Center Parcs for almost a year as part of their housekeeping team (97% of that year I was a window cleaner for their lodges)
I remember as a kid going into that lagoon pool As a kid here at elveden forest and I remember just crying knowing I would have to go home the next day😂
Always remember the old adverts for these places " The holiday the weather cant spoil ". guess it can then. I hope Casper was liking and subscribing to the channel whilst on that mobile phone. Hope you all had a good time,
It was nice to see a family review yourself Tim, Gabby and young Casper who I must say he has the look of his father, maybe that's his new venture when he is older Casper Does Centre Parcs
Love center parcs, if u can accept it costs more than some holiday’s abroad then u will have a blast, especially with young children. It’s fantastic but maybe for people with more of a budget, there’s always butlins lol
Hi Tim and Gaby that was an excellent video and I really enjoyed the tour around center parc. Casper is so cute he is so lovely and happy. Thank you fpr making this video.
Great vlog Tim as always, my daughter went with friends so split the cost, still expensive the time they booked activities and ate out a few times. We are just back from Portugal, booked flights and apartment separately bet it’s was cheaper than Center Parcs. Casper is gorgeous he is always happy, he is a credit to you and Gaby 💙
Best Rated Holiday Park In The UK 👉th-cam.com/video/uR5_Kdmqqb0/w-d-xo.html
Tim pls do a forest holidays its in Suffolk not far from centre parks in thetford
A little better than Pontins 😂😂
You absolutely must stay in a cabin/lodge to get the full
Center Parcs experience. It’s not the same being in an apartment.
It’s lovely
To wake up with a view of the beautiful forest, and lakes. We always have little squirrels on the patio waiting to bed fed, woodpeckers in the trees and little baby bunnies hopping about!
Please go to Longleat Forest Center Parcs, it’s bigger, and you have to stay in a lodge.
Plus you can drive for 5 minutes and be at Longleat safari park 😊
Yeh and you must visit the moon on Blue Origin private space flight, to get the most out of living in our solar system.
But we don't all have that kinda money, and that kinda money could buy you so much more...
@@Emira_75 get a life dude! Your income is of no interest or significance to anyone. What I can and can’t afford should be no interest to you either…jealous much 😂
@@Emira_75 and thank you for the recommendation…the space flight sounds right up my street! 😘
Spent the majority of my childhood holidays at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest. Lots of really fond memories as a kid going there and doing all the activities. Being surrounded by trees and feeding the woodland creatures, as well as cycling around made it a nice place to stay. Really good for children but definitely not cheap. Would love to go back one day!
Im the exact same! Considering i live in Mansfield and have an uncle that works there, i was - and still am- there every other week. It's like a second home to me i know it like the back of my hand.
You said s/c can’t be as you got not kitchen
We used to visit Center Parcs in Longleat years ago, as a couple (no children) it was always a nice trip away, but then they started to hike up the prices and we found it cheaper to have a european city break compared to CP, and we haven't been back since. So expensive now.
I've been to Center Parcs twice as a kid. I personally love it - the water park, the zipwire, the wild animals, and the sports centre, there is actually quite a lot going on.
I will say that it's very different to a "seaside getaway" in Bournemouth or Blackpool. It's not on the coast and quite remote, once you arrive at Center Parcs, you're kind of stuck in the resort unlike a caravan park where you can walk into the local town. And of course it's very expensive and things need to be prebooked there, so you need to be prepared before you turn up.
And as everyone else said, go for a cabin, they have so much more character than the apartments.
So lovely to see you travelling and reviewing as a family ❤️
Thanks carly
I have always regarded Center Parcs as a little piece of heaven on earth. Me and my family have been going to Elveden regularly ever since it opened in the late 1980's. I agree, it is expensive but you don't have to do loads of activities or eat out all the time. Lovely video
Not too keen on the opening between bathroom and bedroom - especially when hubby says “I’d leave it 10 mins if I were you!” 🤣🤣🤣
Have been going for 30 years, we often shared a 4 bedroom villa with friends. Now take the grandchildren and they are also big fans.
Take a load of food and snacks with us, book a treaat each and just enjoy the water and the forrest walks. Being amongst the trees and wildlife is so, so refreshing.
Have never been disappointed.
I ❤ Center parcs
Having never seen the inside of a Center Parcs, thanks so much for the vid.
Personally, I’ll save myself the trip and pitch a tent in the garden and burn £20 notes, for the same experience 😜
Just looked for 3 night in a lodge on 17/2/23 £1049
I’ve just spend £2250 for 14 nights of a family of 4 all inclusive in a 4 star hotel in Tenerife.
Yes, I don’t see the point either during school holidays. Its not bad value outside school holidays, especially if you share with friends or other couples.
My family went to Centre Parcs a lot when I was younger, always spent a week frequenting the pool. Haven't been in about 10 or so years, give or take, but the swimming pool is exactly as I remember it. The lazy river, the largest pool, those stairs leading into the rapids, the rapids themselves and of course the cold pool.
Really enjoyed watching this solely for the nostalgia value
Aw so sweet to see you traveling as a family😊
Thank you!! 😊
Hi Tim and Gaby. Never been to Center Park but after seeing your video I wouldn't mind going. It seemed very quiet peaceful and relaxing.
Thanks!
Wow thanks Tom
I went to Center Parcs with a friend's family as a 10 year old back in the 90s, and it is one of my fondest summer memories - there was just so much to do at that age - and the pool alone was one of the best things I'd seen. A few friends with kids swear by it. Really expensive but just so perfect for young families. Need to try it out with my own when she's old enough to justify it!
I used to go to Center Parcs a lot with my parents when I was younger. Loved it every single time! Lots to do for kids. Now here in The Netherlands they've upgraded the parks quite well!
Casper is such a lovely baby! He looks happy all the time...He is adorable.
He is
What a wonderful video Tim. Great to see you and Gaby and Casper. Aw Casper he's so precious. he looked liked he loved being in the inflatable. It's does look a great place to stay.
Great video. We always went to centerparcs when the kids were small and always enjoyed it. Always went with a car full of food to cook in the lodge kitchen, I guess the apartments don’t have that option. More recently my son worked at the Woburn one and the staff perks are incredible, free unlimited day passes, free activities and vastly reduced lodges, they seem to look after their staff.
They do seen too yes , we spoke with some staff been there for over 15 yrs
What a contrast to some of the places you stay at! This one, clean, well-maintained, lots to do but yes very costly. Another cracking video Tim (and family)!
thanks
You was so right about Albee's taxis. They was brilliant. Fantastic and so cheap lovely and clean brilliant car's the drivers are friendly and good to talk to. So may I say a big thank you for your information
My folks took my niece & her friend to this very place back in 2012. The kids had fun, of course. But my mum & dad felt like they'd spent a years mortgage on the entire stay! It's defo a once in a lifetime event for most families.
I remember the huge fire they had there in the old village dome. It looked very different before that in the 90s to what it is now.
but better?
@@WalkWithMeTim - I think it’s better but all the shops etc used to be undercover in a bit of a mall type thing.
@@WalkWithMeTim it looked unique before the fire compared to the other 2 Centre Parcs in the UK at the time. It was more like a giant greenhouse (rather than a dome) with a huge roof which slid back and opened on hot days.
We have been here several times, over two or three years, we found ,food lovely, nice people, couldn't do enough for you,, always enjoyed our stays, making pottery items, so many things to do , you would never be bored,
Been there quite a few times and loved it. Loved it even more when the kids could go out of peak season! Looking forward to getting some time to watch this one.
I visited CP for the first time in the 90's. It's turned into a over-populated, expensive theme park with packet mix food and cocktails since then, but that's what private equity does....
I love centre parcs, being in a wheelchair it’s great. The accessible cabins are great, the pool is accessible (water wheelchairs) the spa is wheelchair accessible as well. They have loads of vegan options in every restaurant too. I go every year with my friend and can’t wait for next year!
We just returned from our first visit to center parcs Woburn today. It was delightful. We were fully aware it would be expensive and that we would be paying extra for activities, drinks and food, which we did. No surprises there. At least 2 activities a day, rented bikes, paid extra to bring the dog and lots of meals out, cost an arm and a leg but it was SO GOOD. It is the best holiday we've had with the children. I wouldn't go for a romantic getaway, but for a family holiday I can't rate it highly enough. 10/10.
You guys are amazing 😃🤗, center parks are yes very expensive" but as your beautiful wife said the tranquility and peace makes it worth it👍, thank you both for sharing and much love to you and your beautiful family🤗💛
Thanks Gaia
That was so nostalgic watching the river rapids, we had some great family holidays there as a kid!
The apartment looks completely souless! If you ever go to Center Parcs make sure you stay in a lodge
agreed never understood why anyone stays in those apartments
This was really helpful. I've never been to Center Pacs because I always thought they were way too expensive. This video helped to prove me right and be happy that I never went.
Designed around swimming and other leisure activities, Center Parcs comes across as a place a family could get through a years wage in less than 3 minutes. Besides that, the place looks well looked after and welcoming. And as a fan of forest bathing, love the pines. Cheers for such an interesting vid, Tim & Gaby 👍
Yes been to centre parcs Nottingham and lake district it's great for adults and children ,I found them expensive but I would go again with children
yes I would rather pay to go abroad and get a tan lol
@@WalkWithMeTim I agree with you 👍😂
Agree!
A friend of mine goes at cheaper times of the year with her adult daughters; they take their own food and spend most of the day in the pool!
People can't even be arsed to row a boat any more amazing
First time I've seen Elveden. As a family we've consistently visited Sherwood and Whinfell since the late 80s. We only started using Whinfell after CP bought it from Oasis. It was surprising to see the apartments (Unlike Whinfell and Longford) didn't have a kitchen.
Sherwood to us is the park they got spot on and the one I'd recommend above all else. We typically look for a supermarket nearby and maybe eat out a couple of times to keep the costs down. It is a captive market, so additional activities are quite dear.
Really enjoying the videos we've watched loads of them over the past 48hrs whilst trying to figure out where we're going in November for a couple of weeks. Keep up the great work they are incredibly helpful 👌
'Nice but expensive' honestly the best way to sum up Center Parcs. Only ever been to the Sherwood Forest location but it was always enjoyable sadly because of the cost of everything most of my time was spent biking around or enjoying the pool (which is one of the few free things).
Your youngster is so chilled out and placid...a bit like his parents!
Hey Tim, Gaby and Caspar. I have been out of circulation with a back injury and the last time I watched you Tim was when Caspar was born! I just saw you were on a live video so I decided to join and it was like going down memory lane as I had stayed at that same Centre Parcs when I was much younger and my parents were still here with us! I remember having so much fun on the waterslides in the pool and remember the Tarzan sound which was the warning for the wave machine to be turned on LOL. I loved this video, Tim and Gaby you both look amazing, and baby Caspar is gorgeous, what a cute and happy face. Thanks guys enjoyed this immensely!
hello Marisa, aww thank you and glad you came back to watch and keep watching in the future :-)
Thanks for this. Always wondered what Centre Parcs was like and seen it today for the first time thanks to you both.
thanks Pravin
Nice you take your other half , it gives another perspective too your reviews.Cute baby hes fearless
Lol he certainly is
Ive been to Longleat Center Parcs a few times and planning on going next year. As you mentioned it can be quite expensive or quite reasonable based on when you go, what activities you do etc.
Usually I'll go around October, book an 8 bed lodge and see if anyone else wishes to pay their part in coming along. I'm not one for the outdoorsy activities so it's usually a trip to the zoo or local towns, with a shopping trip the first day to get the food for a week.
Great video and it definitely shows off the appeal of center parcs, although you have to experience just how nice it is to be out in the forest and wake up each morning with that scenery.
Pancakes are very much a Dutch thing, not just American. Centerparcs of course started in the Netherlands but the U.K. ones are now a separate company. The Dutch parks are cheaper.
Hi Tim and Gaby
The room is fabulous and the whole park looks very clean. As for that rude waitress i would remind centre parks managers that this is for families to be catered for with respect to their wishes. Surprised that they didn't just throw a mattress on the floor for our lovely Casper. He is so good💞Staff need re training in customer etiquette and not just give curt answers. There is always another way to solve a problem.
very true
Self catering is the way to go, as it's very expensive for what you get when you eat at the cafes / restaurants.
We've been to Elveden Forest three times now and loved it. It's a chilled atmosphere and loads of wildlife. When we stayed at the waterfront apartments, we were on the ground floor and had a peacock on our table and chairs most mornings. Sadly I believe he's since passed away.
I've tried most of the activities, and yes they bump up the cost quite a bit, but they've made for a fuller experience.
This year we'll be trying the Woburn resort.
Been quite a few times over the years, most recently was this May I think. It was wonderful! I love it myself. Can't say I've ever stayed in one of the apartment blocks though? I feel like the quintessential centre parcs experience is getting a lodge. The tropical water parks are always incredible.
I think the best way to describe Centre Parcs is… You think you’ve paid for your holiday when you get there…but you haven’t !
LOL
It’s very clear when booking your centre parcs holiday that most activities apart from being in the pools need to be booked and paid for separately
I'm pretty sure every holiday is like that?
@@cadenroper6722 Not Potters Resorts
@@christinecodling3586 ok? That's one.
I used to work at centre parcs as a House Keeper about a year ago and a lot of people said it was expensive and you had to be an outdoors type of person or family. A fair few people said the bike rental was expensive too. The mismatched glasses would have been that the second wine glass/ flute would have either gotten broken or been taken by a previous guest and the House Keepers would have replaced it with whatever they had close by or on hand.
Baby food is free, ask behind the bar and they offer loads of ellas kitchen for different stages of weaning.
Also, apartments dont come with cots but if you ask customer services they deliver one to your door .
And joules....is for all ages not just for middle aged folk!! (She awkwardly says at the age of 29)
Me and my family went to Center Parks (Sheerwood Forest) back in 2010 for Christmas with my gran, grandad and uncle, and also my stepdad's parents too. We stayed in one of the treehouses and I was amazed at how many bedrooms there was. There is indeed a hot tub outside which I remember us going in when it was -2 degrees outside in the snow 😂
That seperate room was actually a games room when I went. There is a pool table inside, a Wii but that might be different now and it was fun.
I prefer entertainment in the evenings myself like Haven cause I can find myself being quite bored.
Good vlog guys!
Love your videos Tim,especially as you ignore reviews and try these best/worst holiday parks/ hotels out for yourself.Your honesty on rating places as good or bad is probably a great help to people planning on visiting these places.Really good viewing..I can say one thing I would certainly trust your view over other review sites everyday of the week..Keep walking and producing quality videos Tim and thank you for doing so......Andy
thanks Andy , means a lot
Well said I totally agree as Tim does some rather amazing reviews who is a truly a credit as your insights to good or bad reviews really helps others to decide! 😊👍
Been going to Center Parcs for years! Elveden Forest was not always like that. It originally had a large undercover plaza, which housed all the shops, cafes, restaurants, bowling, swimming and sports complex. But it was burned down by a fire in Spring 2002 (the swimming was thankfully unharmed) and it was rebuilt and reopened in Summer 2003. We mainly go to Elveden, but we went to Sherwood when Elveden was closed because of the fire and some of my family tried out Woburn too, but they preferred Elveden. All I say is bring your own food with you (If you’re staying in a lodge), have plenty of spending money on your card, bring some old shoes that you won’t mind getting grubby and don’t forget your swimming trunks/costumes and towels.
28:15 Last time I remember, the wave pool warning used to be bongo drums (Before the fire it was a jungle cry, but not like a Tarzan cry).
Oh gosh, what a blast from the past. Do you remember the river that went through the inside plaza? Lots of childhood memories watching the fish ☺️ showing my age 😅
@@Beausandbelles Oh yes, I remember the little river that flowed through the indoor plaza and watching the fishes swimming around.
Awww Tim and family, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed watching your Centre Parks visits....any your little boy is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your experience. Ive loved watching your videos as you have reviewed many places I visited in my younger years so it is great to see how they have changed. XX
Thanks Sane
Nice review. Been to a few different parks here in the Netherlands. Several of them have quite a lot of 'wildlife', one had a herd with several albino deer. Very strange sight, but wonderful
Just heard from a colleague of my wife who went to that same park not too long ago, that there now about 14 albino deer in that herd
Great video. We’ve been to Center Parcs with our kids several times. You’re right it’s expensive (especially if you go in the school holidays!) but we always have a fantastic time.
Watching this whilst on holiday in Alcudia Mallorca, and i definitely made the right decision coming abroad over such a place.
The rude note on the car and rude staff isn't what you expect when paying good money, and being forced to pay for bike hire for the whole visit and no day option is an absolute joke and a blatant money making exercise.
No evening entertainment but yet has a sports bar with a shed loads of screens just seems odd.
Sorry but Center Parks ain't for me.
But great video as always Tim and Mrs
lol I always say to gaby if im paying that much I want to come back with at least a tan
@@WalkWithMeTim Definitely. I'm coming back a nice shade of mahogany 😁
Tim, where you stayed had self catering appartments they are the ones that over look the lake, and have a kitchen in as-well with basic facilities, your oven microwave, fridge etc, and only cost around £30.00 more for the weekend rate. Defently worth the upgrade. Much better views as well.
Thanks so much, guys! We really enjoyed this. As always! xo
Our pleasure!
A fantastic video Tim&Gaby it shows what happen's when you put some money into a holiday park more resort owners should visit centre parc's, & look what they are missing out on 👌👌
Awww your little boy could not wait to get in the pool 😊
I just can’t get enough of your videos Tim, absolutely fantastic. Keep up the great work.👍
Wow thanks Mark
Lovely to watch you with your family what an adorable baby 😀
Thanks Carol
Hi, Great video. I love Center Parcs - saying that, I've only been once and that was about 15 years ago. We went as a family of 6 including my inlaws, to Sherwood Forrest. What I remember from all those years ago was how free of rubbish it all was. It made me wish the world outside of CP was that clean! We had a great week and I would love to go again one day.
Thanks Nicky
Love that centre PARC's looks great the tropical swimming pool , It's so good to see you Gabby Tim and bumps enjoying your selves 🤗🤗👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you! 🤗
I haven’t been to Elveden one, but I been to the Longleat one twice, first time in 1994, when I was a child, when Longleat opened, and the other was Sherwood when it snowed while there. All 3 times was enjoyable.
Hello Tim and family, That is a great place to visit so calm and peaceful
My last trip to centre parcs was ruined by the lack of security in the car parks ours and a few other cars were broken into, centre parcs doesn't give a toss.
oh I love having Gaby along, i never know with these places if there's gonna be anything I can eat with being dairy allergic.
great place went with my girlfriend at the time had a lovley weekend we stayed in the same block as you they were brand new at the time mind you their bassiacally still new now. glad you liked it tim!
Nice one Tim. I went a couple of weeks ago with family and it was so much fun. So much to do there. The pool was probably my favourite part as well as a few cocktails.
Lol yes the cocktails 🍸 🤣
I used to do student work at the Center Parcs supermarket in my country. Best time ever! Going for a quick dip in the pool after my shifts. Still love visiting with my husband and kids :D
Thanks Tim, Gabby and baby very interesting I know the grandchildren wood like the place and it looks great look forward to the next thanks again Yvonne 😊
Our pleasure!
Never went to Center Parcs as a kid. I (23) went with my friends for the first time last month for a week away. It is by no means cheap but it was an amazing experience. The week absolutely flew by, especially when doing loads of activities!
Had a tour of this place (and Nottingham) when I was doing hospitality management at uni, it always changes with the times, but yes, it’s an overpriced holiday leisure centre, mainly for townies who have never seen a duck let alone a deer before. Love this video, well done for covering everything you have. ❤
Are you a gypsy? What a strange thing to say, “townies” what on earth. Who even says that? Lmao
City dwellers then, the most common complaint our group was told, was ducks quacking in the morning were too loud lol. No unfortunately I’m not a ‘gypsy’ as you say.
@@handsoffmycactus2958 Townies is quite a common description where I’m from, in West Yorkshire.
@@UkeofCarl it's a 90s thing it was an expression in Leicester too.
I’d rather the townies visit Centre Parcs than use the real countryside as a theme park. Pity we can’t stop them using our local housing as second homes too.
We go every year…it’s only expensive if you choose it to be we go just after Christmas and we do 5 pre payed activities as well as meals out. We spent 200 on accommodation and activities before we went. Around 250 as couple during the 5 days xx
Looks like a nice place to relax and unwind.
I really enjoyed this video. That is quite the place, especially the water park. The robot servers were adorable. Always great to see Gabby and Casper
Loved it Tim - nice to see more of Gabby and the baba!
😀
I work here and I must say it’s the best setting ever!
You drove to Norwich for swimwear.
Note to anyone else visiting just up the a11 is a retail park that has Sainsburys and sports direct
yes I know we are idiots
i'm a regular visitor to various parcs and started in sherwood back in the day until one by one Elvden and longleaf came along and you really do need to stay in a lodge to get the full experience and hire bikes etc to get around. the lodges are completely different class to what as once just a hotel before they revamped them to apartments , great report if you are a couple with a baby BUT if you have children the parcs take on a whole new look.
We are possibly looking at a Center Parc visitation next year (although the way domestic energy costs are rising it would prob be cheaper to book a winter visit just to stay warm in the central atrium). Those spiders were spine tingling 🙂
Just a bit
I lover Center Parc's, spent my teens going to Center Parcs Sherwood forest every december :) It can be expensive, but you can absolutely enjoy it on the cheap. We used to do full self catering and bring all our food with us as it was so much more cost effective. We would also set up savings pots to put the money aside for the cost of the lodge every month and spending money. We never booked on the activities and took our own bikes. Its magical going near Christmas :) Cant wait to start going again with my partner.
I wouldn't be a big fan of booking things so far in advance. When you're on vacation, it's nice to see how you feel day to day and not feel committed to exact time frames for activities.
Last went to center parks about 25. It's obviously very different now to how I remember it from my youth. Stayed in a chalet and I remember the Dutch looking bikes and the rapids and archery as well as sailing and the arcades and the sweet shop with delicious Turkish delight
Oh I'm sorry I'm traveling home on the buses so I'll have to catch up with this tonight when I get home. You've Inspired me to see the sea Tim so I've been out on a jaunt to a seaside within a days travelling distance!
I'll enjoy catching up later!
oh nice where did you go ?
@@WalkWithMeTim Ive just got home & settled! Had a lovely day out Tim. I sent you a P.M on Facebook earlier this afternoon about which seaside I went to.
I hope you don't mind, I don't like putting personal information on Social Media.
08:08 "nice, but expensive" good summary of Center Parcs right there.
Thanks for saving us a ridiculous amount of money and I agree with Gabby about the Sandcastle at Blackpool. Plus I don’t want to have to book everything way in advance.
My son and family went at May halfterm and really enjoyed it, loads of activities for kids which you have to pre book. Grandkids liked seeing the deer and squirrels each morning on their patio.
Sounds great!
Hey Tim, Gaby and Casper, loved this centre parcs video, looked amazing in the pools ,babes was certainly having a lovely splashing time, bless him, take care see you soon.xx
In '96 I actually worked at that exact Center Parcs for almost a year as part of their housekeeping team (97% of that year I was a window cleaner for their lodges)
I love Center Parcs, we normally go to Longleat, it is expensive but we have never had a bad holiday
I remember as a kid going into that lagoon pool As a kid here at elveden forest and I remember just crying knowing I would have to go home the next day😂
15:30 “It’s bloom’n expensive”.. yeah, you’re going to be saying that a lot! 😂
Always remember the old adverts for these places " The holiday the weather cant spoil ". guess it can then. I hope Casper was liking and subscribing to the channel whilst on that mobile phone. Hope you all had a good time,
yes me too the pool was the big draw
Casper is such a chill baby =) Lovely video.
I know so chilled lol
It was nice to see a family review yourself Tim, Gabby and young Casper who I must say he has the look of his father, maybe that's his new venture when he is older Casper Does Centre Parcs
Love center parcs, if u can accept it costs more than some holiday’s abroad then u will have a blast, especially with young children. It’s fantastic but maybe for people with more of a budget, there’s always butlins lol
Hi Tim and Gaby that was an excellent video and I really enjoyed the tour around center parc. Casper is so cute he is so lovely and happy. Thank you fpr making this video.
Thanks for watching Bobby
Great vlog Tim as always, my daughter went with friends so split the cost, still expensive the time they booked activities and ate out a few times. We are just back from Portugal, booked flights and apartment separately bet it’s was cheaper than Center Parcs.
Casper is gorgeous he is always happy, he is a credit to you and Gaby 💙
thanks Paula, that's very kind of you to say