fyi promo code BAR11 offers 25% off selected accomodation. Used today and saved £80.

4 nights Sherwood 2 Adults £250.

No one ever really pays full price at Center Parcs. If it's not a promo code then it's a family discount, of almost every type.

No matter the discount, they certainly seem to make a few bob back on activity costs, creches, restaurants, and their awful shops.

I quite fancy the look of the new holiday village in Wales - Bluestone. I think they are going be the kind of place Center Parcs would like to be, or think they are, but never will.

Someone was telling me about the energy efficiency of the place, and the ecologically sympathetic way it has been constructed. Apparently they are opening a snow dome in it next year too, and The Blue Lagoon pool complex certainly looks to at the very least rival CP's tropical paradises. I always thought that was the highlight of Center Parcs, but there seems a lot more to look forward to at Bluestone.

Is anyone going to Bluestone?

We have just come back from Elvedon Forest and what a disappointment. This wasn't our first visit but I think this will be our last. We had upgraded our accommodation to Executive but it was very scruffy and well worn, hadn't been cleaned properly and the complimentary towels, toiletries and kitchen packs had been forgotten, as well as the toilet roll!!! The TV volume was broken, so was the oven - don't they check these things?

The Pacmarket seemed even more expensive than normal, we usually take our own food to avoid the high prices, but we had to buy some eggs. £1.89 for 1/2 a dozen eggs, a rip-off. One evening after swimming we went to the bar above the swimming pool for a drink, the price of beer was comparable to a pub, but they charged us £2.99 for a glass of lemonade for the kids with a dash of strawberry syrup in it.

Although we did get a 20% discount off our accommodation, I think next time we'll go for a short break in a cottage or try Featherdown Farms