Has anyone been? We are thinking of taking a break there in March and understand they are always fully booked. Are they too busy? Do they offer good value?

We had a fantastic time at centre parcs, although due to age of kids were able to travel outside school holidays and midweek. We also paid a little bit extra for an early check in and were very pleased we had, we later heard there had been huge queues as the whole park changes over on the same day. There are of course loads of activities to do, but even just cycling around the parc is great fun. The swimming pool is out of this world and enjoyable for all ages - for us the age ranged from my 18mth old daughter to my mum aged 72. I even caught my mum following my 8 yr old niece down the wild rapids water slide! The food in the restaurants varied from poor to excellent, but as its self-catering its easy to do your own thing. I did find it good value for money and a fabulous holiday - although it's definitely worth searching around for discounts like the one on this site's home page which we used. We hope to return to CP later this year.

We went to the Center Parcs at Longleat, at the end of last summer, and had a brilliant few days......and it actually seemed like a lot longer with the amount of things we packed into it. I was quite surprise by some of the landscape which had some pretty steep hills, but this can be quite fun as you meet lots of people on the way. It was incredibly quiet, to the extent that squirrels and ducklings frequently came up to the french windows of the suite we were staying in. As it is in a forest, you can also expect lots of lovely trees which reach impressive heights. I advise parents to book activities in advance too, as some classes/activities/treatments are very popular! We decided on one class each, during which time we took our 1 year old daughter to the creche. It really was a great holiday, and one on which you all feel much healthier and fitter afterwards, and you won't of even noticed that you are getting fit too! - Matt . PS:- the sub tropical paradise IS as good as it sounds.....time just flies by!

We have had two fabulous breaks at Center Parcs which seems to have shaken off its naff image and become quite classy-apart from the restaurants which are nothing to write home about. My advice is to self-cater, a lot more fun if you are visiting with friends as we found out last year when we bought a BBQ at the on-site supermarket. The bungalows offer the best accomodation and if you get a chance try a treatment at the spa which happens to be a very smart one!

We go there at least once every 18 months, and have been doing so for the lat 5 years ( best was 3 ties in one year) It's great. As relaxed or active as you want. Eating out can be expensive and needs to be well timed as everything gets booked early. The on0site supermarket is good and not expensive. go for it. If you are really adventorous try the ones in Europe. They're themed.

I agree with all of the others comments, eating out is expensive with a family of 4, so best be prepared and self-cater where possible. We have had two great breaks at Center Parcs, although it's expensive to book and yes you do have to book well in advance, it's worth registering with the site and then you receive details of their offers. It's worth taking your children out of school for the saving you can make. My final comments are be prepared, book well in advance, take your own bikes and plenty of food, and have lots of fun, fun, fun!!

We would love to hear more of your Center Parcs experiences, and thank you for the many postings so far. Have you visited one of the Center Parcs in Europe? How did they compare with those in the UK?

We have been to Kempervennen in Holland- it was fantastic, and the one in The Loire in France, very good. We are going to the Normandy one at Easter, cannot wait.

It was very enjoyable but rather annoyed that we had to pay for everything when we got there - even going for a walk! We chose Center Parcs as a cheaper option (we have 4 children) but it ended up being expensive. They should be up front with thier prices.

My family have visited Center Parcs 5 times in then last 7 years - always Elveden Forest for a weekend break. We've always have a great time and the children ages 15 to 2) always find something to do. I agree with some comments that the costs do add up as you have to pay for 'everything' (with the exception of the pool - which is great) but I think you expect that these days don't you? The only items I begrudge paying for are the cycles ..... approximately ?65 for 4 of us for not quite 3days I feel is a bit if a rip off!! But on a positive note the restaurant prices have kept the same for the last 5yrs - about ?50 for 5 of us in the Italian restaurant I thought was reasonable.