Alternatives to Center Parcs, if you are after a similar type holiday park holiday include Hoseasons or maybe even Butlins (not nearly as bad as it sounds!). Hoseasons have a massive selection of holiday lodges and parks, as well as a bazillion self catering cottages. On their website you can choose by facilities as well as region, so it's pretty easy to choose. They all look like they are of a good standard. Butlins have 3 parks, in Minehead, Skegness or Bognor Regis .Great facilities and price...try not to be put off before you've had a proper look!

This is the most amazing holiday you could go to in england! we go every yr at the beggining of the yr and are due to go again on monday. Its amazing espesh the rapids at Longleat you laugh yourself stupid! Cant wait to go back! i guarantee you will love it!!!!!!!!!

We have been to center parcs many many times over the years since 1985, with numerous different groups of people, young and old and it has never been anything but a fantastic holiday. The only exception I will say is that Oasis Whinfell Forest, having been originally owned by another company doesn't quite match up to the standards of 3 villages. I agree that things can work out expensive but that can easily be rectified. We always book with friends so we split the cost. We always take our own bikes and rackets and always do our main food shop off site ( either bring it with you or nip to the nearest town ). Eating out can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it and there are plenty of cheap or free things to do if you are on a budget. The accomodation is very comfortable, the pool a real hoot ( the rapids will have you crying with laughter) and the whole place is very child friendly. We always go either just before or just after Christmas as this is not only the cheapest time but also when we are usually most in need of a break. The other bonus is that it is pretty quite then too - have never experienced large crowds or Benidorm in a dome syndrome and I hate crowds and have visited CP inexcess of 20 times. Another top tip is that if you aare booking online, put "center parcs discount codes" into Google - we managed to find a code that knocked ?75 off this time - not to be sniffed at.

wE LOVE IT WE ARE GOING BACK TO WHINFELL IN TWO DAYS TIME FOR THE 5TH TIME, WHICH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. wE TAKE FOOD WITH US AS WE HAVE A TODDLER AND IT'S EASIER TO EAT IN THE VILLA, BUT THE SUPERMARKET IS REALLY QUITE GOOD. wE DON'T REALLY PAY FOR MANY ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AS WE LOVE THE SUBTROPICAL PARADISE AND GO FOR 2-3 SWIMMING SESSIONS A DAY. pLUS THE WILDLIFE AND THE WALKS, & ENVIRONMENT ARE SUPERP OUR TODDLER JUST ADORES IT.

how old do you have to be to go unaccompanied by an adult?

I'm going there tommorrow and hope its going to be amazing! Hopefully...

Is Center Parcs really good? I'm going to Longleat and is the food really expensive. How much are the gift shops?

You need to be 21 to book a CP break, so effectively cannot go if you are not accompanied by an adult. Also, "You may not have the majority of persons in any unit of accommodation aged between 17 and 21, or have insufficient capable and responsible adults over 21 in each accommodation unit."

we just got back today, not a family 5 adults aged 25, 24, 23, 21 and 20. We love it, i dont think its expensive as we got a 6 person villa and between 5 of us it worked out ?92 each for 3 nights which i think is amazing, the supermarket is expensive so take your own food and drink, restaurants good service and nice food, i think average price. I can see how it could be expensive for familys but if you plan what your doing in advance, take your own bikes and food it shouldnt be that bad. We go to spend hours on the rapids! so bruised.

Can anyone help with prices and times for the following activities? We?ve booked for a mid week at Sherwood Forest for the end of September 2007 - our party consists of 6 adults (51 ? 26 ) and one 18month infant . Cycle Hire ? Both Adult alone and Adult with trailer Cycle Locks Aqua Sana Spa Archery - Target Archery - Field Woodland Carriage Ride Ten Pin Bowling Canopy Capers Teddy Bears' Picnic Dance Fever Salsa Grand Cascade Family Raft Ride Badminton Squash Badminton Tournament American Pool Challenge Course Freefall Abseiling and Gladiator Challenge Adventure Golf Pedalos Rowing Boats Five-a-Side Soccer Beach Volleyball Go Karting And also any info on children?s play areas (inside and out) and night time entertainment and prices would be fantastic!! I know it?s a lot to ask but we?re a very active family and even some of the prices would be great!!