Alternatives to Center Parcs?

[Cora]

We usually do the centre Parcs thing but the costs are slowly creeping up and wondered if others have ny other companies thy would recommend for entertaining kids out of season. Someone said Butlins is worth a look at? Also I've the idea of a hut in the forest, any ideas?

Thanks

[snowboarder]

We have been to the wonderfully named Sandy Balls in the New Forest. We liked it but think not as big/shiny as CP (but have not been)...

[Ondine]

we stayed in the Butlins hotel at Bognor a few years ago. Hotel itself was modern and comfortable but didn't like it otherwise. And it was one of those summers forecast as hot but turned out to be cold and stormy so we didn't get to enjoy the beach much either. DD2 still talks about the way she nearly blew away walking along the seafront!

[Cora]

Thanks....will look up Sandy Balls!

[childsleepsolutions]

I agree. I love Sandy Balls! Though I recommended to a friend who usually does centre parcs and she was not impressed at all!! So much to do around Sandy Balls though and for some reason whenever I go the weather is great which helps.

[Mrs TP]

Sandy Balls has diff types of accomodation, wooden cabins (nicely fitted out with reasonable kitchen facilities), caravans and tents - I think they have them to hire and you can bring your own. There is an on site Harvester type pub and out door cafe doing burger and chips etc. Some evening entertainment and few kids club type activities. Also indoor and outdoor swimming pools, which soon become over-crowded and they restrict entry. It is more of a base to go out and about to surrounding places as opposed to Centre Parcs that has more facilities to encourage you to stay within their grounds.

They are both UK based cabin type holidays but very different facilities and so diff hols both great and the 'Sandy Balls' name gets a laugh every time in our house and has also been joked about on Have I Got News for You!

[Oxalis]

Bluestone national park resort - not been myself but hear good things about it from friends

www.bluestonewales.com

[lillyanginger]

We went to Bluestone in Wales last year and it was very very nice. Have a look on their website, their houses were lovely.

[Carbonara]

What about Kelling Heath? http://www.kellingheath.co.uk/ I don't know how the price compares to CP, it has outdoor and indoor pools, lots of cycle trails and outdoor children's activities, but not such a huge programme as CP. Look under 'acorn events' and 'relax and uwind'.

[snowboarder]

Oh also - if you fancy the wooden hut in woods type hols - look at fforest in Cardigan in Wales. Looks awesome!

[Cora]

All very useful....Thank you...keep them coming please!....

[kemurf]

http://www.forestholidays.co.uk/cabins.aspx?gclid=CMmfoPLx0q8CFUsMtAodyiIzbg

Never used them but they look like nice places. Try Hoseasons /Haven holidays too - they are holiday parks so you get loads of kids hanging out and playing together.

Or Eurocamp, Canvas, Keycamp for camping abroad?