Monday 23 February 2015

Half-term at Centerparcs

Half-term brought a lovely surprise - a last-minute mid-week break to Centerparcs in Longleat, Wiltshire. And I mean last-minute. We booked it at 11am Sunday morning, and left 9am Monday! The weather was very kind to us, only a little rain, with crisp clear blue skies for most of the time.
If you don't know, Centerparcs is a (not inexpensive) way of combining a villa holiday with activities and restaurants all on hand. I believe it began in Holland, and in fact we've been to a Dutch Centerparcs 3 times - it's much cheaper than the English ones, though more of a pain to get to, obviously. 


Your holiday price includes full use of the "Subtropical Swimming Paradise" which is pretty much all we do whilst there (it's great but I wouldn't go as far as "paradise"). That's not it above - that's just the boating pond :) The pool area is all under a bio dome type thingy, loads of slides, rapids, wave machine and so on. Perfectly heated and no risk of sunburn. 


It's a great holiday for us. Little Man knows exactly what to expect and we can keep the routine the same each day. This also works for me as I get to chill for a lot of it :)

Our routine goes like this:-
- waken up, Dad does breakfast, Mum has lie-in with book, Little Peeps play/draw/watch DVD.
- amble via play areas to central area
- quick lunch
- pool for hoooooours, Dad is chief entertainer. Mum is provider of drinks, snacks, towels, cuddles and again reads book.
- get dried, dinner, home. 
- small people to bed, Dad and Mum watch a DVD while Mum crochets :) Everyone happy.
Repeat.

Whilst away I read 3 books, and I crocheted half a scarf. My Year in Books post will be looking pretty healthy next time.

I've only got a few photos as I left my fancy camera at home, and only took my phone out with me one day. The squirrels kept running away, and despite looking I didn't see any spring flowers emerging. So you'll have to make do with leafy things, ducks and children. And crochet of course :)












16 comments:

  1. Glad that you had a great time away and that it works so well for Little Man as well, that must make it so much easier for you all. That enormous bread leaf is amazing isn't it!! xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Used to love going there when Matt was younger. I never did manage to cycle up the boardwalk! Glad you got to relax. X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lol we didn't even attempt bikes, at least one child has not got the hang of brakes yet so it was lots of walking, as we were literally the furthest lodge from the centre, makes me out of puff just thinking about it!

      Delete
  3. It sounds wonderful, Kim. Perfect time of year for a vacation - actually, it's always a perfect time, isn't it. I'm glad your enjoyed your break.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your organisational skills must be amazing Jill, to get everyone packed at such short notice! Looks like you all had a ball. I could eat that big focaccia right now! X

    ReplyDelete
  5. It sounds as if you had a great time and making the decision and leaving fast is neat as you don't have to worry about things for weeks before you leave. That big bread thing looks tasty! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Looks so great! So nice to have such a surprise holiday, and it looks so relaxing for everyone... Pretty wool too :-)!
    Love from Mirjam.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I didn't know there are also Centerparcs in England ! They are the perfect holiday for children, aren't they (and crocheting/reading mommies ;-)) !

    ReplyDelete
  8. How wonderful, last minute trips are so great, its nice to just pack up and go without the long anticipation. Enjoy x

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've never done centerparcs but I'm thinking it may be on the cards as the kids get older. It sounds like you had a pretty relaxing time ...three books and crochet....! Impressed! X

    ReplyDelete
  10. Looks like you had a good break, we are thinking of a short break there later on this year x

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sounds like fun! I like the 'Mum reads books and crochets' parts best:)

    Jenn

    ReplyDelete
  12. It sounds like such a fun way to vacation. I wish we had more things like that here. Your vacation schedule sounds perfect, especially for the motherly member of the family. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. It looks like a fun holiday, and quite near to me! Your holiday routine sounds very sensible, and I especially like your built-in crochet opportunities! Our holidays were quite similar when the children were little, and I remember how lovely it was to unwind once they were all in bed! Glad you had a good break :)
    Cathy x

    ReplyDelete
  14. Book reading and crochet while the children are busy? Sounds good to me! I'm glad you had a good week x

    ReplyDelete

Thankyou so much for visiting, and for taking the time to leave me a comment :) I really really love getting little messages, I read and value every single one, so thankyou again, and have a great day :)
Jillxxxxx