Center Parcs Oasis Whinfell, Cumbria, England

Hotel Information

User Rating:
7.5 / 10
(66 User Reviews)

Hotel Description:

Welcome to Oasis Whinfell Forest – whether you already know and love the Village or whether it’s an exciting new prospect in a favourite part of the country. With 400 acres of woodland and water, secluded accommodation and a superb choice of outdoor and indoor activities all year round, Oasis Whinfell has much in common with Sherwood, Elveden and Longleat.
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Center Parcs Oasis Whinfell Holiday Reviews

Center Parcs Oasis Whinfell Reviews

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" Having been to this park twice before... "

Having been to this park twice before we were extremely disappointed, infact I would go as far as to say disgusted in what we found when we got there on this visit. I had booked one of the new style woodland appartments (not thinking quite how new it would be!) We were in the middle of a building site, with trucks, diggers and concrete mixers going back and forth past our lodge all through the day. The mess on the roads was horrible, workmen walking around the back of our lodge, vans, cars etc hurtling past. Not a bit like the peace and quiet they advertise. It also took three visits from the cleaners to actually get the lodge in a clean enough state for us to be satisfied (sticky floors after a spill by the previous people). The road that we were staying on was closed at one end so that meant an extra walk of about a mile. We were not informed of the building works or the road closure at the time of booking and they actually had the cheek to take the £25 extra reservation fee from me to reserve this particular lodge !!! I have so far received a promise of half of my money back (let's see if it actually gets credited) and I intend to persue the remainder from HO on my return today. Please be careful when booking at CP and ask if there are any building works going on, as they won't tell you. If this was on a holiday abroad, it would be on holidays from hell!! Will not be in a rush to go back and don't recommend anyone else to visit. So disappointed, have always thought it perfect before this.

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  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
  • Board Basis:Room Only
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" This was my second visit to Whinfell... "

This was my second visit to Whinfell Forest and yet again I had a fantastic time. I booked a Lakeside Executive Apartment and the location was perfect - half-way between the village centre and Sports Plaza so we didnt even need bikes to get around. My only gripe with the accommodation was with the decor - having stayed in a Comfort Plus lodge previously I expected the Executive accommodation to be of a superior quality but was disappointed to find that there was no real discernible difference between the two. As far as I could tell a dvd player, towels and maid service were the only differences.

In terms of activities, we loved the archery and halk walk and I rounded the weekend off with a lovely Swedish massage at Aqua Sana.

A real frustration is with eating out. The italian restaurant had a two-hour wait for a table and the booking line was constantly engaged. I'd recommend cooking for yourself or booking in person as early as possible.

Despite a few minor irritations I can't recommend Whinfell Forest strongly enough.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
  • Board Basis:Room Only
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" This review mainly applies to the... "

This review mainly applies to the person who posted a review on the central heating in the lodges. The heating in the lodges is on a timer, you don't touch it at all. However if you do want to higher or lower the temperature or even put the heating on when it is not on then there is a small white box in the living room. Should be near the couches somewhere. There is an arrow pointing up and one pointing down. This is how you ajust the temp. You can only put it to a Max of 25 it tells you this in your guest book information in your lodge. I think 23 or 24 puts the heating on. Hope this helps.

Anyway I go to center parcs with my mum every year and it is a must see. You never want to leave and 1 week is just not long enough. Even though this holiday can get tiring, it is very peaceful and quiet with a lovely atmosphere. We love it that much that we went 3 times last year. We have stayed in Moorland view a couple of times, it’s a nice area but the hill that leads to the sports plaza and the village center is very tiring to cycle up. We have also stayed in Bilberry wood and beech wood once and Lake beck a couple of times. I must say that Lake Beck happened to be my favorite part. We will be returning this year and we are going to get a New style woodland Lodge.

The lake it wonderful, however you can only go on it when the weather is not cold. When it is freezing you can't get a kayak out it would be far too cold.
The restaurants and fabulous, my favorite is the sports cafe, it is an independent restaurant where you pay first and you feel really comfortable. I also loved Lucianos when it was there. Bella Italia is probably nice too but we have yet to try that.

The activities and great, I my self have done all the things on the action challenge, they are reasonably priced and are great. The tree trekking is brilliant I couldn't go without doing that and of course the high ropes.

The spa is wonderful, very relaxing with music that you hear as soon as you walk in. The outdoor pool is heated in the winter, so you can still go in. Of course it is better in the summer when you can sunbath on the deck chairs, but it doesn't stop you from going all year round. The rooms are great and really relaxing. You get three hours to spend in the spa. We go every time.

The entertainment is great and very professionally performed. Our last show we went to see was Cinderella, which was really funny.

The shopping is great, Natural elements can be pricey but the products are just great. Aquatique is nice; you can buy bathing costumes and all kinds from there. Sportique is another nice shop that I could spend and spend in. The parc market is really useful, very reasonably priced like any other supermarket. Everything you could want. Even sells DVD'S.

The accommodations are nice, we usually stay in a comfort lodge, and however this time we chose to go for an executive lodge. I must admit the beds were more comfortable; we had a DVD player and a dishwasher. To be honest the comfort lodges are still fantastic.
I heard that Oasis is the best out of all of them. I mean this is bound to be the best being situated in Penrith. Its all natural.

Hope this review helps

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" We arrived to find significant... "

We arrived to find significant building work closing 1 pool. Several other noisy building sites around the parc. Raised the issue with customer services who really couldnt give a damn...subsequently now threatening them with court action.

Building in car park area
Building in Boating lake area
Building around parc at various villas being "upgraded"
Building in Pool Plaza in entrance hall
Building in Pool Plaza lower cafe / retaurant closed "Crispins"
Otside Pool , Jacuzzi and plunge pool closed

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  • User Rating:
    3 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" Recently returned from a weekend... "

Recently returned from a weekend break in Whinfell Forest, we had booked an Executive Villa for our break, we were greeted by mice when we entered the villa, we contacted guest services and pest control who came and layed traps hardly the best start or environment for our three year old to be rampaging around in, we were moved halfway across the site to a shabby comfort lodge, how does that work being downgraded and inconvenienced when the problem is not your fault, guest services just not imterested the whole episode left a bitter taste for the weekend currently trying to ratify the problem via Head Office and Whinfell but no joy as of yet. Dont GO !

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  • User Rating:
    5 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" We have just returned from a mid week... "

We have just returned from a mid week break at Whinfell (by we i mean me and my boyfriend) and we had a fantastic time, i can't recomend it enough!!

We stayed in a one bedroom apartment which was right on the lake and central to the majority of the activities and amenities. We were about a 5 minute walk from the pool, all of the restaurants, the shop, the pub etc.

The apartment was very clean and had everything you would need for your stay i.e hairdryer, iron, ironing board, tv with dvd player, cd player, microwave, gas stove and gas oven with extractor fan. All utensils and plates and cutlery are also there. As we were in accomodation that was classed as executive our towels were included as was housekeeping everyday which came in handy.

The tv also had a channel that was tuned into a badger cam which you could check all day for sightings. As for other wildlife it was in abundance everywhere, there were rabbits, ducks, moorhens, coots, blackbirds, loads of robins, blue tits and coal tits. That is without the red squirrels and the birds of prey that they have on display. We pre booked the bird of prey experience and the hawk walk and we had many opportunites to capture pictures of the birds in their own environment. The falconers were very knowledgable and gave everyone the opportunity to feed and catch the birds flying to you on a gloved fist, even making the birds stay still for those who wanted pictures.

The shop on site has everything you would need and despite comments relating to how expensive it was this was not the case when we were there. The prices are very reasonable and there is no real need to take anything with you. It has a bakery selling pasties and fresh cream cakes. There is a lottery terminal as well which is always good to know.

The spa is absolutely fantastic, well worth the money for a treat and some well deserved pampering. I had a pedicure and a manicure and both were unbelievable!! I didn't pre book any of these and they were very accomodating in finding adequate times. The pool is huge and has hot tubs, slides and waves - something for everyone!! Easy to spend hours in there and as it is free why not make the most of it!

We ate out at Bella Italia one evening and had a takeaway from the indian on another night, both meals were fantastic and the service is wonderful. We didn't go into the pub and instead had a bottle of wine in the apartment.

We didn't hire any bikes as we didn't need to, we were close to everything and the walk from one end of the village to the other was only approx 30 minutes so the exercise and fresh air did us good.

Overall it was a very enjoyable and relaxing week and we would definately return

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  • User Rating:
    9 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" Just returned from an excellent... "

Just returned from an excellent weekend break. New Woodland Lodge was very impressive - a vast improvement - very comfortable. Restaurants visited were Cafe Rouge, Bella Italia, Yang and the Indian Restaurant. As people have said before, their prices are slightly higher than off site restaurants but the quality and quantity are extremely good. Have been to all four villages in the UK and will definitely return in the future.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" We have just returned from a midweek... "

We have just returned from a midweek break at Whinfell Forest Centre Parcs, and yet again have had a fantastic time. This was our second visit, and we stayed in a Comfort Woodland Lodge. It was very clean, although a bit shabby (although the park is in the process of completely refurbishing all its accommodation), spacious and well equipped.

My children are aged 1 and 2, and there was plenty to keep them occupied. They enjoyed a couple of crèche sessions where they had a fab time and the staff are all lovely. While the kids were in the crèche we spent 2 hours in the spa - deliciously relaxing, and well worth the money (we got a discount for putting the kids in for a 3 hour crèche session).

The pool is fabulous - we spent 2 full days there. There are lots of different pools, slides, rapids and waves, secluded seating areas (which you can leave your towels on and keep coming back to), and the toddler pool is great, with lots of toys and slides perfect for my 2 yr old.

We ate out a few times, and were impressed every time. Yes, the prices are a little inflated, but this is to be expected on any holiday park. The supermarket is very well stocked and good value. The only negative I would have would be the lack of soft play for little ones. Most restaurants have a play area, but they tend to be small and really only suitable for babies. There are bigger play areas, but they are really only suited to 3+.

We have booked again, next time for Sherwood as we have heard it is the best of the 4 Uk parks. However, we will always be happy to return to Whinfell, and can see us returning to Centre Parcs year after year as it is so fantastically family-friendly.

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  • User Rating:
    9 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" We stayed in the lowest priced lodge... "

We stayed in the lowest priced lodge and it was £360 for four of us for a 5 day mid week break. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was.

Very roomy, 3 bed with 3 bathrooms. Lovely little touches inc chandelier above dining table and log fire. The beds were also tastefully furnished.

The food in the restaurants could have been more generous and better cooked for the money we paid, but it seemed to be only a couple of quid over pub prices.

We did pay an extra 15 to be near the centre and this is something I would recommend, esp if you have young children or are a bit lazy like me.

We took a baby and a toddler and they loved it, in fact we are going back in Jan 2008, worth it just to see the red squirrel hopping about outside on our patio.

Next time we are going to do some actual cooking in our lodge thou, rather than eat out so much.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" I attended Centre Parcs in a group of... "

I attended Centre Parcs in a group of eight last January. We stayed in a Woodland Lodge which was very good value. It worked out less than £10 per night per person for a midweek (4 night) stay.

The lodge was nice but a little dated. The onsite facilities were very good, but at times a little expensive. I participated in a couple of dance classes which I enjoyed very much. We did a lot of swimming which was free.

The food was OK, although there was a good selection of restaurants on site, there was little variation in menu, and it was quite expensive. I'd recommend Luciano's and Rock Legends.

There is a mini supermarket called Parc Market but it is very expensive. We usually try to take groceries with us.

Overall, it's a nice break at that time of year because it's cheap and there's plenty to do when you get there. It's nice to be able to get away with your friends for a while.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jan 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" We had a very enjoyable 4 night... "

We had a very enjoyable 4 night midweek break. There were 4 adults, 2 kids and a baby in one lodge, but this didn't cause any problems as there was plenty of room and two bathrooms. The lodge was comfortable, but a bit basic. Not that we spent much time in it.

There is loads to do at the park. Ten-pin bowling, archery, ping-pong, snooker, and tennis were just some of the activities we tried, but be warned they come at a cost. The one problem with this break is the expense; it’s just money, money all the time. Only the leisure pool is free. This is great, the kids would have spent all day, every day here.

Eating out was ok with plenty of options. Food and prices both above average. Enjoyed nice Italian and Chinese meals.

Circumstances prevented us from having our usual week in the Med so we tried Centerparc. It did the job, we had a nice break and the lack of travelling is a bonus, but I would not do this regularly. I like, no need, my week in the sun and it would probably have cost less as well!

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  • User Rating:
    7 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Direct

" This was our third visit to Centre... "

This was our third visit to Centre Parcs in 2006. All very enjoyable great as a family and just as a couple.

I can recommend paying a little more for executive accommodation and ours had its own sauna.

Also treat yourself to the spa absolute bliss.

Midweek breaks are best value and discount codes are available and can save you upto 30% off.

I would certainly go again.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" Just returned from our 3rd visit to... "

Just returned from our 3rd visit to Whinfell and again had a great stay. I cannot understand how your bikes could be stolen if you had them securely locked. We had expensive bikes with us and they were perfectly secure if parked in the cycle parks.

We also stayed in a 3 bed executive lodge (seven pines) and I have no complaints. Loved the spa bath!

My only gripe and it's one that has nagged me all 3 visits, is the food. The food and service at Lakeside Inn was pretty grotty and again overpriced. When you pay £500 for a 4 night visit you do expect certain standards and this was the one place that let the entire park down.

Rock legends was fantastic as always, but again overpriced if you had anything other than a burger.

Cafe refresh was excellent value.

I would single out the staff at Natural Elements, Cafe Refresh and Rock Legends as being particularly helpful and friendly; nothing was too much trouble for them.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked independently

" We visited CentreParcs Whinfell... "

We visited CentreParcs Whinfell Forrest in May this year. We decided to visit here as we have a 2 year old daughter and we chose well as it was an excellent family park.

Everything was designed around children, including the offer of both crèche and evening babysitting facilities.

The lodges and Parcs were of a very high standard and kept extremely clean.

The forest walks were stunning; the play parks great fun for all, and even the onsite supermarket wasn't too pricey.

My only fault would be that you pretty much had to pay for everything on top of an already pretty expensive holiday.

However the swimming pool was free and I must say that was excellent.

Overall highly recommended by my family and we will visit again.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" We had a four month baby, so decided... "

We had a four month baby, so decided that we would holiday in the UK and chose Center Parcs - Whinfell Forest. The arrivals process was very smooth and we were able to access our room from 3.30pm. We choose a lakeside apartment - which was really clean and well maintained (as was the whole centre). The facilities in our apartment were great and the washing machine came in very handy!!!

I would recommend Center Parcs, especially if you like walking and cycling - as there are no cars in apart from arrival and departure days. There are activities, both indoor and outdoor, to cater for most tastes and many adventures. However, I found many of these to be quite expensive...so take plenty of money with you!

The swimming pool was really good (free!) and they had sessions in the morning, before opening to the public, specifically for babies - which enabled us to go swimming together for the first time, without bigger kids and lots of splashing.

All in all - we would go back once our little one gets a bit bigger.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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