Center Parcs Oasis Whinfell, Cumbria, England
Hotel Information
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. loading...
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Center Parcs Oasis Whinfell Reviews
" Have stayed in centre Parcs before... "
Submitted By: Mr M Freeman
Have stayed in centre Parcs before but usually at Sherwood Forest.
Stayed in a two bedroom executive lodge which was clean well equipped and nicely decorated. All other types of accommodation seemed nice, tip, don’t stay in a lakeside apartment if you are expecting to have lake views, the apartments are not on the main lake but on a smaller lake which runs off it.
For those of you who haven’t stayed in Centre Parcs before it’s a family centred holiday with the emphasis on sport leisure and the outdoors but would appeal to those who just want a quiet get away.
You book your holiday accommodation and then a brochure is sent to you a few weeks before you travel giving you a list of activities that you can pre book ( the only thing free is the pool area) this many put some people off as it can be quite expensive if you have a large group of kids.
No cars are allowed on site and everybody travels by bike (bring your own or hire on site)
Number of restaurants on site most good standard but poor menu choice and doesn’t seem very good value for money.
A barbeque seems a good idea if the weathers up to it.
Very good supermarket on site and prices are comparable with normal.
Overall a good relaxing family holiday if you want to spend lots of time with the kids you can make it as cheap or expensive as you want.
Stayed in a two bedroom executive lodge which was clean well equipped and nicely decorated. All other types of accommodation seemed nice, tip, don’t stay in a lakeside apartment if you are expecting to have lake views, the apartments are not on the main lake but on a smaller lake which runs off it.
For those of you who haven’t stayed in Centre Parcs before it’s a family centred holiday with the emphasis on sport leisure and the outdoors but would appeal to those who just want a quiet get away.
You book your holiday accommodation and then a brochure is sent to you a few weeks before you travel giving you a list of activities that you can pre book ( the only thing free is the pool area) this many put some people off as it can be quite expensive if you have a large group of kids.
No cars are allowed on site and everybody travels by bike (bring your own or hire on site)
Number of restaurants on site most good standard but poor menu choice and doesn’t seem very good value for money.
A barbeque seems a good idea if the weathers up to it.
Very good supermarket on site and prices are comparable with normal.
Overall a good relaxing family holiday if you want to spend lots of time with the kids you can make it as cheap or expensive as you want.
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We visited Centre Parcs near Lake... "
Submitted By: Mr D Edwards
We visited Centre Parcs near Lake District, June 2007. 8 out of 10 this time.
Swimming complex was great and seemed spacious. Found a nice quiet pool on high up level above changing rooms. Could maybe do with more changing cubicles and not once in a week did I see anyone shower before entering the pool.
Had about a dozen lifeguards on duty and wave machine was fun and a few smaller pools for babies and toddlers too.
Weather not great, but can’t blame resort for that, so just glad we had pre-booked so many kids activities.
Generally the activity facilities were excellent - although there are no signs so when in large Sports Halls you need to guess where your activity is being held!
Archery and the junior fencing was also very good. Mini sports day for 3 - 5 year olds was good fun too and cost only about £4 for 45 minutes.
Centerparc appeared a little expensive on site. OK, they had no competition, but maybe more 'special offers' would be a good idea, so restaurants not 75% empty.
Yang’s - Chinese - very average but very expensive. Looks nice, but tastes poor.
Raminda Pretash - Indian - pricey but great quality food on very trendy plates!
Lakeside Inn - nice carvery on Tues & Sunday, and good soft play area. Plenty seats outdoors but not as big as it should be inside when weather not so great.
Luciano's - Italian - great food and good prices. Pizza making for kids worth booking.
Rock Legends - TGI Friday copy - packed with families 5 > 7pm, then deserted.
Cafe Refresh - fast food but good quality surprisingly. Chicken burgers amazing as were hot dogs.
Accommodation, on the surface it looks ok, but maybe time them started updating decor.
The kitchen is very basic, as is the crockery, but the basic tools are there. The bathroom was OK but just needs some TLC to refresh it. Shower dire, but then when at swimming pool every day this was got around ok.
The bedrooms were OK, but limited storage. A common theme amongst guests was who had the most uncomfortable mattress! Come on, you can get a mattress for £100 so about time these were all replaced guys.
How did the heating work? No idea. It came on the last couple of days, but never yet did find the switches! Someone post a review and advice on how the heating in lodges operates please!
Layout of resort was fine. Looking out lodge windows you never felt other lodges were too close. Sports Plaze and Lakeside Inna t one side, and village centre at other side, so no matter where you stay, less than 10 min walk for food and drink in evening.
Loads of rabbits about our lodge, plus red squirrels and few other creatures.
We will return next year.
Swimming complex was great and seemed spacious. Found a nice quiet pool on high up level above changing rooms. Could maybe do with more changing cubicles and not once in a week did I see anyone shower before entering the pool.
Had about a dozen lifeguards on duty and wave machine was fun and a few smaller pools for babies and toddlers too.
Weather not great, but can’t blame resort for that, so just glad we had pre-booked so many kids activities.
Generally the activity facilities were excellent - although there are no signs so when in large Sports Halls you need to guess where your activity is being held!
Archery and the junior fencing was also very good. Mini sports day for 3 - 5 year olds was good fun too and cost only about £4 for 45 minutes.
Centerparc appeared a little expensive on site. OK, they had no competition, but maybe more 'special offers' would be a good idea, so restaurants not 75% empty.
Yang’s - Chinese - very average but very expensive. Looks nice, but tastes poor.
Raminda Pretash - Indian - pricey but great quality food on very trendy plates!
Lakeside Inn - nice carvery on Tues & Sunday, and good soft play area. Plenty seats outdoors but not as big as it should be inside when weather not so great.
Luciano's - Italian - great food and good prices. Pizza making for kids worth booking.
Rock Legends - TGI Friday copy - packed with families 5 > 7pm, then deserted.
Cafe Refresh - fast food but good quality surprisingly. Chicken burgers amazing as were hot dogs.
Accommodation, on the surface it looks ok, but maybe time them started updating decor.
The kitchen is very basic, as is the crockery, but the basic tools are there. The bathroom was OK but just needs some TLC to refresh it. Shower dire, but then when at swimming pool every day this was got around ok.
The bedrooms were OK, but limited storage. A common theme amongst guests was who had the most uncomfortable mattress! Come on, you can get a mattress for £100 so about time these were all replaced guys.
How did the heating work? No idea. It came on the last couple of days, but never yet did find the switches! Someone post a review and advice on how the heating in lodges operates please!
Layout of resort was fine. Looking out lodge windows you never felt other lodges were too close. Sports Plaze and Lakeside Inna t one side, and village centre at other side, so no matter where you stay, less than 10 min walk for food and drink in evening.
Loads of rabbits about our lodge, plus red squirrels and few other creatures.
We will return next year.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I and my two children have been going... "
Submitted By: Ms J. Fisher
I and my two children have been going to this park each year for the past four years.
We have had a number of different accommodations from standard to comfort plus. I would recommend paying that bit extra for a comfort plus as there is a significant difference in the standard of the accommodation.
It’s a great place to take the children as there are plenty of activities to do such as hiring cycles which is very useful as our lodge was not always close to the village centre. swimming, scuba diving, quad biking, archery, roller blading, walking and others but my kids enjoyed these ones.
Pre-booking your activities before you go is highly advised, as it gets booked up very quickly.
There was a good choice of restaurants and we tried out most of them. The food and service was good. The Italian restaurant is particularly recommended.
One piece of advice is take plenty of money. The swimming is free but you do have to pay for the other activities. There is a supermarket but we ate at the restaurants and cafes most of the time. We love going to Oasis Whinfell. The kids really enjoy it.
We have had a number of different accommodations from standard to comfort plus. I would recommend paying that bit extra for a comfort plus as there is a significant difference in the standard of the accommodation.
It’s a great place to take the children as there are plenty of activities to do such as hiring cycles which is very useful as our lodge was not always close to the village centre. swimming, scuba diving, quad biking, archery, roller blading, walking and others but my kids enjoyed these ones.
Pre-booking your activities before you go is highly advised, as it gets booked up very quickly.
There was a good choice of restaurants and we tried out most of them. The food and service was good. The Italian restaurant is particularly recommended.
One piece of advice is take plenty of money. The swimming is free but you do have to pay for the other activities. There is a supermarket but we ate at the restaurants and cafes most of the time. We love going to Oasis Whinfell. The kids really enjoy it.
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Not Specified
" I and my partner went for a weekend... "
Submitted By: Ms C Prescott
I and my partner went for a weekend break and stayed in a penthouse Lakeside Apartment, which is less than a 5 minute walk to the village centre.
Accommodation: Excellent, couldn't fault it. Decor was modern and very clean (but it should be for the price). Kitchen was well equipped, and even had a washing machine and dishwasher.
The spa bath was an added bonus! There was a TV in the bedroom, and a TV and DVD player in the lounge. The balcony overlooking the lake was lovely.
Food: We chose to eat out most of the time. We went firstly to the Lakeside Inn. Don't bother - service is terrible and the food is only average for the price. If you want to buy a drink then forget it, unless you have at least half an hour to spare waiting to be served.
The bar manageress was more interested in dancing behind the bar to serving her customers. We also ate at the French-style cafe in the village centre and that is well worth a visit. Excellent service, friendly staff and a good choice of food at a reasonable price.
Swimming: Best thing about the holiday! Fabulous slides and the queue's are never too bad even when the pool seems busy. Always seemed to be nice and warm both in the water and on the poolside, and we also found the changing rooms to be clean and well maintained and a decent temperature too.
Wouldn't eat in the poolside cafe though; very expensive and pretty plastic!
Bowling: paid around £20 for an hour’s continuous bowling and it was worth the money. You get unlimited games and it was modern and quick to use.
Boating: We hired a pedelo for 30 minutes and it cost us £7 which we thought was reasonable. We recommend that you pre-book this activity though as the queue to book on the day was huge, and we waited half an hour to get a time slot.
The setting is gorgeous and peaceful, and you constantly stumble across all kinds of wildlife (a lot of which are tame).
The staff are reasonably helpful but a lot of them seem un-motivated.
Overall an excellent holiday and we have booked to go back in a month’s time.
Accommodation: Excellent, couldn't fault it. Decor was modern and very clean (but it should be for the price). Kitchen was well equipped, and even had a washing machine and dishwasher.
The spa bath was an added bonus! There was a TV in the bedroom, and a TV and DVD player in the lounge. The balcony overlooking the lake was lovely.
Food: We chose to eat out most of the time. We went firstly to the Lakeside Inn. Don't bother - service is terrible and the food is only average for the price. If you want to buy a drink then forget it, unless you have at least half an hour to spare waiting to be served.
The bar manageress was more interested in dancing behind the bar to serving her customers. We also ate at the French-style cafe in the village centre and that is well worth a visit. Excellent service, friendly staff and a good choice of food at a reasonable price.
Swimming: Best thing about the holiday! Fabulous slides and the queue's are never too bad even when the pool seems busy. Always seemed to be nice and warm both in the water and on the poolside, and we also found the changing rooms to be clean and well maintained and a decent temperature too.
Wouldn't eat in the poolside cafe though; very expensive and pretty plastic!
Bowling: paid around £20 for an hour’s continuous bowling and it was worth the money. You get unlimited games and it was modern and quick to use.
Boating: We hired a pedelo for 30 minutes and it cost us £7 which we thought was reasonable. We recommend that you pre-book this activity though as the queue to book on the day was huge, and we waited half an hour to get a time slot.
The setting is gorgeous and peaceful, and you constantly stumble across all kinds of wildlife (a lot of which are tame).
The staff are reasonably helpful but a lot of them seem un-motivated.
Overall an excellent holiday and we have booked to go back in a month’s time.
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We went to Centre Parcs for the... "
Submitted By: Miss S Shaw
We went to Centre Parcs for the second time in January. We thought we would try a different resort this time as we previously went to Longleat Forest.
I had my 5 month old baby with me and everything was absolutely fantastic.
Tthe staff were all very helpful and we even had the option of very professional childcare, which was a relief to have a break, as everyone knows the first few months of motherhood with your first baby can be quite a trying time.
The only down side we would have to say was the swimming it did not live up to expectations we had from going to Longleat. It was nowhere near the same standard.
I had a fantastic time and would recommend Centre Parcs to all families with children of any age and also to couples on their own.
Just for everyone who has already been to the other villages though, you will be disappointed by the swimming in Whinfell.
I had my 5 month old baby with me and everything was absolutely fantastic.
Tthe staff were all very helpful and we even had the option of very professional childcare, which was a relief to have a break, as everyone knows the first few months of motherhood with your first baby can be quite a trying time.
The only down side we would have to say was the swimming it did not live up to expectations we had from going to Longleat. It was nowhere near the same standard.
I had a fantastic time and would recommend Centre Parcs to all families with children of any age and also to couples on their own.
Just for everyone who has already been to the other villages though, you will be disappointed by the swimming in Whinfell.
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Center Parcs
" We really enjoyed our weekend break... "
Submitted By: Mrs D Matthews
We really enjoyed our weekend break at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest a month ago so we decided to book again to visit Whinfell in the Lakes which is much nearer to us.
We booked again online to stay in the executive accommodation (3 beds) and we also had the 'VIP' package.
Our Review...
On entering the Center Parcs resort we were immediately struck as to how small the actual forest was and how it was very close to the main road. As we drove to our villa we thought that the forest (which was more like a wood) was very sparse. It appeared that the remaining trees were even being knocked down to build more villas.
Our accommodation was a complete let down compared to the 'Executive' villa we stayed in at Sherwood Forest. The decor was awful and the furniture was damaged and marked. Every single spring could be felt in the beds (which we didn't end up sleeping in anyway). The place was absolutely filthy. We don't expect the same standards as our home, however this was something else. After an hour of cleaning I finally gave up and called customer services. They were very good and upgraded us to the 'Exclusive' villa which included a hot tub and 4 bedrooms.
The new villa appeared a lot cleaner and much closer to our expectations. We do wonder why the basic cleaning service is not included with the executive villa though.
During our stay we were disappointed at the lack of wildlife (we had visits from ducks, squirrels and rabbits at Sherwood) however we only saw 1 squirrel and 2 pheasants during our stay. This may be due to the area being surrounded by farmland.
We visited the village center which we thought felt more like the Trafford centre as it is all indoor. The man-made lake looked very dull and un-natural.
The worst part of our stay was leaving the village to find that our bikes (x4) and trailer had been stolen from the bike park. We had to walk over a mile back in the pouring rain with 2 small children and 5 bags of groceries. We reported it to security who were very unhelpful. Cycling was very difficult anyway as the site is very hilly - would definitely not recommend bikes for children.
We ate out once at Rock Legends. The service was good, food was ok apart from the dirty table and hair in the food. We also had an Indian takeaway which was very expensive and not very nice.
All our planned activities were cancelled on the Sunday due to a sprinkling of snow. We were unable to book for Monday as it was 'changeover day'. We ended up going out of the center to Penrith where we enjoyed a nice day out.
Although we ended up in very nice accommodation, we couldn't wait to leave. We definitely won't be returning here however we would go back to Sherwood Forest.
This place felt more like a Haven caravan park. The last thing we saw when leaving the place was a huge pile of sick outside our villa from the night before.
We booked again online to stay in the executive accommodation (3 beds) and we also had the 'VIP' package.
Our Review...
On entering the Center Parcs resort we were immediately struck as to how small the actual forest was and how it was very close to the main road. As we drove to our villa we thought that the forest (which was more like a wood) was very sparse. It appeared that the remaining trees were even being knocked down to build more villas.
Our accommodation was a complete let down compared to the 'Executive' villa we stayed in at Sherwood Forest. The decor was awful and the furniture was damaged and marked. Every single spring could be felt in the beds (which we didn't end up sleeping in anyway). The place was absolutely filthy. We don't expect the same standards as our home, however this was something else. After an hour of cleaning I finally gave up and called customer services. They were very good and upgraded us to the 'Exclusive' villa which included a hot tub and 4 bedrooms.
The new villa appeared a lot cleaner and much closer to our expectations. We do wonder why the basic cleaning service is not included with the executive villa though.
During our stay we were disappointed at the lack of wildlife (we had visits from ducks, squirrels and rabbits at Sherwood) however we only saw 1 squirrel and 2 pheasants during our stay. This may be due to the area being surrounded by farmland.
We visited the village center which we thought felt more like the Trafford centre as it is all indoor. The man-made lake looked very dull and un-natural.
The worst part of our stay was leaving the village to find that our bikes (x4) and trailer had been stolen from the bike park. We had to walk over a mile back in the pouring rain with 2 small children and 5 bags of groceries. We reported it to security who were very unhelpful. Cycling was very difficult anyway as the site is very hilly - would definitely not recommend bikes for children.
We ate out once at Rock Legends. The service was good, food was ok apart from the dirty table and hair in the food. We also had an Indian takeaway which was very expensive and not very nice.
All our planned activities were cancelled on the Sunday due to a sprinkling of snow. We were unable to book for Monday as it was 'changeover day'. We ended up going out of the center to Penrith where we enjoyed a nice day out.
Although we ended up in very nice accommodation, we couldn't wait to leave. We definitely won't be returning here however we would go back to Sherwood Forest.
This place felt more like a Haven caravan park. The last thing we saw when leaving the place was a huge pile of sick outside our villa from the night before.
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Just back from a fabulous holiday at... "
Submitted By: Mr G Thomas
Just back from a fabulous holiday at Whinfell Forest and have already booked our return. There's loads to do, with something to suit most people.
Would recommend you plan ahead with regards what you want to spend your time doing, to make the best use of your time.
The holiday will involve some walking or cycling to and from different locations within the complex.
Most activities cost extra, however swimming pool is free and is absolutely fantastic.
Our kids couldn't get enough.
Would recommend you plan ahead with regards what you want to spend your time doing, to make the best use of your time.
The holiday will involve some walking or cycling to and from different locations within the complex.
Most activities cost extra, however swimming pool is free and is absolutely fantastic.
Our kids couldn't get enough.
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Absolutely fabulous.
Absolutely fabulous.
Great for the kids - plenty to keep them occupied, you could spend as much or as little money as you want.
The whole place is nice and clean, very well organised.
I never saw any of the staff frown - they couldn’t do enough for you, will definitely go again.
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Excellent week spent over Christmas.... "
Submitted By: Dreid
Excellent week spent over Christmas. Stayed in a 4 Bed Cumbrian Lodge and it didn't disappoint.
Spa bath, each bedroom with individual satellite TV, very warm, clean and cosy. Soft beds, warm duvets and everything spotless.
The site was quiet, so no problems booking anything and nothing crowded. Very festive entertainment program and Santa’s Grotto had to be seen to be believed.
All in all a wonderful week of activity and fun in the most beautiful of settings.
This was our 7th visit; we have never had a dirty lodge. I will be planning our 8th for October half term.
Spa bath, each bedroom with individual satellite TV, very warm, clean and cosy. Soft beds, warm duvets and everything spotless.
The site was quiet, so no problems booking anything and nothing crowded. Very festive entertainment program and Santa’s Grotto had to be seen to be believed.
All in all a wonderful week of activity and fun in the most beautiful of settings.
This was our 7th visit; we have never had a dirty lodge. I will be planning our 8th for October half term.
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I'm just back from a mid week break,... "
Submitted By: Mrs A Oliver
I'm just back from a mid week break, in January with my husband and 2 year old son and have a mixed verdict. Some things were great and others were poor or disappointing.
The good things were:-
The accommodation - we stayed in at 2 bedroom exec house in Bilberry Wood. It was very close to the village centre and much nicer and newer than the 3 bedroom exec house, in Seven Pines that we stayed in when we visited last year. Same complaint about heating as lots of the other reviews.
Aqua Sana - the spa is wonderful and definitely worth going to if you get a chance.
The peace and quiet - it was quiet in January and even though the weather was cold and snowy there was lots to do.
Lucianos - tasty, good value food.
The range of activities - there's something for everyone
The bad things were:-
The staff - most of the staff we encountered were bored and disinterested.
Lakeside inn - grotty and tired decor with disappointing food (avoid the parent / toddler brunch which is poor value without the advertised entertainment for children).
The swimming pool - the water was cold and the changing rooms sub arctic rather than sub tropical.
On balance the good points outweigh the bad and I'm sure we'll be back.
The good things were:-
The accommodation - we stayed in at 2 bedroom exec house in Bilberry Wood. It was very close to the village centre and much nicer and newer than the 3 bedroom exec house, in Seven Pines that we stayed in when we visited last year. Same complaint about heating as lots of the other reviews.
Aqua Sana - the spa is wonderful and definitely worth going to if you get a chance.
The peace and quiet - it was quiet in January and even though the weather was cold and snowy there was lots to do.
Lucianos - tasty, good value food.
The range of activities - there's something for everyone
The bad things were:-
The staff - most of the staff we encountered were bored and disinterested.
Lakeside inn - grotty and tired decor with disappointing food (avoid the parent / toddler brunch which is poor value without the advertised entertainment for children).
The swimming pool - the water was cold and the changing rooms sub arctic rather than sub tropical.
On balance the good points outweigh the bad and I'm sure we'll be back.
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Myself & my 2 year old son joined... "
Submitted By: Ms D Davies
Myself & my 2 year old son joined a party of friends for a 4 day stay.
We stayed at seven pines in a 4 bedroom house in the middle of the forest & arrived in the middle of a storm with torrential rain lashing down.
Needless to say waiting 2 hours for a repair man to sort out the heating, while we all sat around damp & shivering was not the most positive start to the holiday.
My son & I did seem to spend an awful lot of time trying to find our way too 'The Village', to the 'Leisure complex' & then back to the house.
The sign posts & maps are appalling, especially in the pouring rain & you tend to lose your perspective being in the middle of a forest, but then the exercise was good, especially when we resorted to going cross country.
So my advice might be to take some stout wellies & a compass with you.
I took tons of food with me, mainly to save money & I am glad I did. The price of food in the cafes was high & most of it pretty much fast food with poor nutritional quality...not my cup of tea, so I am glad I went prepared.
We did go out as a group for a Chinese meal, which was OK but then two of us spent the night being poorly afterwards.
The leisure complex was interesting, however again, the prices for the most basic of activity very high. I must say though that the swimming pool etc. was fantastic & we spent most of our time splashing around & going down slides together.
Even at the most busiest, there was still plenty of room to have fun & the best thing of all was that it was FREE!
One thing I did notice was that the place did seem to be geared up to extract as much money as possible from you & your kids, which really put me off.
However, saying all that my son & I spent some really good quality time together, albeit most of it spent getting lost & swimming.
Would I go again? NO! Staying in a drafty damp house surrounded by consumerism in a complex developed by the chopping down of trees & building of paths & roads through what is supposed to be a protected area of outstanding natural beauty, is just not my scene.
And for the price of it I could have booked a caravan or cottage some where less spoilt or even gone abroad. Save your money & go somewhere a little more imaginative!
We stayed at seven pines in a 4 bedroom house in the middle of the forest & arrived in the middle of a storm with torrential rain lashing down.
Needless to say waiting 2 hours for a repair man to sort out the heating, while we all sat around damp & shivering was not the most positive start to the holiday.
My son & I did seem to spend an awful lot of time trying to find our way too 'The Village', to the 'Leisure complex' & then back to the house.
The sign posts & maps are appalling, especially in the pouring rain & you tend to lose your perspective being in the middle of a forest, but then the exercise was good, especially when we resorted to going cross country.
So my advice might be to take some stout wellies & a compass with you.
I took tons of food with me, mainly to save money & I am glad I did. The price of food in the cafes was high & most of it pretty much fast food with poor nutritional quality...not my cup of tea, so I am glad I went prepared.
We did go out as a group for a Chinese meal, which was OK but then two of us spent the night being poorly afterwards.
The leisure complex was interesting, however again, the prices for the most basic of activity very high. I must say though that the swimming pool etc. was fantastic & we spent most of our time splashing around & going down slides together.
Even at the most busiest, there was still plenty of room to have fun & the best thing of all was that it was FREE!
One thing I did notice was that the place did seem to be geared up to extract as much money as possible from you & your kids, which really put me off.
However, saying all that my son & I spent some really good quality time together, albeit most of it spent getting lost & swimming.
Would I go again? NO! Staying in a drafty damp house surrounded by consumerism in a complex developed by the chopping down of trees & building of paths & roads through what is supposed to be a protected area of outstanding natural beauty, is just not my scene.
And for the price of it I could have booked a caravan or cottage some where less spoilt or even gone abroad. Save your money & go somewhere a little more imaginative!
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2006
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Center Parcs was very good. The lodge... "
Submitted By: Miss L.J Fairbrother
Center Parcs was very good. The lodge we stayed in was very clean.
There was loads of things to do you could hire bikes it cost around £50.00 for 4 bikes for a weekend. The swimmming was very big. But we found that it was very expensive to eat out but there was loads of choices of places to eat.
I would go here again it was the perfect family holiday.
There was loads of things to do you could hire bikes it cost around £50.00 for 4 bikes for a weekend. The swimmming was very big. But we found that it was very expensive to eat out but there was loads of choices of places to eat.
I would go here again it was the perfect family holiday.
- Date of Holiday:May 2006
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" This was our third visit to Oasis... "
Submitted By: Mrs Louise Hutchinson
This was our third visit to Oasis Whinfell, not my choice, but we have a family get together pre-Christmas every year and this is a favourite with the kids.
Our lodge in Seven Pines was dirty, tatty and shabby. We arrived late in the pitch black, pouring rain and howling gales to find the lodge door wide open and the place freezing, (be warned heating is very temperamental and often non-existent).
The carpets were saturated, literally pools of water under bed, due we were later informed to the carpets being shampooed shortly before our arrival. We guessed someone had been very ill in the lodge at some point, as a faint but definite smell of vomit permeated the air for our entire stay.
Massive patches of black slimy mould in the bathroom, scuff marks all over the walls, pathetic shower which was just a tap attachment, dirty cobwebs in the bedrooms, half the light bulbs not working, grill pan full of stinking rancid fat and the front door looked as if it had been jemmied open at some time in the past and subsequently didn't close properly.
In short, I must be insane to pay £600 to stay in these squalid conditions. I had wanted to book three nights in the Hilton in Edinburgh...if only.
Accommodation is basic to say the least, beds lumpy, duvets the thinnest I have seen, restaurants vile and over priced and staff who are totally unmotivated and dejected.
Still, the kids love going about on their bikes in a car-free setting, scenery is pretty, most people keep themselves to themselves (nobody drunk or screaming at their kids), but don’t go if you want even minimal comfort or a decent meal.
Even if you take your own food, cooking facilities are laughable and the oven stinks of gas and doesn't get hot.
Our lodge in Seven Pines was dirty, tatty and shabby. We arrived late in the pitch black, pouring rain and howling gales to find the lodge door wide open and the place freezing, (be warned heating is very temperamental and often non-existent).
The carpets were saturated, literally pools of water under bed, due we were later informed to the carpets being shampooed shortly before our arrival. We guessed someone had been very ill in the lodge at some point, as a faint but definite smell of vomit permeated the air for our entire stay.
Massive patches of black slimy mould in the bathroom, scuff marks all over the walls, pathetic shower which was just a tap attachment, dirty cobwebs in the bedrooms, half the light bulbs not working, grill pan full of stinking rancid fat and the front door looked as if it had been jemmied open at some time in the past and subsequently didn't close properly.
In short, I must be insane to pay £600 to stay in these squalid conditions. I had wanted to book three nights in the Hilton in Edinburgh...if only.
Accommodation is basic to say the least, beds lumpy, duvets the thinnest I have seen, restaurants vile and over priced and staff who are totally unmotivated and dejected.
Still, the kids love going about on their bikes in a car-free setting, scenery is pretty, most people keep themselves to themselves (nobody drunk or screaming at their kids), but don’t go if you want even minimal comfort or a decent meal.
Even if you take your own food, cooking facilities are laughable and the oven stinks of gas and doesn't get hot.
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We booked this independently through... "
Submitted By: angela31
We booked this independently through their website which was very easy. I went with my partner and 11 month old baby - this is a great place for kids, especially babies - in my opinion this is the best thing about it.
We had a double room, the lakeside apartment, although this is the cheapest option it was spacious and very well equipped. Lovely big bathroom and kitchen area with cooker and fridge so you can bring your own food. There was a double bed and sofa, and a cot for the baby. The room also had a DVD player which surprised me and I didn't take any DVDs but it is a good idea if you're travelling with children.
We didn't do any prebooked activities and I thought they seemed expensive. There is loads of stuff to do that is included though. The scenery is lovely with lots of wildlife and good walks. There was crazy golf which was reasonably priced. The pools are great, especially for babies, our little girl loved the baby pool and slides.
Overall, this was a lovely break. I would recommend taking your own food as I thought restaurants were expensive and food was just okay. However, it is a great place for families and very relaxing.
We had a double room, the lakeside apartment, although this is the cheapest option it was spacious and very well equipped. Lovely big bathroom and kitchen area with cooker and fridge so you can bring your own food. There was a double bed and sofa, and a cot for the baby. The room also had a DVD player which surprised me and I didn't take any DVDs but it is a good idea if you're travelling with children.
We didn't do any prebooked activities and I thought they seemed expensive. There is loads of stuff to do that is included though. The scenery is lovely with lots of wildlife and good walks. There was crazy golf which was reasonably priced. The pools are great, especially for babies, our little girl loved the baby pool and slides.
Overall, this was a lovely break. I would recommend taking your own food as I thought restaurants were expensive and food was just okay. However, it is a great place for families and very relaxing.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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Fortunately all were dispelled as we had a brilliant holiday. Good accommodation on the edge of the park (recommended) which meant we had no other lodges looking on to the back of our lodge, only an amazing view of the forest. Loads of wildlife (my son hand fed a pheasant!), including red squirrels / rabbits and even a badger one night.
We pre-booked nothing at all, apart from 1 bike as we had taken our own. We still managed to go on the lake and play badminton / table tennis and a few other activities no problem at all, with very minimal waiting times.
Food was good, nothing outstanding but it's hardly a fine-dining resort anyway - no complaints from any of our party.
Lots to do for our 2 1/2 year old. Would recommend the toddler play areas in the Lakeside Inn & Sports Cafe - enough to tire the most energetic of kids out.
Bikes were safe all holiday (we had a couple of quite expensive mountain bikes with us and there were no problems) - I can not understand the person that says their bikes and trailer were stolen - all you have to do is put on a sturdy padlock and hey presto! (hardly rocket science)
Whole resort appeared very clean (as was our accommodation) and this impressed all of us. We did have a slight problem with our jacuzzi bath leaking which was fixed within 1 1/2 hours of informing the staff (first a park maintenance engineer came, then a plumber)
Weather was good but let's face it it's Britain so why even comment on the weather - it changes every day and it's the chance you take.
All in all an excellent family holiday without having to take our young kids on a long flight abroad.
We stayed in a 4 bedroom executive villa in Three Oaks, which we were impressed with and would highly recommend if you need the rooms.