Holidays: Center Parcs

It was only after we had children that people around us started talking about Center Parcs (although, I now know it’s a destination that appeals to all demographics!) and by the time Big S started school it seemed that everyone we came across either had or was going to a Center Parcs. I have to say that we were a bit snooty to begin with – somehow (although we’re happy to go to European campsites) Centre Parcs just didn’t seem like it would be our kind of thing. It had the sound of forced jollity in a fenced in camp, a hark back to Hi De Hi!

How wrong were we! A few years ago, looking for a last minute break before Christmas we took the plunge – surely all the glowing reports from our friends meant that it had to be quite good? Besides, it seemed a good option in the cold winter months and the fact that the lodges are self-catering is an absolute must for us – dealing with food allergies effectively rules out catered holidays, not only through lack of availability but also fear and stress on our part.

So we went and had the most fabulous time – those glowing reports made sense, it really is a fantastic family destination topped off by the most fun, exciting swimming pool one could hope for. Picture if you can, bobbing around in a deliciously warm outdoor pool, beautifully lit, under the icy cold night sky – it is blissful. It was so good we’ve now been three times with another already booked for next weekend – and i seriously cannot wait!! I think I’ll have to admit that we should eat our words over it not being for us!!

So why did we enjoy it so much? Well, the whole place is very cleverly designed – it’s apparently always full ( we went to the Longleat one) but somehow it doesn’t feel too busy. The lodges are orienteered in such a way that you don’t feel hemmed in, you really do have a sense of peace and tranquility in the middle of a forest -clever huh? There are obviously activities for everyone and every age to enjoy, all topped off with the stunning subtropical swimming paradise (and it really is!)

But for us one of the aspects that really makes it for us, as a family with food allergies, are provided for. The accommodation is of a great standard making self-catering easy. The ‘parc market’ on site supermarket amazingly sells dairy-free milks and yogurt; the sweet store even sells our beloved Kinnerton chocolate, which was a really welcome surprise.

We have even found numerous safe eating out options. All the restaurants we’ve tried have gone out of their way to accommodate our fairly extensive requirements. Our needs have been taken seriously and with respect and as such the meals we’ve eaten out have been a bit less stressful than often is the case. The Grand Cafe in particular went out of their way to produce a safe meal for my daughters.

One big highlight was eating at the Pancake house – as you can imagine our eating out options are limited and being dairy and egg free, pancakes never feature in the options, but at Centre Parcs the pancake house serves light and fluffy American style vegan pancakes – how cool is that!

So if you’re like us with restricted diets, or just someone who fancies a really fun holiday, do do think about Center Parcs, I would thoroughly recommend it – in fact we may even see you there 😉