Diego10 Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Just wondering if anyone has been and their thoughts, thinking of going next month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Thompson Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 We've been a few times. Fantastic place, if a bit pricey. My three top tips would be 1) pick your accommodation. Look at the map and pick somewhere that is close to the centre. Especially, if you're going to Penrith which is quite hilly. The further away lodges arent exactly miles away, but its so much easier to nip to the shop or walk to the pool if you're closer. Obviously, if you plan spending all the time in the spa, pick somewhere close to there. 2) plan your days and book (and pay for) activities before you go. Dont over-book, though. We made the mistake the first year of doing something in the morning and afternoon each day. Apart from costing a fortune, it made the days just too cramped. We found one activity a day was more than enough. Do book in advance though. Presuming you're taking kids, theres plenty to do without taking part in the planned activities, particularly in the pool area. Actually, booking in advance is probably a good idea for anything - bikes etc 3) plan your food too. Eating out every meal, again, is expensive. The lodges have BBQ areas - take a disposable one (or more than one) and some BBQ food with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego10 Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 Cheers for all that. Yeah we are taking our active 3 year old, was planning on hiring bikes so will take your advice and book before hand. We are looking at the 4 nights midweek deal at Sherwood Forest, Woodland Lodge for £349. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Thompson Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Cheers for all that. Yeah we are taking our active 3 year old, was planning on hiring bikes so will take your advice and book before hand. We are looking at the 4 nights midweek deal at Sherwood Forest, Woodland Lodge for £349. Thats a really good price. The advantages of having kids under 5 and being able to go outside the school holidays. We're actually thinking of going to Sherwood Forest next year - so far, we've only been to Penrith - as we should be able to book early July, before the English schools break up, and get the cheaper prices. If you're taking a 3 year old, I would seriously consider hiring a bike trailer for them. Our two loved them and it makes getting around so much easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Woolshed Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Sherwood Forest is some place. Not been for a few years now but easily my favourite holiday we would do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moo Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 I've been to Sherwood Forest and the one just over the border when I was younger. I loved the place, there's a hell of a lot to do. I would highly recommend getting a bike and cycling into the centre but everyone is different. When I have my own family, I'll definitely be visiting Centre Parcs again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waspy Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 I stayed at the Penrith one and it was quite decent! John Barnes was also staying the time I was there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orlandoblue Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Its an amazing place and well worth a visit particularly if you can go outside school holidays. There's a supermarket in the village centre but best to get some stuff and take it with you as eating out every meal will cost you. Bikes are a must IMO as it easily allows you to see the whole site. Craig Brown was there one of the times I was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 25, 2014 Share Posted September 25, 2014 I have vague memories of going to Sherwood Village when I was very, very young and having the absolute time of my life. So aye, your kid will enjoy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Thompson Posted September 26, 2014 Share Posted September 26, 2014 We're booked into Sherwood forest next year what is it about footballers and the place? Craig Gordon was at penrith last time we went Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTidy Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Went to Sherwood Forest a couple of times when I was young. Loved it. Been to the Penrith one a couple of times. It's much more compact. It was first built as a competitor to Center Parcs, I think they were called Oasis. Ended up being bought over but you can tell it's not quite the same as the others. Sherwood Forest is a much bigger site (or maybe it's just cos I was little) so the advice about picking your location is really important. The wee supermarket is a bit of a rip off so I'd try and take some basic stuff with you. Especially if you plan on doing a lot of cooking, things like salt and pepper, tomato ketchup etc will help you keep the cost down. I don't think the cupboards are that well stocked either. One wee pan, one big pan and a wooden spoon! It's great for kids. I've seen folk go for boozing weekends and I don't understand that cos there's much cheaper self catering lodges to be had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomtown Boy Posted October 2, 2014 Share Posted October 2, 2014 Maybe going against the grain a bit here but I was down at the one in Penrith, it was ok for my 6 year old but I was bored shitless. It rained everyday for the week I was there until the day we were leaving and the sun was splitting the coconuts. If you are a more outdoorsy kind of person and are prepared to take a chance on the Brittish weather fair enough. The pool was pretty decent through Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego10 Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 After much deliberating we decided to book a 4 night Mon - Fri stay at Whinfell and we weren't disappointed. We stayed in a new Woodland Lodge which was modern, immaculate and well stocked with kitchen items etc. the patio area where we had a few Bbq's was secluded which was also handy. The place as a whole was immaculate and all staff were cheerful and helpful. Our 3 year old particularly enjoyed the Swimming Pool and as a result we were there everyday but in all honesty I thoroughly enjoyed it also! We ate out a few times and we enjoyed Hucks the American diner as they had a kids buffet and the wee one could eat as soon as we arrived. Also enjoyed the pancake house. The wristband idea is brilliant as not only can you pay for things using this but they also lock your chosen locker at the pool. Only activity we booked prior to arriving was the Teddy Bears Picnic which the wee man enjoyed and was well worth the money. All in all we had a great time for the £359 we spent to get there and most importantly the wee man had the time of his life. We are already looking at returning next year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heedthebaa Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 I enjoyed Penrith, all very relaxing. Had an executive lodge which had all mod con's. The spa is a must, brilliant sauna rooms. Decent grub at the lakeside inn, do not order a Chinese takeaway !!! Its fucking boggin though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grantownfc Posted October 12, 2014 Share Posted October 12, 2014 me and missus going 1st week of nove to whinfell mon-fri got a woodland lodge, and hired bikes cant wait we,ve both had a mega crap 18 months with wee lad being seriously ill so need a wee break away Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mizfit Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Went to Penrith during the October holidays when I was 16 with 3 friends and one of their parents. It was literally half of my school year there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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