On the 10th June we set off for our adventure to Center Parcs Whinfell Forest. I am lucky to be a Center Parcs family blogger and to receive this wonderful prize holiday along with my friend and Blogger Mrs Bee. One of the reasons I chose Whinfell Forest is because it has red squirrels. Also, I hadn’t been to Cumbria before.
We had a midweek break from the Monday to the Friday. First thing we did on arrival was pick up our bikes. I’d not been on a bike for around 35 years but guess what, it was easy as riding a bike! The only problem I found was how harsh it was on my poor old bottom. (Ok maybe that is too much information) The Little Man got a ride in a seat on the back of Daddy’s bike and the girls had bikes with stabilisers. Star fell off hers as soon as we got back to the lodge and hurt her arm. She didn’t ride again but pushed her bike around. Boo fell off hers a little later when she turned too quickly as a car approached and really bashed her knee which needed medical attention. The real bad news was that we were advised not to take her swimming.
The first evening we went for a stroll around the Village Center and had a meal from the take-away diner which we ate on the patio overlooking the lake. We played bowling and had a wonder around the arcade before retiring to our comfy beds. The only child we had problems with was Star who found it difficult settling in an unfamiliar place.
The next morning we went to one of our pre-arranged activities, mini golf. We played along with our friends and had lots of fun. Although with the little ones being so slow it was going on forever so they kindly let us have a ticket to go back and play the second half another time.
We had lunch at Hucks restaurant which was very tasty but also a little expensive. Then we did some shopping in the Parc Market. I was really pleased with the Parc Market, the range of products was very good and the prices where mostly in line with the supermarket back home. There were more expensive brands in more prominent places, but it was easy to find the better value products.
On Wednesday the kids were overjoyed to be left in their own clubs. Seriously, my kids have no attachment problems and will leave me at the drop of a hat with no fuss, so long as they know they will have some fun. The Little Man went into the creche where he played with the toys, had snacks of fruit, played with more toys and poo’d his pants (ok too much information again, sorry) The girls went to fairy school where they were face painted, made magic wands, fairy cakes and wish boxes.
So what did we do while the kids were having fun? Some nice relaxation in the wonderful Aqua Sana spa. We had three hours of saunas, showers and pools. Then I had a fantastic massage and facial which was bliss.
A big favourite with the kids was the huge wooden playground which was near to our Lodge. It was big but also safe, the Little Man was able to join in with everything, although he did go on the zip slide with his Daddy. It wasn’t the only playground on site but it was the nearest, and in my opinion, the best.
Wednesday evening we had a BBQ back at our lodge and invited the neighbours around. We had good fun without leaving ‘home’ until the rain forced us indoors.
|Just look at our back garden! |
Thursday was our last full day so we decided to go to the pool. Boo couldn’t come with us because of her poorly knee so her big sister looked after her. I was really impressed with the pool, it was lovely and warm in there and lots for everyone from the smallest to the grown ups. The Little Man loved the baby pool with it’s watering cans and Star loved the waves in the bigger pool. We went around the rapids with me holding the Little Man and Daddy holding Star. The Little Man loved it, but Star was a little scared.
On the evening we had a fantastic meal at the Lakeside Inn. The staff were very accommodating and the food delicious. We had a very lovely evening, and of course the views were pretty stunning too.
On the Friday morning, when we were all packed up and I was up early enjoying a little piece with my cuppa on the patio, I got a wonderful surprise. All week we had been trying to get a good picture of a red squirrel but even though we’d seen a few they were very shy and very quick, so we had been disappointed. Then that morning a gorgeous little fella came right onto my patio to take drink of the rain water that had collected on a chair. I even managed to fetch my camera and take some photos. What a glorious way to end my holiday.
Anne this looks like a fantastic time! i love Centre Parcs and lived near the sherwood forest one since being small
Thanks for linking up with #magicmoments xxx
I love Center Parcs! How amazing to be a Center Parcs blogger 🙂 Love your photos of the red squirrel! What a brilliant way to end your holiday.
I've never been to centre parks & after reading this I'd like to go, love the red squirrel photos!
Shame about your little one not being able to go swimming but it looks like you still had a great time. I have been to centre parcs but never this one, I hope to one day when money is not as tight! x
this sounds like such a fantastic place!!! i do hope Boo is now back to full health and everything is fine?!
Thanks for linking up with #PoCoLo
I have only heard positive things about Center Parks holidays. Sounds like lots of fun things to do. So please you got to see the red squirrel and you have proof 🙂
What a fantastic time you all had! So much family fun to enjoy outdoors, I love the picture of the red squirrel and hope they are breading there. Thanks for sharing your active break on Country Kids.
Well done on becoming a Centre Parks family blogger. We have never been and it looks and sounds really nice – especially the bit about the spa – could do with some of that.
Looks like a gorgeous place and well done you 🙂
Oooh will definitely look forward to post number 2 – I've never been to CenterParcs but have friends that swear by it. Perfect for mini breaks! Looks fabulous there!
Popped over from #CountryKids