Center Parcs

We're just back from our first ever stay at Center Parcs in Elvedon Forest. I was very impressed and can see why almost everyone I spoke to before going said it was a great place.

Butlins for the middle-classes.

The place was clean, well maintained and everyone we came into contact with was friendly and helpful. During our 5 day stay we managed plenty of bike riding, swimming, golf, crazy golf, crossbows, high wire adrenalin challenge (including the Jacob's Ladder), roller skating, foil fencing, badminton, huge zip wire, canoing and pedalos. And we fed plenty of ducks and geese.

The accommodation was very well presented, if a little small, and all the food we had was good. The main criticism I'd heard before we went was that it is expensive. I didn't find that to be the case. The prices we paid for the activities we did were pretty much on a par with the price you'd pay if you did it locally. And in fact, some were cheaper (such as the badminton). Just compressing so many things into such a short space of time inevitably means you will pay a lot of money.

It's certainly a holiday I would consider again. And if you are thinking about it, make sure you go with active people, as those less keen on physical activity will probably not have so much fun.

My highlight - the crossbows, which turned out to be more technical, and therefore harder, than you'd expect. However, we benefited from a good coach for the morning, which made all the difference and made it really good fun.