Grow Your Own Magazine

LadyWayne, her family and myself have been going to Centre Parcs at least once a year for around 7-8 years. The last couple of visits have been a bit of a let down, the place seems to be increasingly chasing the pound, and seems in danger of losing sight of it's "core values".

Whilst not exactly eco-friendly in the broadest sense, it does at least (or has in the past) made attempts to at least appear that way. This seems to be taking a back seat of late and I think is becoming less apealing to us as a result.

That said, we do enjoy pampering ourselves and as such usually book the lodge with it's own hot tub, sauna and steam room. I know that sounds like a bit of a dichotomy, but at least we're not flying.

We used to enjoy getting there, leaving the car in the car park and relaxing in a fairly tranquil environment. When we visited at the weekend they now have billboards up announcing the soon arrival of a "brand new Starbucks" - Great! Their own cafe is now a Cafe Rouge and many more changes are afoot.

Anyway, as I say, it's losing it's appeal but we are at somewhat of a loss finding an alternative.

We'd like to stay in a cottage (or something independant of a large building if you follow me) somewhere - no more than around an hours drive from Sheffield, which has peace and quiet, but is a short distance from local amenities. If it had it's own hot tub, sauna etec it'd be a bonus!

Asking too much aren't we?

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A simple dude trying to grow veg.

http://haywayne.blogspot.com/ - 1st update of 2009 - 6th January

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/p/dev036pr___.png

Why not try the National Trust, they have lots of cottages to let.

As for centre parcs, I would sooner boil my own tongue than set foot in one again.

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Kindest regards, David.

http://pigletsplots.blogspot.com/
updated - Thursday 8th January at 2130hrs

Pourquoi, bad experience, or just a disliking?

Cheers for the National Trust idea, I'll have a browse.

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A simple dude trying to grow veg.

http://haywayne.blogspot.com/ - 1st update of 2009 - 6th January

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/p/dev036pr___.png

How about the Dutch centre Parcs? Bit further than 1 hour from Sheffield...

Center Parcs De Kempervennen North Brabant Holland on Holiday Watchdog. Center Parcs De Kempervennen Reviews North Brabant

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Manda.

"Wouldn't it be nice
For maybe an hour
To not have a care."

We used to 'do' Centre Parcs - farm the kids into the clubs and I get a holiday too! But as you say they are getting far to cheeky in their charging. Having paid thick end of a grand for one week of holiday to be charged so steeply for breathing their rarified air....

You could do worse than look at Club La Costa, it is a time share thing but don't turn off just for that, think of it as the difference between renting and getting a mortgage - the outgoing is the same in general terms but you have a saleable, willable 'share' that improves in value over the long term. Might not be your thing but it would have all the 'perks' and there is no need to go abroad unless you want to.


Their main Engish sites are in Cornwall and Scotland with one in Wales and If you would like to have a look at one, as a member I can 'give' cheap mid-week or weekend breaks to my friends. PM me if you are interested.

Terry

Short Break, Self Catering, Family and Activity Holidays in Bluestone, West Wales, UK

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Manda.

"Wouldn't it be nice
For maybe an hour
To not have a care."

Now that looks absolutely perfick! Gorgeous, only problem is that it's about a days drive away. I reckon we'll be there one day though, thanks sbp.

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A simple dude trying to grow veg.

http://haywayne.blogspot.com/ - 1st update of 2009 - 6th January

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/p/dev036pr___.png

they do a brouchure (THEY= tourism board?) for farm stays country wide and most have a choice of cottage or camping we have been tosome lovley ones and you get to feed pigs, ride tractors etc

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Yo an' Bob
Walk lightly on the earth
take only what you need
give all you can
and your produce will be bountifull

There must be some posh sheds in the Peak district HW, try the tourist info place in Bakewell ( home of some of the best Tarts I know )

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ntg

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark.
A large group of professionals built the Titanic

http://grief-encounters.blogspot.com/

If you don't mind traveling 2 1/2 hours I'd recommend this Sheepscombe House Snowshill Broadway Cotswolds England UK . It's in the Cotwolds, it's beautiful. There are lots of National Trust Houses, beautiful gardens and Roman sites to visit. When we stayed there the breakfasts were fit for a king. I'd love to go again, but without the kids this time. They found it really dull.

This is a great thread

We used to do Pontins but last year was rubbish so I am looking for something

Me, Mrs NOG and the Boy Sam.

Flying is out cos of Sams Autism....

Lots for Sam to do, but not too noisy....Butlins was too much for him.

any offers....

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My phone has more Processing power than the Computers NASA used to fake the Moon Landings

Not far from Shirls and Maxxie this place. F-I-L knows the owners! If you come to Bluestone let us know and maybe we can meet up.

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Big silver bird, come land low and slow
Cut your engines, cool your wings,
You've taken me home...

www.honeyjukes.co.uk

Chatsworth springs to mind nick.

Bakewell is also the best Farmers' Market for miles around. In our case 30+.

almarg