Winter Wonderland at Longleat Center Parcs

Another wonderful holiday at Center Parcs this year during the Winter Wonderland, which for us was a new experience. We booked a mid week break Monday to Friday as we find them quieter and better value, John and I had a Penthouse apartment with a physiotherm room. Joanne and Graham had a 4 bed 2 storey executive adapted villa, both lots of accomadation was the old style executive and sadly both needing to be upgraded as both looked in need of some work and decorating. We could not get the new accommodation with the same specs so that left little options. That aside any little things that needed correcting they did respond too, and space wise there seemed to be masses, in fact Joannes villa was actually 5 bedrooms which was fantastic as most of the children did have their own rooms and bathroom’s, plus a huge sauna.

The village it’s self looked stunning, putting everyone in the mood for Christmas, the walk to the village square was so pretty and the children loved seeing Santa’s real reindeer along with the animated singing reindeer. The ice rink down by the lake set another magical winter scene and really made you feel you wanted to put your skates on and give it a go.

This year we needed to use the guest services more than other years as our disabled granddaughter’s needs are now more complex and I must say they were very good and I would like to mention a young lady called Tammy who was amazing, she really did go out of her way for us, so a big thank you to her.

Also new to us this year was the Cabana’s, wow is the best word to use they are wonderful. We booked one for each day of the week and worth every penny. The first day on the Monday we had the big one for 8 people this is the best as the position is lovely and very spacious, they may seem expensive but we found them excellent value. We found that our little girl who cannot swim a lot loved sitting in there watching a huge TV with all the kids channels, we had complimentary drinks in a chiller and lovely soft towels plus they will come and take your food orders to the cafe and then the cafe will bring your order to you, along with a choice of magazines. We did find that the first 3 days we had a wonderful host who looked after us, but the last 2 days the lifeguards on duty did not seem to care about the cabana guests which is a shame and on the Friday when we had a double slot booked I had to ask for our drinks to be be refreshed after our two hour slot and they did not change our towels. I could have complained but I know Friday is a busy day so I let it go. I also believe that the first morning slot should not start till 10.15am as the pool does not open till 10.00am and they will not let you in early to be at your Cabana for 10.00am, although they did let us in on Monday because we had our disabled Grandaughter with us and it takes 20 mins to get her ready.

The swimming paradise was as good as ever, it was clean warm and fun, it never lets us down. The canopy cafe was a let down we think the old menu was better in many ways, we could not buy fruit shoots for the children and the children’s burgers where terrible.

The Children went to see Santa in his workshop and that was excellent value, it was done very nicely and the children received really nice quality gifts not throw away rubbish, and it was all very magical. The four year old in the party also went to the timeout club for a party and had the best time ever, she came back very excited and happy with lovely gifts.

I used the indoor tennis bubble which cost £16 for the hour but they gave us an hour and half and was also floodlit so it was good value, we enjoyed a good game of tennis in comfort.

My husband and I did eat out quite a bit, Strada was closed so that was a shame as we like that chain, but we ate at Hucks and I had the ribs which were very good, our granddaughter had the Christmas Turkey meal which was the best buy. We also ate at Ortega the Tapas bar, we ate there twice and it was great each time and price wise about the same as we pay in Salisbury so we did not think it over the top.

My son in law took the children tree trekking and they all loved it, the most important thing about the holiday was that as a family we had time together doing fun things in a magical environment that set the children’s imaginations working and our disabled granddaughter was able to join in most of it, they truly are a family establishment. We are very much looking forward to going back in March.

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