Centre Parcs Suggestions & Advice

[Chasingcars]

Hi all, looking to go to Centre Parcs - UK or Europe, though have been told European locations are better value currently.
I'm a Centre Parcs virgin so any recommendations on sites welcome, also should I book activities in advance or choose when I'm there? There would be 2 adults and our 6 year old. She loves swimming, climbing etc.
Apart from initial accommodation costs I'm unsure how much spending money we would need and how much we should allow for activities and eating?
Thanks

[diddlydo]

We've been on 4 Centre Parcs holidays at Elvedon and Sherwood Forest - both great. Choose activities when you're there. Swimming in the amazing pools is free. Stock up on food to take with you as the facilities on site are very expensive. I made whole meals and froze them to defrost at intervals during the 5 days which worked perfectly. We spent virtually nothing on site.

[Mamyalynne]

From AB Member calmck, who seems to be struggling to get this answer to you.

//Centre Parcs Woburn Some very steep hills would not recommend if young children are going to be biking or scooting around.
Longleat activities very spread out and signage/directions not that great. Got lost a few times.
Elvenden going back this year, less spread out and easier to get around. Seemed much safer and more controlled with less vehicles than the other two. We do not drive so use the on site shop and their delivery set up. If you plan your meals the cost was not that bad. We ate breakfast in, either make sandwiches for lunch or just snack lunch. We cook in one night, restaurants two nights as the kids like to make friends and have takeaway one night. We go for early check in., precook bikes and helmets and have free time between booked activities. There are age restrictions on activities so there is some juggling the two kids age 10 and 6 and one granny. There is no actual swimming pool as such but wave pool and slides. Granny gets to swim around wave pool. The kids prefer Elvenden as it is safer and easier bike riding. Advise book activities ahead. Lots of wildlife on your doorstep at Elvenden a mummy duck brought her six babies each evening and deer visited as well. No on site laundry but you can send out. Cabins clean and adequate, most staff excellent.//