Holiday Villages

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SunPark

The SunPark in Belgium was bare bones. We expected a bit more from the cottage but the kids loved it. We had a good walk to the pool so bring a buggy if your children are not up for walking. I have since learned that at Center Parcs you can pay extra for a closer room - worth it.
There were no welcome packs and I had to beg for some toilet paper until we were able to get to the store. We used the Sunpark as a base for touring Belgium and the Netherlands so we did not use any of the services other than the pool and play areas.
Brussels was not the highlight of the trip. It was not a pretty city and a member of our party had her wallet stolen. Bruges was much prettier and a better bet for children. We were there when they had a big amusement park set up in town."
Dawn Elgar

Center Parcs

“Just in case there is anyone out there with children who hasn't been to Center Parcs, it's difficult to think of anywhere easier for a family holiday. We recently spent a long weekend at the Sherwood Village in the Nottinghamshire forest of the same name. Ten years ago it was Center Parcs' first venture in England and now it's sparkling after a major revamp.
Center Parcs villages are totally child-friendly without adults having to feel that they've regressed into some toddler-filled hell. We were put off going for a while because we felt they had a sporty image. It's true the sports facilities are excellent and you do see sports-crazed individuals whizzing between appointments, but it's easy to ignore them.
The atmosphere is foreign and intriguing for children; bikes and squirrels everywhere and little houses half hidden in the woods. On the hot weekend we were there, the smell of barbeques and pine trees could have placed us anywhere in southern Europe, Cars are banned after the initial unloading surge. There are different combinations of bikes for hire to transport children and baggage and of course bikes with stabilisers, making it an excellent opportunity for learners.
The restaurants have Duplo tables; no-one looks round in horror if you walk in laden with small children. Each one has child portions and high chairs. Toilets are plentiful and clean, and the staff are very helpful with kids. There are organised activities for older kids, a kindergarten for younger ones, and several excellent adventure playgrounds. Entrance to the sub-tropical swimming complex is free and many families seem to spend all day there. Baby changing tables and poolside playpens make it easier for frazzled parents.
The forest and its inhabitants were probably the greatest hit with our kids. They were truly silenced one morning when a grey squirrel came and joined us for breakfast on the patio. I think he was probably a regular but Disney couldn't have done it better.
Some small niggles include the gaps in the entertainment for kids. Our animal-obsessed four-year-old couldn't go on the bug-hunting walk in the forest because he was six months too young, and the six-year-old was too young for most of the organised sports activities and bored by the kindergarten.
Otherwise it's difficult to fault the Parcs. There are plenty of chances for parents to escape from their children and we always come home feeling we've been abroad for two weeks and wondering what the weather's been like at home ... 60 miles away.
Jo Perkins