In my family it has become a sort of tradition for us to visit Center Parcs every September for my Mum’s birthday. Each year various family members all make their way to Longleat Forest and we spend a long weekend together surrounded by beautiful trees, riding bikes and relaxing in the spa. We decided to spend a week there this year instead and we all had a lovely time. Oli, Leo and I really tried to make the most of it as it was the last time we would be going away before we become a family of 4 in just a few weeks time. Instead of writing all about our trip (as there would be enough words for about 6 posts!), I have decided to share our holiday with you in this photo diary. I hope you enjoy looking at our holiday snaps and if you’ve not been to Center Parcs before then I really can’t recommend it enough as a great UK family holiday.
Our week at Center Parcs Longleat Forest.
Monday.
The day we all arrived, hired some bikes, relaxed and played board games.
Our room for the week.
The view from the living room.
Feet up, me and bump relaxing.
Oli and Leo testing out their transport for the week.
Tuesday.
The day we had a giant breakfast, swam for hours, the men played golf, Leo mastered the maze and we all had a yummy Italian meal.
The Father in Law cooking up a storm for breakfast.
Leo and Nanny exploring the beautiful forest.
Dad enjoying a lazy morning.
Nan enjoying a lazy morning – holiday itinerary on the black board!
Beautiful Mum.
Leo running around the maze like a pro.
Funky wall art in the Bella Italia restaurant .
My lovely In Laws.
Leo up way past his bed time but still being a cheeky chappy!
Group photo (minus Oli).
Yummy starter.
Leo’s amazing dipping donuts.
Wednesday.
The day of the lazy morning, more swimming, a trip to Warminster, the MOT disaster and a quiet night in alone for Oli and I.
Leo trying on Grandad’s shoes. Think they were a couple sizes too big
My first spice pumpkin latte of the week on our trip to Warminster, I’m now addicted
Leo and Nan relaxing on the sofa
When you forget to pack bath toys? Improvise!
Leo enjoying the lovely bath in the house
My gorgeous boy
Thursday.
The day of yet another lie in, Leo learning to roller skate, lunch in The Pancake House, Leo’s first pony ride, even more swimming and a night out for Oli and I.
Steve waiting patiently for his pancakes.
Leo getting confident on his skates. He absolutely loved the roller tots session, definitely considering getting him some skates of his own now.
Love these two.
It’s not the best family photo but it’s one of the only ones I have. Leo was pulling my hair if you were wondering about the facial expression!
Cheers!
Leo enjoying his banana milkshake in it’s adorable little milk bottle.
My lovely Mum and Dad
Leo’s ham and cheese pancake.
My yummy chicken and mushroom pancake. Oli and I obviously had a dessert one to share but it got eaten way to quickly for me to take a photo!
How amazing does this blueberry pancake stack look?!
First ever pony ride. The pony’s name is Fudge and he is super fat but also very cute.
Soo..Fudge was doing a poo and that’s why Leo was laughing hysterically!
Leo had such a great time on his pony ride, he sand and chatted for the whole session.
What I look like when I make a stupid shot and pot the black! Ahh well, I went on to be the champion so who cares.
Oli has a very serious ‘pool face’.
Lucky Leo was biked around everywhere all week, I’m surprised I didn’t go into labour all the walking I had to do.
Friday.
My Mum’s birthday! The day of the pedalo ride, playing on the ‘beach’, wasting money in the arcade, more golf for the men folk, shopping in The Plaza and the Murder Mystery evening.
Leo playing in the lake.
We miss the beach so much so it was nice for Leo to be able to feel the sand between his toes again.
Pedalos on the lake.
Leo looking very serious on the pedalo.
The birthday girl pedalling away.
Val’s first ever go on a pedalo!
What;s that over there?!
One of the perks of being pregnant, no pedalling for me!
Leo and I relaxing in the front while Mum and Val pedalled away.
Leo building sandcastles with Nanny.
Pretty boating lake.
Leo is just too photogenic.
Me and Val relaxing on the beach.
Me and Mum.
Daddy and Leo playing Batman racing!
Dad in his murder mystery costume!
Val in her murder mystery costume.
Mum in her costume – the stylish golf widow helping other’s who have lost their husbands to golf.
Nan in her costume – a very suspicious gardener.
Group shot before we began our game of ‘Murder, of course’ (trust them to pick a golf related one!).
Steve in his costume – the golf pro who can’t play golf.
Saturday.
The day of the poorly Leo and the very lazy morning, pottery painting class, bowling, mini golf, a sleepy pregnant mummy and an evening of playing board games.
My first ever attempt at pottery painting.
Pottery painting is pretty relaxing – well, when Leo wasn’t moaning that he didn’t want to do it of course!
Val painting her lovely family plaque.
Nan.
Leo pulling his new favourite face!
Loved just hanging around down by the Jardin des Sport , Leo loved the maze.
There is something so peaceful and relaxing about spending a week surrounded by trees.
Leo’s pottery money box, I think he’s got pretty good painting skills!
Daddy teaching Leo to play golf, future golf champion in the making?
Father and son bonding.
Oli showing us all up at bowling!
Leo and Oli playing mini bowling, I really thought Leo was going to throw one of those mini balls through the floor!
Sunday
Our last day. The day of one last lie in, more fun in the swimming pool, lunch in the sports bar, a visit from cousins and playing in the lake. The end of a lovely relaxing week, a much needed rest and a fabulous family holiday.
Some of the many trees!
Leo and his cousin pulling THE face.
These 2 are so cute together.
Off on another bike ride.
Little cuties playing the lake with all the ducks.
Leo enjoying his last day of holiday.
/these boats didn’t move all week! They were pretty to look at just bobbing about on the lake.
Was lovely to be in the forest but also close to the water as well.
While we were away I turned 37weeks pregnant, I now have a fully cooked baby in there!
Everyone relaxing in the house at the end of our lovely holiday.
Have you ever been to Center Parcs, what is your favourite thing about holidaying there? If you have not been you really should go at least once, it is definitely worth the money and just spending lots of time in the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of regular life is just lovely. Keep an eye out for a post very soon all about how to make the most of your holiday if you do decide to book a break at Center Parcs.
If you enjoyed this post I would love for you to share it 🙂
We love it there and have been a few times. Looks like you packed a lot in. Alice did the roller skating for the first time and loved it. I like it over at the Jardin de Sport there is so much to do and the maze is always a big hit.Looks like you all have a fab time x #TheList
Laura – dear bear and beany recently posted…A Snapshot of September…
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It is great isn’t it? Aww the roller tots was so fun, my boy loved it too. I love the Jardin do Sport too, I had never noticed the maze before this year though!xx
Wow it looks like you had a lovely time there! We love Center Parcs 🙂 #TheList
Helen x
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It was great thanks :). What’s not to love about it, right?xx
Looks like you had a lovely time. We love Longleat, unfortunately now our eldest is at school we are very much tied to school holidays which makes it a bit pricier. We went at Christmas last year for the first time, which was great. I love the spa, we always go on our last full day, and the swimming paradise is great. #fortheloveofBLOG
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Ohh I would LOVE to go there at Christmas time, it would feel so magical. I know, as of next year we can only go in the school holidays and it is so much more expensive. The spa is amazing isn’t it? I really missed not being able to go in it this year because of bump, I will go in lots next year to make up for it. Glad you’ve had some lovely holidays there too xx
Ah so many fantastic and beautiful photos! The milkshakes look amazing. I love how close I am to Longleat but I’ve never taken Evie, I really need to! I’ve heard great things about this particular Centre Parks too! I’ve never been to one because I thought you had to ride bikes everywhere…and I never learned how to ride one as a child! Thanks so much for linking up with #KCACOLS hope to see you back next week!
Kat recently posted…My Favourite Movies – #Blogtober16
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The milkshakes did look amazing, I can’t believe I didn’t order one too. Oh yes, you are so close..it’s only just over an hour from me so probably even less than that for you. Nooo you can walk and there is a land train that goes all over the park, no worries if you don’t want to ride a bike. Thanks for hosting xx
Looks like you had a great time. I’ve never been but it always looks fun. #KCACOLS
Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Last deer hunt of the season
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Ohh you should go sometime, it really is a great holiday xx
Looks like a great place for family fun. I love holiday photos but they make me terribly jealous. #KCACOLS
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It is a perfect family holiday :). Oh no, you need to go on holiday then you won’t feel jealous xx
It looks like you and your family had a fun filled weekend- lots to do!
#anythinggoes
kristin mccarthy recently posted…Peppa Pig Misses Her Chance At Freedom From The Ding-Dongs
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It was so fun and we had a great time, thanks 🙂 xx
Wow what a great time you had. It looks wonderful. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…Supercharge your blog for the rest of 2016
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We had a fabulous time 🙂 xx
It looks like a great time was had by all, this is definitely on our bucket list!
#anythinggoes
The Tale of Mummyhood recently posted…National Trust – We Love You!
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Oh yes you must go at least once. We always have a great time there xx
I’ve never been to a Centre Parcs, we usually go to a Haven but this looks fab! Loads to do and the scenery is beautiful
Thanks for linking up to #AnythingGoes 🙂
Debbie
Random Musings recently posted…Blogger Club UK Linky #39
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Aww you will have to go one day. I love haven too, we used to have a caravan on one of their sites when I was a child, gotta love Rory the tiger 🙂 xx
oh wow so jealous!! I desperately want to go but just cannot afford it which is a shame. So glad you had a nice time
thanks for linking to #ablogginggoodtime
Mummy in a TuTu (@mummyinatutu) recently posted…Laughter is the Best Medicine: The Gift Experience Review & Giveaway
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It is really expensive, we always go in a big group and split the cost and it doesn’t feel too bad then. Thanks hun, we had a great time xx
They say a picture can paint a thousand words and I happen to agree. I love your photos, so bright and happy! Looks like you all had a really lovely time. Thanks for sharing on #fortheloveofBLOG
A Mum Track Mind recently posted…The Ambition Series: Meet Natasha Courteney-Smith, Author Of The Million Dollar Blog
I need those donuts and latte! Love the black and white photo in the water!#KCACOLS
Sonia recently posted…Budget Birthday Parties
It looks like an amazing holiday! We are going to the Woburn on next month and I can’t wait, especially after seeing your lovely pictures x #KCACOLS
Becky at PinksCharming recently posted…PHB Ethical Beauty Pressed Mineral Blusher Review
Lovely photos. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much, there looks like there’s so many activities to choose from. We make our first visit to Centre Parcs at New Year so your pics have given us lots of family ideas.
David – Potty Adventures
We have a family tradition of visiting Center Parcs every year – we’ve been going for 14 years now and it has kind of grown with the kids! It has something for everyone. I love your photos – they are lovely. #WhatevertheWeatherKids
Looks fantastic. I keep trying to persuade middle man to learn to ride his bike so we can go to centre parcs! #whatevertheweather
I keep debating whether we should do Center Parcs, I went when I was a kid and loved it. I think Finn would have a ball, and it would be nice to not have to put a tent up just once!
Lauren (The Helpful Hiker) recently posted…Ten Family Days Out in the Midlands
I’m going here in April next year with my girl friends I can’t wait. A whole weekend with NO kids. Look like you had a lovely time #Whatevertheweatherkids
I’ve never been to Centerparcs, but it really does look amazing! You clearly managed to fit a lot in and spend some quality family time together. Lovely photos and not long to go now til baby’s here! Thanks for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
Jenny recently posted…Making Time With JORD Watches
What asuper lovely trip! Lovely photos and everyone is having so much fun! #whatevertheweather
Goodness…there is lots to do isn’t there! I am going in February to celebrate a friend’s 40th, but it will be child-free Will have to go back some time with my family & sample all the fun things to do #whatevertheweather
Oh centre parcs is one of our favourite places. We go to the one in the Lake District every January and it is something we look forward to every year! Fab pictures! #whatevertheweather