Centre Parcs Longleat - recommendations on eating out and what not to bother with

[bacon]

We have a short break planned just after new year and because its only 3 nights I want to make sure we make use of what they have to offer. Usually we are hopeless and find the best bits on the last day so would appreciate best and worse places to eat, best value for money on activities (I know its expensive but we didnt have a break this year so not overly concerned). I dont mind booking some activities now including the spa (is it worth £40?) and for those 3hrs we'll need the boys to be entertained. My boys are 3.5 & 7yrs old. We are a bit foodie so rather decent food and I dont mind cooking but would appreciate a decent evening meal out.

[izzyshappymum]

we'll be there then too! went last year at same time. didn't find anywhere particularly great for eating and most activities prob weren't worth the money (crazy golf course is rubbish lol!), but spa definitely is worth it! lots of fun to be had just swimming and playing in the play areas. it is not too busy at that time of year, so maybe wait until you get there to decide what to spend your money on

[littlemissnormal]

I live near there and have gone in to the spa for a day and it is wonderful! Def worth £40 but you should be able to get a good deal which also includes at least 1 treatment.

[givemeaclue]

Not a foody place at all! Not sure that they have childcare for when you are in the spa, they didn't used to. Spa is excellent so are the treatments. Pool great for kids and adults,have a great time

[Spons]

The world of spa thing is definitely worth doing, really lovely there. We ate at cafe rouge one night and I honestly wouldn't bother eating out at any cp again, nothing special about it all, they'd be better with a nice country pub than all chain stuff, spend the extra money on yummy food to cook! Have fun!

[Spons]

Also, book your activities now, as never any 'good' things left on the day.

[givemeaclue]

Yes, agree with spons, book your activities in advance.

[PoptartPoptart]

As others have said, the spa is definitely worth every penny, you'll have a lovely time. As far as the food, I wouldn't say CP's has any fantastic restaurants, food wise. Don't get me wrong, they are all ok (if a bit overpriced) but it's not fine cuisine. Given the ages of your DC's, I would recommend Hucks. It is an American style restaurant, think TGI Friday's type of place. But the good thing about it is that they have a kids softplay/computer area where the kids can play while you wait for your food or in between courses. They also do a kids buffet, an all they can eat type of thing featuring burgers, fishfingers, chicken nuggets, pasta, veg, etc. It's ok, the DC's seem to like helping themselves and having the choice of several different things to eat. The Pancake House is ok, if you like savoury and sweet pancakes. They also have a Strada. The Grand Cafe serves gastropub food and is located out a bit in the forest. It has a nice feel to it, sort of olde world up market pub/restaurant place. The bonus here is there is a fantastic kids old style wooden adventure playground just outside which the DC's loved. Have a great time.

[PicaK]

I like all the eating places - the staff are really friendly and helpful in them all.

It's London prices though - so you won't blink if you're from there and you'll splutter in horror if not.

Top tip. Sports Bar Cafe does a smaller appetites version of most of the main meals for half the price. It's in the menu's small print - just ask when you order. I find that's enough for me.

I don't think there are many special deals. But the takeaway usual does money off on the first night if you collect. Go in and order when it opens (3pm?) to get a good time slot.

Strada food is lovely. Hucks is ok but I love the tapas bar. The staff are always the best in there. The guitar playing night is FAB!!

The spa is lovely. You usually get money off the kids club but you have to ring up to book. You could book a babysitter (reasonable rates) and go in the evening.

I love CP - get there early on first day and get in the pool (you just walk in there's no one on the door) so ignore the 2pm thing.

Take your own crackle logs too - under 2 quid in Sainsburys. 3 for 9.99 there. Do look at booking stuff before you go.

[matt645]

I've got to agree with the post above, we usually go in January for a weekend just to relax and knacker the kids out swimming.

As we don't spend any money on the extra activities we always make a point of eating out, all the restaurants are pretty good (especially the tapas place) and I don't think they are that expensive to honest.

Top tip, with the winter offers the larger chalets are often cheaper than the smaller ones of the same standard, it must be their automated booking system adjusting prices on demand?

[bacon]

We had a great time our chalet was lovely - New style.

Took our own bikes and decided to take all our food so planned a few menus so glad we did! Cooked really well and eat amazingly. Also top tip is to take your own drinks and carry around in rucksacs. Sorry couldnt justify paying £25 for lunch and £70 for evening dinner for chain food. We did have Tapas on first day but decided it just wasnt worth the spending hard earnt cash on food.

Boys were exhausted so couldnt stay out late. They loved their posh en-suite with TV.

Mind you it was toooooo busy, the pool was ridicously full and changing rooms a complete joke (appalling layout - showers cold) . Did a few hours then it bored us. The main area was heaving and queuing for the loos isnt acceptable for the money you pay. The activities were good but having to pay an adult ticket on top pushed the price up. Sadly we couldnt book anymore when we got there as it was full. I did feel like they wanted yr money for everything even table tennis and spinning yr swimming costume. Mini bowling £15!!! children lost interest after a few times too.

We will return but not in holiday time. I see they are building a new one in Bedfordshire. I do think Longleat is very dated and the main area needs sorting.