I think she was being rather naive, and ignoring the fact that if people will pay their prices then Center Parcs  would be daft to charge less. They are a business after all not a charity.

Having said that, [...]]]> Anne Robinson has a bit of a go at Center Parcs tonight on Watchdog for their pricing policy.

I think she was being rather naive, and ignoring the fact that if people will pay their prices then Center Parcs  would be daft to charge less. They are a business after all not a charity.

Having said that, not everyone wants to fork out large sums to cycle round pretending to be Dutch,  and not all log cabins cost you an arm and a leg to stay in.

So,  thought I’d compare a midweek break in November at Centre Parcs, Whinfell Forest with our own prices.

Monday November 9th – Friday November 13th (lucky for some, but maybe not those booking into Whinfell Forest as we shall see  )

Center Parcs
Lakeside Lodge 2 Bedroom
Executive 2 Bedroom Lakeside Lodge Double x 1 / Twin x 1
Sleeps up to 4 people
Price £579.00

When I checked they didn’t seem to have any availability for dogs, but it seems that if they did 2 dogs would cost you £80 more! (“Extra fee covers cost of cleaning and maintenance.”)

So how much are we charging?

Limefitt Park
Otter Lodge
Riverside Lodge 2 Bedroom
Luxury 2 Bedroom Beckside Lodge Double x 1 / Bunk x 1
Sleeps up to 4 people + 2 dogs
Price £255.00

That’s £215 for a riverside two bedroom lodge + £35 cleaning charge with an extra £5 if you bring up to two dogs (“Extra fee covers cost of cleaning and maintenance.”). Grand total £255 compared with £659 at Center Parcs – and we throw in free leisure passes to White Cross Bay, so you can still go for a swim!

… and Watchdog seemed to think that the Center Parcs prices after half term were quite reasonable. 

Now what would YOU do with that extra £400

You could hire a boat on Windermere for a full day for 4 people from the Low Wood Water Sports centre for £100
You could take the whole family to the Aquarium of the Lakes for £20
You could get a three hour family mountain boarding lesson for £100 at Surf the Turf in Kendal
You could all do Go Ape at Grizedale for £90
You could eat all out at The Mortal Man for about £60
You could get fish and chips from The Little Chippy in Windermere for about £25

and you’ve still got £5 left