It seems an age ago that we trundled off, with most of the household, for a mid week break to Center Parcs. Nine of us and a multitude of bikes piled in to three vehicles and headed West. We’ve been so many times, that it’s all very familiar and with minimal vehicles within the park it’s also very safe.

 

Arrival day has its own routine, as we can’t get into our villa until 4pm, we make the most of the swimming pool and play areas with the boys before finding our home and unpacking for the week. The boys were in their element, finding a den at the back of our patio and receiving daily visits from a family of deers 🦌. Having had a day of travelling, swimming and cycling we were all ready to chill out on our first night, after dinner at the American Diner.

Day two was more cycling, down to the pool, enjoying the slides, the wave machine, the lazy river, the ice pool 🥶 and of course the rapids. Not in the least bit worn out, we cycled on down to the lake for some fun on the water, in a canoe and a pedalo. Our son in law and Li Li were whizzing around the lake in their canoe, whilst we took a more leisurely trip with the twins on a pedalo. It was all very relaxing until, first we managed to ground ourselves and needed a push back into deeper water, then our rudder got stuck in the rope of a buoy and we had to break it to get free 🤫. Fortunately the staff were none the wiser and we made a hasty escape to the sports cafe for refreshments, sitting in the sunshine, whilst the boys entertained themselves in the arcades and on their bikes. As we all cycled up the zig zaggy boardwalk to our villa, I was glad I had the benefit of my electric bike 🚲. The youngsters weren’t yet finished for the day, so after the obligatory Center Parcs bbq, they were off again for an evening swim and whizz down the rapids 😮‍💨

Day three and we parted company. As the rest of the family headed off to Longleat Safari Park (thank goodness for Tesco Clubcard vouchers 😳), we made a more leisurely visit to a NT property, Stourhead. Such a beautiful place. The large house was purchased by the Hoare family in the 1700’s. Having spent my working life in banking, the family business C Hoare & Co, private bankers to the rich and famous, was a very familiar name to me. Admiring this magnificent house, made me ponder if I had worked for the wrong institution 😂.

The National Trust have immaculately maintained the property, from the vast entrance hall, displaying enormous paintings of the family, over the centuries, through dining and sitting rooms to discover the beautifully restored library with glorious views of the garden.

On a gorgeous early Summer day, the woodland gardens were a joy. Pathways weaving through trees and huge shrubs, winding their way around the vast lake. Folly’s and temple buildings along our route gave us wonderful views across the water.

Such a lovely tranquil afternoon, which once we returned to Center Parcs, deserved to continue with a peaceful evening dinner for two at the Indian restaurant 😋

Day four was all about fun around the park. As the boys enjoyed the zip wire and climbing in the adventure play park, we recreated photos on the triple swing to compare with ones from when the twins were tiny. They showed their skills on the various climbing walls, and spent more time cycling and swimming. With our final evening looming we made our way to the bowling alley for cocktails, mocktails and fierce competition attempting to knock those skittles into oblivion 🎳.

 

 

Day five and all too soon we were packing up and loading our bags and multitude of bikes back into the trio of cars, but of course there is always one last treat before we hit the road home. For us it is always the pancake house. With a vast choice of sweet and savoury pancakes, French or Dutch toast, it is so difficult to choose. But choose we must and with so many of us at the table, if you like the look of someone else’s, they are usually willing to let you have a small taster.

Although it was an incredibly full mid week break, there was lots of laughs and even some downtime. We may all live in the same house, but busy working and school lives, mean spending a few days hanging out, making memories together all the more special.