I have been looking for something to do with my kids (16 and 14) at October half term. The oldest would do anything but the youngest has decided that although she loves campsites she hates camping in a tent. She also loves swimming but has also decided she hates hiking but will cycle. So the Lake District is out!
So 2 questions;
1. Opinions of this site with teens at this time of year. We don't need entertainment but is the pool OK?
2. Opinions of Venue as they have just quoted me £290 for their best 3 bed mobile compared to Canvas at £440. Any good? I can live a bit old and used but would prefer clean.
Thanks
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Two years ago I took four teenagers to LCdVP in October half term, having visited the year before at the same time and also spending 10 days there in our own van during August a couple of years before that.
We stayed with Lifestyle Holidays in a lovely three bed/2 bath van. Check them out they may be cheaper still. That was our second time with them and it was a newer van. To be honest, I see the van as a base and whislt I expect a rented static to be clean, it doesn't bother me how dated it is.
We had had a gloruous week the year before, sitting put on the decking every day but this time we travelled through a snow storm around Arras and arrived to find snow had settled. But, whilst chilly, the rest of the week cheered up. We spent a day at Parc Asterix, a day at Disney and visited Pierrefonds, where the TV series Merlin was filmed. All without getting wet. Asterix was claimed as the favourite day out.
The younsters spent a lot of time in the pool when on site and I read a few books. I believe there is now a bowling alley and laser quest or similar. I challenge any teenager to be bored here.
We took extra warm clothes as it was really chilly at night and there was only one fire in the van (in the lounge) and the radiators were not connected. A condition of the site owner and not the company so I was told. We left the bedroom doors open during the day to let the warmth of the lounge spread through.
Wish I was going again this year as I liked my final France fix of the year.
Didn't know Pierrefronds existed when we went around 8 years ago. Drove around a corner and there it was rearing up in front of us - very impressive. Went back to visit a few days later but forgot everything shuts for lunch for hours.
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We went last October half term. I can echo everything Said in the post above. You're kids will have a great time. We stayed with Keycamp as we got a great deal through the sun holidays.
I haven't stayed with venue but tbh. I find the accomadation on these sites to be much of a muchness, as long as it is clean and functioning.
I would go with them rather than Canvas as it's an excellent price. We have stayed with Canvas and They have been fine but more expensive than the smaller operators like Venue and lifestyle.
Hopefully, someone will come along who have experience of Staying with venue. I would be interested to know what they are like as well. I've certainly seen their vans on many of the sites we've stayed on.
I'm really keen on the idea now! I have also been looking at Asterix. My kids have been to Scarefest at Alton towers before and Asterix seem to have a similar thing.
Sue, you've just prompted me to get a quote from Venue for Italy for next year. Flights are already booked. Looking at Canvas Keycamp, and Thomson alfresco, but they are all really expensive.! We are going in peak Summer holidays though, so know all sites will be expensive. Just hoping Venue will be more reasonable.
------------- 2015, France, Spain and Italy.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I stayed in the top of the range venue mobiles a couple of weeks ago for 3 nights coming back from Switzerland. Its on the new part of the site on massive plots and the mobiles are the best and biggest ive ever stayed in.absoloutely huge and immaculate..They seem nearly new.
As for the site,bit to English for my likeing but my kids like it,they made plenty of friends and like the pool.For a cheap family friendly break it has a lot in its favour.
Quote: Originally posted by sue.too on 20/9/2014
Where in Italy? I've been to Norcini Girasole but in May with Canvas
We're going to Lake Garda for 10 nights next August. Looking at Camping San Francisco , Eden, or Cisano San vito. Checked Canvas's prices first as we would have a repeat booking discount plus an early booking discount if we book by the end of this month, but still working out really expensive.!
Hubby thinks we should look at an apartment or even a hotel..
We have had five holidays in Venue mobile homes in various locations on the Med and West Coast over the past seven years. We found the standard of the equipment to be as good as that of any other company and would be perfectly happy to use them again in the future, as long as they provide the best value taking everything into account.
We have also used Canvas a few times and would say exactly the same about them other than observing that their bottom line prices seem to have noticeably increased over the last couple of years.