A popular American chain of family-friendly resorts is set to open in the UK, with initial plans for three locations.

Great Wolf Lodge is North America's largest group of indoor water park resorts, and has 23 locations across the USA. These resorts are themed around rustic lodges, and are famous for their large waterparks, family activities, and the complimentary wolf ear headbands that are handed out to guests.

The chain has its sights set on three locations: Clowne in Derbyshire, Basingstoke in Hampshire, and Bicester in Oxfordshire. So far, there's little information about the proposed Bicester location, although the Great Wolf UK has released some details about what customers can expect from the other two resorts.

The Derbyshire location is set to have a grand lobby, where guests can enjoy free activities throughout the day, and a nighttime show called the Legend of Luna. The plans also include an indoor water park, including a kids' splash pad, raft adventures, flumes, and rides, in addition to an adventure park, shops, and restaurants. Accommodation will likely be similar to the US parks with family suites that have the chain's signature forest-inspired style. The resort is planned to have 520 guest rooms, including family accommodation for four to six people, and multigenerational suites for 10 to 12 persons, ideal for large family getaways.

In the resort grounds, there will be further activities such as a rope course, mini golf, and mini bowling. Plans for the site include newly planted woodland and show lots of outdoor space around the resort.

Great Wolf Lodge has also confirmed that day passes for visitors will eventually become available for each resort, allowing locals to enjoy facilities such as the waterparks. I managed to get a sneak peek of what the Grand Wolf Lodge has to offer after visiting one of their parks in Grapevine, Texas. Set within several acres of greenery and woodland, the resort had a rustic, hunting lodge style.

Like all their resorts, the heart of the action is in the lobby, which has a roaring fireplace and a huge Christmas tree. From the lobby, I caught a glimpse of the indoor waterpark, which is perfectly-warmed year-round. While this isn't really a major consideration in sunny Texas, this could work well for UK breaks where you're looking for indoor activities that aren't affected by the weather.

I enjoyed breakfast at the resort's buffet restaurant, where the theme continued with wolf print waffles in addition to a huge selection of hot and cold foods. I spotted some large groups of families, all wearing their wolf ears, showing that it's a popular spot for extended family breaks.

As we left, we spotted a kids' yoga class going on in the lobby, where an enthusiastic entertainer dressed as a wolf mascot was taking the kids through their paces. It was just one of the activities on the timetable for the day.

Based on my brief trip to Great Wolf Lodge, it felt like a concept that could work in the UK, and I liked the idea of staying in a family suite with a separate sleeping area for the kids, while still getting all the amenities of a hotel and facilities such as a waterpark. Overall, it could be a great addition to the family holiday market.

Book five nights at Great Wolf Lodge, with direct flights from London to Dallas Fort-Worth on either British Airways or American Airlines, for £1575 per person based on two sharing. Dates available from now until December 19, then January 7 to February 28.
For more information call Bon Voyage on 023 80248 248 or visit www.bon-voyage.co.uk.

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