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Center Parcs lake

The best guide to Center Parcs

With six incredible resorts in the UK and Ireland, it’s difficult to know which Center Parcs to visit. They all boast beautiful, natural forest settings and first-rate facilities but there are subtle differences, and everyone has their favourite.

  • Which Center Parcs is the best?
  • Which Center Parcs resort has the best location?
  • Which Center Parcs has the best setting?
  • Which Center Parcs is the newest?
  • What is the best time of year to visit Center Parcs?
  • Which Center Parcs has the best swimming pool?
  • Which Center Parcs has the best Wild Water Rapids?
  • Which Center Parcs is the best for toddlers?
  • Which Center Parcs is the best for babies?
  • Which Center Parcs is the best for adults?
  • Which Center Parcs is the best for couples?
  • Which Center Parcs is the best for dogs?
  • Which Center Parcs is best for activities?
  • Which Center Parcs is best for entertainment?
  • Which Center Parcs is best for drinking and dining?
  • Which Center Parcs is best for cycling?
  • Which Center Parcs is best for spa facilities and relaxation?

With six resorts across the UK and Ireland, each Center Parcs resort  is unique for your short break. They all feature hundreds of acres of natural forest landscapes, Aqua Sana Spa, Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Sports Plaza or Jardin Des Sports, but they also have their own unique characteristics – the giant redwoods at Longleat Forest, the Muntjac Deer at Elveden Forest, and the red squirrels at Whinfell Forest, for example. There really is something for all the family at every resort, whatever the weather.

No matter where in the country, each Center Parcs resort has over 400 acres of natural forest landscape to explore. Each resort is uniquely different, with Longleat Forest having breath-taking views courtesy of the hills and valleys. Whinfell Forest is set in the stunning Lake District and offers incredible views of this national park. Guests usually pick their resort depending on the ease of access from where they live. All Center Parcs resorts are easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking on-site. Alternatively, all resorts can be accessed by train and a short taxi journey.

  • Whinfell Forest  in Cumbria, is closest for people in Scotland and most of the north of England
  • Sherwood Forest  in Nottinghamshire, is closest for people in most of the West Midlands, East Midlands and Yorkshire
  • Longleat Forest in Wiltshire is closest for people in the West Country
  • Elveden Forest in Suffolk is closest for people in parts of East Anglia
  • Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire is closest for people in London, and some of East Anglia and the home counties
  • Longford Forest in Longford is closest for people living in Ireland

No matter where in the country, each Center Parcs resort  has over 400 acres of beautiful, natural forest landscape to explore. The lie of the land is a little different at each resort, with Longleat Forest having more rising ground that offers excellent viewpoints. It also has its own Land Train to get you around the resort, so you can explore easily. Whinfell Forest is set in the stunning Lake District and offers incredible views of this national park. Elveden Forest is the only resort that has unique Waterfront Apartments which are just a stone’s throw away from the lake. Many guests choose the resort within the closest proximity from where they live.

The newest Center Parcs, which opened in July 2019, is Longford Forest in Longford, Ireland. 

The fifth and newest Center Parcs in the UK is Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire, which opened in 2014. 

Whinfell Forest in Cumbria opened in 1997.

Longleat Forest in Wiltshire opened in 1994.

Elveden Forest in Suffolk opened in 1989.

The original UK Center Parcs, Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, opened in 1987.

With up to 400 acres of natural forest landscapes, a range of accommodation and activities, a beach with watersports lake, Aqua Sana Spa and Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a Center Parcs resort makes the perfect UK or Ireland family break destination at any time of year.

  • In the summertime, barbecue on your private patio, relax and play on a sandy beach, take part in watersports and enjoy our adventure playgrounds
  • An autumn break at Center Parcs is magical – spend hours exploring the forest and its changing colours, take part in nature activities and learn about wildlife preparing for winter, or choose from hundreds of indoor activities
  • In wintertime, light your log fire in your lodge or stargaze from your Treehouse hot tub. Visit the  Subtropical Swimming Paradise and enjoy spending time as a family in this tropical environment
  • A springtime break is a perfect chance to soak up the first bit of sunshine on a woodland walk or dine alfresco. Whether it’s an Easter celebration or a bank holiday getaway, get outdoors with our range of activities to explore, from Aerial Adventure to Mini Trek
  • Discover the resorts as they transform into a magical winter playground on a Winter Wonderland break . Experience a sprinkle of snow, experience our new Enchanted Light Garden, seasonal activities and menus

At the heart of every Center Parcs break is the incredible Subtropical Swimming Paradise . It’s heated to a balmy 29.5C all year round and decked with tropical plants and trees. All generations enjoy the wave pool, Wild Water Rapids, and whirlpool features. For your little ones, they can experience their first dip in a pool with Venture Bay equipped with spouts, slides and a splashing pool. For your older children, Venture Harbour is the perfect family play area with slides, giant tipping buckets and spray fountains for hours of fun. 

Longford Forest is home to Ireland’s largest indoor water park with Wild Water Rapids and 350m of exhilarating rides and slides. Woburn Forest boasts the UK’s newest Center Parcs pool, with the Typhoon – a two-seater tube ride that will whiz you through a labyrinth of back-to-back turns and drops. Whinfell Forest boasts two spa pools, flumes, slides and a rip-roaring Canyon Ride. Elveden Forest has been recently updated to include the Tropical Cyclone raft ride, which takes you up to 30 miles per hour. Sherwood Forest has also been updated and now includes the infamous Tropical Cyclone raft ride.

The Wild Water Rapids is one of our most popular water rides at Center Parcs. With lots of twists, turns and drops, it’s fun for the whole family to try. Our Wild Water Rapids at each location is unique, but you’ll always find them in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. So, what’s so great about each of them? Longford and Woburn Forest are the newest in Ireland and the UK. The original ones belong to Sherwood Forest, but at Whinfell, Elveden and Longleat Forest there’s most heart-racing drops, turns and twists – they’re all great, so why not try them all over time?

Center Parcs is the perfect place for a toddler-friendly holiday and each resort extensively caters for young children. There’s a diverse environment for little feet to explore, from family water play areas, Venture Bay and Venture Harbour in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, to outdoor playgrounds. Our family-friendly lodges have everything you need for a break with your little ones, such as high chairs, cots, stair gates (in two-storey lodges), bed bumpers (upon request) and a step. Many of our restaurants are child-friendly, including children’s menus and activity sheets. 

Top activities to keep little ones engaged include:

  • Fun Pots with Tots – paint a fantastically original design on their favourite piece of pottery
  • Mucky Pups – a creative session full of squidging, sticking and splashing fun
  • Baby Owls  – a great chance for you, along with your little ones to enjoy our very own sleepy barn owl, and some of his feathered friends

You can enjoy a stress-free family holiday with a baby at any of the Center Parcs resorts, which all cater specifically for young families. There are baby-friendly lodges and restaurants, designed to make your break as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

Top activities to keep babies entertained include:

  • Sensory Play – explore through vibrant colours, soothing sounds and various textures
  • Baby Memorable Imprint – create a cast of your little one’s precious hand or foot

Whether as a couple or a group of friends, there’s plenty to enjoy at every Center Parcs resort. For an indulgent getaway, the private outdoor hot tubs offer an unforgettable place to relax and stargaze, while the luxury Aqua Sana Spa offers face and body treatments and therapies to rejuvenate.

Each resort has over 400 acres of natural forest landscapes to explore on foot or by cycle, and the restaurants are great places to refuel afterwards. If you love dining out, Woburn Forest has exciting new restaurant brands Las Iguanas and Amalfi. 

Get active together with some adrenaline-fuelled fun, try our Escape the Forest activity at Woburn Forest that will test your team's skills to find the keys and beat the clock. Or for something more sporty head to the courts for a doubles game of Badminton . 

The six-bedroom Woodland Lodges available at Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest and Woburn Forest sleeping up to 12 people are perfect for big groups whether it be with friends or family.

You can make memories that last a lifetime on a couple's short holiday or romantic break at any one of the Center Parcs resorts. Whether you want to relax in a spa, stargaze in a private outdoor hot tub or stroll in stunning woodland, Center Parcs is the ideal place for you.

Longford Forest, Woburn Forest, Longleat Forest and Sherwood Forest offer over 20 spa experiences in the Aqua Sana Spas, while Elveden Forest and Whinfell Forest have over 14 experiences, perfect for couples to relax and unwind or for an indulging dual treatment massage. 

Explore the outdoors with acres of woodland and learn something new together with a range of activities to choose from, such as Target Archery and Segway Experience . 

The new, contemporary Breckland Apartments at Elveden Forest are perfect for couples, friends, and parent-and-child duos.

Your dog is part of the family and deserves a break too! With over 400 acres of natural forest landscapes, each Center Parcs resort offers an incredible space for your furry friend to explore. Dog-friendly lodges host up to two dogs, and there are designated areas where they can roam free.

With indoor , outdoor and water-based activities at each UK and Ireland resort, you’re never stuck for something to do. Take your pick from adrenaline-fuelled thrills, calming creative activities and relaxing spa treatments. On every Center Parcs break, you'll find a beautiful sandy beach and glorious lake, perfect for watching wildlife or trying out a watersport. With something suitable for every age and every personality, the whole family will find an activity they love.

Most popular activities available at all locations include:

  • Aerial Adventure – an amazing treetop experience, perfect for adrenaline-junkies and thrill-seekers
  • Badminton – a great racquet game to bring together friends and family
  • Laser Combat – an outdoor adventure that's like paintballing but without the mess

At each Center Parcs resort, there are hundreds of ways to keep children entertained. However, at Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest and Woburn Forest, children’s entertainers put on fun 45-minute shows too. Depending on the performer, these can include interactive games, lively songs and clever tricks. At Whinfell Forest, The Green Room hosts pantomimes all year round, twice weekly with singing, dancing and slapstick comedy, perfect for all ages. 

Hearty meals, romantic tables for two, fully licensed bars or fun feeds for children, you’ll find it all at Center Parcs. Our newest addition to Woburn Forest and Longleat Forest is Las Iguanas, where you can dine on Latin American food and sip delicious cocktails in a tropical setting. 

All of our resorts have exclusive Center Parcs restaurants . The Pancake House is the perfect place for a delicious sweet or savoury treat, Rajinda Pradesh serves authentic dishes inspired by the Far East, and the Sports Café is where you can enjoy a delicious meal and a craft beer while watching a game on the big screens.

Cycling is the best way to get around at Center Parcs and all our resorts have vehicle-light roads to make the experience as safe and fun as possible. At each resort, there are hundreds of acres of glorious woodland to explore. Our Cycle Centre is equipped with a range of cycles for all ages, with our staff available to make sure you have the right wheels – be that a tandem or a trailer – and accessories to keep you comfy as you pedal. Longleat Forest has greater inclines than other resorts, but if your legs get tired you can always lock up your cycles and hop on the Land Train.

Whether you’re a guest or are simply using the facilities for the day as a visitor, Aqua Sana Spa is the ultimate escape on a relaxing holiday. Each resort has its own unique spa experiences in the heart of the forest that help you relax and restore, as well as connect with nature. Elveden Forest and Whinfell Forest have over 14 spa experiences, while Longford Forest, Woburn Forest, Longleat Forest and Sherwood Forest have over 20, including the Ice Cave and Lava Sauna.

What the Redhead said

Center Parcs Woburn Forest {Activities and Entertainment} Review

Disclosure: We were invited on this break for the purpose of this review however all opinions are my own.

I shared the start of our Center Parcs break in my previous post where I talked all about our Woodland Lodge home for the weekend at Woburn Forest, just down the road from Woburn Safari Park , and the range of food options available across the resort. But, there’s so much more to know about Center Parcs – especially the activities and entertainment on offer.

A Weekend at Center Parcs - Woburn Forest {Activities and Entertainment}

What’s the Woburn Forest Center Parcs swimming pool like?

The children’s favourite part of our break was definitely the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. It really was like being abroad, with the whole swimming complex being in a really well heated space and with palm trees and seating areas everywhere. It’s the perfect place for the whole family, with so much for little ones to discover and enjoy.

Subtropical Swimming Paradise at Center Parcs Woburn Forest

The Centre Parcs changing rooms had different sized cubicles for different group sizes and plenty of lockers as well as toilets and hair drying stations.

The children loved the children’s pool which had slides, water activities and places to splash around. There was also a separate climbing frame with slides, tunnels and water everywhere. It really was heaven for the children.

Subtropical Swimming Paradise at Center Parcs Woburn Forest

What are the height restrictions like?

There was also a beach-like main pool where a wave machine came on every half hour and the children loved this. The pool was deep enough to swim properly in and when the waves came on the children were in their element. There were also big slides but they had a minimum height of 1.2m so just Dave went on those – and loved them. There was also a lazy river with inflatables to ride on and a rapids section outside – which again had a height restriction.

The whole subtropical paradise was well maintained and there were lifeguards everywhere. Having so much seating meant we could sit and watch the children play and we could have easily spent all day in there. Usually we spend an hour in the pool on a break away but we spent 2-3 hours in the subtropical paradise without even realising the time had passed. There was somewhere to get refreshments inside – and you could organise to use your wristband to pay, rather than taking cash with you. The wristband also worked the lockers, making the whole swimming process so much simpler than it usually is.

What is the Center Parcs Woburn Forest Chef’s Academy?

Whilst we were at Centre Parcs the kids took part in the Chocolate Chef’s Academy which is a three hour session in the Activity Den, home to so many Center Parcs activities. The Chocolate Chef’s Academy was a real highlight for LP and Little Man with games, singing and dancing and all things chocolate. They came out with decorated aprons, chefs hats and a decorated box of chocolate creations they had made – they were so happy and proud!

Chocolate Chef Academy at Center Parcs Woburn Forest

What is the Center Parcs spa like?

Whilst they were enjoying themselves and making new friends, Dave and I went to the spa. The Aqua Sana spa at Center Parcs is pretty amazing and a fantastic option for a spa break . You get given a towel and fluffy robe on arrival – but remember to take flip flops. Also, the robes don’t have pockets in which is worth noting.

Then, you make your way into the spa which has so many different worlds. Each had different rooms and we could have easily spent all day there. There were saunas, steam rooms, foot baths and relaxation rooms. As well as so many seating areas, water stations and a beautiful heated outdoor pool too. It was a highlight of our stay and a great way to relax and unwind.

Aqua Sana Spa at Center Parcs Woburn Forest

The spa also has a wide range of treatments available. Dave had a back, neck and shoulder massage whilst we were there. It was just what he needed and the perfect addition to our morning at the Aqua Sana spa.

What other activities are there at Center Parcs?

Another highlight of our break for the children was going bowling for the first time. The Leisure Bowl was so lovely and clean. It wasn’t too big or noisy either, perfect to introduce LP and Little Man to bowling. We had an hour slot and it was great fun. The children now want to go bowling again as soon as possible.

Bowling at Center Parcs Woburn Forest

The Leisure Bowl was also home to shows and other activities. We stumbled on a ventriloquist act just before we went bowling. There was a whole program of free shows around the resort that we could have made use of if we had time. It’s something that’s really with looking into though. There are shows and entertainment in the evening if your children like to stay up late on holiday!

Children's Entertainment at Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Another activity we tried was a horse and carriage ride – one of many outdoor activities at Centre Parcs. Although this said 15 minutes on the booking information the whole experience lasted about half an hour. The staff involved were some of the loveliest we met. LP and Little Man sat up front with me and really enjoyed the experience. Seeing the other Center Parcs guest reactions to a horse and carriage going past was great!

Horse and Carriage Ride at Center Parcs Woburn Forest

What are the play areas like at Woburn Forest?

The children also spent so much time in the adventure playgrounds dotted around the resort. There were climbing frames, swings and slides that catered for all ages. This gave the children amazing space to burn off energy and pass some time. You really cannot beat a well equipped adventure playground when you’re a child. LP and Little Man loved every one that we found.

Play Areas at Center Parcs Woburn Forest

There was so much to do on our Center Parcs break. There was so much more that we didn’t get a chance to do either. The children are already talking about going again. They saw the waterfront on our last day and now want to hire pedalos for a trip on the water! There was also crazy golf, den building and so many other activities. That there really is something for the whole family – and every age range too.

The Lake at Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Do Center Parcs Activities cost a lot?

Most of the activities at Center Parcs do have an additional cost. The activities we did really made the break for the children. But they could have been just as happy spending time in the subtropical paradise and playing in the adventure playgrounds. There are plenty of entertainment options included in Center Parcs breaks. Plus plenty more available at an extra cost which just enhance an already lovely family break.

Center Parcs Woburn Forest

A great appeal of Center Parcs is how relaxing it is. I know, we did so much in a short space of time. Activities aside, Center Parcs is just so peaceful, car free, and idyllic. There’s a lake to walk around, forests to explore and so many cycle paths to explore at your own pace. It was so tranquil and that’s something you don’t often get on a family break.

Lake at Center Parcs Woburn Forest

We had such a great weekend and are planning to go back as soon as we can. For us Center Parcs was a pretty perfect way to get quality family time, relax and have fun too. I couldn’t fault it and cannot wait to go back.

Here’s a little video of our weekend:

We’ve also been to Centre Parcs Whinfell Forest on a term time 4 night midweek break if you’d like to read about that experience and we’re visiting Elveden Forest soon.

Center Parcs Woburn Forest {Activities and Entertainment} Review

Donna Wishart is married to Dave and they have two children, Athena (12) and Troy (11). They live in Surrey with their two cats, Fred and George. Once a Bank Manager, Donna has been writing about everything from family finance to days out, travel and her favourite recipes since 2012. Donna is happiest either exploring somewhere new, with her camera in her hand and family by her side or snuggled up with a cat on her lap, reading a book and enjoying a nice cup of tea. She firmly believes that tea and cake can fix most things.

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Oh I’m pleased you had a great time. We love Center Parcs too, although I’ve not been to this site so it’s good to read about it. Our closest is Whinfell which we loved, we took the kids when Lena was 7 months and Arlo 3. About time for us to head back I think.

I’ve never been to Center Parcs. I’d love to go, but the price is so steep in holiday time and often we don’t want to go on the days they offer. It always looks great though.

This looks so amazing Donna, all these active things are just the sort of thing we’d want to do. Definitely on our list for a holiday soon! Nat.x

Lovely! I honestly think Center Parcs spas are the best in the UK. Looks like you had lovely weather too x

The last time we went Alice was only little and I was pregnant with Holly. I really want to take them now they are older. It sounds like you had an amazing time and I must admit I’m a big kid when it comes to their swimming pools, it’s brilliant! x

I’ve heard the swimming facilities are wonderful! It’s a beautiful spot for sure! x

Oh wow Center Parcs looks amazing! We’ve never been to one, but I have no idea why now.

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Living.Pretty.Happy

Happy Travels: Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Happy Travels: Center Parcs Woburn Forest. Image of Center Parcs Woburn Forest

‘ Family, I have a surprise for you! ’ announced my husband with a triumphant smile on his face.   Fairly certain that the news wasn’t going to be we’re pregnant – I mean I would know right?!   I listened in with much anticipation. 

‘ For Mum & Dad’s anniversary next week, we are all going to Center Parcs ’   [cue screams of excitement from the kids.] 

I on the other hand – whilst very appreciative of the gesture – was slightly more apprehensive.   You see, I know of Center Parcs, but I’ve never been to a Center Parcs – Isn’t it all just about trees and cycling?

How special was our 15th wedding anniversary going to be there – was this something I was actually going to enjoy?

Well, yes, it was actually.   I really enjoyed it, we all really enjoyed it. 

Here’s what I thought was great about Center Parcs Woburn Forest (and why you might enjoy a break here too)…

Seamless check-in.

Happy Travels: Center Parcs Woburn Forest. Image of Center Parcs sign

To be honest, I’ve never been checked in to anywhere so fast.   We just drove up to a check-in booth, gave our details (without getting out of the car), received our wristbands, which act as your lodge keys and also a map with instructions on the short drive to our lodge. 

Within minutes we were pulled up outside our accommodation (you can park until 10pm   on arrival day before all cars have to be moved to the central car park) scanned our wristband at the lodge front door and we were in!

A great stress-free start to our break.

Woodland lodges

Happy Travels: Center Parcs Woburn Forest. Exterior of one of the lodges

We stayed in a two-bedroom executive lodge, that was open plan, modern, clean and well-equipped.   I’m not going to lie, the wine fridge and coffee machine were the star attractions for me!

It was such a lovely touch to see that housekeeping had written a little Happy Anniversary welcome message on our lodge blackboard for us.   To me, it was a really sweet acknowledgement of the special nature of our trip.  

Happy Travels: Center Parcs Woburn Forest

The lodge was set back from the road, which helped you feel quite private and peaceful.   Plus we had the forest in our back garden, it surprised me how much calm I found sitting and looking out at the trees. (Yes I know – me & trees, who’d have thought it?!)

The beds were comfy and we all slept well. The kids loved having a TV in their room.   I can only imagine what time that got switched on every morning!

Good to know: The lodge had the majority of kitchen gadgets and gizmos you could need, including everything you would reasonably expect from a self-catering apartment.  There was a housekeeping package of dishwasher tablets, cloths, a tea towel and washing up liquid.   I personally packed anti-bac wipes, a liquid hand soap, kitchen roll and clingfilm/kitchen foil.   But other than that I wasn’t missing anything.   You might find it helpful to know the lodges at Center Parcs Woburn were adequately stocked with toilet roll. 

centre parcs safari park

Everyday housekeeping came to make the beds etc.   So whilst we were self-catering, I still felt it had a bit of the ‘hotel’ treatment about it.   Anything that gives me a break from the daily routine is definitely welcomed by me!

Lots of Fun! Family fun!

Everyday life, with all its demands and requirements, doesn’t always allow time to just have fun.   At Center Parcs, if you’re not relaxing, you’re doing .   But doing in a good way, a fun way. 

There are loads of activities on offer.   Yes, you have to pay for them, but there ’s lots of variety and lots of fun to be had. 

Happy Travels Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Whilst at Center Parcs Woburn Forest, we tried archery, high wires, zip wires, tennis, kayaking, climbing and some sort of football on a giant pool table (still questioning that one.) All this before you even enter the Subtropical Swimming Paradise – which was definitely my family’s personal highlight – and ironically the only ‘free’ thing in the place!

centre parcs safari park

There really is a lot to choose from – check out their website for the full list.  Not all of them require a lot of physical exertion,   there’s a range of craft activities on offer too. 

Allow me to go back to the swimming for a moment. 

This kept us occupied for hours, daily.   It’s really family friendly, from the family changing rooms through to the complimentary float jackets for the kids.   There are segments for all age ranges and swimming abilities. 

Happy Travels Center Parcs Woburn Forest

I have a 9-year-old & 7-year-old and most of our time was spent on either the outdoor rapids, the flumes (one is, in my opinion, poop-your-pants extreme) or the much more my style, lazy river.   There was a wave pool and a toddler splash area themed like a pirate ship.   It’s all clean and easy to navigate.   A total winner for us as a family. 

I’ll admit, I thought I’d get bored, but Center Parcs Woburn Forest didn’t really give me the chance.

The great outdoors

I made mention of the fact I had slight trepidation about all the enforced ‘being outside’ that I believed a Center Parcs break regimented.   But actually, this was probably what I ended up loving the most about Center Parcs Woburn Forest. 

Happy Travels Center Parcs Woburn Forest

It felt so good to be outside (even in the rain) taking in all the fresh air and hearing the rustling of the trees.   It was peaceful, no real traffic just lodges and lots of forest. 

We couldn’t go a day without encountering some wildlife.   Squirrels, ducks, hares, partridges (I believe, I have never made a good bird watcher).   It was wonderful.   Our housekeeper told us if we left our patio door open, one of the ducks would happily wander inside for some bread.   We never tried it, but I was over the moon to see the duck with all her ducklings waddling in the next lodge’s garden – something we rarely get to see every day. 

Happy Travels Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Without the use of a car to navigate around a 365-acre forest you do need to be able to cycle, scoot or walk.   There was plenty of opportunity for some fitness – although we didn’t often realise just how active we were being.   One day the GPS tracker informed us we had walked 11 miles! That’s before we add on all the sporting activities we took part in. 

Obviously, how much or how little you do is up to you, but for me, the opportunity to work-out was welcome.   I certainly earned my pancakes at The Pancake House.

In my opinion, the main wellness attraction at Center Parcs Woburn Forest was the Aqua Sana Spa .   With our kids happily being looked after, the husband and I enjoyed a day here for our anniversary.

Happy Travels Center Parcs Woburn Forest.

I’ll talk more about the spa in a separate post, but sufficed to say, this is a great one to visit!   There are multiple experience rooms (my personal favourite being the aqua meditation room), relaxation areas, affinity pool and zen garden.  

This is a fantastic spa.   I was more than happy to relax for the day here, catch-up on some reading and feel a lot less stressed than I did on this day 15-years before.   It was the best place to celebrate this milestone in our marriage. 

Happy Travels Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Good to know: You don’t need to be a Center Parcs Woburn Forest guest to visit the spa.   Day spa packages are available and there is even a spa hotel, should you wish to make the experience last longer. 

Great Customer Service

From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, we felt well looked after by Guest Services.   They were always polite, helpful and made it clear their priority was making sure we enjoyed our stay. 

We were delighted with a little gift from them to mark our anniversary.

Happy Travels Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Housekeeping were really thorough too, they even washed up for us once! 

The staff we encountered on our activities were all friendly and professional.   They made the kids feel at ease if they were doing something slightly scary and the onus was always on us having fun. 

I don’t know why I wasn’t expecting this level of service at a Center Parcs, but I was delighted to receive it.   It definitely helped us to enjoy our stay.

All good things…

Happy Travels Center Parcs Woburn Forest

All too soon, our woodland adventure was over.   With the car packed, we locked our lodge door – maybe stopped for pancakes one last time (because why wouldn’t you?) dropped our wristbands in the box and headed home. 

Happy Travels: Center Parcs Woburn Forest

‘ Did you have a nice time kids? ’ I asked the satisfactorily tired little people in the back of the car. 

‘ Yes! When can we go back?! ’ and to be honest, I felt myself asking that exact same question. 

Hopefully soon!

Happy Travels Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Additional information/tips:

  • Book in activities in advance.  To ensure you get to do the activities you want to do when you want to do them, make sure to book before you go.  This also extends to the onsite restaurants too.  
  • The majority of the restaurants on site are chain restaurants, Strada, Cafe Rouge etc.  The quality of food and service you get in them (from our experience) is the same as you get in any of them across the country – read into that what you will.  I do recommend The Pancake House, you can’t book, but it’s definitely worth a visit or two .  
  • You can easily eat in (or BBQ) at your lodge.  To save time, money and just make our lives a little easier, we booked a food collection at the local supermarket in Ampthill (less than 10 minutes drive away) to coincide with our arrival.  
  • Housekeeping is available on certain lodge packages.  Check their website for details.  
  • If you do venture out of Center Parcs for the day, there are lots of family-friendly options nearby, such as Woburn Abbey & Safari Park.  I’ve spoken more about the Safari Park in  Happy Days: 5 Great animal attractions to visit in Southern England
  • Not travelling by car?  There is a free shuttle service from Flitwick Train Station to Center Parcs Woburn Forest for guests.

Want to discover more happy holiday destinations?  You can right here:  Happy Travels

Happy Travels: Center Parcs Woburn Forest review. An in-depth review of our stay at Center Parc Woburn Forest. Including some top tips to get the most out of your stay. #centerparcs #staycation #travel #holidayreview

Have you been to a Center Parcs or a Center Parcs-style holiday before?  What did you think?  Would you like to visit or is this style of holiday not for you? Have you been to Center Parcs Woburn Forest?  Is there another Center Parcs location you would recommend for us to try?  Whatever you’d like to say, or if you have any questions about Center Parcs Woburn Forest, just get in touch by leaving a comment in the box below.  I’m happy to help and I always love to hear from you! 

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A fantastic review Alex and having read this, I’d happily book this in confidence that I’d have a great time. Love all the extras you can do there – and the pancake eatery….well, don’t get me started! Looking forward to reading all about the spa!

Thanks Lauretta, I can’t speak for the other parcs but I can definitely recommend this one (just don’t forget to pack your trainers!)

This looks brilliant, especially the nature pics and the waffles. I went to Center Parcs years ago, and loved it!!!!!!!!!!!

It was! So pleased to hear you had a good experience too – thanks for reading! x

Im so glad you had a great time Alex. I have only been to Centre Parks once, but we all said it was one of our favourite holidays. The spa is just amazing isnt it! Glad you had a great time xx

Thanks Kerry! Yes, we really enjoyed ourselves, it wasn’t what I was expecting. So pleased you had a great time there too – yes the spa is one of the best I’ve been too in terms of choice and relaxation opportunities xx

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6 Affordable Things to do at Centre Parcs

Way back at the very end of November we spent the weekend at the Whinfell Forest branch of Centre Parcs. It was our second trip to this beautiful countryside haven and a it was a very different experience to our last one.

Why? Because this one was done on a budget. Last time, we ate out a fair few times and did some of the more expensive activities. This time, we managed to do the whole four-day break on a budget of £150, including a meal out with alcohol.

There is a general conception that Centre Parcs is extortionately priced – and some of it is. But we soon realised there’s still a lot of fun to be had on a budget. So I thought it was worth imparting my wisdom here on the blog with my list of six affordable things to do at Centre Parcs

1. Games and Grub in Your Chalet

This is probably the most fun thing we did all weekend and it cost us absolutely nothing (apart from what we spent during our trip to Morrisons before we went). Carl and I made some super tasty fajitas, we all had a few glasses of wine – or cans of beer in the boys’ case – and we sat round a table playing board games.

We got through two games; Scattegories and Articulate, and honestly I haven’t laughed so much in a long time. Some of the answers we were coming out with were hilarious and it made me realise just how important it is to spend phone-free time with your family doing something fun.

If you’re looking for affordable things to do in Centre Parcs, this one should be the first on your list.

2. Swimming Outside

Use of the pool is one of the few things included at no extra cost when you book a chalet at Centre Parcs. The whole pool area was pretty fun – with a cool indoor rapids and some great areas for little ones – but the best bit for me was the outdoor section.

There is something liberating about swimming outside in England in the December. The water was super warm – like a big jacuzzi – and the steam coming off it just gave everything a magical feel. Some friends of ours ended up in here when it snowed one year, now that would be the dream!

There is a fantastic waterslide that catapults you into the outdoor area too. For something that looks pretty tame, this has some serious force. Carl went down before me and I ended catapulting right into the back of him. We had so much fun during our time in the pool. My only regret is that we didn’t go into the outside area at night as that looked pretty romantic.

3. Crazy Golf

We did this activity with my brother and (soon to be) sister in law and even on a cold day it was a lot of fun. The course is a *little* bit worn but it’s challenging enough to be fun without being super simple.

Make sure you get this one booked early as the price increases when you get onsite. It took us around an hour to complete both courses and it wasn’t so busy that we were waiting around for people to finish each hole.

We really enjoyed our time on the crazy golf course and for around £5 each we couldn’t really grumble at the price.

4. Pottery Painting

This is one of my biggest tips for affordable things to do at Centre Parcs. I just had such a bloody good time doing it.

Whinfell Forest has a huge dedicated pottery painting building (just by the sports centre). Once we arrived we chose the pottery we wanted to paint, paid for it and got to work.

Prices were really reasonable and there was something to suit any budget, from small Christmas tree decorations for a fiver to massive plates for over £30. I chose a snowman tea light holder (£20) and got to work painting it. In total it took about three hours and I enjoyed every second of it. It was a few hours completely phone free where my worries (anxiety was high that weekend) went to the back of my mind.

At the end, I came out with a slightly wonky – but pretty enough – keepsake that will stay in our house for years to come. Not bad for a gran total of £24.50.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that it would cost you Hollywood Bowl type prices to hit the lanes at Centre Parcs. But it’s actually a very affordable thing to do.

Again, we paid no more than £6 per person for an hour of bowling. The lanes are small but there are plenty of balls to suit everyone. Plus, you can grab a drink at the bar if you want.

6. Fireworks

This is only really applicable in winter but if you go in the colder months, I would absolutely suggest you make time to see the fireworks display.

This is completely free and takes place around the main lake near the village centre. Now, the fireworks weren’t Disney level of good, but they were the best we’ve ever seen in the UK. Set to seasonal music, there is something really lovely about the display.

Make sure you get there early for a good view, and if you want to enjoy a brew while you watch them. We arrived about 15 minutes before the fireworks were due to start and the queue for Starbucks was out of the door.

If I go again, I’ll try and catch these from the outdoor pool as I expect it would be an amazing view!

So there you have it, my round-up of affordable things to do at Centre Parcs. There are more than what I’ve listed (walking for one) but these are the things I enjoyed the most.

Have you ever been to Centre Parcs? What affordable things do you love to do?

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12 Best tips for your Center Parcs family holiday

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  • Post category: Travel to France
  • Post author: Nassie Angadi

If you have never heard of Center Parcs, you may have had visions of tiny cottages without running water and wifi. In reality, these are 4-star level accommodation, with everything from dishwashers and wifi, to jetted tubs and saunas.

A lovely cottage, quiet time in the countryside, with something to do for everyone. But it can be pricey. Whether it is your first time at Center Parcs or not, here are my top tips to save money and make the most of your holiday.

Included in your booking is a fully self-served cottage with a functional kitchen and access to certain resort facilities such as:

  • an indoor domed pool
  • an outdoor pool
  • indoor and outdoor playgrounds for the kids

Other paying facilities and activities include:

  • horseriding

There are supermarkets and restaurants on-site, so depending on how many activities you participate in and how many dinners out you have, your budget could skyrocket.

So a bit of preparation is just the key to keeping a hand on your wallet. Here are my best tips for visiting Center Parcs and staying within budget. Allons-y!

1. Deciding when to go

When to go is probably one of the most important decisions you have to make. Prices are higher during school holidays, so you will get better deals outside of that.

Another cost-saving idea is going to a Center Parcs in another country. For example, if you are in the U.K. and need to go during U.K. school holidays, consider going to a Center Parcs in France or Netherlands as those school holidays will be different (and less expensive). You can look up the holidays for each country before booking:

  • France school holidays
  • Germany school holidays
  • Netherlands school holidays
  • Belgium school holidays

If you need to go during school holidays, book your cottage as early as possible as prices go higher as the peak period approaches. Center Parcs allows reservations 12-18 months in advance.

Alternatively, if you can wait, there are also usually last-minute deals for the weekend or just go from Monday to Thursday, if you have flexibility.

2. Check the weather before booking

The other issue is that there is no air conditioning in the cottages, at least at the ones in France , and I’ve not seen them at the resorts across Europe either. So if you go to Center Parcs in the middle of July -August, not only will you be paying a premium, you’ll also be sweating a lot.

Outside of the August heat though, Center Parcs is fabulous. With its indoor pools, indoor playgrounds, and other indoor activities, you can usually figure out something to do even if it is raining or windy.

3. Make the reservation on Booking.com

If you are coming from the U.K., the UK Center Parcs website has much higher prices than the Center Parcs in Europe. You could book on the local country website, but if you can’t read French or German, I suggest booking directly on Booking.com since they should offer the lowest equivalent price.

sauna in a cottage at center parcs

4. Get a VIP cottage with sauna

This is probably my top tip for booking, especially if you are going in winter and you have small children. It cost us an extra €50 (depends on the deals available) and is absolute perfection. It is basically the price of a couple of trips to the big spa at Center Parcs for 2 adults.

Having the sauna right in the cottage meant that with the kids in bed by 8 pm, that left plenty of time for mum and dad to enjoy a relaxing evening in the sauna and then finish off with a glass of wine by the fire.

☞ READ MORE: Visiting France in Winter. Brr!

5. Check the children’s bedroom arrangements

While booking our holiday, we noticed that there was only one crib in the cottage, and that there were no sheets for the crib . If you have twins or small children that are really close in age, this may not work for you.

The crib is also folded up in the parents’ bedroom, but there isn’t actually much room to expand it in the master bedroom, even in the VIP cottage. If we were using the crib, we would have to put it elsewhere.

The other issue was that the twin beds in the 2nd bedroom were quite high, and there were no barriers. We ended up moving two dining chairs into the bedroom every evening to form a barrier to keep our toddlers from falling out of their beds.

6. Pre-book everything or download the Center Parcs app

If you are coming from the U.K. to France or to any of the other Center Parcs in Europe, you will find that you need that country app to book the activities.

Make sure you install the app and that it works before arriving at the resort, or alternatively pre-book all your activities on the computer before you arrive. There’s no need to waste time waiting in line!

Center Parcs pool

7. Check-in online and arrive early (with a separate swim bag)

You are not allowed to check into your cottage until 15h but they do let you access all facilities. There is usually a line of waiting vehicles at check-in so if you can try to get there early. You can leave all your stuff in the car and head to the pool to start your holiday immediately. Also, pool towels are not provided, so bring your own.

(If you can’t make it early, no worries, the check-in at 15h occurs directly while you are in the car, and is pretty fast.)

8. Bring your own groceries

There is a grocery store on-site at Center Parcs, but as you can imagine, it is a wee bit expensive. When planning your meals for your cottage, you have to keep in mind the following:

  • there is no freezer
  • there is no oven
  • there are no condiments

The last time I went I remembered not to bring a frozen pizza, but the pasta I cooked could have really used some salt and pepper. So here are some hints for your condensed grocery list for Center Parcs:

  • salt and pepper
  • other spices for cooking
  • dishwashing liquid and dishwasher tabs (scrubbers are provided)
  • toilet paper (one roll provided)
  • tissue paper
  • tea / coffee
  • compact logs of wood for the fireplace

12 Best tips for your Center Parcs family holiday 1

9. Bring your own strollers, bikes, and scooters

One of the main things to remember with Center Parcs is that your cottage might be quite far away from the center. Depending on the resort, the paths are not particularly pedestrianized and can be quite hilly.

Our last stay at Center Parcs, we were about 1.5 km (1mile) away, and it was raining, too far away for our toddlers to go back and forth a couple of times a day. Combined with muddy paths, we were quite happy to have strollers along.

Note: There are golf carts that can be rented on the resort if you can’t manage a bike or scooter.

10. Bring your own fondue wok or raclette set

No oven doesn’t mean that you can’t have a great family meal together. The restaurants at Center Parcs are rather ordinary and overpriced and given the distance from the cottage to the center, it is much nicer to have at least one dinner at home.

So bring your own fondue / raclette set, a bottle of wine, and have dinner as a family.

11. Move your car closer to your cottage as early on Departure Day

Checkout at 10 am tends to be a rush of cars and traffic jams. Moving your car earlier to load up all the luggage will help your holiday end on a good note.

Note: At certain Center Parcs in France you can check out on Sundays at 15h. Check the resort that you are staying at, and see if your resort offers late checkout.

☞ READ MORE: 24 Things to know before driving in France

Pool table and Bowling Alley at Center Parcs

12. Play after checkout

Even if you have to check out at 10am, you can still stay at the resort till the late afternoon. So load up the car and vacate your cottage, and let the concierge know that you would like to enjoy the facilities a little longer.

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How much do Center Parcs activities cost?

  • Center Parcs Tips , Planning Your Trip , Saving Money
  • January 4, 2024 April 18, 2024

centre parcs safari park

The prices of Center Parcs activities change throughout the year (mostly based on “peak” and “off peak” times). But did you know, the only way to see the real activity prices for your stay is by logging into their website after your holiday is booked?!

centre parcs safari park

Most people want to start planning and budgeting before that – so here’s everything we know about the cost of Center Parcs activities, to help you plan and get an idea of prices before you book…

Center Parcs “example” prices

It’s not widely known, but Center Parcs gives a list of “ex ample” prices on their website, so it’s a great place to start… BUT it only gives “from” prices (“from” being the key word!) and they’re not necessarily very accurate…

So as a comparison, I thought I’d share the actual prices for our trip to Elveden Forest at the end of March 2023. (This was off-peak and during term time, so the prices might be even higher during school holidays!)

Disclaimer: All information was correct at the time of publishing. Please visit the official Center Parcs website for correct, up-to-date information and check before booking !

How much more will I pay compared to the “example” prices?

As you’ll see in the tables below, the “real” activity prices were generally higher across the board, compared to the “example” prices given on the Center Parcs website at the time.

For some of the cheaper activities you’d end up paying maybe £1 – £2 extra – but for some of the bigger activities, prices had jumped by as much as £10 or more!

There’s a lot of info here, so we’ve split it into ‘outdoor activities’, ‘indoor activities’, ‘children’s’, ‘water’ and ‘nature’ (that’s how they list it on their website, so why change it, I guess?!) and there’s also a very rough price guide for the spa prices at the end – those prices vary a lot depending on what treatment you get!

Center Parcs outdoor activity prices

Here’s a list of guide prices for the most popular outdoor activities at Center Parcs, (based on Elveden Forest Pricing Guide , as of August 2023), vs the actual prices during our off-peak stay in March 2023.

Center Parcs children’s activity prices

Here’s a list of children’s activities at Center Parcs, comparing the Center Parcs guide prices against the actual prices for our stay in March 2023.

Center Parcs indoor activity prices

These are some of the indoor activities at Center Parcs, again showing a comparison of guide prices vs the actual prices quoted for our stay.

Center Parcs water activity prices

Here are some of the water activities guide prices, vs the actual prices during our stay.

Center Parcs nature activity prices

And here are the nature activities guide prices (again, based on the Elveden Forest Pricing Guide , as of August 2023), vs the prices we could find during our stay in March 2023.

Center Parcs spa guide prices

Finally, here’s a vague price guide for spa treatment prices at the Aqua Sana Spa at Center Parcs. Unfortunately the main spa was closed during our stay so we weren’t given a price for the 3 hour spa session! I’ll do some more research and add an update once I have some more info…!

So, how much do Center Parcs activities cost?

Well, there’s no way to know for certain until after you’ve booked your trip, but as a very basic guide: court hire and small kids’ activities can start from around £7 – £10… with prices going all the way up to £45 – £60 for some of the bigger outdoor adventures!

If you’re lucky (and book in fast) you can also book baby swim sessions for FREE! Find out more in our post “ 5 things babies and toddlers can get for FREE at Center Parcs “.

MOVING WITH THE MILITARY SOON?

Jessica Lynn Writes

Everything You Need for a Trip to Center Parcs + Packing List

Just thinking about a trip to Center Parcs makes me giddy. It’s so much fun for all ages, not just for kids. But thinking about what to pack for Center Parcs, especially if it’s your first visit, can be totally overwhelming. (Been there, done that.) Luckily, you have this post with a Center Parcs packing list that has literally everything we take with us!

what to pack for a trip to Center Parcs -- created by a mom of three.

I’m 100% convinced that Center Parcs is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for families. ⁠ ⁠ (and no, they’re not paying me to say all this, we’ve paid out of pocket for all of our stays.)

What is Center Parcs?

centre parcs safari park

Center Parcs basically a perfect holiday spot: they have accommodation for up to 12 people, a giant waterpark with kiddie pools and slides (included in your stay!), relaxing nature all around you, restaurants and a grocery store on-site, activities for everyone, bikes to rent, playgrounds galore, and dozens of locations to choose from in multiple countries . ⁠ ⁠ Seriously, it’s like an oasis and a perfect spot for a staycation or a vacay. ⁠

⁠In fact, I was recently at one alone with my three kids while my husband did the Nijmegen march in the Netherlands, so it’s also a great place for those of you who are solo parenting and still want to travel and go somewhere but want something a little more stress-free. ⁠

NOTE: there’s no free childcare included (like at a kinder hotel ), but there are tons of things for kids of all ages to do (some have a fee)….and the awesome free water park, of course!⁠⁠

I hope you’ll find this post helpful if you’re planning a trip to Center Parcs soon.

Using the packing list

If you’re wondering how to organize your lists, I like to create notes on my phone (I have an iPhone and just use the “notes” app), and check them off as I pack/gather the items.

Then, the list lives on my phone for our next trip.

centre parcs safari park

Alternatively, you can get this free Center Parcs packing list printable that I created that has everything in this blog post on one sheet of paper, PLUSE a blank one for you to fill in with your own things!

centre parcs safari park

What to Take to Center Parcs (Packing List)

packing list for center parcs including everything you need to take with you

These Center Parcs packing lists are good whether you’re going for a week or just a quick weekend, and it may sound like a lot of stuff, but keep in mind that Center Parcs is pretty bare-bones when it comes to the extra stuff (more on that below).

I’m not sharing clothes/toiletries since that will be season-dependent, so this is just all the extra stuff.

Grab the free center parcs packing list printables above and keep reading to see each section below!

For Your Cottage

here's what to take for your next center parcs trip

Before you start your packing list for Center Parcs, double-check your accommodation.

If you have a VIP cottage, extra things like linen and towels will be provided. If you don’t have things like sheets and towels provided you can pay extra to have them included and/or have the beds made. (I personally like doing this, because I don’t want that much extra work on a vacay…but if you’re in this for a budget trip then definitely BYOS (bring your own stuff).

  • to take all the things from our vehicle to the cottage. GAME CHANGER!
  • See it on amazon.de here
  • a fan or two (if going during the summer months)
  • hand towels (for the bathroom)
  • extra trash bags
  • paper towels
  • toilet paper
  • Ziploc bags/Tupperware for leftovers
  • hand soap for each bathroom and kitchen sink
  • dishwasher pods
  • This clothesline does not need clothespins; we love it
  • See it on amazon.de here .
  • super handy instead of finding a washing machine
  • we use these ; can also get them from DM in Germany
  • towels (optional; check your accommodation amenities)
  • bed sheets (optional; check your accommodation amenities)
PRO TIP: If you forget something, don’t worry. Each Center Parcs has a grocery store on-site, and it’s actually not that pricey. I expected to see things marked way up, but it was pretty reasonable. So if you forget the TP, no worries: you can pick some extra rolls up when you get there.

Traveling with a baby? We’ve seen safety gates provided by stairs, high chairs, and cribs available in each place we’ve stayed.

For Food and Cooking

centre parcs safari park

A note before the list begins: there are plenty of places to eat when you take a trip to Center Parcs, but it can get pricey very quickly. So if you’re looking to save some bucks, you can do that by bringing most things with you from home. (It’s actually a variation of this list …I just pare it down a bit.)

Also, as I mentioned above, there is a grocery store at Center Parcs, and I’ve been pleasantly impressed with the variety of items they have. I’m talking produce, frozen foods, meats, cheese, bread, milk, eggs…all the things, so don’t fret if you forget something!

Obviously, this list needs to be personalized for your family, but here’s our exact list of all the extra food I like to bring. Don’t forget that your kids will still want snacks!

With that said…here’s our Center Parcs packing list for all things food and cooking.

Kitchen Extras

  • A good knife
  • for the drive to/from Center Parcs
  • see it on amazon.de here
  • coffee filters
  • wine/bottle opener
  • If you have little kids; the dishes provided are very much not kid-friendly at Center Parcs
  • slow cooker
  • water jug for the fridge (if you like cold water)
  • ice cube trays + small container to hold ice
  • bacon/sausage (can cook at home and just heat up)

LUNCH /SNACKS

  • string cheese
  • mayo/ketchup/mustard
  • peanut butter
  • olive oil/butter
  • salt and pepper

DINNERS/Prepared Meals

We like to take some prepared dinners—a little extra work ahead of time helps tremendously once you get there! Here are a few things you can make ahead of time and pack for a Center Parcs trip:

  • Don’t forget the taco shells, tortillas, tortilla chips, lettuce, etc.
  • Plus your favorite toppings (onion, tomato, olives, salsa, cheese, sour cream, avocado, etc.)
  • jar(s) of sauce
  • ground beef/meatballs
  • shredded cheese

For Aqua Mundo

centre parcs safari park

This is the water park at Center Parcs, and we quickly learned that if you plan on spending some quality time here, you’ll need to pack a bag just for Aqua Mundo.

  • Water bag (nothing crazy; just a large bag—like from IKEA—to keep everything all in)
  • We have 100x200cm for the adults and 70x140cm for the kids
  • see ’em on amazon.de here
  • there are free floaties for kids available as soon as you walk into the pool area, but if you have certain ones you like, you can bring ’em
  • mentioned this above, but you’ll be thankful you brought it so you can dry all the swimsuits!

All the Extras

These are all optional! You can rent bikes there, or bring your own if you have the space.

  • a backpack when going to/from places
  • Reusable shopping bag

Tell Me About Your Center Parcs Trip!

centre parcs safari park

Whew! I know that sounds like a lot, but if you’re looking to save some money and a little stress when you’re there, this is the Center Parcs packing list for you.

I’d love to hear about your trip— which Center Parcs are you going to or have you been to? Tell me all about it!

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What to Pack for a Center Parcs Trip

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  • Be active : wind- and kitesurfing, diving or beach sailing are just a few of the possibilities
  • Rent a motor boat or a pedalo at the Aqua Fun Center
  • Slide on a giant rubber ring at the  Turbo Tunnel  in the swim paradise Aqua Mundo
  • In the environment: Delta park Neeltje Jans with colourful exhibitions, sea animals, water attractions and tons more…

df

Park Nordseeküste (DE)

  • Come enjoy the beautiful green landscape at Halbinsel Butjadingen
  • Mudflat hiking in the UNESCO World heritage  Wadden Sea
  • Relax yourself at the Tossens beach and the North Sea Laguna
  • Huge  Aqua Mundo  with 4 levels
  • Enjoy the sight: the old Hanze city-centre of Bremen

coast park: Park Zandvoort near Amsterdam

Park Zandvoort (NL)

  • Close to one of the most beautiful areas at the North Sea coast in Holland
  • Enjoy a 9 km long stroll alongside sun, sea and beach
  • For kids we have the  Beach Factory , an indoor activity paradise
  • Come swim at our swim paradise  Aqua Mundo  with Aqua Cinema
  • Near the park: discover the Dutch metropole of Amsterdam

Marina in de Eemhof near Amsterdam

De Eemhof (NL)

  • The ideal park for active people, with an outlook on the seaside
  • Experience water sport activitie s  on the Eem-meer: sailing, water skiing and more…
  • Take your bicycle and go explore the sights of the beautiful province of Flevoland
  • Marina De Eemhof  also has luxury appartements with an outlook on the water.
  • Worth a visit: Amersfoort its historic city centre with a lot of heritage.

coast parks: Park De Haan in Belgium

Park De Haan (B)

  • Sunbathing and relaxation on the longest beach in Belgium, at walking distance from the park
  • Ride the Black Hole Interactive Water Slide at Aqua Mundo
  • Enjoy a view of the lake from your Lakeside cottage, or stay in one of the other renewed cottages
  • BALUBA indoor play paradise and water and beach activities for all ages
  • The medieval city of Bruges is just around the corner, come and discover this beautiful city

Please enter your participants

77 available accommodations

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  • Descending price
  • Number of bedroom

Netherlands , Flevoland , Zeewolde

Water Front Suite VIP Apartment

Water Front Suite VIP Apartment

Not suitable for wheelchairs

Pets not allowed

Wifi included

  • Spacious balcony with panoramic view over the Eemmeer lake
  • Bathroom with a Finnish sauna and a bubble bath
  • Shampoo & shower gel (travel size)

From 18 until 20 Sept

Price per stay

Belgium , West Flanders , De Haan

VIP cottage

VIP cottage

Pets Allowed

  • Bathroom with a sauna, bubble bath and rain shower
  • Towel package (bath sheet and towel)
  • Shower gel and hand soap

Comfort cottage

Comfort cottage

  • Private terrace with garden furniture
  • Kids furniture (baby bed and high chair)
  • Modern, bright living room

Premium cottage

Premium cottage

  • Equipped kitchen with a dishwasher
  • Second TV in one bedroom
  • Beds made on arrival

From 10 until 12 Sept

Comfort cottage

From 9 until 11 Sept

Premium cottage

From 11 until 13 Sept

VIP cottage

VIP Lakeside cottage

  • Panoramic view overlooking the lake
  • Private terrace with barbecue
  • Bathroom with rainshower and sauna
  • Made-up-beds service

Comfort cottage

From 17 until 19 Sept

No offers available

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A view of the Treehouse through the forest.

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A shot looking upwards showing the scale of a Treehouse in the tree canopy.

Luxury Treehouse Holidays

Hidden away deep in the forest, our fairytale-inspired four-bedroom Treehouses are the ultimate luxury escape for families.

Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong, the fresh forest air and panoramic views of the woodland from your balcony high in the trees. Enjoy a lazy afternoon playing pool in your private games den - accessed via a walkway through the trees - and spend your evenings relaxing in your very own sauna or soaking beneath the starry sky in your outdoor hot tub. You’ll also find a range of exclusive features, including a Treehouse gift pack filled with treats for you and your loved ones to enjoy during your break.

A luxury break in a Treehouse will bring your childhood dreams to life. It’s an enchanting experience for little ones and grown-ups alike - and our Adapted Treehouses ensure all guests can enjoy an unforgettable treehouse holiday.

It’s the height of luxury in the heart of the forest.

Treehouse availability

Book your longford forest break:, select location(s), uk villages (select up to 2), choose dates.

You can book a Center Parcs break for a three-night weekend (Friday to Monday), four-night midweek (Monday to Friday) or seven-nights (starting Monday or Friday). Breaks over the festive period may vary from this pattern.

Center Parcs breaks start on a Friday or Monday.

How many lodges?

If you require more than 3 lodges

Call  0344 8267723

Add Guests and Dogs

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Lodge {{lodgeIndex + 1}}

Note: This cost will be added when you select your accommodation location

Number of bedrooms

Adapted lodge required?

Key features

Dedicated parking

Also includes:

  • Gas barbecue
  • Private decking and balcony
  • En-suite in each bedroom
  • Free Friendly wifi
  • Access from 2pm
  • Wine cooler
  • Spacious, open-plan living area
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Complimentary luxury welcome gift

An aerial shot of a bubbling hot tub lit up with blue lights at night time.

Treehouses with hot tubs

Sit back and soak in the forest surroundings with a luxury Treehouse break. You can relax amongst the bubbles while stargazing at the clear night sky or enjoy the woodland views and wildlife as you take a dip during the day.

Discover hot tub breaks

Celebrating in style

@Maureen L- January 2024, Longleat Forest 

"We stayed in one of the fantastic treehouses to celebrate a big birthday and was not disappointed with the luxurious accommodation which had everything you needed so literally a home from home. It was so clean and comfy and spacious. The games room and hot tub was used continuously which was great for family fun and no need for Tv or devices all week. We explored the park every day enjoying crazy golf and badminton and not forgetting the amazing pool area and walks around the lake . The Aqua Sana spa was a real treat and so relaxing. Would also like to say a big thank you for the complimentary birthday cake/ chocolates and bottle of bubbly which was in our lodge on arrival. Will definitely return for another 5 star experience."

A family playing scrabble together in their Treehouse.

Celebrate in style together 

Perfect for large group getaways , family celebrations and special occasions, our luxury Treehouses offer the ultimate fairytale-inspired escape in the forest. Soak up the sunshine in your private hot tub or get competitive together in the games room.

Take a closer look at our Treehouses

  • Adapted Treehouse

Treehouse floorplan

See an example floorplan

Our Treehouses offer an extraordinary family break in the forest. Take a look at the floorplan to see what your accommodation could look like inside. Please be aware the floorplan is representative and we are unable to change the bed composition or layout.

A detailed floor plan illustration of a Treehouse. If you require further assistance viewing the floor plan or need further information please contact Guest Services.

Our spectacular Adapted Treehouses have been specially designed to best suit your needs. Take a look at the floorplan to see what your Treehouse will look like inside. Please note this is representative.

A detailed floor plan illustration of an adapted Treehouse. If you require further assistance viewing the floor plan or need further information please contact Guest Services.

Images, descriptions, footage, layout and features vary by village and specific accommodation type. Please check exact details of your accommodation at time of booking.

Our villages with Treehouses

Discover which of our villages are home to our luxury Treehouses

Whinfell Forest village lake.

Whinfell Forest

A view of the lake from the outdoor seating area at the Pancake House, Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest

Longleat Forest rapids

Longleat Forest

Elveden Forest waterside lodges

Elveden Forest

Woburn Forest plaza

Woburn Forest

Son on fathers shoulders

Enjoy your family short break

Discover other accommodation types

Waterside lodges with hot tubs waterside break

Waterside Lodges

Luxury lodges with hot tubs | Exclusive lodges

Exclusive Lodges

Forest hotel & self catering  apartments

Hotels and Apartments

IMAGES

  1. Woburn Safari Park : 2020 Ce qu'il faut savoir pour votre visite

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  2. Activités enfants

    centre parcs safari park

  3. // Kids Safari de Center Parcs Park Nordseeküste

    centre parcs safari park

  4. Tripadvisor

    centre parcs safari park

  5. Scenes from Center Parcs

    centre parcs safari park

  6. Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire

    centre parcs safari park

VIDEO

  1. At the park in centre parcs

  2. Center Parcs Kids Safari

  3. #137

  4. Center Parcs kids safari

  5. Centre Parcs Whinfell Forest Bike Ride

  6. CENTRE PARCS

COMMENTS

  1. Longleat Forest breaks

    If you're using a sat nav to get to Longleat Forest, the address you need is: Longleat Forest, Wiltshire, BA12 7PU. For more detailed directions, click below to plan your route on Google Maps. If you aren't arriving by car, let us help make your arrival as smooth as possible. Just give us a call on 01985 848 329.

  2. UK family & short breaks

    With child-friendly breaks for families of all ages, there's something for everyone on a Center Parcs break. Discover the forest and enjoy precious family time together in our picturesque lodges. Enjoy rides, slides and splash pools in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and try up to 200 indoor, outdoor and watersports activities.

  3. LONGLEAT SAFARI PARK (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE ...

    Was staying at the adjacent Centre Parcs so it made sense to visit the safari park. Used Tesco vouchers so wasn't that expensive to visit. Was much better than I expected. We were there all day which I didn't expect. Took about 2.5 hours to get around the safari and then there was lots to at the little village. There is essentially a zoo there.

  4. CENTER PARCS LONGLEAT FOREST

    Center Parcs Longleat Forest, Warminster, UK - Wiltshire: See 14,032 traveller reviews, 8,246 candid photos, and great deals for Center Parcs Longleat Forest, ranked #2 of 4 Speciality lodging in Warminster, UK - Wiltshire and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor.

  5. Day out from Centre Parcs

    Day out from Centre Parcs. Review of Woburn Safari Park. Reviewed 19 September 2015. Visited for a day out when we stayed locally at Centre Parcs. Loved the driving safari had a great time but the walking safari was very dissapointing it wasn't as big as we thought and there weren't many people about or attractions that appeared to be open.

  6. The best guide to Center Parcs

    No matter where in the country, each Center Parcs resort has over 400 acres of natural forest landscape to explore. Each resort is uniquely different, with Longleat Forest having breath-taking views courtesy of the hills and valleys. Whinfell Forest is set in the stunning Lake District and offers incredible views of this national park.

  7. Forest breaks special offers

    Young Family Offer*. Limited time special offer for term-time family breaks with under 5s! Book by Friday 9th August with code SAVE35 for £35 off your booking, two free visitor day passes and you can make amends to your booking with no fee up to seven days before you arrive - ideal for busy family life. *T&Cs apply.

  8. Center Parcs Woburn Forest Activities and Entertainment Review

    Children's Entertainment at Center Parcs Woburn Forest. Another activity we tried was a horse and carriage ride - one of many outdoor activities at Centre Parcs. Although this said 15 minutes on the booking information the whole experience lasted about half an hour. The staff involved were some of the loveliest we met.

  9. Center Parcs Woburn Forest Review

    If you do venture out of Center Parcs for the day, there are lots of family-friendly options nearby, such as Woburn Abbey & Safari Park. I've spoken more about the Safari Park in Happy Days: 5 Great animal attractions to visit in Southern England; Not travelling by car? There is a free shuttle service from Flitwick Train Station to Center ...

  10. 6 Affordable Things to do at Centre Parcs

    5. Bowling. You'd be forgiven for thinking that it would cost you Hollywood Bowl type prices to hit the lanes at Centre Parcs. But it's actually a very affordable thing to do. Again, we paid no more than £6 per person for an hour of bowling. The lanes are small but there are plenty of balls to suit everyone.

  11. Review: Center Parcs, Woburn Forest

    Tara Breathnach. In a nutshell: Famously, Center Parcs is known as 'the holiday the weather can't spoil' and with good reason: there are so many activities to do onsite - from a Mad Hatters' tea party for little ones, to indoor racket sports, pottery painting, cup-cake making, an amazing spa, swimming - the list goes on and on. Our mum ...

  12. Kids Safari

    Do you have a question ? Our staff will be happy to help you +31 10 498 97 54. Monday - Friday: 09.00h - 21.00h Saturday: 09.00h - 17.00h Sunday: 10.00h - 17.00h

  13. 12 Best tips for your Center Parcs family holiday

    Also, pool towels are not provided, so bring your own. (If you can't make it early, no worries, the check-in at 15h occurs directly while you are in the car, and is pretty fast.) 8. Bring your own groceries. There is a grocery store on-site at Center Parcs, but as you can imagine, it is a wee bit expensive.

  14. How to get to Longleat Safari Park for the day...

    Bus is £2 for two people from Market Place. But only run one an hour. Taxi is around £10. The entrance to Longleat Safari Park is only a matter of yards from the exit of Center Parcs Longleat. But!! Center Parcs drive is half a mile, and Longleat's drive is probably 2 miles to the house.

  15. Winter Wonderland at Center Parcs

    See more info on activities and restaurants in my Ultimate Guide to Centre Parcs Longford Forest. 7. Don't miss the Light and Sound Show. The Winter Wonderland light and sound show takes place over the lake every Sunday and Wednesday evening during Winter Wonderland at Center Parcs.

  16. How much do Center Parcs activities cost?

    Please visit the official Center Parcs website for correct, up-to-date information and check before booking! How much more will I pay compared to the "example" prices? ... Quad Bike Safari: 12 - 15 years (Maximum weight 82kgs) 1 hour: £40.50 - £49.50: £61: Quad Bike Safari: 16 years + (Maximum weight 138kgs) 1 hour: £40.50 - £49. ...

  17. Short Family Breaks in Europe

    Enjoy more summer at Center Parcs. Discover your Center Parcs stay in one of our 27 parks in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. Open map. Free rebooking up to 21 days before arrival. All our parks are certified "Green Key". Only at Center Parcs, this much is included.

  18. Quad Bike Safari 16 years+

    A qualified instructor will supervise throughout. Actual quad bike drive time is 40 minutes. Ages 16 years + (this session is combined with the 12-15 years session) There is a maximum weight limit of 21.7 stone/138kgs for this activity, all participants will be weighed before the session starts. Please wear sensible clothes and sports shoes.

  19. Center Parcs Day Pass: Ultimate Guide (2024)

    Center Parcs Day Pass: Ultimate Guide (2024) To get a Center Parcs day pass, you must have friends or family staying at a Center Parcs village. The person in charge of the booking can buy a Center Parcs day pass online for the village they are staying at. A Center Parcs day pass allows you to visit a Center Parcs village for one day between 10 ...

  20. Everything You Need for a Trip to Center Parcs + Packing List

    Center Parcs basically a perfect holiday spot: they have accommodation for up to 12 people, a giant waterpark with kiddie pools and slides (included in your stay!), relaxing nature all around you, restaurants and a grocery store on-site, activities for everyone, bikes to rent, playgrounds galore, and dozens of locations to choose from in multiple countries.

  21. Coastal parks: your holidays at Center Parcs

    Five of our parks in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany are located next to the beautiful North Sea coast. The beaches, water sports activities and sightseeing opportunities around the parks offer relaxation for both young and old. If you book your stay at Center Parcs at least two months in advance you will enjoy a discount up to 20% off.

  22. Luxury Treehouse Holidays

    Luxury Treehouse Holidays. Hidden away deep in the forest, our fairytale-inspired four-bedroom Treehouses are the ultimate luxury escape for families. Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong, the fresh forest air and panoramic views of the woodland from your balcony high in the trees. Enjoy a lazy afternoon playing pool in your private games ...

  23. Center Parcs for Adults

    Best Center Parcs Activities for Adults. One of the best things about Center Parcs is the different activities available. Some of the best Center Parcs activities for adults include: Aqua Sana Spa. High Ropes Challenge. Archery. Laser Combat. Pottery Painting Workshop. Indoor Climbing Adventure.