Update: The information provided below is based on a holiday to Center Parcs pre-Covid, therefore some aspects have changed.
We've visited Center Parcs a number of times since the start of the pandemic, so I've written a separate blog post - Visiting Center Parcs during Covid-19 - to read alongside this one. That post covers current changes and restrictions which have been introduced.
Center Parcs is one of the top family holiday locations in the UK, and it's easy to see why.
Every Center Parcs village comprises a number of self catering lodges, nestled amongst the trees. The infamous Subtropical Swimming Paradise, restaurants and shops make up the central Village Square. Plus there's an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from.
Center Parcs' baby facilities are excellent. Young children have their own dedicated pool and play areas, and our teenagers always enjoy the thrilling rides and slides in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. As Adults, we love how all this makes Center Parcs one of the easiest and fun places to take a break from the hustle and bustle of every day life.
Having visited Center Parcs numerous times, from when the children were babies, right up to their teenage years, I've put together this guide. It's full of hints and tips which we've picked up over the years. Here I aim to answer any questions you may have, and provide all the information you'll need to ensure your stay in the forest is a fabulous one.
How do I book a Center Parcs holiday?
Center Parcs breaks can only be booked through their official website: www.centerparcs.co.uk or by calling 03448 267723.
There are 3 lengths of stay on offer: Weekends (Fri-Mon), Midweek (Mon-Fri) and Week long breaks (Fri-Fri or Mon-Mon)
How do I secure the best price?
If you're flexible on dates and/or location, check the Last Minute Breaks listed on the Center Parcs website. These tend to be for the upcoming week, right up to two months in advance.
Not surprisingly, it's rare for school holiday dates to appear on the Last Minute Breaks section. Therefore, if you're tied to certain dates/locations, I recommend you book as early as possible to secure the best price.
Prices often increase as lodges get booked, which means you could see the cost of your preferred lodge increase quite significantly as your dates draw near. If you've got nerves of steel, you could wait and see whether the price decreases or your required lodge is added to the Last Minute Breaks section. However, we've never had any luck with this approach.
One way to secure the best available price is to use the Come Back Soon offer.
This includes:
- £50 discount
- Lowest Price Promise
- No amendment fee
To qualify, you must book another break within 31 days of returning from your previous one, referencing your booking number.
Hint: The onus is on you to keep checking current prices of your equivalent lodge. If the price decreases, you simply contact Center Parcs to have your booking price reduced accordingly. Other Terms and Conditions apply.
Which Center Parcs Accommodation is best?
The type and size of Center Parcs accommodation varies from village to village.
Some locations have hotels and apartments suitable for smaller groups and couples, whilst all have lodges that can sleep up to 8 people.
Woodland Lodges provide the standard level of accommodation, or you can upgrade to an Executive Lodge for en-suite bathrooms and TV's in all bedrooms. Exclusive Lodges come with games rooms, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs. Whereas the impressive looking Center Parcs Treehouses provide the ultimate luxury experience.
Which one is best depends on your group size and budget. Personally, we've always found the Woodland Lodges extremely comfortable. More recently, the Executive Lodge en-suite bathrooms have made life a little easier when holidaying with 2 teenagers!
Woodland Lodge Overview
Woodland Lodges are available at all Center Parcs villages. They provide comfortable open plan living space, a well equipped kitchen, 2 toilets and ample storage.
In the kitchen you'll find crockery, cutlery, glasses, pans and cooking utensils. There's also a fridge with small freezer compartment, alongside a gas cooker, microwave, kettle and toaster.
Each bedroom houses either a double or 2 twin beds, together with a wardrobe, shelving, and a mirror with hairdryer provided.
Every Woodland Lodge also has an outdoor dining area, plus a barbecue for those sunny days and evenings.
Executive Lodge Overview
More recently, we've stayed in Executive Lodges which provide additional benefits. These include en-suite bathrooms (some with a whirlpool bath), and TV’s in all bedrooms.
The Executive Lodge decor is slightly upgraded, plus kitchens have a Tassimo coffee machine and wine cooler. Some have a sauna, others also include a hot-tub.
The New Style Executive Lodge we booked at Sherwood Forest for our 2020 break was particularly lovely, but came with quite a hefty price tag. Whether it was worth the extra is a matter of personal opinion, and we agreed we'd be equally happy staying in a Woodland Lodge, using the cost saving to pay for activities and meals instead.
How do I plan a Center Parcs break?
Once you've selected and booked your accommodation, it's time to start planning your Center Parcs break. This includes:
- Choosing and booking activities
- Making restaurant reservations
- Packing the correct clothes, food and equipment
Center Parcs Activities
Activities are available to book from 12 weeks prior to your break, via your online Center Parcs account.
A full list of activities and prices can be found on the Center Parcs website, and there are hundreds to choose from. Although some may differ slightly depending on location, most are available at every Center Parcs village.
Indoor sports include badminton, short tennis, pool and bowling. There's roller skating, a climbing wall, and one of our personal favourites, football pool.
The boating lake is always a popular outdoor activity. Or if you've a head for heights, the ariel adventure includes a thrilling zip wire descent across the water. Other options include crazy golf, archery and paint balling.
If you prefer something a little less strenuous, Center Parcs also offer a variety of craft based activities. These include cupcake decorating, teddy bear making and pottery painting.
Many activities have age ranges/limits and some require certain clothing or equipment, so it’s best to plan ahead to make sure you pack correctly. Most equipment is provided for free, or available to hire once there.
Free Center Parcs Activities
Having fun at Center Parcs needn’t be expensive, and there are plenty of free activities on offer.
Some of the main ones include:
- The Subtropical Swimming Paradise.
- Cycling around the site. Tip: Take your own bikes to keep the cost even lower.
- Woodland Walks. Tip: You're in the forest, so why not put together a nature hunt for the kids to keep them amused. See if they can spot one of the many squirrels, swans, rabbits, ducks and geese around the area.
- Outdoor Play Areas. These are dotted around the village and some equipment provides entertainment for kids of all ages!
- Relaxing on the beach. Every Center Parcs village has a beach area adjoining the lake. Tip: Take a bucket, spade, ball and picnic to enjoy a few hours on the sand.
Sherwood Forest also has a Nature Centre, which is a wonderful place to spend some time watching the visiting birds. There are exhibits for hands on learning, plus a shop where you can purchase your own bird enticing equipment.
The Subtropical Swimming Paradise
The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is a real highlight of a Center Parcs break. This heated, covered complex houses pools, water rides, tropical plants and trees.
As entry to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise is included in the price of every Center Parcs break, it's an extremely popluar activity for most guests.
The facilities at each village vary slightly, but in general you’ll find: a main wave pool, children’s areas, jacuzzis, eating areas, plus various thrilling water slides and rides.
Sherwood Forest has the Wild Water Rapids and Grand Cascade Family Raft Ride. Whinfell is home to the Canyon Ride, whereas Elveden, Longleat, Woburn and Sherwood Forest all have a Tropical Cyclone Raft Ride.
Changing areas
Large changing facilities are available at each Subtropical Swimming Paradise location. This is where you’ll find changing cubicles, showers, toilets, hairdryers and lockers.
There are also a number of family changing rooms. These are more roomy than the regular cubicles and have baby changing tables situated in them.
Securing your valuables and dry clothes in one of the many available lockers is highly recommended.
Pool Information Desk
The Pool Information Desk is where to head to if you require any information or assistance while in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. Most are located near the main pool and are supervised by a few of the many lifeguards on duty.
Some of the services available from the Pool Information Desk include:
- Towel Hire (£2 each)
- Purchase of armbands, rubber rings and water toys (swim jackets are available to borrow for free from the poolside)
- First Aid
- Check in for the hire of Cabanas
Center Parcs Cabanas
Chairs and small tables are dotted around the pool area, for anyone wishing to take things at a more relaxed pace. If you'd prefer some extra privacy, Family Cabanas are available to hire for 4, 6 or 8 persons (not all villages have every size).
Although they are more private than if you’re sitting by the poolside, the Cabanas are effectively wooden huts with a fabric door. Therefore, I don’t recommend using them as a changing room. Get changed as usual in the changing area, before making your way to the Pool Information Desk to check in. You’ll then be shown or directed to your Cabana.
Inside each Family Cabana you’ll find loungers, tables, towels, a safe, plus a fridge filled with complimentary soft drinks. At Whinfell Forest, inflatables are also provided to use during your time slot.
Center Parcs Cabana Prices
Prices of Center Parcs Cabanas vary depending on the size, and which 3 hour time slot you wish to book.
Larger Cabanas at peak times can be as much as £75. However, we've also secured a 4 person cabana during the evening of changeover day (5.45-8.45pm) for just £30 at Whinfell and £50 at Sherwood Forest.
Whether the cost is worth it depends how much you’ll use the Cabana during your 3 hours. Now the children are old enough to go off on their own, we deem the price worthwhile. It’s a great base for them, while we adults can relax and enjoy a bit of peace away from the crowds.
When the children were younger, we spent most of our time in the pool, so feel a Cabana would have been a waste of money.
There are a limited number of Cabanas which can get booked up quickly, especially during changeover days (Mon and Fri) and during peak times (10-4pm). Booking takes place via the Center Parcs Activities page - under the Subtropical Swimming Paradise section of Indoor Activities.
Subtropical Swimming Paradise Food & Drink
There’s a Canopy Cafe & Bar located within each Subtropical Swimming Paradise, for when all that action builds up an appetite. Although the menu is limited to sandwiches, wraps, burgers and hotdogs, it’s enough to satisfy everyone when needed.
Hot and cold drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are also available. Plus there's a selection of ice-creams and baby food.
Subtropical Swimming Paradise Rules
Although there's quite a relaxed atmosphere within the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, there are a few rules you're asked to adhere to:
- No outdoor shoes are permitted within the pool area.
- Inflatables rings and balls are allowed (the friendly staff at the Pool Information Desk will even pump them up for you), but lilos and other large inflatables are forbidden.
- All children not yet potty trained must wear a swim nappy. These are available to buy at the ParcMarket and Aquatique shop.
- Center Parcs have tightened up the slide rules since the days when we used to all pile down in whichever direction we chose. Now, you are told to sit facing forward and children are no longer allowed to ride on parents laps.
Where can I dine out at Center Parcs?
There are a number of restaurants situated around the Center Parcs villages. Cafe Rouge, Hucks American Bar & Grill, and Rajinda Pradesh are available at all locations. Others are unique to a particular village.
All Center Parcs restaurants are children friendly. Many serve decent kids menus, and some have play areas as well as microwaves with complimentary jars of baby food.
Most Center Parcs restaurants recommend pre-booking to guarantee a table. Reservations are made via your Center Parcs account, and require a £5 per person deposit at the time of booking.
Tip: Remember to check your deposit has been deducted off the final restaurant bill before paying.
The Sports Cafe
The Sports Cafe is located in the Sports Hall of each village. There's often a lively atmosphere here, making it ideal for more casual dining.
Although the Sports Cafe Full English Breakfast is a great way to charge up your energy for the day, there are also some delicious healthy options on the menu. Avocado and Tomato on Toast is a personal favourite. The new Middle Eastern Pulled Lamb Flatbread is another tasty, healthier lunch option. And the steak and chips we ordered on a recent visit was cooked to perfection.
No bookings are required for the Sports Cafe. Simply turn up, choose a table, then enjoy the food, atmosphere and various sports playing on numerous screens located around the restaurant.
Rajinda Pradesh
If you fancy a curry during your stay, head to Rajinda Pradesh. It's one of our favourite Center Parcs restaurants. There's a more relaxed, quieter atmosphere here, plus the service has always be good and the curries are delicious.
A cautionary note: When your server provides you with a glass of milk after you’ve ordered the vindaloo, see it as a warning that although you’re eating at a holiday village restaurant, the curries can pack a punch!
The chefs will also add a nice touch to your dessert if they know it’s a special occasion.
Bella Italia
Bella Italia is a popular Italian restaurant situated on some of the Center Parcs villages. The menu offers typical Italian restaurant food, with some nice added twists.
We always enjoy the Pizza Roma’s here. Their lovely thin bases are covered in toppings and cooked to perfection. The new Diavola Forte is highly recommended, and the Calabrese Pasta is rather tasty.
The Pancake House
The Pancake House is always a popular choice with the kids. When it serves up pancakes covered with ice-cream, chocolates, whipped cream and sauces, you can see why.
Savoury options and omelettes are available, together with a selection of dessert pancakes, American style stacks and waffles. The milkshakes are pretty impressive too.
Hint: Although booking is recommended, we've had luck gaining a last minute table at the Sherwood Forest Pancake House after the peak lunchtime rush. We were even lucky enough to be seated with a view of the lake. Therefore, it's always worth checking whether they have any availability.
Cafe Rouge
Fans of the restaurant chain Cafe Rouge, will be pleased to know there’s one of these restaurants at every Center Parcs village. The menu and settings match all other Cafe Rouge locations, with outdoor seating available at some sites.
We always enjoy breakfast and lunch here. The Smashed Avocado and Eggs Benedict are a great way to start the day:
Canopy Cafe & Bar
The Canopy Cafe and Bar situated in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise serves burgers, salads, wraps, pizza baguettes, hot dogs and sides. Portions aren’t huge, but they’re a handy way to grab a quick meal if you don’t want to leave the pool area to eat. Shakes, smoothies, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also available here.
Tip: If you’re planning a late trip to the pool, and fancy a drink or snack, check the Canopy Cafe and Bar closing time. Although they advertise as being ‘open all day’, we discovered they closed at 7pm on our arrival day at Whinfell.
Can I order a Takeaway at Center Parcs?
Yes, you can. Center Parcs Takeaway service, aptly named Dining In, offers a range of extremely tasty Chinese, Indian and Italian dishes which will be delivered directly to your lodge.
Takeaways can be ordered via your Center Parcs account, under the Food & Drinks section of Things To Do. Simply choose your meals and a delivery time slot, before submitting payment. Then sit back, relax and wait for dinner to arrive.
Update: Dining In are currently only offering Chinese food. If you wish to order Indian or Italian, you'll need to do this directly with the relevant restaurant through their takeaway service. This can be found on the same page as restaurant reservations.
Tip: Takeaway slots can be booked up to 2 days in advance, and are currently proving very popular, so I recommend choosing your meals and securing your time slot as early as possible to avoid missing out.
What should I pack for Center Parcs?
I've put together an extensive Center Parcs Packing List which you can find here: zeshlife.co.uk/travel/center-parcs-packing-list
This covers everything you will need for your lodge, activities, food and drink, as well as what clothing to take with you during your break. The list can easily be printed out to make it easier for you to tick items off.
Below is a brief overview of what is provided, and what you will need:
Items provided in your Center Parcs Lodge include:
- Bed linen, with the exception of cot linen. If you are planning to use the cot available in each villa, make sure you pack suitable bedding for it.
- Bathroom Towels for use in your villa. You will need to bring your own pool towels, or alternatively, you can hire them from the Subtropical Swimming Paradise Information Desk for £2 each.
- Cleaning Pack which includes: 3 dishwasher tablets, a pouch of washing up liquid, a cloth, tea towel, sponge, and bin liner will be left for you in your lodge. We tend to take a couple of extra dishwasher tablets, tea towels, washing up liquid and bin liners.
- Toilet rolls are also provided, but they're not the best quality, so I recommend taking your own.
- Bar soap again, you may wish to bring your own preferred brand.
Food & Drink
There’s a well stocked ParcMarket located in the village square of every Center Parcs Village. Here you can buy all of the essentials for your stay.
Many of the products are from well known brands, although we deem them a little on the expensive side. Therefore, if you’ve got room in your car, taking groceries with you can work out more cost effective.
Plus, it's easier to unload heavy or bulky items directly into your lodge from the car on arrival day, rather than lugging them across the village during your stay. We tend to pack tea, coffee, sugar, cereals, condiments, nibbles, wine and soft drinks.
The Bakery section at the ParcMarket is particularly good. It provides a range of fresh bread, breakfast pastries and individual cakes, as well as handy 'grab 'n' go' items, such as sandwiches and wraps.
You'll also find a good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables at the Parc Market, alongside quite an impressive array of everyday items, plus alcohol and baby essentials.
Spend over £40 at the ParcMarket, and Center Parcs will deliver your groceries to your accommodation for free. The delivery team will put all of your perishables straight into the fridge, so there’s no need to wait in.
Center Parcs Grocery Packs
You can also purchase one of the available Center Parcs grocery packs prior to your arrival. These can be pre-ordered online as additional extras, which means your groceries will be waiting for you in your lodge when you arrive.
These include:
- Fresh Fruit Pack (£17.50)
- Full English Breakfast Pack (£22.50)
- Starter Pack (£30) which includes: tea, coffee, milk, breakfast offerings, fruit, cold drinks, biscuits, toilet rolls and washing up liquid
- Family Grocery Pack (£58) consisting of: tea, coffee, sugar, milk, eggs, bacon, beans, condiments, cold drinks, fruit, crisps, toilet rolls, washing up liquid & more
We've ordered the Fresh Fruit Pack, Full English Breakfast Pack, and Family Grocery Pack on previous breaks, and would recommend any of them. All the products were of high quality, plus the Fresh Fruit basket was beautifully packaged.
Recipe Box Recommendation
For ease and cost, we now take a Gousto recipe box with us on our Center Parcs breaks.
Recipe boxes are a great way to cook meals, as ingredients are provided in the exact quantities required. This reduces the need to pay for expensive Parc Market products (or having to remember to bring them from home),
Check out my review of Gousto recipe boxes here. If you fancy trying one for yourself, there's a code at the bottom of the blog post which will give you a discount off your first box.
Clothing
Casual clothing is perfect for Center Parcs. Sportswear is ideal when taking part in many sporting activities, and don’t forget your swimming attire for the pool.
I would also recommend trainer type footwear, fleeces and waterproof coats.
Jeans and a smart(ish) top tend to be the choice for most guests when dining at the restaurants onsite during the evening.
What to pack for the Subtropical Swimming Paradise:
- Swimming costumes.
- Swim towels - regular towels are provided in your accommodation. You can also hire towels at the pool for £2.00.
- Children’s swim jackets are available free of charge, or alternatively bring your own armbands/rubber ring etc.
- Inflatables such as balls and large rubber rings are allowed and can be bought from the Pool Information Desk situated within the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. Oversized inflatables such as lilos are not permitted.
- Don't forget your swim bags to carry everything in!
Cycling
As no cars are allowed on-site, cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around the Center Parcs villages. You are welcome to bring your own bikes, or you can hire one from the Center Parcs cycle centre.
We now take our own bikes. However, when the children were younger, we deemed the Center Parcs child’s trailer extremely handy. These can also be hired from the cycle centre, and are a great way to cart tired children and/or shopping back to your lodge.
A word of warning: Center Parcs is not immune to crime. Therefore, I highly recommend using a bike lock to secure your bike whenever you leave it anywhere around the village.
Pre-arrival Checklist:
Before you leave home, double check you've done everything required to ensure your arrival and stay go as smoothly as possible:
- Book activities and restaurants.
- Buy bulky and heavy food items to take with you.
- Check in online. You must register the details of your party prior to your arrival. This includes names, dates of birth, car registration numbers and make/model of any bikes you’re planning to take with you.
- Pack a separate swim bag. If you plan to use the Subtropical Swimming Paradise before you gain access to your villa, make sure you pack a swim bag. Ensure it's easily accessible so you don’t have to empty the whole car to find it.
What happens on arrival day at Center Parcs?
Center Parcs changeover days are Mondays and Fridays.
You can arrive at the village any time after 10am, but won’t have access to your lodge until 4pm. Guests arriving between 10am and 4pm are requested to park in the main car park, and are then welcome to use the facilities on site.
Just before 4pm, the car park barriers will open allowing cars access to the main site. Guests are then permitted to drive to their lodges in order to unload their cars.
With the exception of Exclusive Lodges, which have their own designated parking bays, cars are not permitted on site after changeover day. All vehicles must be returned to the main car park for the duration of your stay. If you leave your car on the road after this time, you’ll be politely asked to move it.
Note: There’s a 10mph speed limit on site. Center Parcs is full of small children walking, whizzing around on scooters, or wobbling on bikes (usually followed by an even wobblier parent). Therefore, it’s important you stick to the speed limit.
It may be change over day, but Center Parcs lulls people into a safe bubble, where they’re not expecting a car to come up behind them. The roads are very narrow, and can become extremely busy with cars, bikes, scooters, pushchairs and walkers all using the same paths.
Center Parcs Wildlife
Center Parcs forest locations means there's wildlife in abundance. And our furry and feathered friends have learned exactly where there’s a steady supply of food.
Swans, ducks and some rather noisy geese are tame enough to come tapping on windows. Squirrels can be heard scampering across lodge roofs, and rabbits are often spotted along the edge of walkways.
If you wish to encourage wildlife to your lodge, birdseed is available to purchase from the ParcMarket.
Treat the animals right, keep your eyes peeled, and you could be rewarded with some fabulous sights:
Special Breaks at Center Parcs
Christmas & New Year
Special Breaks at Center Parcs tend to focus around the festive season. The forest comes alive during the Winter Wonderland, when thousands of lights, Santa's Grotto, and other decorations adorn the villages.
The festive fun begins in early November and continues through to January, meaning anyone visiting during this time can enjoy a whole host of seasonal activities.
Center Parcs have recently announced that firework displays will not be returning to the villages. Unfortunatly, this means guests will no longer be able to enjoy the spectacular displays reflected on the lake. However, the Enchanted Light Trail, which guests can visit as many times as they wish during their stay, is a beautiful replacement.
We stayed at Center Parcs during Christmas 2021. If this is something you'd be interested in doing, I've written a separate post here about our experience: Center Parcs at Christmas
Tip: Arrival days may differ over Christmas and New Year. This is determined by which day of the week Christmas Day and New Years Day fall on. Short breaks are offered to fill lodges either side of these dates, which means you could book a stay over the festive season without paying the hefty Special Breaks price tag.
Halloween
A Halloween break provided some of our favourite Center Parcs memories.
The day began with breakfast at The Sports Bar served by 'zombies' and 'Frankenstein', plus there were spooky decorations up in various locations. However, nothing compared to the fun the guests themselves created. People decorated their lodges, pumpkins were set out at the end of footpaths (which the squirrels enjoyed snacking on over the coming days), then doors were opened as children and adults went trick or treating around the village. It was hard to tell who was having the most fun. I think the adults just about edged it!
Whichever time of year you visit Center Parcs, it's a fabulous place for all the family to make memories to treasure.
I hope this guide answers any questions you may have, and provides you with some ideas, hints & tips to help you have a wonderful break in the forest.
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Really really helpful thank you. Never been before and starting off with a long weekend with our grown up family & grandson. Your insights will ensure we can plan and take the right things with us to have fun! Just need to decide on which park to choose. Hear that Longleat is hilly – this is our nearest – so going to carefully look at all locations. Unless you have notes on each site?
Hi Michelle,
I’m glad all the information was helpful. Center Parcs is the perfect place for a family holiday. We’ve been on numerous breaks with my parents when my kids were younger, and all 3 generations always had a fantastic time. So I hope you all love it as much as we do.
We tend to visit the Sherwood Forest site, and have enjoyed a couple of weekends at Whinfell too, so I’m not sure which of the other 3 is best. I have heard that Woburn is slightly smaller than the others, so is better for a weekend break, but that would obviously be fine for you.
If you have any more queries, let me know, I’m always happy to help.
Hannah
Can you wear swim shoes in the pool area
Hi Keith,
I’ve actually never noticed anyone wearing swim shoes in the pool area before. Center Parcs only specify no outdoor shoes are allowed, so I would think swim shoes are fine.
Hannah