Your ultimate guide for a Center Parcs break
Thinking of booking a Center Parcs break? There’s loads to keep kids occupied - and parents!
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Woburn, Longleat, Whinfell... these are just some of the Center Parcs locations you can choose from.
Each is set in a forest environment, providing high quality holiday accommodation in fully equipped villas, apartments and holiday lodges. All the Villages offer a good range of sports and leisure activities plus lots of restaurants, bars, shops. And not forgetting the fabulous Aqua Sana Spa.
If you've never been to a Center Parcs before, we've done the hard work for you and come up with our top tips on how to get the most out of your family break. All you need to do is decide what spa treatment you want to book!
Center Parcs: before you go
- If you have preschool children, book to go to Center Parcs outside school holiday times to make it more cost effective.
- Keep a look out for offers - if you book early enough you may get a good deal on a break at any time.
- Although it’s perfectly possible to have a fab Center Parcs holiday without booking loads of extras, do be aware the popular activities get snapped up fast. So if you have a yen to try something in particular – Segway anyone? - do book before to avoid disappointment.
- If your booking includes 10 or more adults, contact the Center Parc’s event planner who’ll help organise your activity and restaurant bookings. They can even book special sessions just for your group, such as paintballing, tree trekking and more. Call 08448 266 200 for more details.
- Don't forget to book a slot in the Aqua Sana spa. Each Center Parcs has a spa, and there is a minimum of 15 spa experiences. Aqua Sana holds its own as a destination in its own right!
- Do a shop en route, as the ParcMarket can be a little pricey. You won’t be able to rely on Ocado as vehicles are not permitted on site.
- Don't worry if you don't have time to shop. If you spend more than £40 at the ParcMarket they will deliver your food for free, and even put it in the fridge if needed, so you don’t need to wait in.
Tips for when you're there
- Take advantage of brick-built Barbeques outside each villa. Save money by bringing your own coals or trays.
- If you’re in a lodge with a fireplace you’ll only be allowed to burn the logs on sale in the supermarket.
- Take your bikes. You’ll save a bit of money and won’t have to queue to pick up hire bikes. You’ll find cycling about useful for carrying swimming stuff, shopping or washing to the launderette.
- If you don’t have bikes, or it’s not convenient to travel down with them, hire bikes there. You can hire bikes with carriers on for very small children.
- Do remember that your lodge or villa won’t be available until after 3pm. If you’re planning on arriving early, keep your swimming kits in a separate bag, so you’ve got something to do while you wait.
- If you’re on a budget, you can spend plenty of time in the pool, riding bikes, or walking in the surrounding forest.
- Plus, the kitchens in the lodges are really well equipped so if you prefer to be at home, you don't need to eat out at all.
Shhh... even more Center Parcs tips
- The pool is a big draw for the kids, but it can get busy. Find the quiet times – often about 5pm when kids go off and have their tea, and take advantage.
- Restaurants can get booked up fast! Reserve your table a few days in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Make the most of your surroundings - you can go on organised nature trails or you could make up your own.
- Make sure you pack practical footwear, suitable for walking on the woodland trails, or cycling.
- Stay a bit longer if you can, and use the parc as a base for exploring the local area.
Ready for a holiday now? Here are even more ideas for awesome UK-based family breaks.
