Planning a trip to Center Parcs?

by Take The Family

Center Parcs is a great family-holiday option – just book, turn up, and fun is guaranteed. Hence its popularity among British families, many of whom return time and again. But we’ve put together a list of pointers that might help you and your family make the most of your Center Parcs break, especially if it’s your first time at one of these groundbreaking villages.

What time of year?

Center Parcs is not a weather-dependent option and although your children will probably be more than happy to spend the entire time in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, there’s also an incredible range of over 100 indoor and outdoor activities that can be enjoyed all year-round.

If you’re planning to spend most of your time doing outdoor activities, particularly water-based ones, you might want to think about coming in the warmer months. On the other hand, winter is a lovely time for a cosy break at Center Parcs – there’s nothing quite like coming back from the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and getting all toasty in front of your open fire with a mug of hot chocolate.

Other factors that might influence your decision are the many seasonal events, from Christmas themed activities to Mothering Sunday or Father’s Day breaks. Or perhaps you have your own special occasion to celebrate – a birthday or a family reunion, for instance, is a great excuse to visit Center Parcs.

How long for?

Center Parcs makes it easy to enjoy a short break, by offering both 3 night weekend breaks and 4 night midweek breaks. There is also the option to stay for a 7 night break.

Choosing your village

Most people opt for the Center Parcs nearest their own home –  indeed, part of the beauty of the holiday villages is that they are easily accessible yet, with their forest settings, really make you feel as if you’ve entered another world.

All Center Parcs villages offer the same general facilities and activities, though they differ in small details such as restaurants – for instance, Elveden Forest has a revolving restaurant serving breakfast among its many eating options, while Whinfell has a traditional English pub, Lakeside Inn. Accommodation may vary in some respects too – those who’ve already tried out the range of villas and lodges available may like to try the new luxury treehouses at Sherwood Forest or the new style Exclusive accommodation at Longleat Forest.

Again, this is part of the attraction of Center Parcs – you can visit the villages over and over again and always have something different to enjoy.

Choosing your accommodation

Take your time to browse the accommodation on offer through the Center Parcs website to decide what you prefer: dishwashers, new Sealy beds, daily maid service, free WiFi and even your own sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub! Or you may want to treat yourself to a break in a treehouse at Sherwood Forest, or the New-style Exclusive Lodge complete with its own games room at Longleat Forest.

With the accommodation having tone to four bedrooms, Center Parcs is the ideal venue for an extended-family gathering, or for holidaying with another family, but if you’d prefer your own space, you can book two neighbouring villas. Not many people know that you can also choose your villa location within the village – you can be close to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise or base yourselves in a more remote part of the village (bikes make it easy to zip around the car-free pathways).

Organising your break

The online booking facility means that you can book your activities and devise and print out your itinerary at your chosen holiday village in advance. This will help you to get the most out of your break and fit everything in, whether it’s a family archery session or a kid-free pampering session at the Aqua Sana spa. What’s more, you can book the OFSTED registered Time Out Club in advance for children age 3month to 3 years. Tip: you might want to do your planning with the kids as a way of getting them excited about their trip.

You can also make advance reservations at your favourite Center Parcs restaurants, though with such a wide choice of all-day family-friendly eating options, you’ll have no problems keeping your brood well fed and happy even if you book when you arrive.

Don’t worry about allergies or special dietary requirements – just bring them to the attention of restaurant staff before placing your order and they will do their best to accommodate your needs.

What to bring

Don’t stress about what to bring – the on-site supermarket, Parc Market is reasonably priced and includes baby essentials on its well-stocked shelves. Even if you forget crucial items such as your swimwear or your baby’s swim nappies, each village has a good range of other shops.

Note that comfort accommodation don’t include towels, however you can pre-order them before you arrive. Also if required, cots are provided but you need to bring your own cot linen.

Time-savers

Get a head start on the fun by registering online before you leave home to speed up check-in and/or upgrading to a Flying Start earlier check-in so you can access your accommodation earlier. Don’t forget that you can also arrive and use some of the facilities in advance of your actual check-in time.

Consider pre-ordering a family grocery pack to be waiting for you at your accommodation – then you don’t have to waste precious play-time doing a shop! These can be ordered when booking your accommodation or later when booking activities.

Relax!

Remember that this is a holiday and a chance to spend family time together, so don’t try to pack in too much – the kids will insist on coming again anyway, so you won't miss out in the long run!

Next time around

With your kids asking you when they can come back, it’s never too soon to think about your next family holiday at Center Parcs, and if you book another break within 28 days of your departure date, you get free vouchers and insurance. Check the website often for news on new types of accommodation, village features and further information, or become a fan of the Center Parcs UK page on Facebook.

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