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A haven for nature lovers

Our award-winning village in the beautiful Lake District

Whinfell Forest holiday breaks 2024

Holidays in Cumbria

Discover picturesque landscapes at Whinfell Forest, a wildlife sanctuary nestled on the edge of the Lake District. Experience a range of activities, restaurants and traditional accommodation, all set around a beautiful lake.

  • Look out for endangered red squirrels and the uncommon orchid
  • Wander amongst tall pines and trickling streams
  • Try Karts and our Golf Driving Range, unique to Whinfell Forest
  • Explore our largest Subtropical Swimming Paradise
  • Enjoy a traditional family pub meal at Lakeside Inn overlooking the lake
  • Stay in traditional, Scandinavian-style lodges, tucked away amongst the trees
  • Relax in your personal hot tub in selected lodges

All our villages are cashless and can no longer accept cash payments, including for the purchase of gift cards.

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Book your Longford Forest break:

 

 

How to get to Center Parcs, Whinfell Forest

The address you need is: Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, Penrith, CA10 2DW.

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 01768 893 009.

Get directions

 

Discover our Lake District Lodges

Woodland Lodge exterior
Sleeps from 1 to 8 guests

Woodland Lodges

Practical and popular, our fully-equipped, family-friendly Woodland Lodges feature:

  • Open-plan living area
  • Modern kitchen
  • Private patio
  • Comfortable bedrooms

View Woodland Lodges
Executive Lodge exterior
Sleeps from 1 to 8 guests

Executive Lodges

Everything that’s included in a Woodland Lodge, plus added comforts for a relaxing break:

  • Ensuite in all bedrooms
  • Flat screen TV in all bedrooms
  • Hydrobath
  • Some Executive Lodges include a sauna, hot tub or games room

View Executive Lodges
Exclusive Lodge exterior
Sleeps from 1 to 8 guests

Exclusive Lodges

The next level of luxury, our Exclusive Lodges offer added premium features:

  • Sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub
  • Games room with pool table
  • Ensuite in all bedrooms

View Exclusive Lodges
Bedroom space of an apartment.
Sleeps from 1 to 4 guests

Hotels and Apartments

Ideal for couples, our stylish apartments and hotel rooms can be found with woodland or lakeside views. They include:

  • Furnished patio or balcony
  • Ensuite shower room
  • Self-catering facilities including coffee machine
  • Twin or double beds

View Hotels and Apartments
The exterior view of a Treehouse.
Sleeps from 1 to 8 guests

Treehouses

Our spectacular Treehouses are perfect for special occasions, featuring:

  • Private outdoor hot tub
  • Dedicated Treehouse Host
  • Games den with pool table
  • Ensuite bathrooms
  • Entertainment system
  • Private infrared sauna

View Treehouses
An electric adjustable bed inside a lodge.
Sleeps from 1 to 8 guests

Adapted Lodges

Specially adapted lodges for guests with disabilities featuring:

  • Ramps up to the lodge
  • Dedicated parking space
  • Lowered kitchen worktops
  • Spacious bedrooms with one electric bed per lodge
  • Bathrooms with walk-in/wheel-in showers
  • A hoist for the hot tub, saunas and steam rooms with wider access (Exclusive Adapted Lodges only)

Discover Adapted Lodges
A family walk through the forest with their German Shepherd dog.
Sleeps from 1 to 8 guests and up to 2 dogs

Dog-friendly Lodges

Bring your four-legged friend on a break with the family. Our paw-friendly lodges:

  • Are available in a selected number of our Woodland and Executive Lodges
  • Feature tether rings on the patio so they can join you outside
  • Fitted with laminate flooring and reverse door handles

Discover Dog-friendly Lodges

 

 

  • A family on a pool inflatable riding down the Tropical Cyclone.
  • Subtropical Swimming Paradise pool.
  • A little girl on a pool inflatable on the Tropical Cyclone.
  • A family on a pool inflatable about to ride the Tropical Cyclone.

Take on the Tropical Cyclone at Whinfell Forest

Will you be brave enough to tackle the Tropical Cyclone, the newest, state-of-the-art water slide in Whinfell Forests Subtropical Swimming Paradise?

  • Four-person raft ride, to share with your thrill-seeker family
  • 100 metres of twists, turns and gravity defying drops
  • Choose your own theme, such as Thunderstorm or Rainforest
  • You’ll need to be over 1.22 metres tall (and brave) to ride
  • External view of an adapted lodge with hot tub and sun loungers.

Accessible accommodation

At Center Parcs, our accessible accommodation is designed for guests with disabilities to enjoy a relaxing and comfortable break, giving you complete peace of mind. Our adapted lodges are designed for those with reduced mobility, with dedicated disabled parking nearby, ramps to access your accommodation, lowered countertops, handrails throughout, walk-in / wheel-in showers and more so that all guests can have fun in the forest.

Discover Adapted Lodges

  • A couple in a hot tub
  • A hot tub outside a lodge.

Lake district hot tub lodges

Add a touch of luxury booking a lodge with a hot tub. Our hot tub lodges have everything you need for a perfect relaxing holiday, and feature a private and secluded outdoor hot tub. With a glass in hand and good company at your side, our hot tub holidays are perfect for a romantic getaway or a special family break.

Discover hot tub lodges

Accommodation in the forest.

Dog-friendly holidays at Whinfell forest

Our dog friendly accommodation is designed with dogs in mind, including:

  • Vertical door handles to prevent escapes
  • Wooden flooring throughout making it easy to clean up any little accidents
  • A tether ring on your lodge patio so your dog can join you outside

View dog-friendly breaks

 

Things to do at Whinfell Forest

Discover a range of activities for all ages at Whinfell Forest.

Aqua Sana Forest Spa at Center Parcs

Aqua Sana Forest Spa

Book your spa day experience and indulge in some luxury on your Center Parcs break by visiting our award-winning Aqua Sana Forest Spa.

Discover Aqua Sana Forest Spa
Aerial Adventure

Aerial Adventure

Get ready for an amazing treetop adventure, perfect for adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers. Conquer our spectacular treetop course, complete all the elements and finish with a descent on our zip wire. Maximum weight 17.9 stone/114kg. Available at all locations.

Discover Aerial Adventure
Archery Adventure

Archery Adventure

All about accuracy, Archery Adventure will bring out your competitive side as you complete archery-themed challenges. Minimum age 6 years. Available at Whinfell Forest and Woburn Forest.

Discover Archery Adventure
A family playing adventure golf

Adventure Golf - 18 holes

Put your putting skills to the test with our themed Adventure Golf course. Tackle the challenges, take the tricky tests and see who gets the golfing glory out of your friends and family. Available at Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest and Longleat Forest.

Discover Adventure Golf
Mini Trek

Mini Trek

This exciting aerial rope course is specially designed for younger children, giving them the chance to have their very own adventure in a safe, secure environment. Age 2-5 years. Available at Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Longleat Forest and Elveden Forest.

Discover Mini Trek
Golf Driving Range

Golf Driving Range

Practice makes perfect and our Golf Driving Range is the ideal place to perfect your swing and work on your posture. Minimum age 6 years. Available at Whinfell Forest.

Discover Golf Driving Range
Junior Quads

Junior Quads

Younger guests can still take on the challenging terrain of our purpose-built track, in complete safety as they first learn to handle and control these incredible machines. Ages 6 to 11 years. Available at Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest and Longleat Forest.

Discover Junior Quads

 

Discover more activities

 

 

What's new at Whinfell Forest 

Tropical Cyclone at Whinfell Forest

Tropical Cyclone, our thrilling, gravity-defying raft ride, was opened at Whinfell Forest, meaning all of our villages have this 4 person slide, so there is no excuse not to have ticked it off your bucket list!

Discover Tropical Cyclone
Plates of Chinese food

Restaurant Runner

Following the successful introduction of Restaurant Runner at Woburn Forest in September 2022, we introduced this at all our villages, replacing DiningIn. The concept allows our guests to order from multiple restaurants with only one delivery fee.

Discover Restaurant Runner
A boy looking at ivy

Family Nature Quest

This brand-new immersive, indoor family activity launched at Whinfell Forest in 2023, where you travel through four forest themed zones, solving puzzles as you go. In 2024 this activity will also be available at Longleat and Sherwood Forest.  

Discover Family Nature Quest
Two girls trekking between forest trees

Aerial Tree Trekking

We made some exciting updates to our Aerial Tree Trekking course at Whinfell Forest, adding brand-new obstacles to tackle and even a new mini zip wire. 

DIscover Tree Trekking

Whinfell Forest reviews

Tripadvisor reviews
Tripadvisor logo

Family of 3 holiday

@JodieY - January 2024, Whinfell Forest 

"We had a lovely family getaway Monday to Friday. Our little girl loved the baby sensory class and swimming. It was the right level of fun but also relaxing. We enjoyed the winter lights and ate in the sports cafe, Bella Italian and the Pancake house."

 Family gathering  

@Elizabeth B - December 2023, Whinfell Forest 

"Such a special place to suit every age. Extremely clean and well maintained everywhere. Our lodge was so comfortable and warm with superb bedding. Staff are wonderful, so helpful. Very well stocked supermarket with reasonable prices."

Officially a Center Parcs convert!!

@maihemphotography - May 2023, Whinfell Forest

"I couldn't have asked for a more relaxing, safe, and friendly place to holiday with my dogs.

Every single staff member at the Whinfell Center Parcs were authentically friendly and happy.

All our booked activities were accessed with ease and thoroughly enjoyable.

The lodges were immaculately clean with everything you need for your break... and the bed was so comfortable, especially after a full day outside walking or doing fun activities.

As someone who has never been to Center Parcs before, this is definitely a UK holiday I'll be booking on a yearly basis from now on."

 Great location  

@Helen D - May 2023, Whinfell Forest 

"Our lakeside apartment was a perfect size. We didn't need a lodge as there was only two of us. It was very clean and overlooked rows of trees, which was great for watching the birds. The park is beautifully maintained and very clean. Lovely paths to enjoy our daily walks and endless activities on hand. The food we had from restaurants was delicious and were generous with their portions. It's a great location for visiting the lakes."

Whinfell Forest Tripadvisor

 

 

 

Explore the village maps


Breaks in the lake district

Whether you’re ready for a family holiday or a couple looking for a relaxing romantic escape, there’s something for everyone at Center Parcs.

Children walking along a bridge during the Ariel Adventure.

Activity short breaks

With up to 200 activities from peaceful to pulse-racing, the possibilities are endless.

Discover activity breaks
A family cycling through the forest.

Forest short breaks

Reconnect with nature and recharge your batteries on a short break in the forest.

Discover forest breaks

 

Take a closer look at Whinfell Forest

The lake at dusk at Whinfell Forest
The patio of an Exclusive Lodge at Whinfell Forest
View of lake, beach and Subtropical Swimming Paradise building
Lakeside Inn next to the lake
Red squirrel

View all 30 images

 

FAQs about Whinfell Forest

How do I make a booking?

To make a booking, go to the search bar on our website and select your location, dates, number of lodges and number of guests. Then select your preferred accommodation type and select ‘Book now’. You can then book any additional extras for your break and fill out your details. If you need any help, contact us.

How old is Whinfell Forest Center Parcs?

The village opened in 1997 as Oasis Lakeland Holiday Village. It was bought by Center Parcs in 2001, and renamed Center Parcs Whinfell Forest. Read our blog to learn more about Whinfell Forest’s history.

What’s near Whinfell Forest?

If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area during your break, local places of interest include Lowther Castle & Gardens, Penrith Castle, Aira Force waterfall and Lacy's Caves.

Is Whinfell Forest dog friendly?

Yes, all of our Center Parcs villages welcome dogs! If you would like to bring a dog, you need to book a dog-friendly lodge, and please note that dogs are not permitted in certain restaurants or areas of the village. You can find out more on our dog-friendly breaks page.

How far is Penrith from Whinfell Forest?

Penrith is around a 15 minute drive from Center Parcs Whinfell Forest.

Are there any nature reserves or animal sanctuaries nearby?

Yes – Whinfell Forest is a red squirrel sanctuary. Cliburn Moss Nature Reserve and Thacka Beck Nature Reserve are located nearby. 

Does Whinfell Forest have a lazy river?

Whinfell Forest doesn’t have a lazy river, but you’ll find plenty of exciting rides and slides including the Tropical Cyclone, Canyon Ride and Indoor Rapids! View the Subtropical Swimming Paradise map here.

Is Whinfell Forest hilly?

Whinfell Forest does have some hills, although the pathways are smooth so you can walk, cycle and push wheelchairs and pushchairs. If you have mobility issues, you may wish to select a lodge close to the village centre or book a mobility scooter.

What restaurants are at Whinfell Forest?

Whinfell Forest has a wide range of restaurants: Bella Italia, Café Rouge, Huck’s American Bar and Grill, Rajinda Pradesh, The Lakeside Inn and The Pancake House. You can also order restaurant food to be delivered to your lodge with Restaurant Runner!

What is included in our lodges?

Our lodges in the Lake District are designed with families in mind, and provide everything you need for a self-catering break in the forest. You’ll find a fully-equipped kitchen, bedding, towels and much more. Learn what’s included in your accommodation.

Is there any last minute availability?

Yes, we sometimes have last-minute availability. Fill out your selected dates and details in the booking bar to see what’s available. Keep checking back regularly as there may be cancellations. 

Does Whinfell Forest have any waterfront lodges?

Whinfell Forest has a number of lodges overlooking the lake. If you’d like a lodge overlooking the water, you can select this during the booking stage (subject to availability).

Do your lodges have hot tubs?

Yes, our Exclusive Lodges and Treehouses have hot tubs. Learn more about our hot tub breaks.

 

News and updates about Whinfell Forest 

View from the lake at Whinfell Forest

Whinfell Forest news

Visiting Center Parcs Whinfell Forest? Find out the latest Whinfell Forest  village news.

Read Whinfell news
Staff stood together for a photo.

Meet our staff

Meet some of our employees and find out why they love working for Center Parcs.

Read about our staff
Woodland and lake

Accessibility at Whinfell Forest

At Center Parcs, we understand the importance of accessibiliy and we are committed to continually improving and enhancing our offerings to ensure an inclusive and enjoyable stay for everyone.

Discover accessibility at Whinfell Forest
Sports Cafe at Whinfell Forest in the 1990s

Whinfell Forest colleagues take a trip down memory lane

Colleagues at Whinfell Forest took a closed village as the perfect opportunity to reminisce and reflect on how far the village has come ahead of it's 25th anniversary next year

Read this article