General news
General important information and latest news.
Keep abreast of the news and updates for all our villages here.
Our new way to find and book things to do - 10th May 2018
There’s a new way to book activities, restaurants, spa treatments and little extras. You can now view our full range of over 200 things to do, even without a break booked.
We’ve also added all sorts of new features, including search filters and an easy calendar-view itinerary.
New itinerary features - 29th April 2018
We’re improving your Center Parcs account so you’ll now be able to access a calendar-view itinerary. It will show you everything booked during your break, and who’s taking part. From the itinerary, you’ll be able to click bookings to find out more information, such as time, duration and meeting point.
Assigning activities to your party - 24th April 2018
Our new way to book activities is coming soon. One of the handiest new features will be the ability to assign the activities you’ve booked to the members of your party who’ll be taking part.
We’re also adding eligibility when searching, so when you check if an activity is available to book, it will show you who in your group can take part.
New look and feel when browsing activities - 11th April 2018
We’re working on a new way for you to browse and book activities for your break. Filled with more photos and information, it matches our fresh new website. You’ll be able to take a look at the wide variety of activities available, even if you haven’t booked a break yet.
Treehouses now available to book at Woburn Forest - Updated 10th April 2018
The new Treehouses at Woburn Forest are now available to book for breaks from August 2018. This spectacular new accommodation includes our first ever adapted Treehouse. Each Treehouse includes four en-suite bedrooms, detached games den, beautifully styled open-plan living and outdoor hot tub.
If you want to join us for a luxury break in your own Treehouse from August 2018 onwards, be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
Tommy’s Award for Best Family Friendly UK Holiday - 5th April 2018
We are delighted to have won Best Family Friendly UK Holiday Provider at the Tommy’s Awards, which took place on 16 March at the Landmark Hotel, London to a packed audience of household name companies and Tommy’s supporters.
Bookings now available until 16th December 2019 - 22nd March 2018
We are pleased to tell you that we’ve extended our booking window, so you can now book breaks at all five villages for arrivals until 16th December 2019.
Longleat Forest weather update - 12.00pm Monday 19th March
Longleat Forest is open to welcome our guests today, however, following snowfall overnight the village are working through some operational difficulties, please bear with us.
If the situation changes, we will contact guests due to arrive today directly by email.
We strongly recommend that all guests check with the Highways Agency http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/ before travelling.
Please stay safe.
Weather update - 19th March 2018
Sherwood, Elveden, Whinfell & Woburn Forest
All of our villages are open to welcome guests today (Monday 19thMarch) but obviously with the snowy weather conditions we may experience some operational difficulties which may result in some disruption to our normal services. We have contingency measures in place and our teams are working extremely hard to ensure a smooth arrival and departure and to make your stay with us as enjoyable as possible.
We strongly recommend that all guests check with the Highways Agency http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/ before setting off.
Longleat Forest
Longleat Forest is open to welcome our guests today, however, following snowfall overnight the village are working through some operational difficulties, please bear with us.
We strongly recommend that all guests check with the Highways Agency http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/ before travelling.
Please stay safe.
Weather update - 18th March 2018
Guests currently on village
Following snowy weather conditions affecting certain areas of the UK over the weekend some of our services/activities may be limited until conditions improve.
Please take care when travelling around the village, stick to designated paths and roads but take extra care as these will be icy.
For departing guests we advise all to check their route home and our team are available to support with any vehicle issues or route planning.
Thank you for bearing with us.
Guests due to arrive Monday 19th March 2018
Subject to any changes to the weather forecast, we’re planning for all of our villages to be open to welcome our guests on Monday 19th March 2018.
We may continue to experience some operational difficulties due the weather which may result in some disruption to our normal services. However, we have contingency measures in place and our teams are working extremely hard to ensure a smooth arrival and departure and to make your stay with us as enjoyable as possible.
We wish all of guests a safe journey and recommend that all monitor the highways agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/ before setting off.
Urgent weather update - Saturday 3rd March 14:30pm
Following the extreme weather conditions affecting the UK over the past week and subject to any changes to the forecast, we’re planning for all of our villages to be open to welcome our guests on Monday 5th March 2018.
We may continue to experience some operational difficulties due to the weather which may result in some disruption to our normal services. However, we have contingency measures in place and our teams are working extremely hard to ensure a smooth arrival and departure and to make your stay with us as enjoyable as possible.
We wish all of guests a safe journey and recommend that all monitor the highways agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/ before setting off.
Urgent weather update - 2nd March 2018 (10:30am)
Longleat Forest
Due to the extreme weather conditions currently affecting the UK, despite our best efforts, we have been forced to make the unfortunate decision to cancel all bookings for this weekend (Friday 2nd March to Monday 5th March 2018) at Longleat Forest.
Longleat Forest has experienced unprecedented weather conditions overnight and access to and from the village is almost impossible. Local Police are advising that public do not travel today.
We are sorry for the obvious disappointment this will cause but we will, of course, rearrange your break. We’ll contact you by early next week so please do not call our Contact Centre at this time as the team are extremely busy and we may not get to your call.
Thank you for your patience and understanding at this challenging time.
For guests currently at Longleat Forest
For departing guests we advise all to check their route home and depart only when they feel it is safe to do so. All lodges are available for guests to stay until conditions start to improve. We’re not suggesting that any of our guests set off until they feel comfortable to do so.
Many of our team have been unable to get into work today, so services may be limited until conditions improve.
Our team are available on village to support with any vehicle issues or route planning.
All other villages
Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Whinfell Forest and Woburn Forest are open for guests arriving on Friday 2nd March, but obviously with the extreme weather conditions we may experience some operational difficulties which may result in some disruption to our normal services. We have contingency measures in place and our teams are working extremely hard to ensure a smooth arrival and departure and to make your stay with us as enjoyable as possible.
However, we appreciate that travel conditions vary across the country so if you do feel you are unable to travel, we will rearrange your break. Due to high call volumes, we would ask that you do not call our Contact Centre and instead please email us at pre-arrivals.services@centerparcs.co.uk to let us know, we will be in touch to rearrange your break with us over the next 3 to 5 days.
If you do make the decision to continue with your break we strongly recommend that you check with the Highways Agency before setting off.
For guests currently at all other villages
For departing guests we advise all to check their route home and depart only when they feel it is safe to do so. We’re not suggesting that any of our guests set off until they feel comfortable to do so. If you feel unable to travel please contact Guest Services at the village.
Urgent weather update – Center Parcs Whinfell Forest and Longleat Forest - 2nd March 2018 (7:30am)
Due to the extreme weather conditions overnight access to and from both Center Parcs Whinfell Forest and Longleat Forest is extremely difficult. Our teams have been working through the night to try to keep the entrance to the villages clear. However, many of the major roads around both villages are blocked.
For guests currently at Whinfell and Longleat Forest
Please remain in your lodge. A further update will be issued via Channel 6 and social media.
For guests due to arrive today Friday 2nd March
Please do not set off and please check the met office/highways agency websites for further information.
We will issue a further update at 9.30am when we have a clearer picture of the conditions and routes in and out of both villages.
Severe weather update - 1st March 2018
All our villages are open for guests arriving on Friday 2nd March, but obviously with the extreme weather conditions we may experience some operational difficulties which may result in some disruption to our normal services. We have excellent contingency measures in place and our teams are working extremely hard to ensure a smooth arrival and departure and to make your stay with us as enjoyable as possible.
However, we appreciate that travel conditions vary across the country so if you do feel you are unable to travel to one of our villages we will rearrange your break. Due to high call volumes, we would ask that you do not call our Contact Centre and instead please email us at pre-arrivals.services@centerparcs.co.uk to let us know and we will be in touch to rearrange your break with us over the next 3 to 5 days.
Temporary closure of The Pancake House - January 29th 2018
We’re extending The Pancake House at Woburn Forest so more families can enjoy our famous sweet and savoury stacks. In order to complete the work, The Pancake House will close from Sunday 11th March until Wednesday 21th March.
If you’re visiting during this time don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Huck’s American Bar and Grill will be offering a smaller menu of pancakes and waffles from 11am-2.30pm each day to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Aqua Sana outdoor pool at Elveden Forest - 25th January 2018
To improve our guests experience we will be closing the outdoor pool at Elveden Forest from 12th to 13th March 2018, inclusive. We appreciate that there is never a good time to carry out such work, and want to assure you that the remaining spa experiences will still be open and that all treatments are available.
If you choose to visit during this time, you will receive a £10 gift voucher on arrival to thank you for your patience.
New Waterfront Apartments at Elveden Forest - 8th January 2018
The new Waterfront Apartments at Elveden Forest are now available to book for breaks from April 2018. Just a stone’s throw away from the lake, these one-bedroom apartments have modern furnishings, compact kitchen and daily housekeeping service making it the perfect way for couples or friends to discover Elveden Forest.
Our new website - how to use your account - 12th December 2017
We have recently launched our brand new website featuring a fresh new contemporary look. You can now register an account, add your existing booking to your account, invite guests to you booking, book activities and much more.
Pre-book for the best experience - 8th December 2017
Rajinda Pradesh and Dining In are making it easier for you to experience the finest cuisine on your break. Want to dine out? You can now pre-book the Rajinda Experience, which includes a poppadum platter, a selection of starters to share, classic curry, and a rice and naan to share. Wanting to stay in? Order a Dining In banquet set meal of either Chinese or Indian and you can upgrade to a premium banquet. Or indulge in a family pizza meal and add little extras to make it a real treat.
Cycle Centre opening time changes - Updated 6th November 2017
We’re changing the opening times at the Cycle Centre on a Monday to 8am-7pm. Don’t worry, no other days have changed. The opening times Tuesday to Sunday will remain 9am to 5pm, while Friday is 8am to 8pm. Head over to hire bikes ready for your next adventure, or if your own cycle needs a repair, the Cycle Centre staff will be happy to help.
Our new website, with a fresh new look - 20th October 2017
Discover our new website, featuring a fresh new contemporary look. With more images and videos for you to feast your eyes on and discover Center Parcs, together with easier navigation, you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
Little features that make a big difference - 16th October 2017
Our exciting new website is just around the corner. We’ve been working hard to make the booking journey quicker and easier than ever before, whether you’re a Center Parcs newcomer or aficionado.
Set up your personal Center Parcs account - 10th October 2017
A fresh new design and make your online Center Parcs experience even better by creating your own personal account with us. An account will allow you to store and edit your details, view your bookings and itinerary, book activities and restaurants plus much, much more.
Bookings now available until April 2019 - 15th September 2017
We are pleased to announce that we have extended our booking window, so you can now book breaks at all five villages for arrivals until 22nd April 2019.
Waterside Lodges now available to book at Elveden Forest - 4th September 2017
We’re building something new at Elveden Forest; three lodges unlike anything Center Parcs UK has ever seen.
Center Parcs arrives on Instagram - 22nd August 2017
This year, we’re taking Instagram into the forest. From behind-the-scenes access to exclusive competitions, there are plenty of reasons why you should follow us at @centerparcsuk. But don’t take our word for it – head over there now and see what we’ve been sharing.
P.S. Proud of the family photos you snapped during your break? Tag them with #mycp for a chance to be featured on our Stories.
Babysitting service - 28th July 2017
Our babysitting team are hanging up their bedtime story skills and nappy changing know-how. From 3rd November this year, we’re no longer offering a babysitting service at Center Parcs.
If you’re visiting us soon, there are a range of three-hour Activity Den sessions available that give your little ones the chance to have their own experiences, and the chance for you to grab some much-needed me time.
From Crèche and the Den to Pirate and Princess Adventure to Chocolate Chefs’ Academy, we’re sure there’s something to keep them occupied in our Ofsted-registered Activity Den.
Sign in to your Center Parcs account or Register today and add activities to your existing booking*. Alternatively, book your accommodation now to start your next Center Parcs adventure.
All-new Subtropical Swimming Paradise rides open from 16th August - Updated 23rd June 2017
Be one of the first to experience the two new rides and two new water play areas at Longleat Forest’s Subtropical Swimming Paradise, open from 16th August.
Aqua Sana welcomes Made for Life wellness treatments - 16th June 2017
Our five Aqua Sana Spas will be welcoming three new wellness treatments designed by the award-winning, Made for Life Foundation, especially for people who are living with and beyond cancer.
Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest is awarded 'Five Bubbles' by the Good Spa Guide - 8th June 2017
We’re delighted to announce that the Good Spa Guide have awarded our brand new Forest Spa a 5 bubble rating!
Center Parcs voted top Family Holiday in Made for Mums Awards 2017 - 26th April 2017
We’re thrilled to announce, just a few weeks after being named Best Family-Friendly UK Holiday Provider in the Tommy’s Awards 2017, that we’ve won a second national award.
Center Parcs wins Tommy’s Award for 14th year - 4th April 2017
For the 14th consecutive year, families have voted Center Parcs as the Best Family Friendly UK Holiday Provider.
Dog Owners' Advice - Updated 18th May 2017
In recent years, an unexplained dog illness known as 'seasonal canine illness' has been found in an increasing number of forest areas around the UK, particularly in late summer and early autumn. The illness is currently believed to be triggered by a naturally occurring cause and has affected a number of dogs in areas across the country, including those local to some of our villages, particularly Sherwood and Elveden Forest. This issue is still under investigation and there is no comprehensive explanation as to why it has occurred. We are therefore pre-warning all guests who plan to bring a dog to Center Parcs and recommend consulting the Animal Health Trust for the latest information.
Cases of Alabama Rot have also been reported around the country in 2017. This is another unexplained disease affecting dogs. None of our Center Parcs villages have been identified as locations with cases of Alabama Rot, but in the interest of vigilance we recommend dog owners familiarise themselves with the symptoms on the Forestry website.
If you are bringing a dog to one of our villages and are concerned, please call our Contact Centre team on 03448 266 266.
Please note: if you are visiting Longleat Forest, dogs are not allowed on our Land Train except guide dogs.
Award-winning menu in Sports Café - 22nd March 2017
Since launching our new Sports Café menu in January, hundreds of guests have enjoyed the new dishes, including brilliant brunch options, Mediterranean flatbreads, super salads and a selection of great craft beer.
Bookings now open until December 2018 - 22th March 2017
We are pleased to announce that we have extended our booking window, so you can now book breaks at all five villages for arrivals until 17 December 2018.
Parking on Village
We are keen to keep our Villages as traffic free as possible so that guests can enjoy the tranquillity of the forest environment. There will of course be a small amount of traffic during times of developments and to support Village operation. However, once you have unloaded your belongings from your vehicle, we kindly request that all guests move their cars to the car park as soon as possible, on the day of arrival. In response to recent feedback from our guests, the Security team will be supporting this by requesting that all cars left on the Village after this time, are moved. Should the accommodation type include a car parking space, please use the space allocated.
We’re getting personal with the Aqua Sana website - 16th December 2016
You can now create an account and add treatments online.
We’ve made some exciting changes to the Aqua Sana website, to give you the best experience possible.
Center Parcs granted planning permission for Longford Forest - 27th July 2016
Today, Center Parcs has been granted planning permission to build the proposed 395-acre Village, Longford Forest in Ireland.
The new location, which will be the sixth Center Parcs Village and a first in Ireland, is near Ballymahon in County Longford and is expected to be built by 2019.
Breckland Apartments opening at Elveden Forest - 14th July 2016
There are 48 stylish new apartments opening at Elveden Forest in November that are available to book now. The Breckland Apartments are the perfect way for couples to discover our 400 acres of beautiful Suffolk countryside.
New charity partner announced - 13th June 2016
We’re proud to announce our new charitable partner for the next two years, Together For Short Lives (registered charity 1144022 and SC044139). This remarkable organisation is the leading UK charity that speaks out for the 49,000 children and young people expected to lead short lives.
Center Parcs crowned winner of Tommy’s Award - 30th March 2016
For an incredible 13th consecutive year, Center Parcs has been named Best UK Holiday Provider at the annual Tommy’s Awards.
Aqua Sana takes top prize - 15th March 2016
Aqua Sana Woburn Forest has been awarded the highly prestigious ‘Residential Spa of the Year’ accolade at The Professional Beauty Awards 2016.
Center Parcs nominated for 'Best UK Holiday Provider' award - 26th January 2016
Have you voted? For the 13th year running, we are delighted to announce we have been nominated in the coveted ‘Best UK Holiday Provider’ category for the annual Tommy’s Awards.
Using hoverboards on your break - 23rd December 2015
Guests who wish to bring hoverboards on their break must be aware of the potential fire risks associated. For the latest advice, we recommend guests visit the National Trading Standards website here.
For your safety, please do not leave a hoverboard charging unattended or charging overnight.
External Shows, Events and Festivals - 10th November 2015
Because our Villages are set in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK, they are often close to popular tourist areas which can mean increased noise and traffic in the surrounding area. Despite our best efforts to preserve the tranquillity of the forest in our Villages, there may occasionally be noise from local events, shows and music festivals.
It's never too early to have a short break in the diary, so book now and give yourself something amazing to look forward to.
Contact Centre number one in customer service - 9th November 2015
Center Parcs’ Contact Centre team has been named best for customer service in the travel and hospitality sector by Top 50 for Customer Service and the International Customer Management Institute, an independent programme that benchmarks customer service across a range of industries.
Longford Forest planning permission submitted - 30th October 2015
A major milestone in our plans to develop a Center Parcs village in Ireland has been reached today (Friday 30 October, 2015).
Brookfield agrees to acquire Center Parcs from Blackstone - 2nd June 2015
LONDON (2 June, 2015) – Blackstone (NYSE: BX) and Brookfield Property Partners L.P. (NYSE: BPY; TSX: BPY.UN) announce that a Brookfield-managed fund has agreed to acquire Center Parcs UK.
Center Parcs gets seal of approval from parents at the Tommy’s Awards - 21st April 2015
Earlier this year, 20,000 parents selected their favourite family-friendly companies across a range of categories, including travel and retail.
Center Parcs is coming to Ireland - 2nd April 2015
Following last year's successful opening of Woburn Forest, we can today reveal that plans are in place to open a sixth Center Parcs village – in Ireland.
Center Parcs wins 'Consumer Award' - 22nd January 2015
Center Parcs are pleased to announce we have won the 'Consumer Award' at the Globe Travel Awards 2015, voted for by the readers of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline. See our full list of awards here.
Success for Center Parcs at the Bounty Mums Love Awards 2015 - 16th January 2015
Center Parcs has won in the 'Best UK Family Breaks' category in the Bounty Mums Love Awards 2015. See our full list of awards here.
Center Parcs nominated for 'Best UK Holiday Provider' award
For the 12th year running, Center Parcs has been nominated in the ‘Best UK Holiday Provider’ category for the annual Tommy’s Awards.
100,000 and growing
We are proud to be celebrating a major milestone: The Center Parcs UK Facebook page has passed 100,000 likes!
Woburn Forest is a winner – Best Spa to be Social
Just six months after opening, Aqua Sana Woburn Forest has been named winner in the Best Spa to be Social category at the prestigious Good Spa Guide Awards. The award was presented at the annual Good Spa Guide Awards at Spa Life 2014.
Center Parcs reveals new and enhanced children’s activities
The new activity programme is the culmination of three years’ work that has seen us transform and enhance the activities on offer, to ensure they are the very best they can be. Over a number of months, in partnership with activity specialist In2Action, we’ve carried out extensive research and surveyed more than 1,000 guests.
Woburn Forest welcomes the 100,000th guest
Woburn Forest has today reached a momentous milestone since opening, as our fifth village welcomes its 100,000th guest.
Aqua Sana Woburn Forest is awarded 'Five Bubbles' by the Good Spa Guide
We are delighted to announce that our new Aqua Sana Spa at Center Parcs Woburn Forest has been awarded the 'Five Bubbles' rating by the Good Spa Guide.
Center Parcs supports Tommy’s Baby-Friendly Awards for third consecutive year
We’re proud to announce that we will be supporting the Tommy’s Baby-Friendly Awards in 2015, with the Center Parcs Super Sibling Award.
Elveden Forest celebrates birthday
Center Parcs’ second village has welcomed 10 million guests since opening.
Center Parcs is top travel company to feature in Customer Satisfaction Index
Center Parcs has been named as the top travel company in the Institute of Customer Service’s biannual UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI).
Happy Birthday! Longleat Forest celebrates 20 successful years
The village has welcomed six million guests during 7,300 consecutive days of being open.
Zip Wire extension takes off at Elveden Forest
The much anticipated extension of the Zip Wire at Elveden Forest is now open.
Center Parcs named Best Holiday Provider for 11th consecutive year
Center Parcs has been awarded as the Best Holiday Provider in the annual Tommy’s Baby Friendly Awards.
Accommodation Upgrades
As many of our guests will already be aware, we upgrade a number of accommodation units every year at Center Parcs. Work is about to start across most of our Villages very soon to ensure we continually improve our standards. Such works are closely monitored and disruption to our guests visiting during this time will be kept to a minimum.
Forestry works
As we are in a forest setting it is essential that we manage the environment and preserve the natural outlook. This means that from time to time forestry works such as tree felling may be taking place during your break with us.
The lake in winter
Being close to nature is an important part of a Center Parcs break, but it also means our villages are subject to the whims of British weather! For this reason, and for our guests’ safety, our lakes may close for watersports during the winter. But don’t worry, we still have plenty of indoor and outdoor activities available during this time, from cosy indoor crafts to bracing bike rides.
*available when break booked is 26 weeks or fewer away.