Whinfell Forest news
Whinfell Forest important updates and latest news.
Latest update
5th January 2021
Following the update from the Prime Minister last night (4th January) it is clear we must extend the closure of all our UK villages. Whinfell Forest will remain closed until at least 18th February 2021.
We understand that the next update from the Government is 15th February and we will take a further review following this. Our decisions throughout the pandemic continue to be with the priority of keeping our guests and staff as safe as possible.
All guests impacted by the closure period will receive an email from us today (5th January) with instructions on how to cancel activities & restaurant reservations and how to reschedule with a discount to the value of £100 or cancel with a full refund.
Guests due to arrive on any village during a closed period
All guests impacted by a closure will have the option to change dates with £100 discount or cancel and claim a full refund. We will email all affected guests with instructions on how to cancel activities and restaurants and how to reschedule or cancel. Once activities and restaurant reservations are fully cancelled please complete this form*.
*Please ensure any activities, restaurant, spa sessions or treatments are cancelled prior to filling out the form. For details on how to cancel.
Guests due to arrive 19th February onwards
We understand that guests with breaks booked for when villages re-open and new guests looking to make a booking will have questions too and the information below should help.
Government COVID Alert/Tier levels may change and rules and advice are constantly under review. Guests must check government information themselves to understand any changes or new rules prior to visiting Center Parcs, booking a new break or when considering a date change or cancellation of an existing booking. The following Government links should provide the most up to date information:
You must check the Local Covid Alert level of your home area and the village you’re visiting and comply with both sets of rules.
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Can I contact you?
I’m sure you will appreciate that we have lots of guests to support during this time, if you are impacted by the closure period please complete this form to tell us if you would like to reschedule or cancel your break and the team will action your request and confirm via email.
Our opening times for calls, social and webchat are as follows:
- Monday to Friday, 9am – 7pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 5:30pm (until 7pm for social and webchat)
Subtropical Swimming Paradise maintenance
Updated 1st December 2020
Please be aware that from Monday 25th January - Friday 29th Jan 2021 we have scheduled maintenance work in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. The Canyon Ride is expected to be closed on Monday 25th January and expected to reopen on Wednesday 27th January at midday. From Tuesday 26th - Friday 29th January work will be carried out on the Multi Slides which may result in one of the slides being out of use. Please bear with us, these dates are subject to change if weather conditions are not favourable. Keep checking our Whinfell Twitter page for updates
Our retail shops
4th September 2020
Like many businesses, our retail partner has been severely affected by the pandemic. As a result, they have decided to no longer operate in the fashion sector, which sadly means that they will be closing some of their stores on our villages. Aquatique, Just for Kids and The Store Room will remain open, but unfortunately, Spirit, Sportique and Time for Shade will all close by October, with some closing as soon as Sunday 6th September. We know these stores are firm favourites with our guests and we are working hard to look at new and exciting alternatives to add to our retail offering.
Whinfell Forest opens brand new Treehouses
4th September 2020
We are delighted to introduce stunning Treehouses at Whinfell Forest. With the most beautiful views in the forest, these are our most spectacular accommodation.
Four unique Treehouses are now available to book at Whinfell Forest, with one being adapted for our guests with limited mobility. Equipped with the highest specifications, premium furniture and dedicated hosts, these masterpieces provide guests with a luxurious and hassle-free experience.
Key features include a physiotherm infrared room with Aqua Sana towels, private outdoor hot tub, separate games den, four bedrooms with en-suites, LPG BBQ, iPad-controlled entertainment system, dedicated parking and robes and slippers - even the little ones get their own!
Forest safety
7th August 2020
During extreme dry weather spells we take advice from the Met Office, please see below some basic fire safety points:
- Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking locations on village and on the patio/ balcony of accommodation
- The use of wood from the forest is strictly prohibited for use on the fire in accommodation (please only use logs purchased from ParcMarket)
- The making of fires of any sort is strictly prohibited
- Should you discover a fire no matter how small, please contact the village emergency number or call 999
- Due to our forest environment, we may need to withdraw the use of BBQ’s in extreme hot weather
We do have regular fire checks in place but please be vigilant and help us to maintain a safe environment in the forest.
Visit the new look Starbucks
23rd July 2020
Both of our Starbucks have had a sprucing up. The spaces now have a more modern look to them and provide a relaxing spot to unwind with a drink and a bite to eat. Our stores can be found in the Sports Plaza and outside the Village Centre, overlooking the lake.
We flipping love pancakes!
23rd July 2020
We know that The Pancake House is a must on the family itinerary. Which is why we have given it a little makeover and extension, allowing us to serve more yummy pancakes. Don't miss out, the new look Pancake House is now open and you can book a table online. Will you go sweet or savoury?
New route for Geocache
10th February 2020
Geocache at Whinfell Forest has been updated with a new route for even more of a challenge. Put your sense of direction to the test to navigate around the new route whilst solving clues and discovering passwords.
A new Aerial Adventure
27th November 2019
Experience a new treetop adventure as Aerial Adventure has new elements to conquer and 255-metre dual zip wire over the lake! It’s new to Whinfell Forest so be sure to try it on your next break.
Lake closures on our villages
2nd September 2019
As we operate a number of submersible activities on the lakes at our villages, we test our lake water for quality on a regular basis. Due to natural organisms, we occasionally receive a reading that means we have to close our lake whilst we treat the issue and gain a normal reading again. Should this happen we will ensure that guest disruption is kept to a minimum and that we bring activities back online as soon as we possibly can.
New fun-filled activities for little ones
28th January 2019
Discover three new activities for your little ones to enjoy. Make memories that will last forever as you forage through the forest to create your very own Family Nature Journal, or help our rangers discover woodland animals and their habitats in Nature Detectives, both at the Ranger’s Lodge. Your little ones can also have an adventure of their very own in Wizard Academy, where they can learn spells, play games and make marvellous wizard crafts in this 3-hour unaccompanied session at the Activity Den.
Aqua Sana at Whinfell Forest opens new Relax Areas
15th January 2019
A new way to drift away during your spa escape. Aqua Sana Whinfell Forest has had a mini makeover and now boasts two brand new areas dedicated to inducing complete relaxation.
Our biggest ever lodge
Updated 20th December 2018
Whinfell Forest is welcoming a 6-bedroom Woodland Lodge that sleeps up to 12. With six spacious bedrooms, family bathrooms and shower rooms and large open-plan living space, it’s perfect for large families or groups of friends. Now available to book for breaks arriving from 21st December 2018.
Minimising traffic on the village
We know that our focus on providing a safe environment with minimal traffic is something you really value. That’s why we need your help to reduce the traffic on our villages to protect what you love about Center Parcs: a place where little ones can run free and explore, and parents can feel at ease.