Summer is here: Staying safe in the hot weather
Posted 1 April, last updated 11 August 2026
Over past years we have experienced some very high temperatures, extreme weather does bring some safety and operational challenges. At Center Parcs we assess the weather forecast on a daily basis to plan and ensure our staff and guests are as safe as possible. We listen to official advice, but we also consider local weather and conditions for each of our villages. We’re in a forest setting so heat can be a concern, we look at how dry the forest is and sometimes we have to change things to reduce any risks.
Below are some hints & tips and advice, along with some of the changes we may need to put in place if things get too warm:
Barbecues - as mentioned above, we will listen to local advice and assess individual conditions. If we do experience long dry periods we may need to introduce a barbecue ban. If we do this, we’ll text any guests impacted before they arrive so that they can plan around this.
Fires – please do not start any fires no matter how small, this can be temping with children, but this isn’t safe in our forest environment as small fires can spread very quickly. If you see a fire in the forest, please let our team know as soon as possible.
Keeping everyone safe will always be our priority and we patrol our forests on a regular basis. Please note that, if guests are found to intentionally start a forest fire, they’ll be asked to leave the village.
Smoking and Vaping - is only permitted in designated smoking areas throughout the Village and on the patio of your accommodation. Please ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and disposed of responsibly using the ashtrays or sand bins provided due to woodland fire risk.
Outdoor activities & pool areas – it is great to be outside in the sunshine but in previous years it has been too hot for our staff and guests to safely enjoy some activities. Again, we will assess villages and conditions individually and only cancel activities if we feel it is unsafe to go ahead.
Restaurants – as you can imagine, kitchens areas can get very hot in excessive heat and in extreme situations we may need to change opening times or reduce our menus.
Hydration – it may seem obvious but staying hydrated is essential during the heat. Remember drinks for the journey and all of our lodges have fridges to keep things cool. We have Water Refill stations on all our villages. You’ll also have a small freezer for ice cream and ice!
Sun protection – another obvious one but it is important to protect yourself and your family in the sun so don’t forget to bring lots of sunscreen. We do sell a small selection in ParcMarket if you do forget.
Closing curtains/ moderating lodge temperature – we recommend keeping curtains closed during the day, particularly bedroom curtains, as it can significantly help in moderating the temperature within your lodge amidst warm weather conditions.
Fans – our lodges are not air conditioned so if you have a fan at home it might be a good idea to bring it along.
We’re making a change to restaurant bookings
Posted 19 August 2026
To help us provide the best possible experience for our guests and make sure our restaurants are available for as many guests as possible, all restaurant bookings now require a deposit at the time of booking. This will come into effect for all breaks starting from 16th November 2026 onwards.
If your plans change, you can cancel more than 48 hours before your reservation, and we’ll refund your deposit in full. If you cancel within 48 hours of your reservation, the deposit is non-refundable.
Please note that restaurant bookings have their own cancellation terms, which are different from those for activity bookings.
Lodge refurbishment works – Phase Two
Posted 14 August 2026
We're delighted to announce that Phase Two of our lodge refurbishment programme at Whinfell Forest will be commencing from 1st September 2026, continuing our investment in enhancing the quality and comfort of our accommodation for guests.
The refurbishment works are scheduled to take place in the following areas:
- Beechwood: September 2026 – April 2027
- Three Oaks: November 2026 – January 2027
- Foresters Lane: February 2027 – April 2027
Throughout the refurbishment programme, we'll also be carrying out essential electrical infrastructure works in the areas listed.
During this time, you may notice some temporary changes to village roadways with possible closures, diversions and traffic control systems implemented. We'll make every effort to minimise any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding while these important improvements are carried out.
We look forward to sharing further updates as the work progresses. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we continue to make these exciting improvements.
Try the new brunch menu at Huck's
Posted 27 July 2026
Fancy something sweet? Head over to Huck's and try the new brunch menu, full of mouth-watering pancakes, French toast and savoury options. Whether you're fuelling up for a day of activities or enjoying a leisurely mid-morning treat, there's something to satisfy every craving.
Flume maintenance at the Subtropical Swimming Paradise
Posted 1 July 2026, updated 18 August 2026
Later this year, we’ll be carrying out essential maintenance work on our flumes. The flumes will be temporarily closed while this work takes place, with the start date to be confirmed closer to the time.
The rest of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise will remain open for you to enjoy, including the Wave Pool, Tropical Cyclone and Canyon Ride.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we carry out these essential improvements. We look forward to welcoming you.
Upcoming changes at Whinfell Forest
Posted 7 May 2026 Last updated 26 June 2026
To make way for planned expansions to The Pancake House, our lakeside Starbucks will relocate to the Village Centre.
While The Pancake House undergoes refurbishment, guests won't need to miss out on their favourite treats. Huck's American Bar & Grill will be serving a special brunch menu featuring pancakes, French toast and other savoury favourites, alongside a mobile crepe unit also on-site for guests wanting something sweet on the go. The Pancake House is due to reopen in late Autumn 2026, and we look forward to welcoming guests back.
From 5 June, Dexters Kitchen will also become dog-friendly, giving you and your four-legged friends another welcoming spot to enjoy a tasty meal together. Signage will direct guests with dogs to access the venue via the terrace entrance, rather than through the Village Centre.
Arcade Bowls: Roll into something new this summer
Posted 31 March 2026
A brand-new activity is arriving - and it's putting a modern spin on a classic favourite. From 20 April, swap the grass for smooth synthetic lanes and enjoy an interactive experience with easy-to-use touchscreens and automatic digital scoring.
Arcade Bowls is now available across all villages until 6 September.
Late Night Lanes: Bowling with a beat
Posted 11 March 2026 Last updated 17 April 2026
Launching 15 April, Late Night Lanes brings a lively twist to your mid‑week evenings with DJ‑hosted bowling, great music and interactive games for all ages. It’s a fun, social way to enjoy the Leisure Bowl after dark, perfect for families, friends and groups.
Running every Wednesday and Friday from 8:30pm – 10:30pm.
Silent Disco: Late‑night fun for all ages
Posted 24 February 2026
Starting 12 March 2026, the Silent Disco brings the whole family together with two switchable music channels playing chart hits to throwback favourites. Pop on your headphones, choose your soundtrack and enjoy a feel‑good dance floor experience for every taste.
Held every Thursday and Sunday at 8:30pm in the Leisure Bowl, it’s a great way to end your evening at just £3 per person.
Entertainment Hive arrives at Whinfell Forest!
Last updated 24 December 2025
Step inside to discover Puttify, a high-tech, interactive mini golf experience, enjoy a classic game of darts with a modern twist in Interactive Darts, or try Interactive Shuffle, bringing fast-paced digital shuffleboard fun for groups.
Exclusive to Whinfell Forest, you'll also find two brand-new activities. Step up to the plate and take your best swing in The Bat Cage, a high-tech batting experience powered by state-of-the-art sports simulators. Then enter The ARENA, where play, competition and technology collide in a fully immersive gaming experience that blends the thrill of arcade-style play with cutting-edge interactive technology - all inside a sleek glass arena.
Whether you're looking for light-hearted fun or a friendly face-off, the Entertainment Hive brings a new way to spend quality time together at Whinfell Forest.
A change to our EV Chargers
Posted 7 May 2025
From 2 June 2025, our EV charger service provider will switch from Vend Electric to Monta. To charge your electric vehicle after this date, please download the Monta App and follow the instructions displayed on the signage once you arrive.
Download Monta App on App Store
Download Monta App on Google Play
Unlock your next adventure: two new escape rooms coming to Whinfell Forest!
Posted 1 April 2025
Exciting news for puzzle lovers - Center Parcs Whinfell Forest is launching two new escape room experiences! The Plant Room (brand-new and exclusive to Whinfell Forest) and Forest Laboratory will challenge families to think outside the box, solve clues and break free before time runs out. Expect immersive theming, special effects, clever clues and tricky puzzles! The new escape rooms will be located in the Sports Plaza and are set to open in early summer.
Escape the Forest is the latest in a series of exciting new activities coming to Center Parcs in 2025!
We have joined Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Last updated 19 August 2022
To support our guests and colleagues we are proud to announce we are now part of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. The Sunflower provides a discreet way for guests to show that they have a non-visible disability. Guests can collect a lanyard or pin badge, free of charge, from Guest Services or Sports Plaza Booking Desk whilst on their break. Our colleagues will recognise the Sunflower and will be able to provide help, adjust activities, and meet needs where possible.
We are proud to be part of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and be able to provide a fantastic experience for all our guests.
We’re now cashless
All our villages are cashless and can no longer accept cash payments, including for the purchase of gift cards.
Forest safety
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.
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.