Whinfell Forest important updates and latest news.
Summer is coming...
Posted Wednesday 8 May 2025
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.
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.
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
Kendal Calling Festival
Posted 8 April 2025
We would like to inform guests that from Thursday 31 July to Sunday 3 August 2025 there is a local festival, Kendal Calling, near Whinfell Forest at Lowther Deer Park. Noise levels will be closely monitored during this time, but please be aware that you may hear music playing in the distance during your break.
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!
Activity Pool Closure
Posted 27 February 2025, Last updated 8 May 2025
Please be aware that starting from 24 February 2025 the activity pool in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise will be closed for refurbishment. The work is expected to take around 18 weeks, with the pool aiming to reopen by August 2025. During this time activities are taking place in the main pool.
You can still enjoy our other pools and slides for plenty of splashing good fun!
Adventure Golf is getting a makeover
Posted 21 March 2025
Our guest favourite Adventure Golf is getting a fresh new look! In order to make these exciting changes, Adventure Golf - 9 Holes and Adventure Golf - 18 Holes (including Moonlit Adventure Golf) will be unavailable from Tuesday 22 April. Whilst we can’t give an exact date for re-opening just yet, we hope to finish the revamp in July.
In the meantime, why not practise your putting skills in Adventure Golf – 7 Holes?
Visiting us soon? Don’t forget to plan and book your favourite activities from 12 weeks before arrival.
Log Burners
Posted 10 December 2024
Our long-burning fire logs are a great way to relax after a day of adventures in the forest.
To use the fireplace safely and effectively, please follow these requirements:
- Only use one smokeless fire log at a time. This is the recommended maximum for the fireplace/stove.
- Approved smokeless fire logs can be purchased from ParcMarket.
- Do not use branches, logs or anything else collected from the forest or from other sources.
- For your safety, please ensure that a burning fire is never left unattended.
If we notice any smoke coming from a chimney, we will investigate and remove any logs or other prohibited fuel to prevent any potential fire hazard.
Breakfast at The Lakeside Inn
Posted 14 August 2024
We're thrilled to announce that The Lakeside Inn now serves breakfast, available everyday from 9am - 11.30am. Our new breakfast menu offers a variety of options, including Full English cooked breakfasts and lighter choices such as breakfast sandwiches, gluten free and vegan options, and a selection of hot and cold drinks. Set in a cosy atmosphere with stunning lakeside views, breakfast at The Lakeside Inn provides the perfect start to a day full of activities and adventures.
A limited number of walk-in bookings will be available but pre-booking is advised wherever possible.
Gift cards
Last updated 23 October 2023
We are excited to announce that our gift cards are now available to purchase online. Our new gift cards will be automatically activated and available to use from your purchase date, whether its for yourself or a gift for someone else. You will have the choice to use the gift card to pay towards the cost of your break, as well as activities, shopping and food on village.
Electric Vehicle Charging Points
Last updated 31 May 2023
Guests will now be able to recharge their batteries and their electric car too! We have 75 charging points available to pre-book online and a small number of points available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guests will need to download the VendElectric App to charge their electric vehicle (payment is also made via the app). You will find our EV charging points in the main guest car park.
Charging points can only be booked on Mondays for four nights and Fridays for three nights. The points will charge the vehicles overnight, although they can remain safely plugged in throughout the whole duration of your stay – checking the status of the charge on the app.
Pre-book your electric vehicle charging point for peace of mind and a smooth arrival here.
Tropical Cyclone is now open at the Subtropical Swimming Paradise!
Last updated 13 March 2023
We’re excited to announce that Tropical Cyclone, our thrilling, gravity-defying raft ride, is now open!
Will you be brave enough to tackle the Tropical Cyclone, the newest, state-of-the-art water slide?
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
Last updated 25 July 2022 (originally posted 19 July 2022)
All our villages are cashless and can no longer accept cash payments, including for the purchase of gift cards.
Forest safety
Last updated 7 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.
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.