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.
New at Woburn Forest: Priority Arrival
Posted 31 July 2026
For eligible breaks arriving from 17 August to 25 September, guests staying at Woburn Forest can enjoy an even smoother, more relaxed start to their break with Priority Arrival.
Enjoy a speedy arrival via a dedicated Priority Arrival route before parking in your reserved space in a central village location. We'll also take your luggage straight to your lodge and place any chilled groceries in your fridge or freezer, so everything is ready and waiting when you access your lodge.
With everything taken care of, you'll have more time to explore the village and spend quality time together on your first day in the forest before heading to your lodge at check-in time.
And when it's time to head home, we'll help make departure day easier too. If you've hired cycles during your stay, we'll collect them directly from your lodge, leaving you free to enjoy more of your final day. Simply collect your car by 10am and vacate your lodge as usual. You're then welcome to continue enjoying everything the village has to offer before heading home. Once you've vacated your lodge, your vehicle should be moved to the main village car park for the remainder of your visit.
Available for £75 per parking space, Priority Arrival is being introduced as part of a short-term trial at Woburn Forest for eligible breaks arriving from 17 August to 25 September. With only 30 spaces available per break, availability is limited and bookings will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note: Priority Arrival does not include early lodge access. You'll be able to access your lodge at the standard check-in time for your booking.
Help protect our wildlife
Posted 25 May 2026
Please avoid feeding the wildlife that visits your lodge patio or outdoor living area, including birds and squirrels. While it may seem harmless, regular feeding can be detrimental to animals’ health and cause them to become dependent on people for food.
Please also avoid using bird feeders or window feeders during your break, as spilled food can attract rodents to lodges and outdoor areas.
Across the UK, trichomonosis has caused serious declines in Greenfinch and Chaffinch populations. Scientific evidence shows that the risk of outbreaks is highest during summer and autumn, when birds gather closely together at feeders.
The RSPB now recommends a seasonal approach to bird feeding to help reduce the spread of disease. As a result, you may notice fewer filled feeders around our villages, or some that are temporarily empty.
From May – October
Please pause feeding seeds and peanuts. During the warmer months, natural food is plentiful, and reducing feeding helps limit the spread of disease.
If you wish to feed birds, you can still offer small amounts of mealworms, fat balls or suet, which finches rarely eat.
From November – April
Normal feeding, including seeds and peanuts, can resume during the colder months.
Extra steps to help reduce risk
• Feed only small amounts
• Avoid bird feeders with flat surfaces
• Clean feeders regularly
• Only provide water if it can be changed daily
Thank you for helping us care for the wildlife that makes our forest so special.
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.
NEW Activity - Woodcraft Painting
Posted 19 December 2025
We're thrilled to announce the opening of Woodcraft Workshop at Woburn Forest! In this workshop create a unique Center Parcs souvenir which you can cherish forever. Opening Monday 22 December, make sure to book your space now to create a beautiful, personalised wooden plaque.
Introducing our NEW Early Risers Spa Session
Posted 5 December 2025
We’re excited to share that we’ve launched a brand-new way for you to experience Aqua Sana Forest Spa. Our Early Risers Spa Session offers 2 hours of spa access from 7am, designed for anyone who prefers a quieter, calmer start to the day.
By opening the doors a little earlier, we’re giving you the chance to experience the spa at its most peaceful. It’s an opportunity to take some time for yourself, enjoy the stillness of the forest and ease into the morning at your own pace.
Whether you’re an early riser, squeezing in some well-deserved me-time, or just looking for a different way to relax, this new spa session gives you the space to slow down and breathe before the day begins.
A change to our EV Chargers
Posted 7 May 2025
From 30 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
Order all your favourite dishes with one delivery fee using Restaurant Runner!
Last updated 14 September 2022 (originally posted 04 July 2022)
From Friday 2 September, guests on a Woburn Forest break will be able to use our brand-new delivery service, Restaurant Runner.
Order from all your favourite restaurants with only one delivery fee. Whether you are craving a Chinese banquet or a pizza party, you can enjoy a feast in the comfort of your lodge. Does dad fancy a curry, mum a juicy burger, but the little ones are shouting for a pizza? Restaurant Runner is perfect for when the family can’t agree on what to have for dinner. Mix and match your favourite dishes to be delivered to your lodge in one order. Order online from your account on the day you would like delivery and choose from Rajinda Pradesh, Huck’s American Bar and Grill and our two new offerings, exclusive to Restaurant Runner, Pizzarrivo and Pinch of Asia.
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 The 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.
Electric Vehicle Charging Points
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.
We’re now cashless
All our villages are cashless and can no longer accept cash payments, including for the purchase of gift cards.
Travelling from Flitwick train station
Great News! Our complimentary Guest Shuttle Service is now available to guests arriving at Flitwick Train Station on Monday's and Friday's. There is no need to book in advance but if you need any information about the service then please contact our Guest Services team at Woburn Forest on 01525 842855.
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.
*available when break booked is 26 weeks or fewer away.