Your ultimate guide for a Center Parcs break

Thinking of booking a Center Parcs break? Discover the best things to do, plus how to save money on your next Center Parcs visit

Center Parcs is a classic choice for family holidays. These self-contained holiday villages are set in pretty, natural forest environments.

Accommodation is high quality, in fully equipped villas, apartments and holiday lodges.

The idea is that you drive in, park our car and spend the rest of your stay cycling or walking around the parc, taking part in activities, enjoying nature and maybe even having a massage or two.

• How families can HALVE the price at Center Parcs
• Woburn Village Center Parcs: a family review
• The money-saving Center Parcs hacks that parents love

Here, we give you a rundown of what to expect, how to save money at Center Parcs and a few insider hacks.

Center Parcs locations

Center Parcs has 5 locations in England and 1 in Ireland

• Whinfell Forest, Cumbria
• Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
• Longleat Forest, Wiltshire
• Elveden Forest, Suffolk
• Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire
• Longford Forest, County Longford

There are also Center Parcs in Europe, which is run separately, with locations in:

• The Netherlands – 9 locations
• France – 7 locations
• Belgium – 5 locations
• Germany – 6 locations

When deciding which one to visit, you should read our story about how going to one of the Center Parcs in Europe could be £500 cheaper than a UK location.

What to do at Center Parcs

All the Villages offer a range of sports and leisure activities, such as:

• Swimming in pools and lazy rivers
• Cycling on the car-free paths
• Walking
• Water sports
• Spa treatments at the top-rated Aqua Sana Spa
• Adventure sports
• Horse riding
• Fencing
• Archery
• Quad bikes
• Laser tag
• Tree ropes courses
• Den building
• Escape room
• Animal encounters with owls and falcons
• Seasonal activities for Easter and Christmas
• Plus restaurants, bars and shops

If you've never been to a Center Parcs before, we've done the hard work for you and come up with our top tips on how to get the most out of your family break!

Center Parcs: before you go

• If you have preschool children, book to go to Center Parcs outside school holiday times to make it more cost effective.
• Keep a look out for offers - if you book early enough you may get a good deal on a break at any time.
• Although it’s perfectly possible to have a fab Center Parcs holiday without booking loads of extras, do be aware the popular activities get snapped up fast. So if you have a yen to try something in particular – Segway anyone? - do book before to avoid disappointment.
• If your booking includes 10 or more adults, contact the Center Parc’s event planner who’ll help organise your activity and restaurant bookings. They can even book special sessions just for your group, such as paintballing, tree trekking and more. Call 08448 266 200 for more details.
• If you fancy spa treatments, you'll want to book in advance for a slot in the Aqua Sana spa. Each Center Parcs has a spa, and there is a minimum of 15 spa experiences. Aqua Sana has a 5-bubble rating from the Good Spa Guide and they feature treatments inspired by a different themes (wellbeing rituals from around the world, nature) and offer experiences from Turkish hammam to Greek herbal bath to Forest Cavern.
• Do a shop en route, as the ParcMarket can be a little pricey. You won’t be able to rely on grocery delivery as vehicles aren't permitted onsite.
• ...But don't worry if you don't have time to shop. If you spend more than £40 at the ParcMarket, they will deliver your food for free, and even put it in the fridge if needed.

Tips for when you're there

• Take advantage of brick-built barbeques outside each villa. Save money by bringing your own coals or trays.
• If you’re in a lodge with a fireplace, you’ll only be allowed to burn the logs on sale in the supermarket.
• Take your bikes. Center Parcs bike hire can ratchet up the cost of your stay. You’ll save a bit of money and won’t have to queue to pick up hire bikes. You’ll find cycling about useful for carrying swimming stuff, shopping or washing to the launderette. However, if it's not convenient to travel with bicycles, you have the option of hiring there. You can also hire bikes with carriers for very small children.
• Do remember that your lodge or villa won’t be available until after 3pm. If you’re planning on arriving early, keep your swimming kits in a separate bag, so you’ve got something to do while you wait.
• If you’re on a budget, take advantage of the pool, riding bikes or walking in the surrounding forest.
• The kitchens in the lodges are really well equipped so if you prefer to be at home, you don't need to eat out at all!

Insider Center Parcs tips

• The pool is a big draw for the kids, but it can get busy. Find the quiet times – often about 5pm when many kids go off and have their tea, and take advantage.
• Restaurants can get booked up fast! Reserve your table a few days in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Make the most of your surroundings - take advantage of the organised nature trails or simply explore on your own. Older kids can even get on their bikes and cycle around the entire property, as you know they won't be at risk from traffic.
• Make sure you pack practical footwear, suitable for walking on the woodland trails or cycling.
• Take advantage of your location and use the park as a base for exploring the local area.

Ready for a holiday now? Here are even more ideas for awesome UK-based family breaks.