We recently got back from a family holiday at Center Parcs, Woburn Forest, about 35 minutes north of Luton Airport, and we had a brilliant time. If you’re weighing up a trip of your own, here’s everything we picked up along the way — from packing sense to which paid activities were actually worth it.
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#1. Save Up!
It’s not a cheap break, but it’s worth every penny. You probably won’t be doing a Center Parcs holiday every year, so save up for it and go all in on enjoying the experience.
#2. Your Wristbands Go Everywhere, So Mind Them
Each adult gets a wristband, which gets you into your accommodation and into the lockers at the swimming pool. You can also link a debit or credit card to it and go cashless in parts of the resort, which is handy when you’ve got wet swimsuits and no pockets.
#3. Cars Are Only Allowed on Changeover Days
There’s a one-way system for cars, and access is generally limited to the changeover days at the start and end of your stay. It makes for a wonderfully quiet, bike-and-buggy atmosphere around the village the rest of the time. Cars are sometimes let in briefly on other days for early departures, so don’t be surprised if you spot the odd one.
#4. Download the Center Parcs App
Download the Center Parcs app before you go — you can browse and book activities ahead of your break or during your stay, and there are maps to help you find your way around the village. It also shows opening and closing times for key areas. We logged into our online account each day instead and it did the job, but an app on hand would have made things easier.
#5. There’s a BBQ with Your Accommodation
Our lodge was comfortable — two bedrooms (one en suite), a kitchen/dining/sitting area, and a bathroom. There was a TV in the sitting room and one bedroom, and the wifi was strong everywhere on the Parc.
The kitchen was compact but had everything we needed, including a dishwasher. There was no washing machine, so we handwashed a few bits to get us through the week, but otherwise it covered everything.
There’s also an outdoor patio with barbecue facilities, though ours was off-limits during a heatwave while we were staying — we’d have loved to use it for a few dinners. A fan was provided, which was very welcome, as lodges can get warm even with the windows open.
Ours was one of the more basic lodges and a bit of a walk from the main village, but it was an easy ten minutes on foot. There’s a wide range of accommodation types at each Center Parcs, so you can pick what suits your family and budget.
#6. Either Bring Your Bikes or Hire Them
Most families we saw had bikes, either their own or hired on-site. We considered it, worried our two might lose interest quickly, but ended up loving the walking instead. Bikes of all types are available to hire, and it’s worth booking in advance if you know you’ll want them.
#7. Pick and Choose Your Activities
There’s a long list of indoor and outdoor activities at Center Parcs, and most come with a cost, so it’s worth taking a bit of time to choose. We happily filled our days with the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and the playground, both of which are free, and paid for a handful of extras.
Here’s what we thought of the activities we paid for:
1. Den Building
This was a real highlight. It’s a family activity that works for little ones and big ones alike — the basic den structure is already in place, and your job is to finish it well enough to be waterproof, which gets tested at the end.
While the building was underway, our leader kept younger siblings entertained with colouring and games. The kids also decorated a wooden sign for their den, which we brought home. A lovely bit of family adventure — mine are still talking about it.
2. Treasure Trail
We did this on foot, even though it’s usually recommended by bike given the ground it covers. It took us close to three hours, which meant a proper walking tour of the whole village while we hunted for clues.
Once we’d solved the puzzle, we handed in our cards at the booking desk in the Plaza and the kids got to open a treasure chest — certificates, hats and pin badges inside, and they were delighted. It was a lovely afternoon, though we reckon it would take about half the time on bikes.
3. Indoor Climbing Adventure
Our eldest loves trying new things and spotted this one herself, so we booked her in for the next day. The session ran 55 minutes with just two children in it, which meant plenty of one-to-one attention and time for her questions. There were several climbing walls to try, with different colours, themes and hold types. She really enjoyed having a go at something completely new.
4. Mini Crossbows
Our youngest (five at the time) fancied himself an expert on most things, so when he asked about archery we checked what was available for his age — a 30-minute Mini Crossbows session fit the bill. He enjoyed it, though the room felt a little crowded for the number of children and accompanying parents. There was a story built around rescuing a princess, with different targets to aim for, and an archery pin badge at the end. It’s fun, but we probably wouldn’t rush back to this one.
5. Family Bowling
Hard to go wrong with bowling. We had 45 minutes of family fun, bumpers included for the kids, and our eldest came out on top. The only downside was the cost, which felt a bit steep compared to bowling at home.
#8. You’ll Spend a Lot of Time at the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Playground
The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is genuinely special — kept at a warm, constant temperature, with a wave pool, two dedicated kids’ areas, a lazy river and slides for the braver members of the family.
We brought towels from the lodge but needed more than we had for all our visits. You can hire towels for a small fee at the pool and keep them for the length of your stay, returning them on your last swim. Good weather meant ours dried out in the sun between visits.
The playground was a daily request from our two — plan to pass it often.
#9. Book Restaurants Ahead of Time
Be warned: most guests book their restaurant tables well in advance, and popular spots fill up fast. We had to change our plans some evenings because on-site restaurants were fully booked.
Our tip — book at least your first night’s dinner ahead of arrival, and reserve other nights during your stay as early as you can. There’s also a Dining In option, where restaurants deliver to your lodge for an extra fee.
Several restaurants have soft play areas, which are great for keeping little ones occupied while the adults eat. Here’s what we thought of three we tried:
Hucks American Diner
Good food and friendly, accommodating staff. There’s a soft play area here too, so ask to be seated nearby if you’ve little ones — you can eat while they play.
Strada
Good Italian food, and the pizzas were a particular hit. Most restaurants provide an activity sheet or pack to keep kids busy while the food is on its way, which worked well for us.
The Pancake House
One of the few places that didn’t need advance booking. Down by the lake, we ate here twice — everything from BBQ pancakes with pulled pork to classic maple syrup and bacon.
#10. Stock Up on Essentials Before You Go
There’s a supermarket on site with a decent range of products at reasonable prices, but we also did a bigger shop at a nearby supermarket a short drive away, just to stock up on essentials before settling in.
#11. Remember Where You Parked
The car park is large, so make a mental note (or a phone photo) of your parking area — otherwise you could be in for a long search when it’s time to leave.
Enjoy your break at Center Parcs, and if you’ve been already, let us know your own tips in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car during my stay at Center Parcs?
No — cars are generally kept to changeover days only, and the village itself runs on a mix of walking, cycling and a one-way road system, so you won’t need a car once you’ve arrived.
Should I bring or hire bikes?
It’s entirely up to your family. Bikes are available to hire on-site, ideally booked in advance, but walking around the village is a perfectly enjoyable option too — we found we didn’t miss having bikes at all.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
Yes, it’s worth booking as early as you can, especially for your first night. Tables get snapped up quickly, and some restaurants take bookings weeks ahead of your stay.
What’s included in the lodge accommodation?
Expect a fully equipped kitchen, TV and wifi, and outdoor patio space with barbecue facilities (subject to any fire restrictions at the time). Facilities vary by lodge type and size, so check what’s included with your specific accommodation before you book.
Are the activities free?
The Subtropical Swimming Paradise and playground are free to use. Most other activities, such as den building, climbing and bowling, come with an extra cost and are worth booking ahead through the Center Parcs app or website.
Looking for More Family Adventure Ideas?
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