General news
General important information and latest news.
Keep abreast of the news and updates for all our villages here.
Temporary closure of our villages - updated 29th May 2020 | 11:00
We have made the decision to extend the closure period of all UK villages until 5th July and Longford Forest until 19th July. This decision continues to support government advice and our priority to keep our staff and guests as safe as possible.
Whilst we do not have a confirmed date for re-opening yet, we’re busy exploring the changes we need to make to ensure that when we do, we can safely welcome our guests. We recognise the importance of treading cautiously away from lockdown in order to control the pandemic. Our planning is well underway to consider the future Center Parcs experience and ensure that we can open with appropriate social distancing and additional cleaning in place. We know we will have to make changes but we are confident that we can adapt and still offer a great experience.
For guests impacted by the current closure period the information below should help answer some questions:
Is your break due to commence before 5th July for UK villages or 19th July for Longford Forest?
We’re offering the option to either reschedule your break to a future date or receive a full refund.
I want to select a new date in the future:
Breaks are on sale for arrivals up to December 2021. You can rebook for a new date in the future with no amendment fee and we’ll also offer you a £100/€100 discount from your new break.
Please note that if you select a lower-priced break we will still offer you the £100/€100 discount and refund the difference. If the break you select is higher-priced, we will, again, apply the £100/€100 discount but you would need to pay any outstanding difference. Please note that the discount is only applicable once, in the event of a further date move the discount will not apply again.
I want a full refund:
We hope you’ll rearrange your break but we understand that this won’t be possible for everyone. If you prefer a refund you may, of course, take this option. Please note that our refund process is unfortunately a little slower than usual right now.
What do I need to do?
Firstly, identify which category below your booking falls into:
1. Lodge booking only with NO activity, restaurant or spa bookings
If you have already completed a form to tell us you wish to move the date of your break or receive a full refund, we are working through these as quickly as we can. There is no need to do anything else.
If your booking falls into this category and you haven’t completed a form please do so here. Please do not complete a second form.
2. Lodge booking WITH activity, restaurant or spa bookings made via our website for future arrival dates only:
You should have already received an email from us with instructions on how to cancel your activities, restaurants and spa bookings online and with a link to a form to let us know if you would like to book a future date or receive a refund for your lodge booking. Please carefully follow the instructions within the email.
This process unfortunately won't work if your arrival date has passed, you initially booked your activities, restaurants or spa reservations via our Contact Centre or you have booked a spa day or package via our Aqua Sana website.
3. Lodge booking WITH activity, restaurant or spa bookings made via our Contact Centre or all lodge bookings with activity, restaurant or spa bookings that are now in the past.
If you have already completed a form to tell us you wish to move the date of your break or receive a full refund, we are working through these as quickly as we can. There is no need to do anything else.
If your booking falls into this category and you haven’t completed a form please do so here. Please do not complete a second form.
The team will contact you via email to confirm your lodge refund or date move once this is actioned.
We have a new online refund solution for activity, restaurant and spa reservations. We’re currently working to refund guests with activities up to 25th May. If you have activity, restaurant and spa reservations on or before 25th May and you’re waiting for a refund you will receive an email in the coming weeks. Please keep an eye on your inbox and follow the instructions to receive your refund.
The new online refund process will work for most guests but if you don’t receive an email our team will contact you soon to process your refund.
I am waiting for a refund for activities, restaurant reservations and/or Aqua Sana bookings:
We have a new online refund solution for activity, restaurant and spa reservations. We’re currently working to refund guests with activities up to 25th May. If you have activity, restaurant and spa reservations on or before 25th May and you’re waiting for a refund you will receive an email in the coming weeks. Please keep an eye on your inbox and follow the instructions to receive your refund.
The new online refund process will work for most guests but if you don’t receive an email our team will contact you soon to process your refund.
When will I hear from you?
We are working through forms in the order these are received and we will confirm your change of date or refund via email as soon as this is actioned. Please allow a few weeks once you have submitted your form as we have thousands of guests to help.
If you have activity, restaurant and spa reservations on or before 25th May and you’re waiting for a refund you will receive an email in the coming weeks. Please keep an eye on your inbox and follow the instructions to receive your refund.
The new online refund process will work for most guests but if you don’t receive an email our team will contact you soon to process your refund.
If you have activity, restaurant or spa bookings after 25th May we will contact you once this current batch of refunds is complete.
Our response time and refund process is delayed:
Once we’re aware of your choice to change the date of your lodge booking or receive a full refund we’ll action this as soon as we can. However, we have a very small team working from home so this may take us a number of weeks due to the volume of guests impacted by this situation.
This isn’t our usual service response time and we’ll come back to you sooner if we can.
My arrival date has passed and I haven’t been contacted:
Please don’t worry, even if we haven’t managed to contact you before your scheduled arrival date, you will still be able to rearrange your break or receive a full refund.
Can I contact you?
Our Contact Centre is currently closed. This means that we cannot accept any inbound calls from our guests and we can only make a small number of outbound calls.
We do have a small team working from home to process cancellations and changes during the closure period but as the team is reduced it is taking us longer than we would like to get back to our guests. The team will also be keeping an eye on social media channels and communicating via email where possible.
Is your break due to commence 6th July for UK villages and 20th July for Longford Forest onwards?
Future breaks:
If you are on a break in the future and currently not impacted by the closure dates, please do not contact us at this time to allow us to deal with guests with imminent breaks.
As it stands, we are closed until 5th July for UK villages or 19th July for Longford Forest. We will continue to closely monitor and follow government guidelines so please keep a close eye on our website for any updates. If anything changes for your break, we will contact you directly.
What will the future Center Parcs experience look like?
We don’t have all the answers just yet but we know we have lots of space, nature and fresh air to share. Center Parcs is all about spending time together and although we know we will have to make some changes, we are confident that we can adapt.
We are reviewing all areas of our operation to keep our staff and guests as safe as possible and ensure we adhere to Government guidelines. We know that we have to amend timings of activities, restrict numbers of people in any one place and also allow extra time for cleaning. We will need to create a new timetable and programme for our activities to meet these requirements.
Guests due to arrive between the 6th July and the 4th September and will have received a request to cancel their future activity, Aqua Sana and restaurant bookings for now. Guests visiting on or after the 6th of July will have the opportunity to rebook things once the new schedule is in place. We know cancelling things is inconvenient but this will allow us to load a new programme.
My balance is due:
As we all continue to adapt and react to the changing circumstances and whilst we await any further guidance from the Government, we’ve decided to reduce the final balance payment date to 2 weeks prior to arrival for all UK village breaks up to 16th July and 5 weeks for all subsequent breaks across all villages until 13th August. All other break dates for all villages remain at the usual 10 weeks.
Breaks now available until 19th April 2021 - 9th October 2019
Every spring and autumn we will release breaks so you and your family can book up to 18 months in advance. We are pleased to tell you that we’ve opened up bookings until April 2021.
Center Parcs recognised for commitment to charity - 13th June 2019
We are delighted to announce that Center Parcs have won the award for Best Scheme to Encourage Staff Fundraising at the 2019 Better Society Awards. Celebrating our long-standing partnership with Together for Short Lives.
In recent years, an unexplained dog illness known as 'seasonal canine illness' has been found in an increasing number of forest areas around the UK, particularly in late summer and early autumn. The illness is currently believed to be triggered by a naturally occurring cause and has affected a number of dogs in areas across the country, including those local to some of our villages, particularly Sherwood and Elveden Forest. There appears to be no comprehensive explanation as to why this has occurred.
Cases of Alabama Rot have also been reported around the country. This is another unexplained disease affecting dogs. None of our villages have been identified as locations with cases of Alabama Rot, but in the interest of vigilance we recommend dog owners familiarise themselves with the symptoms on the Forestry website.
If you are visiting Center Parcs with a dog please ensure you’re aware to the potential risks of a forest environment to animals. Please research or talk to your veterinary surgeon about SCI (Seasonal Canine Illness) and Alabama Rot.
If you are bringing a dog to one of our villages and have concerns, please call our Contact Centre team on 03448 266 266.
Please note: if you are visiting Longleat Forest, dogs are not allowed on our Land Train except guide dogs.
Service washes - 4th March 2019
Please note that the service wash facility is no longer available at our villages. However, if you need any essentials while you are on a break we'll have you covered in Parcmarket, Spirit and Sportique.
Introducing our new Christmas book, Nutmeg’s Little Sister - 19th November 2018
Nutmeg is all grown up, and we meet his little sister Clove as she celebrates her first Christmas at Center Parcs in our 2018 children’s book: Nutmeg’s Little Sister. Purchase a book and our adorable Clove and Nutmeg soft toys as a memento of your Winter Wonderland break at The Store Room, ParcMarket and at Santa’s Woodland Workshop during your break. Or pre-order the soft toys and the children’s book for a surprise for your little ones when they arrive at your accommodation.
An effortless way to book again - 12th September 2018
We’ve introduced the ability to store your payment details as part of the booking journey to our website, saving a little time on your next booking.
When you first go to pay for your accommodation or activities there’s an option to tick to store your card details. Then the next time you come and make a booking, whether it be another break or more activities, your card details will appear, but to make sure it’s secure you’ll need to enter your CVV number to make the payment.
Our new way to find and book things to do - 10th May 2018
There’s a new way to book activities, restaurants, spa treatments and little extras. You can now view our full range of over 200 things to do, even without a break booked.
We’ve also added all sorts of new features, including search filters and an easy calendar-view itinerary.
Treehouses now available to book at Woburn Forest - Updated 10th April 2018
The new Treehouses at Woburn Forest are now available to book for breaks from August 2018. This spectacular new accommodation includes our first ever adapted Treehouse. Each Treehouse includes four en-suite bedrooms, detached games den, beautifully styled open-plan living and outdoor hot tub.
If you want to join us for a luxury break in your own Treehouse from August 2018 onwards, be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
Tommy’s Award for Best Family Friendly UK Holiday - 5th April 2018
We are delighted to have won Best Family Friendly UK Holiday Provider at the Tommy’s Awards, which took place on 16 March at the Landmark Hotel, London to a packed audience of household name companies and Tommy’s supporters.
New Waterfront Apartments at Elveden Forest - 8th January 2018
The new Waterfront Apartments at Elveden Forest are now available to book for breaks from April 2018. Just a stone’s throw away from the lake, these one-bedroom apartments have modern furnishings, compact kitchen and daily housekeeping service making it the perfect way for couples or friends to discover Elveden Forest.
Our new website - how to use your account - 12th December 2017
We have recently launched our brand new website featuring a fresh new contemporary look. You can now register an account, add your existing booking to your account, invite guests to your booking, book activities and much more.
Waterside Lodges now available to book at Elveden Forest - 4th September 2017
We’re building something new at Elveden Forest; three lodges unlike anything Center Parcs UK has ever seen.
Center Parcs arrives on Instagram - 22nd August 2017
This year, we’re taking Instagram into the forest. From behind-the-scenes access to exclusive competitions, there are plenty of reasons why you should follow us at @centerparcsuk. But don’t take our word for it – head over there now and see what we’ve been sharing.
P.S. Proud of the family photos you snapped during your break? Tag them with #mycp for a chance to be featured on our stories.
Aqua Sana welcomes Made for Life wellness treatments - 16th June 2017
Our five Aqua Sana Spas will be welcoming three new wellness treatments designed by the award-winning, Made for Life Foundation, especially for people who are living with and beyond cancer.
Aqua Sana Sherwood Forest is awarded 'Five Bubbles' by the Good Spa Guide - 8th June 2017
We’re delighted to announce that the Good Spa Guide have awarded our brand new Forest Spa a 5 bubble rating!
Center Parcs voted top Family Holiday in Made for Mums Awards 2017 - 26th April 2017
We’re thrilled to announce, just a few weeks after being named Best Family-Friendly UK Holiday Provider in the Tommy’s Awards 2017, that we’ve won a second national award.
Center Parcs wins Tommy’s Award for 14th year - 4th April 2017
For the 14th consecutive year, families have voted Center Parcs as the Best Family Friendly UK Holiday Provider.
Parking on village
We are keen to keep our villages as traffic free as possible so that guests can enjoy the tranquillity of the forest environment. There will of course be a small amount of traffic during times of developments and to support village operation. However, once you have unloaded your belongings from your vehicle, we kindly request that all guests move their cars to the car park as soon as possible, on the day of arrival. In response to recent feedback from our guests, the Security team will be supporting this by requesting that all cars left on the village after this time, are moved. Should the accommodation type include a car parking space, please use the space allocated.
Center Parcs granted planning permission for Longford Forest - 27th July 2016
Today, Center Parcs has been granted planning permission to build the proposed 395-acre Village, Longford Forest in Ireland.
The new location, which will be the sixth Center Parcs Village and a first in Ireland, is near Ballymahon in County Longford and is expected to be built by 2019.
New charity partner announced - 13th June 2016
We’re proud to announce our new charitable partner for the next two years, Together For Short Lives (registered charity 1144022 and SC044139). This remarkable organisation is the leading UK charity that speaks out for the 49,000 children and young people expected to lead short lives.
Center Parcs crowned winner of Tommy’s Award - 30th March 2016
For an incredible 13th consecutive year, Center Parcs has been named Best UK Holiday Provider at the annual Tommy’s Awards.
Aqua Sana takes top prize - 15th March 2016
Aqua Sana Woburn Forest has been awarded the highly prestigious ‘Residential Spa of the Year’ accolade at The Professional Beauty Awards 2016.
Center Parcs nominated for 'Best UK Holiday Provider' award - 26th January 2016
Have you voted? For the 13th year running, we are delighted to announce we have been nominated in the coveted ‘Best UK Holiday Provider’ category for the annual Tommy’s Awards.
Using hoverboards on your break - 23rd December 2015
Guests who wish to bring hoverboards on their break must be aware of the potential fire risks associated. For the latest advice, we recommend guests visit the National Trading Standards website here.
For your safety, please do not leave a hoverboard charging unattended or charging overnight.
External Shows, Events and Festivals - 10th November 2015
Because our Villages are set in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK, they are often close to popular tourist areas which can mean increased noise and traffic in the surrounding area. Despite our best efforts to preserve the tranquillity of the forest in our Villages, there may occasionally be noise from local events, shows and music festivals.
It's never too early to have a short break in the diary, so book now and give yourself something amazing to look forward to.
Contact Centre number one in customer service - 9th November 2015
Center Parcs’ Contact Centre team has been named best for customer service in the travel and hospitality sector by Top 50 for Customer Service and the International Customer Management Institute, an independent programme that benchmarks customer service across a range of industries.
Longford Forest planning permission submitted - 30th October 2015
A major milestone in our plans to develop a Center Parcs village in Ireland has been reached today (Friday 30 October, 2015).
Brookfield agrees to acquire Center Parcs from Blackstone - 2nd June 2015
LONDON (2 June, 2015) – Blackstone (NYSE: BX) and Brookfield Property Partners L.P. (NYSE: BPY; TSX: BPY.UN) announce that a Brookfield-managed fund has agreed to acquire Center Parcs UK.
Center Parcs gets seal of approval from parents at the Tommy’s Awards - 21st April 2015
Earlier this year, 20,000 parents selected their favourite family-friendly companies across a range of categories, including travel and retail.
Center Parcs is coming to Ireland - 2nd April 2015
Following last year's successful opening of Woburn Forest, we can today reveal that plans are in place to open a sixth Center Parcs village – in Ireland.
Center Parcs wins 'Consumer Award' - 22nd January 2015
Center Parcs are pleased to announce we have won the 'Consumer Award' at the Globe Travel Awards 2015, voted for by the readers of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and MailOnline. See our full list of awards here.
Success for Center Parcs at the Bounty Mums Love Awards 2015 - 16th January 2015
Center Parcs has won in the 'Best UK Family Breaks' category in the Bounty Mums Love Awards 2015. See our full list of awards here.
Center Parcs nominated for 'Best UK Holiday Provider' award
For the 12th year running, Center Parcs has been nominated in the ‘Best UK Holiday Provider’ category for the annual Tommy’s Awards.
Woburn Forest is a winner – Best Spa to be Social
Just six months after opening, Aqua Sana Woburn Forest has been named winner in the Best Spa to be Social category at the prestigious Good Spa Guide Awards. The award was presented at the annual Good Spa Guide Awards at Spa Life 2014.
Woburn Forest welcomes the 100,000th guest
Woburn Forest has today reached a momentous milestone since opening, as our fifth village welcomes its 100,000th guest.
Aqua Sana Woburn Forest is awarded 'Five Bubbles' by the Good Spa Guide
We are delighted to announce that our new Aqua Sana Spa at Center Parcs Woburn Forest has been awarded the 'Five Bubbles' rating by the Good Spa Guide.
Center Parcs supports Tommy’s Baby-Friendly Awards for third consecutive year
We’re proud to announce that we will be supporting the Tommy’s Baby-Friendly Awards in 2015, with the Center Parcs Super Sibling Award.
Elveden Forest celebrates birthday
Center Parcs’ second village has welcomed 10 million guests since opening.
Center Parcs named Best Holiday Provider for 11th consecutive year
Center Parcs has been awarded as the Best Holiday Provider in the annual Tommy’s Baby Friendly Awards.
Accommodation upgrades
As many of our guests will already be aware, we upgrade a number of accommodation units every year at Center Parcs. Work is about to start across most of our villages very soon to ensure we continually improve our standards. Such works are closely monitored and disruption to our guests visiting during this time will be kept to a minimum.
Forestry works
As we are in a forest setting it is essential that we manage the environment and preserve the natural outlook. This means that from time to time forestry works such as tree felling may be taking place during your break with us.
The lake in winter
Being close to nature is an important part of a Center Parcs break, but it also means our villages are subject to the whims of British weather! For this reason, and for our guests’ safety, our lakes may close for watersports during the winter. But don’t worry, we still have plenty of indoor and outdoor activities available during this time, from cosy indoor crafts to bracing bike rides.
*available when break booked is 26 weeks or fewer away.