Center Parcs reviewed - a weekend as relaxing or exciting as you want it to be

North Wales Live

14-06-2025

If you were going to design a perfect, relaxing family holiday - this would probably be it. A cabin in the woods, an open fire, no traffic. Birds and animals coming up to your window every day, dappled sunlight glinting off the lakes.
There's a spa just a few minutes from your door, and enough places to eat so you won't have to cook for days. They have got this down to a fine art.
We first visited Center Parcs Longleat 16 years ago and we've been back a few times - enjoying each and every break
Our children have grown up with it, so we've seen them enjoy everything from children's clubs to junior activities - and this time they got to come to the spa with us and even go on a quad biking safari.
The joy of Center Parcs is that it is a holiday you personalise, putting together whatever you want - as relaxing or active as you like, as social or isolated as you want.
We took a long weekend break, turning up on Friday morning to make the most of the facilities. After grabbing a coffee in the Plaza we headed to the pool - the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. On a warm day, the outdoor part of the pool is a very pleasant place to be - and there are plenty of slides, rides and rapids for those who want a bit more adventure.
We were surprised that neither the Plaza nor the pool seemed too busy. In previous years, crossover days have been hectic - you could queue to get a changing cubicle.
But despite it being a bank holiday weekend everything was very efficient and calm. After our swim we picked up our bikes from the cycle centre - a great way to get around the park with the layout specifically designed so it is accessible for all ages and abilities.
We then headed to the Pancake House in the village centre for a delicious lunch out in the sunshine, overlooking the forest.
We got into our lodge in the afternoon, at the far end of the park from the entrance, but right next to a land-train stop, and - as mentioned - those bikes come in handy.
The lodges are fully equipped with everything you need. Facilities vary depending on what you book, but you should get a full kitchen with all mod cons - from microwave and dishwasher to coffee machine and in some cases a wine fridge.
It's worth ordering a grocery delivery so you have all the supplies you need. And you can always head out to the Parc Market to top up on essentials and treats. If you want to keep the cost down, there is a Morrisons not far from the park so stock up before heading in.
You could spend your whole weekend in the lodge. Throw open the patio doors and soak in the fauna and flora - brilliant sunshine or showers and storms are all fantastic through the filter of the forest.
But there is also far too much to do in the park not to take advantage. On Saturday, we spent three hours enjoying all the Aqua Sana spa has to offer. Room after room of heat, steam, soothing sound and scents. There are cosy places where you can curl up and sleep, or steam and sauna rooms, each themed to something different - volcanic heat, woodland campfire, Nordic vibes, etc. There is a pool at the heart of the spa, hot tubs out back and two floors of spaces where you will find something to relax and recharge you.
The down side of the spa being such a great attraction and being open to people who aren't staying at the park is that for us, it was busy. It's not really a problem with so many rooms to choose from, but the signs reminding people that the spaces are supposed to be quiet and relaxing seem to have disappeared, so you may need to move from room to room to find somewhere where groups aren't chattering through the experience.
But when you find a quiet spot - it is everything.
After the spa, we headed down to the lake for a quiet outdoor lunch on the beach. Then we went into the sports centre for games and coffee.
In the evening, we headed out to a restaurant. There are plenty of places to choose from - chain names to unique cuisine. Go French, South American, USA, Gastropub, Italian, Chinese, Indian etc etc etc.
We ate at Las Iguanas, a familiar name and a great selection for a family with different tastes. It was a delicious meal and a fun atmosphere in the heart of the park.
Sunday was that quad biking safari I mentioned. You get all the gear, a detailed lesson in safety and how to operate the bikes, then you head off around a course for 45 minutes of high(ish) speed fun.
The course leaders are great at keeping an eye on everyone and will split the group into those who want to go a bit faster, and those who want to take it a little easier. The course has plenty of hills, turns, banks and challenges so you can drift and slide - or enjoy a more sedate experience.
Great fun, and the course leaders really knew what they were doing and kept everyone safe and happy.
The afternoon was more swimming, and shopping in the various stores. Then for dinner we ordered in - each picking from a different restaurant and it all arrived together, hot and delicious - pizza, chinese and Indian all at the same time.
As I've said, there are hundreds of activities and events to choose from. But for us, some of the best times were just sitting quietly on the lodge with the door open, absorbing the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Squirrels, deer, birds, rabbits and hedgehogs come up to explore and see if you're willing to throw them a few seeds or peanuts
Sunday night we headed out to the sports bar for a fun family quiz and a few drinks. Inexpensive and a great family activity
It may be that the bedrooms are perfect for relaxing, or just that we tired ourselves out - but we all slept well in the comfortable lodge..
On Monday, the last day, we headed out of the lodge by 10 a.m. You get to explore the park for the rest of the day — enjoy activities from sports and escape rooms to swimming, arts and crafts, horse riding, Segways, or nature trails. There is a handy app that lets you find out what's on and book your places. It will also remind you when you need to be somewhere and even give you directions to get there.
When we left, we headed across the road for a few hours enjoying Longleat Safari Park - a great way to end a family weekend packed with fun, relaxation, adventure and most of all memories.
Center Parcs Longleat is this month launching Adventure Nets - Navigate through a series of suspended nets, tunnels, a ball zone and treehouses in an activity for thrill-seekers. Exclusive to Center Parcs, the Adventure Nets course also includes TAG Active technology, where you'll use a wristband to 'tag' beacons around the course and score points. You can choose whether you play competitve, timed TAG games or just explore and play during your session.
The cheapest Center Parcs breaks are mid-week, term-time stays in basic woodland lodges or apartments—especially outside school holidays. You could find a Woodland Lodge at £25 per person per night based on six people staying together at Longleat, with even cheaper breaks available at Sherwood Forest.
There are also one-bedroom apartments which generally offer lower prices - from £200 total for four nights.
Even in peak season, such as July, and with a family of four you can secure a three-bed Woodland Lodge in some parcs from £800 - £55 per person per night. 3-bedroom 'New Style' Woodland lodges offer the best value compared to Executive or Exclusive options.
Center Parcs offers a range of prices, depending on the facilities you want in your accommodation. Full details, prices and booking options available here.