Latest news with #SubtropicalSwimmingParadise
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Center Parcs boss reveals what to expect from brand new holiday park in the UK – and future village locations
A NEW Center Parcs will be opening in Scotland in 2029 - with the holiday park boss revealing plans for even more resorts. The site will be located in the Scottish Borders, north of Hawick and will feature 700 lodges, as well as the brand's iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa. Advertisement 6 A new Center Parcs will be opening in Scotland in 2029 and is expected to have over 100 activities on offer Credit: Supplied / Center Parcs 6 The site will be located in the Scottish Borders, north of Hawick and will feature 700 lodges Credit: Supplied / Center Parcs 6 The brand's iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa will be at the village too Credit: Supplied / Center Parcs With a planning application submitted this week for the site, Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay spoke with The Sun about details of the Scottish village and how it was "staring us in the face as the logical place to put the next McKinlay shared: "Our plans in the Scottish Borders [are] to build a Center Parcs with all the same facilities that we see in our other villages in England . "It will have the iconic pool , activities, Unlike other UK villages that have lakes, the Scottish site will have two lochs. Advertisement Read more on travel inspo McKinlay added: "We've taken a typical size of one of those lakes and we've almost divided it into two." And these lakes will have "gentle" water sport activities, including things such as pedalos and " Nice and gentle but Setting the Scottish village apart from other villages in the UK, there will also be a Heritage Centre. Advertisement Most read in News Travel "We're conscious that in the Scottish Borders there's a huge amount of natural heritage and history here," McKinlay shared. "To recognise that, one of the things we'll have on this village is a heritage centre. The new Center Parcs holiday resort that has opened in Europe As for the layout of the village, the CEO added that whilst it will take many attributes from other UK sites, "each time we build a new village, we like to make it a little bit more special". A woodcraft workshop will also allow families to carve models together and a permanent winter . Advertisement And the CEO shared that the park will have around 100 different activities that people can do, such as Action Challenge and a TAG Challenge Arena. But activities don't stop there - with the plans also revealing that Crazi Bugz, off-road explorers and laser combat could feature. The Scottish Borders village is also likely to have between 10 and 14 different restaurant and bar experiences. Whilst McKinlay expressed this hasn't been finalised yet, he did share that they will have areas "promoting the nuances of Scottish food". Advertisement 6 Unlike other UK villages that have lakes, the Scottish site will have two lochs Credit: Supplied / Center Parcs Plans show a Pancake House and cafe are already proposed for the village. "We're hoping for a determination of that planning application by the end of the calendar year, hopefully," he stated. "I would be very hopeful to be able to open in spring , summer of 2029 - which means that we would aim to go on sale probably nine months prior to that." Advertisement In regard to the rest of the UK, the CEO added: "I wouldn't rule out other Center Parcs in other locations in the UK. "I believe there are opportunities beyond that [Scotland], probably elsewhere in England - possibly in the south east." 6 The Scottish village will also have a Heritage Centre - unique to the site Credit: Supplied / Center Parcs A number of new initiatives are being rolled out across the UK too, from premium restaurants to new leisure activities such as a forest gliding experience. Advertisement The holiday company is also celebrating the highest ever guest satisfaction scores in the past 12 months, in its 38-year history. The Scottish Borders Center Parcs project is expected to cost between £350 and £400million. In total, it is anticipated the new village will also create 1,200 permanent jobs and attract more than 350,000 visitors each year. Center Parcs launches first-ever new adventure attraction CENTER Parcs has opened a new treetop experience at one of their holiday parks in the UK - the first of its kind for the resort. Opening at Longleat on July 1, Adventure Nets allows families to "bounce, balance, leap and climb through the stunning redwood canopy", according to Center Parcs. The attraction features a number of treehouses that are connected by suspended nets, seven metres in the air. Visitors can crawl through tunnels, cross rope bridges and enjoy a trampoline area at the attraction too. Families on the course can also use TAG Active technology which allows guests to 'tag' beacons around the course and play TAG games such as treasure hunts in their hour-session. There is also a new European Center Parcs resort that is quiet in August – and much cheaper than in the UK. Advertisement Plus, the 6 Center Parcs hopes to have a result from the planning application by the end of the year Credit: Supplied / Center Parcs
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Center Parcs boss reveals what to expect from brand new holiday park in the UK – and future village locations
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW Center Parcs will be opening in Scotland in 2029 - with the holiday park boss revealing plans for even more resorts. The site will be located in the Scottish Borders, north of Hawick and will feature 700 lodges, as well as the brand's iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A new Center Parcs will be opening in Scotland in 2029 and is expected to have over 100 activities on offer Credit: Supplied / Center Parcs 6 The site will be located in the Scottish Borders, north of Hawick and will feature 700 lodges Credit: Supplied / Center Parcs 6 The brand's iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa will be at the village too Credit: Supplied / Center Parcs With a planning application submitted this week for the site, Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay spoke with The Sun about details of the Scottish village and how it was "staring us in the face as the logical place to put the next Center Parcs". McKinlay shared: "Our plans in the Scottish Borders [are] to build a Center Parcs with all the same facilities that we see in our other villages in England. "It will have the iconic pool, activities, a spa, about 700 lodges ... all of the facilities people are used to seeing at the other villages." Unlike other UK villages that have lakes, the Scottish site will have two lochs. McKinlay added: "We've taken a typical size of one of those lakes and we've almost divided it into two." And these lakes will have "gentle" water sport activities, including things such as pedalos and kayaking. "Nice and gentle but family-oriented activities," said McKinlay. Setting the Scottish village apart from other villages in the UK, there will also be a Heritage Centre. "We're conscious that in the Scottish Borders there's a huge amount of natural heritage and history here," McKinlay shared. "To recognise that, one of the things we'll have on this village is a heritage centre. The new Center Parcs holiday resort that has opened in Europe As for the layout of the village, the CEO added that whilst it will take many attributes from other UK sites, "each time we build a new village, we like to make it a little bit more special". A woodcraft workshop will also allow families to carve models together and a permanent Santa's Grotto will let guests meet Santa each winter. And the CEO shared that the park will have around 100 different activities that people can do, such as Action Challenge and a TAG Challenge Arena. But activities don't stop there - with the plans also revealing that Crazi Bugz, off-road explorers and laser combat could feature. The Scottish Borders village is also likely to have between 10 and 14 different restaurant and bar experiences. Whilst McKinlay expressed this hasn't been finalised yet, he did share that they will have areas "promoting the nuances of Scottish food". 6 Unlike other UK villages that have lakes, the Scottish site will have two lochs Credit: Supplied / Center Parcs Plans show a Pancake House and cafe are already proposed for the village. "We're hoping for a determination of that planning application by the end of the calendar year, hopefully," he stated. "I would be very hopeful to be able to open in spring, summer of 2029 - which means that we would aim to go on sale probably nine months prior to that." In regard to the rest of the UK, the CEO added: "I wouldn't rule out other Center Parcs in other locations in the UK. "I believe there are opportunities beyond that [Scotland], probably elsewhere in England - possibly in the south east." 6 The Scottish village will also have a Heritage Centre - unique to the site Credit: Supplied / Center Parcs A number of new initiatives are being rolled out across the UK too, from premium restaurants to new leisure activities such as a forest gliding experience. The holiday company is also celebrating the highest ever guest satisfaction scores in the past 12 months, in its 38-year history. The Scottish Borders Center Parcs project is expected to cost between £350 and £400million. In total, it is anticipated the new village will also create 1,200 permanent jobs and attract more than 350,000 visitors each year. Center Parcs launches first-ever new adventure attraction CENTER Parcs has opened a new treetop experience at one of their holiday parks in the UK - the first of its kind for the resort. Opening at Longleat on July 1, Adventure Nets allows families to "bounce, balance, leap and climb through the stunning redwood canopy", according to Center Parcs. The attraction features a number of treehouses that are connected by suspended nets, seven metres in the air. Visitors can crawl through tunnels, cross rope bridges and enjoy a trampoline area at the attraction too. Families on the course can also use TAG Active technology which allows guests to 'tag' beacons around the course and play TAG games such as treasure hunts in their hour-session. There is also a new European Center Parcs resort that is quiet in August – and much cheaper than in the UK. Plus, the first look at Center Parcs' plans for new UK resort in Scotland.
North Wales Live
14-06-2025
- North Wales Live
Center Parcs reviewed - a weekend as relaxing or exciting as you want it to be
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.
Wales Online
14-06-2025
- Wales Online
Center Parcs reviewed - a weekend as relaxing or exciting as you want it to be
Center Parcs reviewed - a weekend as relaxing or exciting as you want it to be The parcs offer a slice of calm in the heart of the UK and Ireland, with six locations to choose from 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. Article continues below 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. Article continues below Center Parcs offers a range of prices, depending on the facilities you want in your accommodation. Full details, prices and booking options available here.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Huge Center Parcs £67 million expansion as guests warned over work starting
A popular Center Parcs resort is undergoing a huge £67 million expansion, which will see 200 new lodges added to the site. However, guests have been warned the upgrade may cause some disruption Center Parcs has warned customers over potential disruption, as it ploughs ahead with a huge expansion. Whether you're a sucker for the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and wave machine, or love to stroll through the forest after splurging out at the Pancake House - a trip to Centre Parcs is like no other. The holiday complex, which first came to the UK back in 1987, aims to bring 'people and nature together'. Its site, which tend to be set amongst vast stretches of woodlands, feature all your typical holiday camp facilities - such as an indoor swimming pools, water slides, arcades, restaurants, shops and a spa. But, guests can also work up a sweat thanks to the numerous activities on offer - spanning from badminton and tennis to archery and yoga. Originating in the Netherlands, Center Parcs now has 28 resorts across Europe, including six in the UK. Over in Ireland, the resort's Longford Forest is a popular choice - and is currently undergoing a huge €80 million (around £76 million) refurb. The huge investment, which was first announced back in 2021, include the addition of 200 new lodges, including four of the brand's iconic treehouses. These premium accommodation types sleep up to eight people, and come with a games den, outdoor hot tub, private parking and dedicated 'Treehouse Host'. Alongside new lodges, Center Parcs also has plans to extend its existing leisure facilities, restaurants, cafés, as well as the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Spa. In a 2021 press release, Center Parcs said the investment would create 250 permanent jobs, as well as a further 300 jobs during construction. "As part of our ongoing development, we are currently constructing new lodges and facilities at Center Parcs Longford Forest," the resort states on its website. "During your stay, you may notice increased construction traffic around the village and hear some noise from the works taking place." Center Parcs confirmed that the works will not impact the village facilities, which will remain open as normal. "We will work hard to keep disruption to a minimum," it added. "Thank you for bearing with us during this time." If you're wanting to visit a Center Parcs lodge a bit closer to home, you can choose from Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire; Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire; Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Whinfell Forest, Cumbria, or Longleat Forest, Wiltshire. May half-term breaks start from £799. Prices include entry to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, but do not include activities such as tennis, badminton, bowling, or access to the spa. You can book these ahead of your visit on the Center Parcs app.
