Which Center Parcs is the Best? The Ultimate Family Guide for 2025

Planning your first family trip to Center Parcs can be exciting but also a little overwhelming with so many great villages to choose from. Each Center Parcs village has its own character, activities, and charm. Whether you’re after a quiet retreat, want the best pool, or need loads of activities to keep the kids entertained, it’s important to pick the right one for your family.

This guide will break down what each Center Parcs UK location offers, comparing the best UK Center Parcs in terms of family suitability, amenities, pricing, and overall experience. From the scenic Whinfell Forest to the compact and modern Woburn Forest, by the end, you’ll know exactly which village is best suited for your next family holiday.

Key Takeaways

• Best Center Parcs for Nature Lovers: Whinfell Forest offers a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful landscapes, ideal for families seeking a relaxed break surrounded by nature.
• Top Choice for Activities: Elveden Forest boasts the most activities, making it perfect for families who want to stay busy with a mix of indoor and outdoor options.
• Best Swimming Facilities: Longleat Forest is highly rated for its Subtropical Swimming Paradise, featuring exciting water slides and relaxation areas for both kids and parents.

Center Parcs Whinfell Forest

If your family loves the idea of being surrounded by beautiful landscapes and nature, Center Parcs Whinfell Forest in Cumbria could be your top pick. Located in the stunning Lake District, this village is known for its peaceful atmosphere and is ideal for families who want a relaxed break. Unlike some of the busier villages, Whinfell Forest feels a bit more spacious and less hectic, so it’s great if you prefer a slower pace on your holiday.

Even with its calm vibe, there’s no shortage of things to do. You’ll find a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, from high ropes and archery to mini-golf and pottery painting. The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is a favourite here, featuring an awesome kids pool, a wave pool, and plenty of water slides for all ages. It also boasts a well-maintained outdoor pool with comfortable temperatures, perfect for a refreshing swim. It’s also an excellent village for bike rides, with easy-going paths that wind through the forest.

For families with younger kids, Whinfell is especially convenient. The flat terrain makes it easy to get around with pushchairs, and the play areas are fantastic for keeping little ones entertained. You’ll also have the chance to spot wildlife, which adds a magical touch to the whole experience.

In terms of value, Whinfell Forest is a great option if you’re looking to enjoy Center Parcs without stretching the budget too far. It tends to be more affordable than some of the other villages, especially if you book a midweek break.

Center Parcs Sherwood Forest

Center Parcs Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire is the original Center Parcs UK village and has remained a firm favourite for families over the years. It’s located in the heart of Sherwood Forest, and the natural surroundings give it a traditional, woodland feel. If your family loves being outdoors, this is a fantastic place to explore, with loads of activities set in a beautiful forest setting.

One of the highlights of Sherwood Forest is the sheer variety of outdoor activities on offer. From canoeing on the lake to cycling through the woods, it’s perfect for families who love to stay active. The high ropes courses are a big hit, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take on the zip wire. There’s also a good range of indoor activities, so you’re covered if the weather isn’t on your side.

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise here is one of the best features, with a fun wave pool, rapids, and all the bigger slides that will keep the kids happy for hours. Even when the village gets busy, the swimming area feels spacious enough for everyone to enjoy.

For younger children, Sherwood Forest has plenty of play areas dotted around, and you’ll also find a country club for a more laid-back experience. The village itself is one of the larger ones, so be prepared for a bit more walking, but the forest paths make it all part of the adventure.

Accommodation at Sherwood Forest ranges from simple lodges to more luxurious options with private outdoor hot tubs, and the variety means you can pick something that fits your budget and preferences.

Center Parcs Longleat Forest

Center Parcs Longleat Forest in Wiltshire is known for its stunning views and hilly terrain, making it a standout choice if your family loves beautiful landscapes. The rolling hills offer some of the most picturesque settings you’ll find at any of the Center Parcs villages, though you might find yourself doing a bit more uphill walking compared to the flatter locations. Luckily, there’s a land train on hand to help you get around the village if you’d rather take it easy.

In addition to its natural beauty, Longleat Forest features a Sports Plaza that offers a variety of activities for families to enjoy, further enhancing its appeal.

One of the main reasons families love Longleat Forest is its incredible Subtropical Swimming Paradise, often rated as one of the best across all the Center Parcs villages. The pool area is large, with plenty of space to swim, slide, and relax. From exciting water slides to tranquil relaxation areas, it’s ideal for both energetic kids and parents who just want to unwind in a hot tub.

Beyond the pool, Longleat Forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities like raft building, adventure golf, and wildlife spotting. The natural setting here really adds to the experience, and you’re likely to spot some of the local wildlife as you explore.

Accommodation options at Longleat Forest include lodges with private patios and private outdoor hot tubs, making it perfect for a bit of luxury while staying in the heart of nature.

Center Parcs Elveden Forest

Center Parcs Elveden Forest in Suffolk is known for having the most activities of any Center Parcs village, making it a top choice for families who want to stay busy throughout their break. It’s located in East Anglia and is a popular choice for families who want a good mix of both indoor and outdoor activities.

One recurring concern among guests is the accessibility of the car park. Many reviewers mention the inconvenience of not having a permanent parking spot close to their accommodations, requiring them to walk long distances with their luggage after checking in.

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise at Elveden Forest is spacious, with plenty of slides, pools, and water features. It’s a great place to spend a few hours each day, and because it’s included in the cost of your accommodation, it’s a good way to save on activity costs. There’s also a lazy river, which is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

In addition to the pool, Elveden Forest offers a wide range of other activities, including adventure golf, clay pigeon shooting, and even raft building. Whether your family wants to explore the forest on bikes or try out some indoor activities, there’s something for everyone here. The Pancake House is a family favourite for meals, and the village square is a nice place to relax after a day of fun.

Accommodation at Elveden Forest is varied, from standard lodges to more luxurious options with private patios and hot tubs. If you’re looking for a bit of extra space or a touch of luxury, the executive lodges are a great choice.

Center Parcs Woburn Forest

For families based in or around London and the Home Counties, Woburn Center Parcs is the most convenient village, known for its modern facilities such as brand new lodges and a cashless pay system using wristbands.

Opened in 2014, it’s the newest Center Parcs UK village and offers a more modern, compact layout compared to some of the older, larger villages. Everything is within easy walking distance, which makes it perfect if you’ve got younger children or prefer not to do too much trekking between activities.

Though it’s smaller, Woburn Forest still packs in a lot of fun, including a great range of indoor and outdoor activities. The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is slightly smaller here, but it’s modern and includes everything you’d expect from Center Parcs, like a wave pool, slides, and relaxation areas. It’s especially well-designed for younger kids, with shallower areas and plenty of space for parents to unwind while keeping an eye on the little ones.

The accommodation at Woburn Forest is modern and stylish, with options ranging from standard family lodges to luxury executive lodges with private outdoor hot tubs. Because the village is more compact, it’s easier to get around, which is perfect if you want a shorter break without the hassle of walking long distances between activities and accommodation.

Which Center Parcs Has the Best Pool?

The question of which is the best Center Parcs often comes down to comparing the swimming facilities. The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is one of the biggest draws of Center Parcs, and each village offers a fantastic pool area with something for everyone. However, there are some slight differences between the villages when it comes to the swimming facilities.

Center Parcs Village	Google Rating	Special Features
Longleat Forest	4.8/5	Best overall pool, great views and relaxing areas
Whinfell Forest	4.7/5	Scenic setting with a great wave pool and slides for all ages
Elveden Forest	4.6/5	Spacious pool with plenty of slides and water features
Sherwood Forest	4.6/5	Fantastic wave pool and rapids for bigger kids
Woburn Forest	4.6/5	Compact but modern, ideal for younger children and families

No matter which village you choose, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise is included in the price of your stay, so you can take full advantage of it throughout your break. If swimming is a big part of your holiday, Longleat Forest tends to get the best reviews, but every village offers a brilliant pool experience.

What’s the Best Center Parcs for Activities?

One of the reasons families love Center Parcs is the huge variety of activities on offer. Whether you’re into adrenaline-pumping adventures or prefer more relaxed indoor options, each village has something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the number of activities at each village:

Center Parcs Village	Number of Activities	Special Activities
Elveden Forest	181	Raft building, clay pigeon shooting
Whinfell Forest	174	Great nature walks, high ropes
Sherwood Forest	174	Country club, woodland cycling
Longleat Forest	171	Land train, wildlife spotting
Woburn Forest	169	Modern design, compact and easy to navigate

Each Center Parcs village offers a mix of outdoor and indoor activities, so even if the weather isn’t on your side, you’ll still have plenty to do. If you’re after the biggest range of options, Elveden Forest is the standout choice, but every village provides a fantastic mix of things to try.

Whether it’s adventure golf, high ropes, or simply cycling through the forest, there’s always something to keep the whole family entertained. A Center Parcs break is perfect for short holidays, offering unique features and activities at each of the six villages, catering to families, couples, and friends.

Winter Months and Wet Weather

Center Parcs villages are designed to be enjoyable all year round, regardless of the weather. During the winter months, guests can take advantage of a wide range of indoor activities, including swimming, spa treatments, and various entertainment options.

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is a perfect escape from the cold, offering a warm and tropical environment. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the villages provide winter sports and activities such as cycling, walking, and horse riding. No matter the season, Center Parcs villages ensure that guests have a fantastic holiday experience.

Alternatives to Center Parcs

While Center Parcs villages offer a unique and luxurious holiday experience, there are several alternative options available for those seeking different experiences. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at a Haven or Parkdean Resorts holiday park. These parks offer a range of accommodation options, from caravans to lodges, and feature a variety of activities and entertainment.

For those looking for a more luxurious experience, Bluestone National Park Resort or Darwin Escapes resorts are excellent choices. These resorts provide luxury accommodation options, including lodges and treehouses, and offer a wide range of activities and entertainment.

Whether you’re looking for affordability or luxury, there are plenty of alternatives to Center Parcs that cater to your holiday needs.

Overall

Choosing the best Center Parcs depends on what your family enjoys most. For a peaceful, nature-filled break, Whinfell Forest in the Lake District is perfect. If you’re after lots of activities, Sherwood Forest or Elveden Forest are great options. For convenience and modern facilities, especially near London, Woburn Forest is ideal. No matter which village you pick, you’re in for a memorable, relaxing family holiday.

FAQs

Which Center Parcs is best for families?

It depends on your family’s preferences. Whinfell Forest is great for nature lovers, while Sherwood Forest offers loads of outdoor activities. Woburn Forest is perfect for families with younger kids due to its compact layout. A Center Parcs break is ideal for family holidays, offering unique features and activities at each of the six villages.

Which Center Parcs has the best swimming pool?

Longleat Forest tends to be rated the best for its Subtropical Swimming Paradise, offering the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.

Do I need to pre-book activities at Center Parcs?

Yes, it’s always a good idea to pre-book your activities, especially during peak season like school holidays, to avoid disappointment.

What is the best time of year to visit Center Parcs?

For the best value and fewer crowds, booking a midweek break outside of the summer holidays is ideal. However, each Center Parcs village is open year round, and every season offers something different.

Is Center Parcs dog-friendly?

Yes, most of the Center Parcs villages allow you to bring up to two dogs, but you’ll need to book pet-friendly accommodation in advance.

What accommodation options are available at Center Parcs?

Center Parcs offers a range of lodges, from standard family options to executive lodges with private outdoor hot tubs. You can choose based on your budget and preferences.

Is there a lot of walking at Center Parcs?

Some villages, like Sherwood Forest and Longleat Forest, are larger and involve more walking. However, Woburn Forest is more compact, making it easier to get around, especially with younger kids.

Are the activities at Center Parcs expensive?

Activities do cost extra, and prices can add up, especially for a larger family. However, the swimming pool and some play areas are free to use, so it’s possible to enjoy a great break without spending too much on activities.

Can I visit Center Parcs for just a day?

No, Center Parcs UK is only available for those staying in the village. Day visits aren’t allowed, so you’ll need to book accommodation for a short break.

Which Center Parcs offers the best value?

Whinfell Forest often comes out on top for best value, especially if you book a midweek break during off-peak times.