RUNNING HEAD
The family went car-free for the whole holiday
POSTCARD FROM
BEDFORDSHIRE CENTER PARCS IN WOBURN FOREST WAS JUST THE SPOT FOR EDITOR Rebecca Moore’s FAMILY GETAWAY
he first time I’d visited a Center Parcs I was part of a group of 20-somethings on a birthday weekend away. Laughs were had, bikes were fallen off, and the lazy river completed; but when I returned some years later, it had different boxes to tick. Conjuring up a family weekend away – my three-month-old niece’s first getaway – we had three non-negotiables: easy to reach, baby and child friendly, and somewhere we wouldn’t need a car. I pitched the idea of Center Parcs; which fulfilled the credentials and then some. Taking a 45-minute train from London St Pancras, the seven of us – ranging from 12 weeks old to 60 years young – were Woburn Forest-bound, alighting at Flitwick Station. As a car-free break was the aim, we hopped on Center Parcs’ handy shuttle bus service for the last leg. Continuing our green mission, the first stop was collecting our two-wheel companions. For little legs, you can get bikes with stabilisers, a child seat, a trailer or a tagalong. The resort is designed with cyclists in mind: while the terrain is largely flat, there are more challenging slopes for those with energy to burn! We found ourselves extolling the joys of two-wheeled life for most of the stay. Families won’t be short of options when it comes to filling their days either. The activities on offer are second to none; from Aerial Adventures to snuggly sensory play, little ones are spoilt for
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Becca snuggled baby Poppy on the sidelines
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choice. While fearless monkeys Sam and Sophie swung from tree to tree, I seized the opportunity to enjoy cuddles with Poppy from the sidelines, lulling her into a sweet slumber in her BabyBjörn carrier. But the biggest spills and thrills took place in Tropical Paradise, which is at the heart of every Center Parcs resort. The crème de la crème of pools, heated to 29.5˚C all year round and decked out with lush jungle greenery, it transports you to a far-flung idyll. We took a swim float for Poppy to bob around on and within minutes she fell asleep, much to everyone’s amusement. Taking turns as buoyant babysitter, we all had the chance to get our kicks on the wild-water rapids. But with all this adventuring, I was pining for something a bit more subdued as was, unsurprisingly, my mum-of-three sister, Vicky. We made a beeline for the Aqua Sana Spa. It was the first time Vicky had been away from Poppy, and it was lovely to spend some quality time together. While we didn’t make use of the service, the new crèche & spa session allows parents a perfect pampering opportunity. A three-hour session saw us floating back to our lodge. I think it’s safe to say Center Parcs delivered on the family front. Even if Poppy doesn’t remember her first holiday, the rest of us certainly will! For current availability and prices, visit centerparcs.co.uk
The seven-strong family group shared a spacious modern lodge
The activities on offer are endless, from bowling to roller disco
