Center Parcs revolutionised the holiday market in Holland over 30 years ago and did the same in the UK when it opened its first village at Sherwood Forest in July 1987; providing short break holidays in the forest on a year-round basis. Now Center Parcs has four village across the UK, Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, Elveden Forest in Suffolk, Longleat Forest in Wiltshire and Whinfell Forest in Cumbria and has a fifth village, Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire due to open in spring 2014. As a leader in the UK short break holiday market, Center Parcs occupies a unique position enjoying annual occupancy rates in excess of 97%.
From calm creative pastimes, relaxing spa treatments to high adrenaline thrills and shared adventures for all the family, at Center Parcs there’s something for everyone whatever the weather. A Center Parcs break is created by you, you can make it as relaxing or as active as you like and with over 200 activities to choose from you are spoilt for choice. You can book all your activities online before you arrive, so to help you make the most of your stay you can read more about what’s on offer here. If you haven’t been before and would like some extra help and advice, our Contact Centre has lots of experience and will be happy to offer suggestions to suit your requirements.
Center Parcs[1] is a European network of holiday villages incorporating a UK-based company, Center Parcs UK, which runs holiday villages in the United Kingdom and a sister enterprise, Center Parcs Europe, that operates in numerous locations in continental Europe. In 2009 Center Parcs Europe divided its parks into two brands: “Center Parcs”, which includes the 5 star parks, and “Sunparks”, which includes the 3 or 4 star parks. At the beginning of 2011 the company decided to rename most Sunparks as Center Parcs. n 2001, Scottish and Newcastle sold the UK side of Center Parcs to venture capitalists. It was announced on 4 December 2003 that the owners, Mid Ocean, would sell the UK resorts to Arbor for £285 million. Arbor was set up to purchase Center Parcs and float it on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market. In May 2006 Center Parcs UK Group PLC was sold to Blackstone Group, an American private investment company. Subsequently Center Parcs was re-registered as a private company, a subsidiary of Blackstone Group. The chief executive, Martin Dalby, said that the company might add a fifth village. Late in 2004 it was announced it would be built in Woburn in Bedfordshire. Planning permission was initially turned down but Center Parcs won on appeal.[2] Whinfell Forest was originally built and operated by the Rank Organisation, as the sole competition to Center Parcs in the UK, however, after a short period of a few years, Oasis, as Rank had named it, was sold to Center Parcs. Whinfell Forest is not of the same build type as the traditional Center Parcs. Whinfell Forest lodges are mainly two storey and many are set in clusters, rather than off-set terraces.
Accommodation to suit everyone Nature is our backdrop to everything, even our accommodation is designed to bring our guests closer to nature and nestled within woodland landscapes. Whatever the size of your party or budget, there are different sizes and styles of accommodation all designed to give you a sense of space, privacy and seclusion. We also have specially adapted Lodges for guests with disabilities and families who wish to bring their family dog. Nestled in a 365 acre forest, our newest addition, Woburn Forest will be the showcase of our latest innovations. The design of this Village is the most exciting yet with the largest and most Don’t miss out, book your school holiday short break early for the best choice and availability. iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise heated to 29.5°C, it’s summer all year round. Stayed with us in the last 28 days? You’ll qualify for our Come Back Soon offer.
Discover Center Parcs, the award winning, number one short break destination in the UK, open all year round. With five stunning locations each set in up to 400 acres of beautiful natural woodland surroundings, each with its own character, offer an unparalleled setting for short breaks in the forest. Nature is the backdrop to everything we do, with modern open plan accommodation nestled in the forest and an extensive range of sports and leisure activities plus our jewel in the crown, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise; there’s something to keep the whole family entertained, whatever the weather.