Whether it is a family break, a pampering weekend or a chance to run through the woods firing paint at fellow holidaymakers, there really is something for everyone here.
I was here for the former, taking my wife and two girls (aged nine and six) for a three-night stay at one of the cosy executive lodges, which are also in another league compared to the musty chalets in which I spent many a fortnight at holiday camps as a child.
After checking in online a couple of days in advance, we arrived on Friday late afternoon (you can access your lodge from 3pm on the day of your arrival) and fatigue and irritability from tackling motorways and traffic jams soon disappeared on entering our lodge, in the Maple section.
We were greeted by a stylishly furnished living space, cleverly designed to make a small space seem huge, as well as a welcome pack of groceries, including bread, eggs, bacon, tea bags and other essentials (a great idea if you’ve been on the road for hours, but at an additional cost and must be ordered in advance).
Investigating our lodge would have to wait though as our daughters were champing at the bit to try out Center Parcs’ famed Subtropical Swimming Paradise area and, to be honest, us grown-ups fancied it as well. The massive pool area is at the heart of the complex and is surrounded by restaurants (including Bella Italia and Café Rouge) and shops (including a mini supermarket) and stays open until 9pm every day, perfect if you are a late arrival.
After a quick change into our costumes, we entered the pool area and were soon whizzing down the multitude of slides, including the amazing white water rapids, an open-air ride which is very atmospheric at night time, with the blue lights and steam coming off the warm water giving it an otherworldly feel.
For the ultimate in comfort while at the pool, you can hire a cabana, a private area with comfy chairs and even a TV so you can take a break from the slides and wave pool, although, to be honest, we were having too much fun to want a sit down.
If you’re brave enough, you can try the Tropical Cyclone, a massive dinghy ride which plummets riders down what seems like a sheer drop into a huge water basin. My oldest daughter got me on it once, which was enough for me, but for thrill-seekers, this was their number one ride.
An exhilarating few hours later, we headed back to the lodge for a late dinner made in our well-equipped kitchen (oven, microwave, fridge, dishwasher and even wine cooler).
Exploring our accommodation further we found both bedrooms were en suite and had flatscreen TVs (in addition to the one in the living room) and there was also a rainforest shower and whirlpool bath. The beds were extremely comfortable too.
After a refreshing night’s sleep we woke to a glorious view of the woods and lake from our lodge, a pleasant surprise as, arriving in the dark the previous night, we had no idea what was beyond the French windows.
We decided to waste no time this morning and headed to the bike hire, transport which turned out to be essential for getting around the complex.
We used them to travel to our pre-booked activity of laser combat (similar to paintballing, which is also available, but better for younger children). This was immense fun, running around the woods in teams, shooting the enemy with guns fitted with a laser scope.
A great way to spend an hour, but there are plenty of other activities if this isn’t your bag, such as quad biking, archery, sailing, kayaking and fencing – the options are almost limitless. There’s even an impressive nine-hole golf course for those preferring a more relaxed activity.
Bella Italia was our choice of dinner venue for the evening, the thought of pizza and pasta enticing after the action-packed afternoon, which included, naturally, another few hours in the pool after our laser combat session.
The restaurant is bright and clean with attentive staff and the menu is mouth-watering, including a cracking kids deal of three courses and a drink for just £5.25.
The pizzas and pasta we ordered were polished off with ease, while a morello cherry chocolate brownie I had for dessert was massive – but we planned to burn off the calories on Sunday with a family bike outing.
That promised bike ride around the lengthy perimeter of the complex was a perfect precursor to Sunday’s main activity – a relaxing three-hour Aqua Sana spa session. Don’t worry about missing out on this pampering session if you have children, as there is a brilliant kids club that will occupy them at the same time.
The club staff are very enthusiastic and friendly, filling you with confidence the children will have fun, and giving you the ability to relax at the spa.
Our youngest was smitten with her pirates and princess party, while our oldest printed her own designed t-shirt and also made a clay unicorn.
Their opinion of their time at the club? ‘Awesome’.
Equally awesome was the Aqua Sana spa, with 15 different areas, including steam rooms and saunas, to explore, offering aromas from around the world.
There is also an outside heated pool, with a Jacuzzi, which reinvigorated our muscles after all the cycling. At an extra cost there are also treatments and massages available to visitors.
After picking up the children, we all voted to spend our last evening where it had all started, in the amazing pool.
Countless rides on the white water rapids were a perfect, if somewhat breathless, way to finish an amazing weekend – although I resisted the temptation to take on the Cyclone again.
On Monday morning we vacated our lodge at 10am, the children saying farewell to the tame ducks and geese that always seemed to visit our patio area.
Driving out of the woods, we were sad to leave behind the idyll that had been our home for a weekend, but the memories will stay with us forever.
Center Parcs has villages in Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest and Longleat Forest, with a Woburn site opening this year. There is a wide range of accommodation available and bookings can be made for weekend, midweek or week-long breaks.
Visit www.centerparcs.co.uk for availability and prices.
