Center Parcs is a little like Marmite – people either love it, or they hate it. Bemoaned as and overrated, the internet is awash with suggestions of . Still every year, around two million of us sign up for a self-catering break in the woods.
For those that have never been on a Center Parcs holiday, it’s difficult to know exactly what to expect. The online reviews vary wildly yet the adverts suggest a , a veritable playground for all ages and abilities. So can two million people really be wrong? To help decode the mystery and find out exactly what Center Parcs is like, we visited Woburn Forest, which, despite turning 10 in June, is the newest of Britain’s five properties (Longleat Forest, Elveden Forest, Sherwood Forest and Whinfell Forest are the other locations).
Since opening, it has an impressive occupancy rate (97 per cent) and has welcomed more than three million guests. Looking at everything from location to activities and accommodation, we’ve scored each category out of five. Here’s what we found.
The appeal of this Center Parcs is that it is London’s closest, tucked between Milton Keynes and Cambridge. It takes less than an hour to get to Flitwick Station from London St Pancras by train, with a complimentary guest shuttle service operating the 2.3-mile journey (around seven minutes) to the park.
You can also drive, of course. Although for those who are new to Center Parcs, it’s worth noting that you can’t use your car around the site. You have to drive.