Center Parcs - always a great break

We've been to Center Parcs many times over the last 25 years. The first time, our eldest (now 25) was about a year old. This time both our grown up kids came along  plus my sons's best mate. We went as we always have to the Longleat resort.

The Rapids in daylight

The Rapids at night - an absolute must!

I've blogged a couple of time about our visits, this one in 2006 and this one in 2010 so I won't go into the minutiae again - a basic summary is that it's a midweek or weekend break in the forest, with a tropical indoor pool area (free), and a gazillion activities (mostly extra cost) that can be done if that's your bag. Plus restaurants, and well furnished accommodation that range from basic (but nonetheless well equipped) to luxurious. It can be expensive (and overall accommodation prices are hiked horribly to co-incide with school holidays), but at the end of the day you can take it or leave it. We love it. A good friend of mine is also an advocate, and he's also blogged about it previously.

The Pancake House

I suppose having written before about what you can do the key things for me are the way I've seen the place change over the years. It's still fundamentally what it set out to be. Good family fun. The lodges have been uprated and improved over the years, newer, executive style lodges and even tree house accommodation is now available. We pushed the boat out this time in a 3 bedroom executive style lodge complete with sauna! Also new (for us since last time) is that you get given a green wristband(s) which acts as your key to your lodge and key for your locker in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. It certainly makes you 1) less likely to lose a key, and 2) not have to faff around trying to find £1 coins.

Our 3 bedroom Executive Style Lodge

The restaurants have changed. There are many more activities that have appeared over the years. The Sports Bar has a TV at almost every table. The (free) wifi right across the estate is pretty decent in the Plaza's and accommodation, and if you can't get wifi at least you can (mostly) get a 3G/4G signal these days.

Our lodge interior (downstairs)

Our lodge interior (downstairs) with a well equipped kitchen 

The new tube rides (Cyclone and Typhoon - free as they're part of the sub-tropical swimming paradise) are great, although inevitably the queues build pretty quickly and waits can be long for a short thrill ride - but arguably worth it!

In the Dome - there were people about - honest!

Sports Plaza (it's much bigger than this!)

Inside the Dome

We had a fabulous time on our long weekend break. Plenty of pool/slides/rapids/tube rides time, a couple of meals out at Las Iguanas and the excellent and highly recommended Rajinda Pradesh Indian restaurant. Although some of our party were carrying various injuries between us we played badminton, table tennis, snooker, pool, min-golf (indoor and outdoor), the girls spent time in the Aqua Sauna spa, we watched sport, drank beer and wine (and cocktails), went on a nature walk on the estate, rode bikes and played 10 pin bowling. I think that's a pretty impressive effort for a weekend!

One of the many Coastal Redwoods on the estate

Unfortunately the weather can't be guaranteed we had one decent (but overcast) day and the Sunday was hit and miss with some heavy rain showers, but that didn't stop us! As I said of one of our previous visits, the beauty of this format is that even if you're only been for the weekend, you leave feeling like you've had a real break from reality. Chill with a glass of wine, or be as active as you want. The choice is yours. Will we be going again? Absolutely!

There are paths galore

All the paths are well laid out, generally well lit at night when the forest looks and feels remarkable different, Keep your eyes open for squirrels, badgers, foxes, owls and even deer.

You're not far from nature anywhere!

Center Parcs at night near our lodge

There a quietness about the place at night, even though it's 900 lodges are generally at 97% capacity (so we were told). The site is 400 acres, so there's plenty of room and places for those occupying the lodges to disappear to, and although inevitably the Sub Tropical Swimming Paradise, key rides, and Sports Plaza and popular activities can be very busy at times, there are plenty of quieter opportunities.

Heaven's Gate (just outside Center Parcs with view over Longleat - when it's not foggy!)

You're right next to Longleat Estate and the Safari Park (or very nearly - you won't get eaten by lions).