Center Parcs UK and Ireland

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Center Parcs Sherwood Boating Lake

Elveden Forest Village Square

Elveden Village Square

Center Parcs - geograph.org.uk - 145876

Oasis Whinfell Forest 1

Center Parcs UK and Ireland is a network of holiday villages in the United Kingdom and Ireland, offering short-break holidays in a forest setting. The company operates five villages in the UK and one in Ireland, each set in approximately 400 acres of woodland. The concept of Center Parcs is to provide a peaceful, natural environment where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, spa treatments, and quality time with family and friends away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

History

The Center Parcs concept originated in the Netherlands in 1968, with the opening of the first village at De Lommerbergen. The idea was to provide holiday accommodations where families could enjoy nature and outdoor activities all year round. The concept was introduced to the UK in 1987 with the opening of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, marking the beginning of Center Parcs UK. Since then, the company has expanded to include additional villages: Elveden Forest in Suffolk, Longleat Forest in Wiltshire, Whinfell Forest in Cumbria, and Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire. In 2019, Center Parcs opened its first village in Ireland, Longford Forest.

Villages

Each Center Parcs village is designed to blend into its natural woodland surroundings and offers a wide range of accommodation options, from apartments and lodges to treehouses and exclusive lodges. The villages are car-free zones, with guests encouraged to walk or cycle through the natural landscapes.

Accommodations

Accommodations at Center Parcs are designed with comfort and sustainability in mind, ranging from cozy two-bedroom lodges to luxurious four-bedroom treehouses equipped with modern amenities such as hot tubs, saunas, and games rooms.

Activities

Center Parcs villages offer over 200 indoor and outdoor activities, catering to all ages and interests. These include swimming in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, cycling, archery, rock climbing, and nature walks. Each village also features a spa, offering a range of treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Dining and Shopping

A variety of dining options are available at each village, from international cuisine to traditional British fare, alongside supermarkets and retail shops offering everything from swimwear to souvenirs.

Sustainability

Center Parcs is committed to environmental sustainability, with initiatives aimed at conserving wildlife, managing waste, and reducing energy consumption. The company has received several awards for its efforts in environmental management and conservation.

Expansion and Development

Center Parcs continues to invest in the expansion and enhancement of its villages, with plans for new accommodations, facilities, and activities. The company also explores opportunities for new village locations to bring the Center Parcs experience to more families across the UK and Ireland.