Center Parcs Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire is a dream destination if you’re looking for the perfect family getaway without straying too far from home. We recently packed up the kids (5 & 9 years old), loaded the car, and set off for a fun-filled long weekend. Here’s the scoop on our trip, plus some handy tips to help you save money and keep the little ones entertained.
Trip Date – 14-17th June 2024.
Woburn Forest
Center Parcs Woburn Forest opened in 2014. It is situated on a vast site surrounded by tall trees and greenery. Once inside, visitors are surrounded by nature, creating a peaceful and serene environment. The expansive site lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities and adventures,
There is plenty of space for families to explore and enjoy the natural surroundings. We never felt it was too busy in any of the areas. With so many choices of activities, it felt very spread out, yet everything was a short walk or ride away.
The walkways are paved, making biking, scootering, and walking easy. The hilly terrain adds to the overall ambience, offering visitors opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery whilst getting around.
With over 200 activities on site, it is hard to list them all. There is something for everyone, and you will certainly be entertained.
A Warm Welcome
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Woburn Forest was designed with families in mind. The friendly staff greeted us with smiles, and check-in was a breeze. We were handed our wristband key fobs and a map and directed to our lodge.
We stayed in one of 2 bedroom Executive Lodges, which was spacious and equipped with everything we needed. The lodge had a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, and a private deck where we enjoyed morning coffees while listening to the birds. The setting was peaceful and made for a great start to our adventure.
Once unpacked, we took the car back to the car park, made the short walk back to the lodge and began exploring.
Keeping the Kids Entertained
There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained. Here are the activities that we chose during our stay.
- Subtropical Swimming Paradise: This place is a hit with kids of all ages. We spent entire afternoons here, from thrilling water slides to the relaxing lazy river. The outdoor rapids and pirate ship were big hits with our two kids. Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot for your towels and bags. Lockers, activated by your wristbands, are provided for your valuables and clothing. The changing rooms and pools are spotless. There are plenty of staff and lifeguards to make the kids feel safe, whatever their age. There are cafes poolside serving lunches, snacks, and even alcohol. To save money, we had a pickup lunch and ate at the poolside.
- Nature Walks: We loved the guided nature walks. The kids were fascinated by the local wildlife, and the walk was a great way to tire them out before bedtime. We spotted deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds. The interactive nature trail was a fun, educational activity where the kids could learn about the flora and fauna of the area. Don’t forget to bring binoculars and a nature journal for the kids to document their findings.
- Adventure Golf: A round of adventure golf was a highlight. It’s perfect for a family-friendly competition, and the whimsical course designs keep the kids engaged. We ended up playing twice, with the kids determined to beat their previous scores. Of course, Dad took it very seriously and saw it as an opportunity to practice his putting skills.
- Biking: The park is very bike-friendly, as you’d imagine. Dedicated bike paths wind through the forest, making it safe and enjoyable. We brought along scooters for our kids, and the grown-ups walked alongside. Our step counts were through the roof for the weekend. You can bring or hire your bikes from the cycle centre, next to the central car park.
- Crafts and Creativity: We hit the Pottery Painting Studio on a rainy afternoon. It was a calm, creative activity that everyone enjoyed. Plus, we got to take home some unique souvenirs. The studio had a wide range of pottery, and the kids had a blast painting their masterpieces.
- Indoor Bowling: We love an indoor bowling session. When booking in you provide the names of the players and each player has the option of the bumpers. The kids had the bumpers to help their games, the adults didn’t but perhaps should have! There is a full bar and snack offering to have whilst playing.
- Arcade Machines: Next to the bowling alley is an arcade machine area which was a big hit with the kids. The machines run on tokens, available from a machine. There is a good selection of games available including a VR machine, great for a rainy day.
Saving Money: Tips and Tricks
- Book Off-Peak: Timing is everything when it comes to saving money. We booked for Father’s Day weekend, which significantly reduced the cost. Book through the week if your kids aren’t yet tied to school holidays, as this is a great way to save. Plus, the park will be less crowded, making for a more relaxing experience. Keep an eye on the Center Parcs website for deals and discounts, and consider booking mid-week stays for even more savings.
- Bring Your Own Food: Center Parcs has several lovely restaurants, but eating out can quickly add up. We brought groceries for breakfasts and lunches and treated ourselves to dinner a few times. Packing snacks and drinks for the day also helped us avoid pricey impulse buys. There are plenty of picnic benches and outdoor eating spots to choose from. Our lodge’s kitchen had all the essentials, and we enjoyed cooking together as a family. We even brought the trusty air fryer, which made cooking Father’s Day roast dinner a breeze! Having a BBQ on the deck was also a highlight, and the kids loved toasting marshmallows for dessert. You can bring your own disposable BBQ or the shop at the plaza has them for sale.
- Use the Free Activities: Plenty of activities are included in your stay’s price. We spent hours exploring the beautiful woodland trails, playing at the outdoor playgrounds, and splashing around in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. Unfortunately, we have yet to see the daily falconry display or discover the nature centre. All the more reason to go back and see what we missed š
- Pre-book Activities: Booking in advance online can sometimes be cheaper for paid activities. We pre-booked a few must-do activities, such as indoor bowling, pottery painting, the gym, and the spa. Booking in advance saved us money and ensured we got spots in the activities we wanted.
Something for the Adults
As we live only 30 minutes from Woburn, we took the opportunity to maximise our time for the long weekend. We packed the kids’ school clothes and left the park early Monday morning to do the school run. Once we waved the kids off at the school gates, we returned for a spa day at Woburn Forest, adults only!
We booked a gym session for 9.30 am to help burn off any excess of the weekend. After a quick shower, we had a short walk over to Cafe Rouge for a mid-morning brunch, complete with Bucks Fizz š
Next, it was time to try out all the spa had to offer, including 25 spa experiences. We went to the outdoor spa pool and started with relaxing jets in the water. After soaking for around 30 minutes, we returned to try out two floors of different saunas, steam rooms, showers and relaxation rooms. You are spoilt for choice with the various options; our highlights were the salt inhalation room and the mineral steam room.
Apologies to other guests for my husband’s snoring; he really did relax in the salt room.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to try out any face or body treatments, which is all the more reason to return another time. We found the spa spotlessly clean, not too busy, and the perfect end to our trip. We love spending time with the kids, but it was nice to have some adult time alone and recharge the batteries.
Final Thoughts
Our trip to Center Parcs Woburn Forest was a fantastic family adventure. We saw so much but needed more time to experience everything on offer.
With some planning and a few money-saving strategies, we had a wonderful time without breaking the bank. The kids were entertained from dawn to dusk, and we made memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re considering a family holiday in the UK, Woburn Forest should definitely be on your list!
So pack your bags, grab the kids, and head to Center Parcs for a holiday filled with fun, frugality, and frolics! Happy travels!
