Center Parcs, what to expect? Any tips?

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We had a break booked for a local waterside lodge and it has been cancelled at short notice, I managed to get a 3 bed lodge at Elveden Center Parcs instead. I have never been before so am not sure what to expect. We will mainly be using the pool as most other activities are not accessible to my little one, are there big queues to get in or is it usually OK to get into?

Elveden is lovely, we went with two small children last year and had a great time. We are going again this year but not booking any activities as with cycling, swimming and the playground (which is ok for little ones too) we know we will have plenty to do. We are clued up about nature and outdoors activities though so we will do plenty of that self-led.

My main tip for that particular site is that there is a selection of supermarkets on the doorstep so stock up on your way in 🙂

The travel cot was serviceable but I probably would have preferred to use ours in hindsight. The high chair was excellent though, glad we didn't use packing space on taking ours!

Not usually queues at the pool apart from for the bigger slides. After 3pm is quieter.

It’s nice to bring some food to feed the birds, squirrels or deer if you’re lucky. If it’s accessible kids usually love riding the free train. If your lo is small and you did fancy another activity I recommend Chesnut’s picnic which is reasonably priced and includes lunch and a soft toy. Enjoy your break!

You will have a lovely time and don’t really need to pay for extra activities. We used to play a game of pool in the sports bar after a swim and we were happy with that and brought own bikes. We took our own food as we preferred the lodges to the noise of restaurants (lots of crying kids and ours are past that)

Thank you. Am I right in thinking that you drive to the lodge to unpack? My little one is wheelchair dependent (he's profoundly disabled which is why we can't access most paid for activities on offer) so it would make lugging all his equipment while pushing him almost impossible if we can't.

Yes you can drive to your lodge to unpack and pack up again on arrival and leaving day. That is from 4pm on arrival day unless you've paid for early check in.

Having said that, there might be concessions for disabled people? It might be worth asking the staff in advance on their web chat or on arrival at the site. Hope you all have a lovely trip.

As you are asking for Center Parcs tips I am compelled to pass on the official mn wisdom:

plenty of lube.

I think if you're in an accessible lodge, you're able to keep your car by the lodge?

Hope you have a lovely time!

I was waiting for this comment 😂

We couldn't get an accessible lodge as we booked so late, if we enjoy it I will book an accessible one next time for the profiling bed alone.

Pondering passing this on to my DD and her husband who are coming with me to help out (but maybe not!) 😉

Definitely pack lots of food snacks and drinks from supermarket as food is very expensive and restaurants quite chaotic. The spa is amazing atv Elveden or it used to be if you can wangle a treat for yourself even just sitting in the steam rooms.

Not sure if this is appropriate- but my dad had mobility issues, and we were able to ask for a lift when we needed it to venues that were a longer distance to get to. Really helpful.

Thank you, that is worth knowing.

Don’t forget some bleach, our toilets reeked of pee..