With only 2 weeks until December starts and hopefully the lockdown restrictions lifted, it is the time to plan a winter break with family or friends. With keeping the Covid19 situation in mind, this winter break is suitable for social distancing from another household too.
Centre Parcs, located at 7 different locations across England and Ireland, is a resort surrounded by the beautiful woodlands and lakes. It can be experienced for a week or just a weekend if you’re tight on your work schedule and reconnect with friends and family. It is perfect for anyone who loves nature and want to explore the beauty of the forest at their own pace.
Centre Parcs Winter Wonderland Break
Centre Parcs is having their own Winter Wonderland holidays and breaks starting from 4 December 2020 until 2 January 2021. With so many seasonal activities around, you can get your Christmas break spent well with family or friends, all that too with maintaining social distancing from people you don’t know.
The Centre Parcs village is transformed into a magical playground with snow, winter lights and all those festive decorations. Visit Santa and his elves at his Woodland village before Christmas Day. This needs to be pre-booked as this is where all children will receive a gift from Santa and special souvenir photograph.
However, there is plenty to do for everyone including the festive carriage rides to festive wreath making. Centre Parcs have just brought up a new enchanted light trail for the whole family or group to experience during the break. They usually have fireworks display during Christmas times but unfortunately, this won’t happen this year due to social distancing guidelines.
You can celebrate Christmas and/or New Years at Centre Parcs for either 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7-night break. Check for availability here.
Travelling via car
The closest location to London is the Longleat Forest and is roughly about two hours to two and a half hours journey by car, depending on where in London you are based. You can pick one from the two routes: M4 or M3 and A303. Although the best way to travel to Centre Parcs Longleat Forest is by car, there is another way too.
Travelling via train
Head to Paddington Station and grab the GWR train to Westbury (75 min). Change trains and hop on to GWR to Frome Station (10 min). Head out of the station and get the bus route 53 to Picket Post (10 min). Then walk about 15 min to reach Centre Parcs Longleat Forest. This might be a longer, slightly tiring way of travel to Longleat Forest however, if you are an active soul or are travelling with a group of friends, three hours would just fly away. Such a travel is an adventure of its own.
Types of accommodations
At Centre Parcs, you would find all sorts of accommodations that suits every family or group.
Woodland Lodges: These have options to book 1 up to 6 bedrooms. These have all the basic amenities that a group would need including a fully fitted kitchen with necessary appliances, family bathroom and a lounge with TV.
Executive Lodges: The executive lodges offer from 1 to 4 bedrooms. These however, have extra benefits like ensuites and TVs in all bedrooms.
Exclusive Lodges: These have the 4-bedroom option available only and are exclusively made for bigger families and groups. These can sleep up to 8 people. You can also enjoy the exclusive features like a hot tub, sauna and a games room.
Waterside Lodges: These types of accommodations are only based in Elveden Forest in Suffolk and comprises of 3 bedrooms. These are truly exceptional lodges with breath-taking views over the beautiful lakes of the park.
Treehouses: The biggest of all is the treehouses that offer 4 ensuite bedrooms, Sky TV with Bose iPod station, a private deck and balcony, gas BBQ, your own dedicated host, a games room, hot tub, and a dedicated parking. The treehouses are all WIFI friendly, just like all other lodges.
Read more: Christmas and New Year breaks: Lake District
Hotels and Apartments: These are another option for either couples or someone on a solo break. These offer 1 bedroom only.
Luxury Spa Suites: The luxury stay at the Aqua Sana Spa at the Centre Parcs provides the direct access to the Spa facilities and hydra bath.
The bedrooms in the lodges and the apartments are a combination of both double and/or twin beds.
Basic amenities at all of the above lodges includes hairdryer, bedding, towels, dishwasher tablets, tea towel and washing up liquid sachet, cooking pots, pans, utensils, cutlery, glasses, plates and bowls, microwave, induction hob, kettle, toaster, oven, small fridge and freezer, a cot and a highchair, furnished private patio with brick-built barbeque, iron and ironing board, safe, TV, log burner and all lodges are equipped with free WIFI.
Food at Centre Parcs
There is so much to pick from when it come to dining at Centre Parcs. Stuff like pizza, pasta, burgers, and cousins like Indian, American and Spanish are all to choose from. If you enjoy desserts, head to The Pancake House. Or if you prefer cooking your own food at your lodge, the ParcMarket is filled with all the possible groceries that you might need to have a great meal. This is where most visitor get the breakfast pack from.
Activities at Centre Parcs
There is so much in terms of indoor and outdoor activities for families with children and for the group of adults. Check the activities here and make sure you know what is available for your visit period as these can be closed due to Covid19.
Covid19 Precautions
Please read the precautions and measurements that Centre Parcs has taken in order for you to book and enjoy your winter break with confidence. Click here!
Things to know before travelling to Centre Parcs
- Despite the season of your visit, make sure you pack clothes accordingly. Check the weather of the parcs location and make a list of things you or your family might need.
- If you are planning winter break next month, make sure you have your face masks, even better, pack a few extra in the luggage in case you lose any.
- Pack comfortable shoes as there will be some walking around the forest.
- Warm clothes like jackets, jumpers, hats, gloves and scarves are a must.
- Check any guidelines on activity closures due to social distancing and book in advance where necessary.
Special Offers for winter break 2020 and early 2021!
Lodge Offer | 3-bedroom Woodland Lodge | 2-bedroom Woodland Lodge | 3-bedroom Woodland Lodge |
Arrive | Mon 29 Nov 2021 | Fri 21 Jan 2022 | Mon 14 Mar 2022 |
Depart | Fri 3 Dec 2021 | Mon 24 Jan 2022 | Fri 18 Mar 2022 |
Price | £559 | £459 | £429 |
Link | Click here | Click here | Click here |
Hopefully, if everything goes well, and I am talking about the Covid19 situation here, I am planning my own mini break in early 2021. Fingers crossed!
Let me know in the comments below if you are thinking to plan your mini break to Centre Parcs and what location have to picked?
Happy planning XX
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