Center Parcs Elveden Forest – A Stunning Retreat

Resort with Indoor and Outdoor Water Park

Center Parcs Elveden Forest is a premium holiday village that blends immersive woodland tranquillity with an exciting family-friendly water park experience. Set within the heart of 400 acres of lush Suffolk forest near Thetford, this Centre Parcs location offers something for everyone—from high-adrenaline activities to moments of calm and relaxation. As one of the most popular Center Parcs UK resorts, it features the award-winning Subtropical Swimming Paradise, an indoor aqua park kept at a balmy 29.5°C all year round.

Guests can enjoy waterslides, rapids, wave pools, and play zones, all under one dome, making it a go-to destination no matter the weather. Beyond the water park, Elveden Forest includes more than 100 activities, luxurious lodges, spa facilities, restaurants, and shops—all nestled in nature. Whether families are seeking fun-filled water sports, scenic cycling trails, or peaceful lakeside moments, this holiday resort offers the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation.

For first-time visitors, one of the standout features is its layout: accommodation areas are neatly distributed in zones around the central Village Square, ensuring easy access to dining, swimming, and play. This park is especially popular among families, couples, and groups of friends planning short breaks. Pet-friendly lodges and accessible accommodations are also available.

The destination attracts both UK and international visitors who are looking for a self-contained escape that combines outdoor fun with indoor thrills—no need to leave the site for a complete holiday experience.

Seasonal Availability

Center Parcs Elveden Forest is open year-round, including bank holidays and Christmas. Seasonal experiences are offered, such as Winter Wonderland in November and December, and outdoor activities expand in summer.

Center Parcs Elveden Forest Location & Directions

Elveden Forest Elveden Forest Brandon, Thetford IP24 3TR

🗺️ Directions to Center Parcs Elveden Forest

Center Parcs Elveden Forest Official Website & Contact Information

https://www.centerparks.co.uk/Elveden-Forest

General enquiries

Phone: United Kingdom: +44 (0)34 4826 7723

Republic of Ireland: +44 (0)81 881 8045

Northern Ireland: +44 (0)34 4826 6260

Email: Enquiries available via the website’s contact form

Main Attractions

The centrepiece of Center Parcs Elveden Forest is undoubtedly the Subtropical Swimming Paradise—a vast indoor water park that maintains a constant temperature of 29.5°C. It is filled with vibrant tropical plants, natural lighting, and a wide array of water-based attractions. Families and thrill-seekers alike can enjoy wave pools, lazy rivers, water slides, and jacuzzis. One of the most popular features is the Wild Water Rapids, a twisting, fast-flowing outdoor river that winds through the forest landscape, offering a real adrenaline rush and a standout highlight of any visit.

Special Rides

Thrill rides include the Tropical Cyclone, a giant four-person raft ride with intense twists, and the Typhoon, a high-speed water flume designed for older children and adults. These rides come with minimum height restrictions—usually around 1.2 metres—and are closely monitored by trained lifeguards. In addition to the rides, the Wave Pool simulates ocean-like surges every 30 minutes and is a favourite among families looking for group fun in a safe, supervised setting.

Kids & Family Areas

Children are exceptionally well catered for. The Children’s Water Play Area features mini slides, splash fountains, and shallow pools designed specifically for toddlers and young children. The Venture Bay zone includes smaller slides and interactive water toys suitable for younger visitors. Parents can relax while their children play safely, thanks to the numerous attentive staff around the complex. There are also shaded seating areas where families can rest between splash sessions.

Relaxation Areas

For those looking to unwind, the jacuzzis and heated outdoor lagoon offer quiet spaces away from the excitement. Adults can visit the Aqua Sana Spa, a separate on-site facility that features thermal suites, saunas, and tranquil relaxation zones. The spa is particularly popular with couples or parents seeking downtime while their children enjoy supervised activities. Pre-booking is highly recommended, especially during peak times.

Unique Features

What sets Center Parcs Elveden Forest apart is its immersive environment. The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is not just a water park—it is a themed experience complete with exotic flora, waterfalls, and detailed rock formations. At night, ambient lighting transforms the venue into a calming tropical oasis. An added bonus is the Lake Beach, which offers paddleboarding, kayaking, and electric boat rentals during warmer months—blending outdoor water sports with the indoor fun of the swimming complex.

The water park also includes private family cabanas, equipped with loungers, a TV, safe storage, and a mini-fridge. These can be hired for the day and are a brilliant upgrade for families with young children or anyone wanting a touch of luxury during their stay.

Baby Changing Facilities

Center Parcs Elveden Forest is particularly well-suited for families with young children, and that extends to its thoughtfully maintained baby changing facilities. Within the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, you will find multiple baby-changing rooms located both at the entrance and near the family changing areas. These are private, clean, and frequently maintained throughout the day. Each room includes a changing table, sink, and disposal unit for nappies. Family-sized cubicles in the main changing village also offer enough space for parents to manage multiple children.

Bottle-Warming Stations

While bottle-warming stations are not provided inside the water park itself, all on-site restaurants, including Dexter’s Kitchen and The Sports Café, are family-friendly and happy to assist with warming baby bottles or baby food upon request. Staff are generally accommodating and used to supporting the needs of parents with infants.

Baby Pools

The Venture Bay zone within the Subtropical Swimming Paradise is specifically designed for younger guests. It includes shallow splash areas, mini slides, and soft water jets, all set in a warm, supervised environment. The depth of the baby pools is ideal for crawling and toddling little ones. Non-slip flooring and plenty of seating around the area make it convenient for parents to supervise closely while keeping comfortable.

Minimum Age Restrictions

There is no minimum age to enter the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, although babies and toddlers must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For safety reasons, flotation devices are recommended, and free-to-use baby swim seats are often available at the poolside. Some rides and deeper pools do have minimum height or age restrictions—generally starting from 1.0 to 1.2 metres—but signage is clear, and lifeguards are happy to advise. For spa and adult-oriented zones like Aqua Sana, the minimum age is 14.

Entry Fees

Unlike standalone water parks, access to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise at Center Parcs Elveden Forest is included in the cost of your holiday stay. There is no separate ticket required for swimming facilities, and guests can enjoy unlimited entry throughout their visit. Prices for accommodation at Center Parcs Elveden Forest vary based on lodge type, season, and number of guests, but typically start around £499 for a 3-night midweek break in a standard Woodland Lodge. Premium options such as Executive Lodges, Treehouses, or Spa Suites are priced higher and often include added luxuries.

Discounts & Offers

Center Parcs rarely offers direct discounts, but booking well in advance or during off-peak seasons can secure lower prices. Families can benefit from term-time deals, and last-minute bookings occasionally appear for short stays, particularly during winter or early spring. Centre Parcs Elveden Forest last minute deals are most commonly advertised through the official website rather than third-party platforms.

Registered guests can also take advantage of Activity Bundles—packages that include discounted rates on popular activities like indoor climbing, bowling, and cycle hire. While these do not directly affect access to the water park, they do enhance the value of your stay overall.

Center Parcs Elveden Forest Tickets Booking

Bookings can be made directly via the official Center Parcs UK website, where users can customise stay duration, accommodation type, and additional extras like spa treatments or cabana rentals. A small deposit (usually £150) is required to secure the reservation, with the balance payable up to 10 weeks before arrival.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

Center Parcs operates a tiered cancellation policy based on how far in advance you cancel. For example:

• More than 70 days before arrival: Loss of deposit only.
• 69–42 days before arrival: 50% refund.
• 41–7 days before arrival: 25% refund.
• Less than 7 days before arrival: No refund.

However, guests can add Cancellation Protection at the time of booking for an additional fee. This allows for greater flexibility in the case of illness, bereavement, or emergencies. Refunds are processed back to the original payment method within 7–14 working days.

Day passes to the resort are not typically available, though occasionally, Center Parcs Elveden Forest day pass costs have been trialled for guests of on-site visitors or spa day experiences. These must be arranged directly through guest services.

Daily Schedule

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise at Center Parcs Elveden Forest operates seven days a week, with standard daily opening hours from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. These hours apply throughout the year, including weekends and school holidays. Last entry to the pool area is typically 30–45 minutes before closing, giving visitors time for one last swim before showers and changing.

Other park facilities, such as restaurants, activity centres, and the Aqua Sana spa, operate on varied schedules. Most dining venues open around 9:00 AM for breakfast and remain open until 10:00 PM, while spa sessions usually begin from 9:00 AM and end around 8:00 PM.

Seasonal Changes

Elveden Forest is a year-round destination, and the swimming complex remains open throughout all seasons, including bank holidays and festive periods. During the winter season, especially around Christmas and New Year, Center Parcs offers special events such as Winter Wonderland. During these times, pool hours may be slightly extended, and guests are advised to check the Center Parcs village news page or app for real-time updates.

In summer, certain outdoor activities like kayaking and lake swimming are extended to make the most of the longer daylight hours. While the indoor water park maintains the same hours, outdoor seating and terrace areas often remain accessible beyond standard swim times.

Peak & Off-Peak Info

Peak periods include:

• UK school holidays (half terms, Easter, summer break, Christmas)
• Bank holidays
• Long weekends

During these times, the swimming pool and other attractions can become very busy. Guests are encouraged to visit earlier in the day or during late evening hours for a more relaxed experience.

Off-peak visits—such as midweek stays in January, February, or November—offer a quieter experience. Families with pre-school children often prefer these periods to avoid the crowds, benefit from lower prices, and still enjoy full access to all facilities.

Booking ahead for activities, spa treatments, and premium services like cabana hire is strongly recommended during peak seasons to avoid disappointment.

Public Transport

Center Parcs Elveden Forest is located in the village of Elveden, near Thetford in Suffolk, within the East of England region. The closest railway station is Thetford Station, which is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from the resort. Thetford lies on the mainline between Norwich and Cambridge, offering regular services from London King’s Cross, Stansted Airport, and Peterborough.

While there is no direct public bus service into the resort itself, taxis are readily available from the station. Guests are encouraged to pre-book taxis, particularly during weekends and school holidays, as local services can be limited.

Wheelchair & Accessibility

Center Parcs Elveden Forest is well-equipped for guests with reduced mobility or specific needs. The Subtropical Swimming Paradise features:

• Accessible changing rooms and family cubicles
• Pool hoists and gentle ramp entries into shallow zones
• Wide corridors and non-slip flooring
• Wheelchair-friendly walkways throughout the resort

There are adapted lodges fitted with widened doorways, lowered worktops, and walk-in showers. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs can be pre-booked for hire at the resort.

Center Parcs Elveden Forest Parking

All vehicles must be parked in the main car park upon arrival. Guests are permitted to drive to their lodge only during arrival and departure times to load or unload luggage. After that, the resort operates a car-free environment, enhancing safety and serenity for pedestrians and cyclists.

Parking is included in your stay and is free of charge. There are dedicated family parking bays, accessible spaces, and drop-off zones for guests with additional needs.

Car Charging Stations

Electric vehicle drivers can make use of several EV charging points located in the main guest car park. These are operated on a first-come, first-served basis and require guests to bring their own charging cable. Guests can check availability via the Pod Point or ZapMap apps before arrival.

Shuttle Service

There is no dedicated shuttle service provided by Center Parcs Elveden Forest. However, some private local taxi firms offer shuttle packages between Thetford Station and the resort, which may be helpful for guests travelling without a car.

Bike Storage

Cycling is a core part of the Center Parcs experience, and the resort features dedicated, secure bike storage areas outside each lodge. Additional public cycle racks are available near the Village Square, Subtropical Swimming Paradise, and activity centres. Guests may bring their own bikes or rent adult, child, or adapted cycles on-site.

Customer Ratings

Customer Reviews

Parents often note how safe they feel letting older children explore the village independently, and many first-time guests are impressed by how well the park caters to babies and toddlers.

“The Subtropical Swimming Paradise was amazing! My children absolutely loved the rapids, and it was warm enough for my toddler to splash around comfortably.”

“The whole site is beautifully maintained. Staff were friendly and helpful, and there was so much to do that we barely left the village.”

“We stayed in a Woodland Lodge which was spotless and perfectly located near the main square. The night-time lighting in the pool was magical.”

Safety & Cleanliness

Elveden Forest is well-regarded for its commitment to health and hygiene, particularly in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. The water park undergoes regular cleaning and water quality checks, and lifeguards are highly visible and well-trained. Numerous guests comment on how clean the locker areas and family changing rooms are, even during peak periods.

In response to Covid-19, Center Parcs introduced enhanced cleaning protocols, many of which have remained in place to reassure guests. Hand sanitiser stations, touch-free taps, and frequent disinfection of high-touch areas are standard throughout the resort.

Food & Drink

Elveden Forest offers a wide range of family-friendly restaurants, cafés, and takeaway options, all within walking or cycling distance. Popular spots include:

• Dexter’s Kitchen – a casual eatery ideal for families with burgers, wraps, and meal deals.
• Hucks American Bar and Grill – an American-style diner with a children’s buffet and free baby food.
• Bella Italia – perfect for pasta and pizza lovers with child-friendly menus.
• The Sports Café – open all day for breakfast, lunch, and evening drinks with live sports on screen.

There are also snack bars and a Starbucks within the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, allowing guests to grab light bites or drinks between swims. Picnic areas are available in outdoor sections, although bringing your own food into the swimming dome itself is not permitted.

Can I bring my own food?
Guests may bring their own food to eat outside of the pool area, particularly at lodges and designated picnic spots. Lodges include fully equipped kitchens, making self-catering a popular and cost-effective choice.

Accommodation

Yes, there is a wide range of on-site accommodation, including:

• Woodland Lodges
• Executive Lodges with saunas
• Treehouses with private hot tubs and games rooms
• Adapted Lodges for guests with mobility needs

All lodges come with a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, outdoor patio, and family-sized bathrooms. Linen and towels are included, and baby cots and highchairs are provided in all family lodges.

Seating & Lounging Areas

The swimming area has ample seating zones, both indoor and outdoor. Families often base themselves in the central seating area near the wave pool, while private cabana rentals offer a premium experience with loungers, TVs, and fridges.

Changing & Locker Facilities

Spacious and clean changing villages are located at the entrance of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. Lockers are free to use, operated via a waterproof wristband system that also grants access to your lodge. Family-sized cubicles, baby changing tables, and hairdryers are all available.

First Aid & Medical Assistance

There is an on-site First Aid Centre located near the village square, staffed by trained medical professionals. Lifeguards are also stationed at every major water attraction and are trained in CPR and emergency protocols.

Toilets

Modern, clean toilets are located throughout the village, with additional child-friendly toilets and baby changing rooms in key locations such as the water park, activity centre, and restaurants.

Water Fountains

Free refillable water stations are positioned in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and around the village square, encouraging sustainable water use. Bringing your own refillable bottle is recommended.

Wi-Fi Availability

Wi-Fi is free across the resort, including lodges and main communal areas. While signal strength may vary in forested zones, most indoor areas offer stable coverage for browsing, emails, and video calls.

Baby-Friendly Facilities

Absolutely. Center Parcs Elveden Forest is one of the most baby-friendly UK resorts, offering cots, highchairs, soft play areas, baby pools, and quiet spaces for naps and feeding.

Lost & Found Policy

Lost property can be reported at Guest Services in the village square or via the Center Parcs app. Items are tagged and stored for several weeks. In many cases, lost items are returned by post for a small delivery fee.

Smoking Areas

The resort is generally smoke-free, but there are clearly signposted designated smoking areas, typically located at the edge of major communal zones. Smoking is not permitted in lodges, near playgrounds, or in the water park.

Dog-Friendly?

Dogs are welcome in designated pet-friendly lodges, with a maximum of two dogs per lodge. Dogs must be kept on leads in public spaces and are not allowed in restaurants or the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. Dedicated dog exercise areas and bins are provided.

Which is the best Center Parcs in England?

The answer often depends on personal preferences, but Center Parcs Elveden Forest is frequently rated among the best for its Subtropical Swimming Paradise, extensive woodland surroundings, and wide variety of activities for all ages. Its flat landscape also makes it especially accessible for those with mobility needs or families with pushchairs. Many visitors consider it the best Center Parcs for water-based fun and family-friendly accommodation.

Where is Elveden Forest Center Parcs?

Center Parcs Elveden Forest is located in Elveden, near Thetford in Suffolk, East of England. The full Center Parcs Elveden Forest address is Elveden Forest, Brandon, Suffolk, IP24 3TR. It is easily reachable from London, Cambridge, and Norwich, and situated near the A11.

Center Parcs vs Forest Holidays – which is better?

Center Parcs, including Elveden Forest, is known for offering a more resort-like experience with extensive facilities such as indoor water parks, restaurants, spas, and a wide choice of activities. Forest Holidays provide a quieter, more nature-focused stay with fewer structured facilities. For families or those looking for water attractions and adventure activities, Center Parcs Elveden Forest offers more variety and convenience.

When did Center Parcs Elveden open?

Center Parcs Elveden Forest officially opened in 1989. It was the second village to open in the UK and has since undergone multiple renovations, including expansions to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, spa, and village square areas. It remains one of the most popular Center Parcs UK locations.

How many Center Parcs are there in the UK?

As of 2025, there are five Center Parcs locations in the UK:

1. Elveden Forest (Suffolk)
2. Woburn Forest (Bedfordshire)
3. Longleat Forest (Wiltshire)
4. Sherwood Forest (Nottinghamshire)
5. Whinfell Forest (Cumbria)
   Each offers its own unique setting, but Center Parcs Elveden Forest is especially well known for its rapids and subtropical indoor pool complex.

How many lodges are there at Center Parcs Elveden Forest?

There are approximately 866 lodges at Center Parcs Elveden Forest, including Woodland Lodges, Executive Lodges, Exclusive Treehouses, and Adapted Lodges. The wide selection caters to various group sizes, accessibility needs, and budgets.

Do Center Parcs Elveden Forest offer last-minute deals?

Yes, Center Parcs Elveden Forest last minute deals are occasionally available, especially outside school holidays. These can be found directly on the Center Parcs UK website and may apply to midweek breaks or shorter weekend stays. Booking early usually guarantees the best lodge availability, but flexible guests may benefit from short-notice offers.

How much is a day pass at Center Parcs Elveden Forest?

Typically, Center Parcs Elveden Forest does not offer public day passes to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. Access is reserved for overnight guests. However, some spa day packages allow non-staying visitors to use the Aqua Sana spa and specific areas of the resort for a limited time. It is best to contact Guest Services to check for availability.

Discover the beauty and excitement of Center Parcs Elveden Forest through this vibrant photo gallery. From the iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise with its lush palms, wave pool, and thrilling Wild Water Rapids, to serene lakeside moments in a kayak or relaxing in a modern waterside lodge, these images capture the essence of a nature-rich family retreat. Wander through the forest paths to find luxury treehouses and marvel at the tropical-themed indoor grottos that feel like a world away from everyday life.

Whether you are drawn to adrenaline-filled water rides or peaceful woodland escapes, this collection showcases what makes Elveden Forest one of the most stunning and immersive Center Parcs locations in the UK.