Center Parcs Woburn Forest – An Alluring UK Escape

Center Parcs Woburn Forest is a family-friendly holiday resort that combines premium indoor and outdoor leisure activities.

Center Parcs Woburn opened in 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the UK’s premier short break destinations. Set within 362 acres of stunning Bedfordshire woodland, the resort has been carefully designed to blend into its natural surroundings while offering state-of-the-art facilities. It is the closest Center Parcs location to London, making it especially popular for families in the South East of England.

Guests at Center Parcs Woburn Forest can enjoy a wide variety of experiences, from the Subtropical Swimming Paradise with its thrilling water slides and heated pools, to over 100 indoor and outdoor activities, including high ropes, zip wires, and family craft workshops. The Aqua Sana Spa provides adults with a tranquil escape, featuring multiple sensory experiences, outdoor pools, and luxurious treatments.

The resort’s accommodation options range from Woodland Lodges and Exclusive Lodges to a 75-bedroom hotel, catering to various budgets and group sizes. With family-focused dining, children’s play areas, and excellent customer service, it has become a top choice for UK holidaymakers seeking convenience, comfort, and adventure.

Seasonal Availability

Center Parcs Woburn Forest is open year-round, including public holidays. Its indoor facilities and heated pools make it a perfect all-season destination, whether you are planning a summer getaway or a cosy winter retreat.

Center Parcs Woburn Location & Directions

Woburn Forest, Fordfield Rd, Millbrook, Bedford MK45 2HZ

🗺️ Directions to Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Center Parcs Woburn Official Website & Contact Information

https://www.centerparcs.co.uk/Woburn-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

At the heart of Center Parcs Woburn Forest is the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, an expansive indoor water park kept at a balmy 29.5°C year-round. Families can enjoy a variety of pools, including wave pools, rapids, and a lazy river that winds through a lush, tropical environment.

The resort also offers more than 100 activities for guests of all ages, including aerial tree trekking, archery, indoor climbing, and the immensely popular Aqua Sana Spa for adults seeking tranquillity.

Special Rides

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise features thrilling water rides such as:

Lazy River: A gentle, scenic float ideal for relaxing and taking in the subtropical surroundings.

Tropical Cyclone: A fast-paced ride with sharp turns and a giant funnel that delivers a pulse-racing experience.

Wild Water Rapids: Outdoor rapids that take guests through twists and turns into splash pools.

Typhoon and Twister Flumes: Spiralling slides suitable for both teens and adults.

Kids & Family Areas

For younger visitors, the Venture Bay and Venture Harbour areas provide child-friendly slides, splash zones, and interactive water features. The Children’s Soft Play Area and family craft workshops offer dry land fun, while Adventure Golf and Puttify mini-golf add to the family-friendly appeal.

There are also plenty of baby changing rooms conveniently located around the swimming complex and resort village.

Relaxation Areas

Adults can retreat to the award-winning Aqua Sana Spa, which offers over 25 spa experiences across different sensory zones. Guests can unwind in forest meditation rooms, salt steam rooms, hydrotherapy pools, and enjoy luxurious treatments.

The poolside also features plenty of loungers, allowing families to relax between swim sessions.

Unique Features

One of Center Parcs Woburn Forest’s most distinctive features is its eco-conscious design, seamlessly blending into the natural forest surroundings while incorporating sustainable practices. The resort also offers:

• Luxury six-bedroom Adapted Woodland Lodges for larger groups and guests with accessibility needs
• Entertainment Hive, featuring Immersive Gamebox experiences and the latest interactive gaming activities
• Nature Centre, where families can learn about local wildlife and participate in conservation activities
• An exclusive lakefront beach area (seasonal), providing sandy shores for sunbathing and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding

The combination of exhilarating activities, thoughtful design, and family-centric features makes Center Parcs Woburn a standout destination among British holiday resorts.

Baby Changing Facilities

Center Parcs Woburn Forest is designed with families in mind, offering numerous baby changing facilities throughout the resort. You will find clean, spacious changing rooms located near the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, in restaurants, and in key activity areas. Staff regularly maintain these areas to ensure high cleanliness standards.

Bottle-Warming Stations

Many of the resort’s restaurants offer bottle-warming facilities or will gladly warm bottles on request. The Lodge accommodations come with fully equipped kitchens, including microwaves and kettles, making it easy for parents to prepare baby food and warm milk. Guests staying in the hotel also have access to baby-friendly amenities upon request.

Baby Pools

The Venture Bay area within the Subtropical Swimming Paradise includes a dedicated toddler and baby pool. It features shallow waters, soft flooring, gentle fountains, and small slides appropriate for infants and toddlers. The water temperature is comfortably warm, creating a safe and enjoyable space for little ones.

Minimum Age Restrictions

Most water play areas, including Venture Bay and Venture Harbour, welcome children of all ages with parental supervision. However, some of the larger flumes and rapids rides have minimum height or age restrictions, typically requiring children to be at least 1.2 metres tall or over the age of eight. The Aqua Sana Spa is an adults-only zone, open to guests aged 14 and over.

Extra Family-Friendly Details

• Pushchair hire is available from the resort’s Cycle Centre for families who prefer to travel light.
• The staff are trained to assist families with young children and are known for being friendly and accommodating.
• Many family lodges are single-storey, reducing hazards for crawling babies and toddlers.
• Restaurants offer highchairs and kids’ menus, with allergy-friendly options available.

Entry Fees

Unlike standalone water parks, Center Parcs Woburn Forest operates as an inclusive holiday resort. This means that guests pay for a short break package which includes accommodation and access to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise at no extra cost. Prices vary significantly depending on accommodation type, duration of stay, and season.

As of the latest data:

• Weekend (Friday to Monday) stays typically start from £499 for a family of four in a Woodland Lodge.
• Midweek (Monday to Friday) breaks often begin around £399.
• School holidays and peak periods can see prices rise to £1,200 or more for premium lodges.

Entry to the Aqua Sana Spa and certain activities (such as aerial adventures and craft workshops) incur additional charges.

Discounts & Offers

Center Parcs Woburn Forest frequently offers early booking discounts and last-minute deals, especially for off-peak stays. Families booking well in advance can often access lower rates and better lodge selection. There are occasional seasonal promotions, such as winter getaway packages and reduced pricing for midweek stays.

For those looking for Centre Parcs Woburn last-minute deals, the official website’s Last Minute Holidays page is updated regularly with discounted options.

Center Parcs Woburn Forest Tickets Booking

Bookings can be made directly through the official Center Parcs website or by calling the resort. Many guests also choose to book via trusted third-party travel providers, although direct booking often secures the best rates and ensures full access to promotions and flexible cancellation policies.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

Center Parcs offers a flexible cancellation policy. Guests can cancel or amend bookings up to a certain point before arrival, depending on the selected booking option. For maximum peace of mind, guests are encouraged to purchase Cancellation Protection at the time of booking. This covers unexpected changes in travel plans, though terms and conditions apply.

Day passes to Center Parcs Woburn Forest are extremely limited and typically reserved for spa visitors or activity guests. General public day access to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise is not available, ensuring that overnight guests enjoy a spacious, exclusive environment.

Daily Schedule

Center Parcs Woburn Forest operates 365 days a year, providing year-round access to its facilities, regardless of the season.

Open from 9:00 AM and close by 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, depending on the activity.

Subtropical Swimming Paradise

• Typically open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
• Opening times may vary slightly based on the day and season, but it remains accessible for most of the day to suit families and early risers.

Aqua Sana Spa

• Open daily from around 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Spa session times can be booked in advance.

Restaurants and shops

Most open by 8:00 AM and close between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

Activity venues

Open from 9:00 AM and close by 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, depending on the activity.

Seasonal Changes

While Center Parcs Woburn Forest operates year-round, specific outdoor activities and the lakefront beach area are seasonal and usually run from late spring through early autumn. The Entertainment Hive and indoor activities ensure that families still have plenty to enjoy even during the colder months.

Peak & Off-Peak Info

Peak times include school holidays, bank holidays, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. During these periods, activities can sell out quickly, and the resort operates at full capacity.

Off-peak times (midweek during school term dates and the winter months) offer quieter stays, lower prices, and more availability for activities and dining reservations.

Guests are advised to pre-book activities and restaurants as soon as they receive their booking confirmation to avoid disappointment, especially during peak times.

Public Transport

Center Parcs Woburn Forest is easily accessible by public transport:

Taxi services are available from Flitwick Station, and many guests opt for pre-booked minicabs.

Nearest Train Station: Flitwick Railway Station (approx. 5 miles away), offering direct connections to London St Pancras, Bedford, and Brighton.

Nearest Bus Station: Local buses serve Bedford and Milton Keynes, but there is no direct bus to the resort.

Wheelchair & Accessibility

The resort is designed with excellent accessibility features:

• Many lodges, including Adapted Woodland Lodges, offer wheelchair access, widened doors, and adapted bathrooms.
• The Subtropical Swimming Paradise has pool hoists and accessible changing facilities.
• Activity centres, restaurants, and paths across the resort are mostly step-free and easy to navigate for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

The staff are trained to assist guests with additional needs, and guests are encouraged to inform the resort of any requirements ahead of their stay to ensure appropriate accommodations are made.

Center Parcs Woburn Forest Parking

Large on-site car parks are available near the entrance. Center Parcs follows a car-free village policy: guests unload vehicles at their lodge on arrival, then park in the designated area for the duration of their stay, keeping the village safe and peaceful.

Car Charging Stations

Electric vehicle (EV) charging points are available in the main car park. Guests should check availability when booking or upon arrival, as demand can be high during peak times.

Shuttle Service

There is no formal shuttle bus service from local towns or train stations. However, taxi partnerships are often recommended, and some private shuttle services may be arranged independently by guests.

Within the resort, land trains or golf carts are not used to preserve the natural environment and tranquillity. Bicycle hire and buggy hire are available as the preferred means of getting around.

Bike Storage

Bike storage areas are provided at each lodge. Guests bringing their own bicycles can store them securely, while the Cycle Centre offers rentals and safety gear for all ages.

Customer Ratings

Customer Reviews

“Fantastic family break. The lodge was spotless, and staff went out of their way to help us with our two toddlers.”

“The swimming paradise is a hit with kids and adults alike. Slides were great fun, and the lifeguards were attentive.”

“On the pricey side, especially during holidays, but worth it for the quality and range of activities.”

Safety & Cleanliness

Cleanliness and safety standards at Center Parcs Woburn Forest are consistently rated very highly. Reviews frequently note:

• “Lodges and communal areas are kept exceptionally clean.”
• “Lifeguards are always present and vigilant at the pools.”
• “COVID-safe measures (when applicable) were thorough and reassuring.”

Families also appreciate the staff’s willingness to assist with medical needs and lost items, creating a strong sense of security throughout the resort.

Food & Drink

Center Parcs Woburn Forest offers an extensive selection of restaurants, cafes, and snack bars:

• Family favourites such as Bella Italia, Hucks American Bar and Grill, and Las Iguanas.
• Health-conscious options at Café Rouge and Sports Café.
• Grab-and-go snacks at kiosks throughout the village.
• Dining In, a delivery service offering restaurant-quality meals to your lodge.

Guests may bring their own food and beverages, and lodges come equipped with full kitchens. Supermarkets near Woburn Center Parcs, including a large Sainsbury’s in Flitwick and Waitrose in Ampthill, provide grocery options for self-catering.

Accommodation

Accommodation ranges from Woodland Lodges to Exclusive Lodges and a 75-room hotel. Many lodges feature private saunas, hot tubs, and accessible features. The six-bedroom Adapted Woodland Lodge is ideal for large groups or multi-generational families.

Seating & Lounging Areas

Ample seating areas are available around the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and across the resort. Families can reserve cabana-style seating poolside for an additional fee.

Changing & Locker Facilities

Changing rooms at the Subtropical Swimming Paradise are spacious, clean, and equipped with family-sized changing cubicles. Lockers are provided and operate using the guest wristbands issued at check-in. Lockers are included in the accommodation price — no extra fees apply.

First Aid & Medical Assistance

There is a fully staffed First Aid centre on-site. Lifeguards are stationed throughout the swimming areas, and staff are trained in first response. Emergency contact numbers for Woburn Forest are clearly displayed in all lodges and common areas.

Toilets

Clean and accessible toilets are located throughout the resort, including family toilets and baby changing areas.

Water Fountains

Free water refill stations are available across the resort to promote sustainability and guest convenience.

Wi-Fi Availability

Free Wi-Fi is available in lodges, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, restaurants, and public areas. Speeds are sufficient for streaming and basic work needs, though peak periods may see occasional slowdowns.

Baby-Friendly Facilities

Yes. In addition to the family facilities already mentioned, the staff are particularly helpful to families with young children. Highchairs, bottle-warming, and pushchair hire services are readily available.

Lost & Found Policy

The resort maintains a central Lost & Found service. Guests can report lost items through Guest Services, and found items are typically held for several weeks before being donated or disposed of.

Smoking Areas

Smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated smoking areas. The resort and all lodges are otherwise strictly smoke-free.

Dog-Friendly Details

Dogs are welcome in specific pet-friendly lodges, subject to an additional cleaning fee. Dogs must be kept on leads in public areas and are not allowed inside restaurants, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, or the spa. There are designated dog exercise areas within the resort.

Which is the best Center Parcs in England?

Center Parcs Woburn Forest is often regarded as the best for families seeking modern facilities and proximity to London. Its Subtropical Swimming Paradise, luxurious lodges, and exceptional Aqua Sana Spa make it a top choice. Reviews frequently praise Woburn for its compact layout, reducing the need for long walks compared to larger resorts.

Where is Woburn Forest Center Parcs?

Center Parcs Woburn Forest is located near Millbrook, just outside Bedford, in the county of Bedfordshire, East of England. The postal code is MK45 2HZ.

Center Parcs vs Forest Holidays — which is better?

Both offer woodland-based retreats, but Center Parcs Woburn Forest provides a full resort experience with water parks, spas, restaurants, and over 100 activities, while Forest Holidays focuses on quiet, nature-based stays with fewer organised activities and facilities. Families seeking variety often prefer Center Parcs.

When did Center Parcs Woburn open?

Center Parcs Woburn Forest opened in June 2014.

How many Center Parcs are in the UK?

There are five Center Parcs villages in the UK: Woburn Forest, Elveden Forest, Sherwood Forest, Whinfell Forest, and Longleat Forest.

How many lodges at Center Parcs Woburn?

There are approximately 625 lodges at Woburn Forest, ranging from Woodland Lodges to Exclusive Lodges, as well as a 75-bedroom hotel.

Centre Parcs Woburn last minute deals — are they available?

Yes, last-minute deals can be found on the Center Parcs official website under the Last Minute Holidays section. Discounts are often available for midweek stays and off-peak dates.

Centre Parcs Woburn day pass cost?

Day passes to Center Parcs Woburn Forest are generally not available to the public. Access is limited to guests staying overnight, maintaining an exclusive and uncrowded environment.

Our photo gallery offers a glimpse into the unforgettable experiences waiting at Center Parcs Woburn Forest. From the striking glass-domed Subtropical Swimming Paradise and its vibrant wave pools to the serene Lazy River surrounded by lush tropical plants, each image captures the resort’s blend of adventure and relaxation.

Families can be seen enjoying the calm family pool, kids riding mini jet skis, and little ones exploring the thrilling Venture Harbour splash zone. The scenic lake framed by towering pines provides a peaceful retreat, while watersports and boating add excitement to the natural setting.

Whether it is the exhilaration of the water slides or the calm beauty of the forest backdrop, these photos highlight why Center Parcs Woburn Forest is one of the UK’s most alluring family holiday destinations.