Last weekend, we were lucky enough to head over to Center Parcs with friends to celebrate four of our birthdays. I had never been to Center Parcs before, but had heard lots of good things so was very excited to go.

We don’t go away in the U.K. very often because we have already seen a fair bit of it (living here and all), and I just prefer to travel further afield for a holiday so that we can soak up different cultures.

Anyway, the convenience of holidaying in the U.K. was quite refreshing as I didn’t have to worry about luggage restrictions and could take as many liquids as I desired. Quite the novelty!

We opted for the Center Parcs located in Woburn because it’s just an hour out of London – perfect for an after work weekend getaway.

I had some preconceptions prior to arriving at Center Parcs, I knew that it would be an activity based break, but I didn’t realise how much of a little bubble you live in and that it really is an entire mini town located in the woods. You are encouraged to leave your car in the car park for the weekend, with the option of walking between areas or cycling. I quite liked this idea because I’m a fan of walking anyway and it just made the area really peaceful.

We arrived just after 8:30pm and our lovely friends had ordered Chinese take out to be delivered shortly after our arrival which was such a good idea. I like that you can order food to be delivered to your Lodge (they also deliver G&T’s which I thought was amazing) and it just adds to the convenience that Center Parcs offers.

Our Lodge was super nice and well planned out. We had a three bedroom lodge with maid service and a sauna. The sauna was especially lovely after running around in the snow for hours (more on that later). Each room had an en suite and the whole Lodge was contemporary and clean. Just how I like it!

On our first day, we went swimming over at the subtropical paradise area. It’s super fun with a few water slides, rides, a lazy river and a wave pool. I thought that it was great although it lacked a real swimming pool and a jacuzzi. It would have been nice to have somewhere to just sit and chill in the water and personally I think a jacuzzi would be a welcome addition. We still had lots of fun there before heading over to Starbucks for a quick lunch followed by badminton. Badminton was indoors on a nice and clean court. It was really fun although I’m not very good at racquet sports. Or any sports really if we are being honest!

There are over 200 activities to do at Center Parcs which is absolutely bonkers. Everything from riding a Segway to abseiling, they’ve got it covered. I do think that the activities can work out a bit pricey though and they’ve got you over a barrel once you are there. Anyway, after badminton, we hung out at the sports bar before my friend and I disappeared to the spa whilst the boys played more badminton and went aqua jetting.

The spa was amazing! We had a massage before heading into the spa itself. The massage was great and such a treat. We could spend all evening in the spa although I honestly thought that we would be bored after an hour or so. I was very wrong! We were in the spa from 5pm until 9pm, soaking up the saunas, steam rooms and all of the other delights. They had so many themed zones that were really well put together and the place was nice and clean. Although, once again, lacking a jacuzzi!

They do have a beautiful infinity pool although it was absolutely freezing and I decided it wasn’t worth the dip in temperature. My friend had a little swim in it though. We had a perfect girly evening chatting away and embracing the spa. I think it’s a must visit if you go to Center Parcs.

On Sunday, we again went over to the subtropical paradise where an incident took place on the powerful rapids. We were trying to form a human train, although when I reached back to grab Phil, the current forced a poor innocent woman into my path which resulted in an accidental boob grab. She was chill about it, I was mortified!

It had also been snowing, but we had already booked laser combat. I’m not very good at preparing for outdoorsy stuff unless it’s a warm summers’ day at the beach and I had to partake in the laser activity which was set amongst the woodland in heeled boots. It was freezing but super fun and I didn’t even fall over – result! I was actually surprised at how well thought out the laser combat activity was and would really recommend it.

After feeling the effects of the low temperatures, we retreated to our lodge for Indian take out and a warm up in our private sauna. It was a relaxing evening after a busy weekend.

I must say that I feel like I may have the CP bug and can’t wait to book another cheeky weekend away there.

Have you been to Center Parcs before?

L x