So, you've booked your Center Parcs getaway and the big day has finally arrived 🎉
Are you excited? I bet you can't wait to get into the Village and start exploring but let's talk about what to expect when you first roll up to the village gates and how to make your arrival as smooth as possible.
Are you excited? I bet you can't wait to get into the Village and start exploring but let's talk about what to expect when you first roll up to the village gates and how to make your arrival as smooth as possible.
First things first, arrival day at Center Parcs can be a bit of a whirlwind. Not going to lie, you can expect queues, cars and a bit of chaos. Picture this: cars queuing up, families eagerly peering out of windows, and a palpable buzz of holiday excitement in the air. It's all part of the experience, but if you're not prepared, it can feel a tad overwhelming.
Here's a little insider tip for you. Check in time for lodges is typically 4pm so if you can swing it, try to either arrive a bit earlier (you can enter the Village from 10am) or a bit later in the day. I know, I know, you're itching to start your holiday so the idea of going later will be wild and it might feel like you're wasting your time if you arrive too early, but hear me out. The peak arrival time is usually early afternoon, and that's when you'll encounter the longest queues. If you roll up either side of this peak time, you'll likely breeze through the Center Parcs check-in faster than you can say "forest retreat."
But let's say you can't avoid the peak times. No worries! There's a silver lining to everything, right? Use this as an opportunity to get a head start on your holiday planning. While you're waiting in the queue, why not get your family to pull out their phones and book any activities they've been eyeing?
If you get in the park before you're able to check into your lodge you can explore the full village. A favourite in my household is to go straight to the swimming. Yup, when you get to Center Parcs the subtropical paradise awaits, and there's no better way to shake off the car journey than with a splash in the pool.
Speaking of activities, here's another pro tip: if you haven't already, book your first day's activities in advance. Trust me, it's a game-changer. While everyone else is scrambling to figure out what to do, you'll be confidently striding to your first adventure. Archery, anyone?
Now, let's talk grub. After a day of traveling and settling in, the last thing most of us want to do is cook a gourmet meal. I'll let you in on a little secret: my personal preference is to stay in the lodge that first night. There's something magical about that first evening in your home-away-from-home. Grab some easy-to-prepare food from the on-site shop (or better yet, bring some with you - a favourite for us is an M&S dine in), and have a relaxed dinner in your lodge. It's the perfect way to unwind and start getting into that holiday mindset.
Oh, and don't forget to do a quick sweep of your lodge when you arrive. Make sure everything's ship-shape, and if anything's not quite right, let the staff know right away at Guest Services usually found in or near the Village Centre. They're usually super quick to sort things out. Of note check you have enough high chairs, travel cots and if you need them bed guards.
Remember, your car needs to be back in the car park after you've unloaded. It's all part of keeping the village car-free and safe for little ones (and big ones) to cycle around. Use this as an excuse for a little explore – you might discover a hidden gem of a spot on your way back from the car park. If you brought an electric vehicle this is your best opportunity to plug in so you have enough range for the (sad but inevitable) trip home - we have a guide on how to overcome the clunky experience for car charging at Center Parcs.
Your arrival day at Center Parcs doesn't have to be stressful. With a bit of planning and the right attitude, it can be the perfect start to your forest adventure.
One last tip that could save you some serious cash. If you've already booked your Center Parcs break (or you're thinking about booking one), don't forget to use our Come Back Soon Tracker. It's a useful little tool that keeps an eye on the price of your booking. If the price drops after you've booked, it'll give you a heads-up via email so you can take advantage of Center Parcs' Come Back Soon Offer.
Just pop in your booking details, and we'll do the rest. You could end up saving hundreds of pounds – and who doesn't love a bit of extra spending money for activities or treats during their holiday? So go on, give it a try. Your wallet will thank you, and you'll have even more reason to look forward to your Center Parcs adventure!
Ready to start tracking your Center Parcs booking? Head over to the Come Back Soon Tracker "Get Started" page now and let the savings begin!
