Centreparcs Reviews 

On arrival we were not given any information about what we had to do or any maps. We drove to our lodge and expected some information packs but nothing. We worked out that we had to drive our car to the otherside of the park and wait late at night, in cold weather, after a long day for the train back to our lodge. So we just waited until the morning and got a ticket on our car!
The lodge was ok, but very basic. TV is not a smart tv with very few channels. Thank fully we brought a tablet so could watch films. There were not enough toilet rolls, hand wash or washing up liquid for 6 people and literally no cleaning products. I had to clean the bath out with shampoo for the next person to use it. There was no cafetiere as listed and the oven was dirty.

The bedlinen and towels were clean and the beds comfortable. Hesting was great amd shower was lovely with ample hot water.

Lighting was really bright so no ambiance. In the living area there is just spot lights so we just sat without the lights on, getting lighting from other areas in lodge. I should have brought a lamp with us.

The outside of the lodge was tired looking and no secure area for the dog.

The park was rubbish for dogs. Small doggy park areas with nothing in them. A little effort with some agility type equipment would have made a big difference to our stay.

We did not use many facilities as we just wanted to relax with friends at the lodge and were pre warned how expensive and inadequate the restaurants were.

However we did visit the Foresters just for a coffee and cake and was not impressed at all. It was really poor. I was presented with half a cup size for almost £4 and they didnt have any fresh cakes or Danish to chose from only prepacked rocky road slices etc for £3!

We got the lodge for 6 people and a dog for 4 nights for £680. just to have friends over for a bday meal. I'd say for this purpose it worked, but I certainly wouldn't want to pay any more for it.

To get around you do really need bikes but you would need to bring bikes as hiring is expensive. It took 20mins to walk from our lodge, which was the furthest away, to the centre area where the lake and restaurants are. It was a manageable distance. About 30-40mins walk to the carpark. It is a real shame they don't have scooters and bikes dotted around that you can just pick up and leave wherever you get to, fir the next person to use.

There are lots of small details they have failed to provide, which really would have changed the visit to something quite enjoyable, rather than a just making do!

We arrived and collected bikes straight away and Alan made this such a great experience. Very friendly and helpful- sorted out a child carrier for the back and made the whole experience stress free.

The overall 4 stars is based on the food quality - I think some better restaurants would improve the overall experience.

Had a mountain bike stolen from right outside our chalet next to a child's bedroom, the onsite security guard told me 9 had been stolen on the Friday alone, and holes had been cut in the fence.

Seems it's quite a common occurrence, so it would have been nice if people were warned about gangs of bike thieves operating at night, armed with bolt cutters (the bike was secured with large motorcycle chain). Customer services were completely pointless offering no more than the telephone number of the police and to contact my insurance duh.

I had to chase down the security and no substitute bike was offered, 4 days spoilt. Wait for the glib, AI generated, response here I suppose.

Probably doesn't fit the family-friendly, safe environment image because it's not really like that, in my experience.

Don't bother with the quiz either as it's another app-based cop out (didn't work due to WiFi failures) so more queuing for refunds.

First time visiting at Sherwood Forest, Newark. It was fantastic! And a special mention to our cleaner, Sue. She was lovely and made our stay more welcoming and pleasant.

Last morning here today so a quick review. First the score would have been lower if it wasn’t for the staff and customer service. This lodge is one of the more expensive with its own spa This lodge is in need of refurbishing. The sofa is the most uncomfortable ever and in general the lodge is looking tired. In the ground floor bedroom there is a water leak with wet carpet near the wall adjacent the bathroom which has not been fixed as we were told it requires an amount of work to fix. The bathroom had a lot of mould where it’s sealed against the wall.This mould is also on the skirting board in the bedroom too. Most of this was was cleaned to our satisfaction. One of the gas rings on the hot plate did not work which was fixed. However the gas oven would not work correctly and would be really hard to light which would involve holding the ignition for up to a minute. It would then randomly go out and this has not been fixed. The hot tub had some of the jets missing parts which was attended to but one whole jet which was one that was replace keeps coming out so we gave up with that part and is now left on the bottom inside the tub. We were given a partial refund which we were happy for and used on the park to do things. To me the leakwith loads of mould and the oven was the most worrying as these are health issues as some people suffer with respiratory conditions which may be effected and I would of thought a gas oven not working correctly make me wonder if these are actually serviced. The price of this accommodation is similar to a four to five star hotel and the condition and quality of the lodge should represent the price it costs. It’s a shame as we regularly come here for a short break. Might try one of the newer lodges next time.

We’ve stayed at Elveden Forest several times over the years and have always enjoyed the setting and overall concept. The forest location is still beautiful, and it remains an easy family getaway.

However, this visit felt noticeably different — and not in a good way.

Several areas now look tired. The pool area in particular is starting to feel dated and in need of investment. Given the premium pricing of a break, the overall environment should feel fresh and well maintained.

We were especially disappointed with the condition of the pool tables in the main bar. The cloth was ripped, the tables were uneven, and one even had a bent leg — yet guests are still charged to use them. That goes beyond normal wear and tear and suggests a lack of upkeep. Small details like this make a big difference when everything comes at a premium cost.

The biggest let-down, though, was the food. It felt like canteen-quality dining but at full restaurant prices. Portions were small, presentation was basic, and there was very little sense of care. Much of the menu felt very beige — heavily fried, processed and lacking freshness or creativity. When you’re paying high prices, you expect quality and attention to detail.

Our accommodation was clean, but even there the comfort didn’t meet expectations. The mattress was extremely firm and, in my case, actually caused back pain during the stay. A good night’s sleep is a fundamental part of a break, so this was disappointing.

The staff we encountered were friendly, and the break itself wasn’t ruined — but the value for money is starting to feel questionable.

It would be helpful to understand whether refurbishment or quality improvements are planned, as we’ve enjoyed visiting in the past and would like to return. At present, though, it feels like standards are slipping — which is disappointing for what should be positioned as a premium experience.

Terrible
Tried ordering the takeaway only comes with these spicy chips unable to take the seasoning off and it was terrible

NO STARS
I WOULD NEVER STAY AT CENTRE PARCS... AS I KNOE THEY TREAT THEIR CLEANING STAFF DISGRACFULLY.
THEY WORK VERY HARD AND PAID AWFULLY AND NOT GIVE NEARLY ENOUGH TIME TO CLEAN. THEY ARE ALSO TREATED TERRIBLY BY THEIR SO CALLED SUPERVISOR.
I WONDER IF IN THE TIME CLEANERS GET GIVEN TO CLEAN, CAN THEY ACTUALLY ABLE TO CLEAN IT PROPERLY?
I would not stay even I was paid to stay. How a company treats their cleaning staff says EVERYTHING about the business. DO YOU CARE??

I am not mega rich but can afford to treat myself to a decent hotel (5 star all the way), I love a bit of luxury and technology, so my reviews should be relative to the vast majority of travellers rather than the exclusive elite.
I last stayed at centreparcs longleat about 4 years ago, for the overnight spa break. Have stayed several other times at centreparcs and totally loved it. Stayed in cheaper lodges, but still clean with all appropriate amenities.
Extremely helpful staff, always lovely, friendly and polite, even when we had an issue with the heating. Immediately offered vouchers for centreparcs. On one trip, there was no water to the whole parc on arrival, meaning swimming pool closed that evening, and no water in lodge at all. We’re provided with bottled water and a letter giving FULL information about the lack of water on check-in, and told that centreparcs vouchers would be delivered to our lodge during our stay, we used vouchers to book another trip. Nothing was too much for the staff.
I am going to stay May 9th for the overnight spa break. Following 18 months of cancer treatment (6 months aggressive chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy), the break is all about rest and recuperation for me, and to celebrate beating the Big C. I’m hoping this visit will be as good as previous visits to the spa as previously, I thought the overnight spa experience was tremendous value for money.

We arrived for 9am on day 1, breakfast and lunch was included, excellent check-in service at 4pm in the spa, and all information provided. I had the hot stone massage and the facial treatments, which were perfect and worth the cost. £50.00 of vouchers to spend, which we amply used to have a food delivery to our room for our evening meal after staying in the spa til 20:30.
On day 2 check out by 10 am then back to the spa where breakfast was included, 2 more treatments of luxery manicure and pedicure and again was value for more. We also had 2 luxury bathrobes in the room that we could keep. Stayed at the spa til 8pm. We definitely got our moneies worth. The different spa rooms were all good to experience. The spa staff were very knowledgeable about different ailments and although it may have just been upselling, they recommended products for different things but did not push for sales. I have even bought same products since based on the perfect recommendation.

Based on the amazing time I had previously, I have decided it was the best option to book to celebrate my recovery and also have a relaxing time to help with the chemo residue fatigue.

Let’s hope the review I will write in May 2026, will be about a break that I loved as much as the last one.

Excellent customer service when I phoned for advice today: Julianne was knowledgeable and friendly and was able to answer all my questions re changing my booking and gave very helpful advice

Just got back from Longleat. Pretty happy with the majority of our stay, but my one big gripe is not being able to get on the land train during the day, as it was always full to capacity when it arrived. One every 20 minutes just isn't enough, they need at least one more running (currently there are two). Anyone who has limited mobility, and is looking to rely on the trains to get around the park, my advice would be 'Don't rely on them'.

Lovely. Our last visit was in April/ may time 2022, we are an elderly couple and we came to the cycle centre Sherwood Forest and we will always remember young leah and Jack the people that served us, their sparked bounced off each other me and my husband chatted to them for a long while they made our stay, we saw them on one of their duties round the park collecting bikes and again they stopped to chat to us, we both said they would go a long way together two soulmates, unfortunately they have both left we was very upset to not see them. We were greeted by a lovely bald man who delivered excellent service to me and my husband at the cycle centre. Well done cycle centre sorry couldn’t catch his name my husband thinks it began with a G? Will be back to Sherwood Forest.

See you again
Mr and Mrs W smith

I have been trying to access CP via phone , chat , to no avail . I have booking, paid for gym pass, but online asking for payment to allow my daughter to book sessions. Tried calling Whinfell but waited over 10 mins with no reply . Tried national numbers but it is automated . Tried the online chat who could not deal with query and no agents available told me to use social media which I don’t use. Very very poor communication and that’s before our stay on the 9/2 .

Absolutely awful experience. We went to Elveden from Monday 2nd to Friday 5th but left on Thursday morning. The rapids were not working when they said it would be working from Thursday which now they are saying it will be late Friday. The pool was so run down and the lodge was so grubby including the cooker. The fridge freezer hadn’t been defrosted. The dishwasher didn’t work. We were all so disappointed and felt robbed. We found a staff member being abrupt to a parent in the swimming changing rooms when she could see she was clearly struggling. I have to say on our arrival the staff at the gates were lovely and very welcoming. Hucks food was disappointing too and we had always had a good meal from there before but not on this occasion. In all honesty it’s put me off visiting again. Centre parcs has lost that luxury feeling to it.

Normally love center parcs but with the constant price increases and now the early closing times of the swimming pool it is a holiday I am not looking forward to anymore

I first went to sherwood in 1988. Went several times and introduced other people. At that time we were poor .
Now 37 years on...we cannot afford to take our grandchild...very sad rhat there is no value for those of us that came early in their uk life. Can't set dates as it doesn't fit.

Perfect for my family, my 6 and 17 year olds enjoyed it equally. Lovely accommodation, great activities and the staff made it for us.

We visited Elveden Forest this weekend for our daughter’s 8th birthday and it was a major disappointment.

The lodge was dated and poorly equipped. The oven took around double the recommended cooking time, the shower was awful, the heating controls were unreliable, and overall cleanliness was below standard.

The Cyclone ride was closed twice due to staffing issues. Changing room showers were mostly cold and only stayed on briefly, and many lockers were broken – we had to ask staff twice for help to retrieve our belongings.

Wi-Fi was intermittent (very frustrating with only basic TV channels), the grounds looked neglected with overflowing bins, and the only supermarket closed at 4pm on Sunday.

Main Centre Parcs staff were excellent, but restaurant service was poor. We have visited for years, but this time it felt tired, under-maintained and very poor value.

We will not be returning.

WiFi shocking in one of the more expensive lodges, and with a party planned for a birthday, a film night planned, and music needed, we have faulty Internet so no film night and no music in the games room. We chose a games room as we have elderly people with us, and we want to keep the noise away from them when it's late.

Reported the issue a day in advance of the party to be told they would only fix it after the party, so no films, and no music available.

In an era when everything is streamed, a lack of reliable Internet is ridiculous.

Edit. Issue now fixed, though too late for the party. Guest services have given compensation and I believe this issue is down to poor centre parcs third party IT, which ties the hands of guest services.

Poor service since covid. They don't care about disabled guests needing reasonable adjustments! You get ignored and passed pilar to post. Head office don't reply. 0 respect for guests since covid. Filling in the disabled form ia pointless because they ignore requests. Last time i will be using this company! They enjoy making things hard instead of helping at the Woburn branch. Last time an assistant cancelled my holiday and said she will refund then i was told 'you had agreed you will not have a refund' no compensation or apology offered and I am sure the person still has their job and maybe got promoted for trying to scam disabled guests. Used to be such a jice resort before covid.