Our Second Center Parcs Trip: What I’m Doing Differently

We first visited Center Parcs Woburn back in summer 2023 for the girls’ birthday (and mine too – we’re only five days apart). It was our first trip, and although it was expensive, it felt worth every penny. We stayed in a 3-bed Executive Lodge with a sauna (now called a Forest Lodge), and it felt like such a treat.

We booked nearly a year in advance to secure the exact dates we wanted. Center Parcs is so popular that if your dates matter, I’d always recommend booking as early as possible – even just securing it with a deposit.

First Trip vs This Time

On our last trip, I tried to do a bit of everything. I only booked one restaurant in advance, and we mostly cooked in the lodge. I packed loads of snacks and lunch bits because I’d heard the on-site supermarket was pricey.

We swam a lot, and I booked a cabana a couple of times, which I loved – having that quiet space away from the noise made such a difference.

But overall, I still felt like I was “managing” the trip rather than fully relaxing into it.

This time, the goal is simple: ease and enjoyment.

We’ll be eating out for lunch and dinner every day (breakfast will stay simple in the lodge), and instead of packing everything, I’ll just order essentials when we arrive – plus a few cheeky M&S snacks, of course.

I’ve still planned things (because I can’t not!), but now it’s about creating a natural flow to our days rather than winging it – which is what it felt like last time, other than the few things I managed to organise ahead of time. We’re not overloading on activities but we’ll be doing loads that we missed last time and of course we’re making space to relax.

What I’m Doing Differently This Time

Booking
We booked everything as early as possible again – accommodation, restaurants, and swimming cabanas all sorted around 12 weeks in advance. It takes the pressure off completely once it’s done.

Activities
We still have a plan for each day, but it’s much more balanced – time for activities we want to do, downtime, and just enjoying the lodge (and the sauna!). Last time we were a bit limited by the group we were with; this time, we’re going with people who enjoy the same things, which makes everything feel much easier. We have a nice mix of kids only and group activities to enjoy.

Food
This is probably the biggest change. If your budget allows, I’d really recommend eating out more. There are so many options, and not having to cook makes the whole experience feel like a proper break. I think that’s the beauty with Center Parcs, you can do it your way – on a budget or make it a little more luxurious.

Towels
We’ll be bringing beach towels this time. The pool towels are quite small, and lodge towels aren’t replaced during your stay, so having extras just makes life easier.

Swimming
Booking a cabana every time we swim. Having that private space to reset, grab a drink, and take a breather makes such a difference – especially with kids. There’s also a small resturant on site and a Starbucks – ideal for a little treat in the cabana.

Walking
We didn’t do much walking last time, so we’re really looking forward to exploring more of the village and slowing things down a bit. Hiking boots on the packing list.

This trip feels different already. It’s less about doing everything and more about enjoying it – properly switching off and spending quality time together. And honestly, that feels like the biggest win. I’ll definitely be sharing how it all goes when we get back.