It’s amazing how times change. I used to get excited about going on a beach holiday to Dubai, now I find myself really looking forward to a week at Elveden Forest Centre Parks…..and it doesn’t disappoint. 

 

There is something for everybody of all ages at Centre Parks. Our family party was aged from 1 year to 57 years and we all loved it. 

Just before we pulled up at the holiday village the heavens opened and the rain lashed down. This would normally make you feel like instantly turning around and head back for home. But I was confident that we would have a good time no matter what the weather, as I knew from studying the brochure that there was plenty for us to do indoors.

After queuing for about 20 minutes we were greeted by very helpful and friendly staff. They gave us our keys and a map and pointed us in the right direction.

We stayed in a lodge that sleeps up to 8 people so there was plenty of space and the accommodation was very comfortable so we immediately felt at home.

There was everything from en suites for each bedroom, televisions in every room to a barbecue, dishwasher, 2 fridges and coffee maker. Oh and how could I forget the sauna! None of us got chance to use it though. My brother did attempt it one night but couldn’t get it up and running.  

First on our list to do was to collect our bikes that we had pre booked. Four adult bikes, two with child seats and a toddler bike with stabilisers. As the weather forecast was lots of rain we, decided to swap the child seats for carriages that attached to the back of the bikes. They came in useful to put our shopping in as well as great for the kids to ride in!

We then explored the site on our bikes and headed straight for the swimming pool.

It was amazing. A wave machine, slides, rapids, and an open air salt pool. There are life jackets provided for toddlers and older children. I loved going down the water slide as did my husband, my brother and his wife. This was my favourite part as the pool was such good fun, very relaxing and lit up on an evening. We went to the pool every day.  

We tried out the children’s painting classes called Let’s Paint. Devon liked it so much we went three times during our visit. We collected his works of art and I have put them all up on the wall at home.

My nephew enjoyed the Make a Memory class where the children get to make casts and paintings of their foot and hand prints. 

My husband I tried out the gym a couple of times which was ok but could do with updating and free weights.

The exercise classes looked good, lots to choose from. I would have liked to try the boxercise class, next time!

The line dancing class was very popular. 

The children’s play areas were fantastic, offering plenty of variety. Both indoor and outdoor, we tried them all!  

My only regret is that I didn’t get chance to try out the spa. A massage, facial and reflexology would have been my choice. A good excuse to go back! 

We finished our break off with a lovely family meal at the Forrester’s situated in the Country Club. The staff here, as with all other areas of the village, were very friendly and helpful. It was a nice treat as we made our own food an all the other days.

My dad was impressed with the snooker room. 

Since returning home I really miss the car free forest that has so much to offer no matter what the weather. Cycling around is so much better than having to sit for endless amounts of time in traffic.

Elveden Forest has a lovely relaxed atmosphere, feels safe and is very child friendly.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

As well as hopefully returning to Elveden, I would love to try other Centre Parks villages, Longleat is top of my list!