Sitting on the beach with her little toes wriggling in the sand, as sandcastles take shape around her only to be ruthlessly knocked down again moments later, my toddler's contentedness is obvious.
As is ours, if we're being honest. The sun is shining, there's a fresh breeze just this side of nippy blowing, and the water is lapping up against the beach, gently bobbing the boats moored to the nearby peer.
We're not actually at the coast though. In fact looking at the map, on an island the width of England there are not many places much further from the sea.
Our little slice of happiness is a halfmoon of golden sand nestled up against a lake that is itself surrounded by the rural forest of inland Bedfordshire.
We find ourselves first-time visitors to the Center Parcs Woburn Forest resort, near Milton Keynes.
And being first time parents as well, we had been keen to try out a Center Parcs - billed as they are as family friendly local UK resorts - removing the need for pricey (and, let's face it, sometimes painful) flights with our little one.
So here we all are, grandparents in tow, soaking up a bit of sun amongst other similarly happy-looking families, and already thinking that a Center Parcs holiday might be just what the doctor ordered for our newly enlarged family.
Accommodation - Lodges at Center Parcs Woburn Forest village
First up, let's start with one of the main considerations of any trip - a review of the accommodation options.
At Center Parcs, these mainly comprise what they call their 'Lodges' (although there is also a separate hotel on site with rooms and apartments, as well as a few - pricey! - treehouses).
We have booked ourselves into a standard 3-bedroom Woodland type lodge, the layout of which comprises 3 double or twin bedrooms, one of which also has an en-suite bathroom with a shower.
For the other 2 bedrooms, there is a second shared bathroom with a bath tub. And there is a generous open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room area.
Everything here is very tidily put together, and while it is not the height of luxury, it is still very comfortable.
In addition, there is everything that you could possibly need for a stay with a toddler, including things like a high chair for meals and a cot in the bedroom (though bring your own bedding), a stool in the bathroom, and even a chalk board for their entertainment.
The lodges are attached to one another, meaning shared walls, and we did find ourselves wondering how much noise would travel from our neighbours given most units would be filled with excitable holidaying children. But whether we simply got lucky, or there is more sound proofing between lodges than is apparent, this was not a problem for us at all.
For those willing to splash a bit more cash, there are also the 'Executive Lodges' apartment type, which come with a bunch of additional little luxuries. The main guaranteed ones being en suite bathrooms and televisions in all the rooms. A few also have a sauna or games room, although do check this in advance before booking.
And for anyone wanting to push the boat out even further, there are the 'Exclusive Lodges', which come with their very own private hot tub, sauna, steam room and games room!
Subtropical Swimming Paradise at Center Parcs
Next up, the main attraction at any Center Parcs location: the water park!
If you have a toddler, as we do, then the Subtropical Swimming Paradise at Center Parcs is honestly nothing short of magical! Our little one quite literally could not get enough of it.
This indoor tropical pool paradise is made up of multiple areas, the majority of which are perfect even for the smallest of kids provided they are supervised.
There are water slides for toddlers, which our 2-year old delighted in going down endlessly. There are splash pools for the littlies, as well as a larger central pool which periodically turns into an indoor sea as the waves materialise (just listen out for the tarzan sounds!).
There's the Venture Harbour Family Play area - a gigantic construction of slides, sprayers and fountains that also periodically dumps buckets of water on unsuspecting dawdlers below. And of course the popular lazy river.
Adults and older kids are not left out either. In addition to the above, there are a few exhilarating rides and slides, both with or without tubes, and a wild water rapids river that wanders partly outside of the heated water park dome.
Before arriving at Center Parcs, we had initially planned on booking a few of the additional activities offered at the resort (more on that later) to keep our toddler entertained. But in all honesty, for toddler age children the Subtropical Swimming Paradise is sufficient to have a brilliant holiday all on its own! Our little one was thrilled to head back there whenever possible, and the little kids are so worn out after a couple of hours of water-filled fun that tiring them out to get to bed is never a consideration.
Swimming Pool Facilities
Before venturing into the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, you'll pass through the changing facilities. It is a large area with a ton of stalls for getting changed, some for single occupants and others large enough for a small family.
Head out the opposite door of your stall and you'll find the passageway leading past the lockers available for storing unneeded bits and any valuables.
The whole setup is very well thought out. Given how busy it can get inside during peak times, the large lockers are extremely useful for keeping baggage to a minimum within the water park. Many of our fellow visitors seemed to have nothing much more than their towels with them inside the dome.
And finally, just before entering the heated water park, you'll pass through a shower area, useful for a quick rinse after a long day in the water, before heading back into the changing facilities.
Food and Drink inside the Subtropical Swimming Paradise
You can of course take your own food and snacks into the water park if you'd prefer, and we certainly did take a little bit for our daughter.
Especially if your child is still small, you're likely to want some specific food for them, or at the very least perhaps something a bit healthier than the choices on offer from the café menu inside.
On the other hand, it is a bit of a pain having to lug around too much food inside the Swimming Paradise.
For convenience, or frankly just for the pleasure of grabbing some food to go on holiday, there is the Canopy Café and Bar inside the park, which serves a variety of fast food and drink options.
You will definitely find something to please even the fussiest of little eaters, on a menu that ranges from pizzas and nachos to hot dogs and fries. Pretty much everything we tried during our Center Parcs stay at the Canopy Café was perfectly decent, given the location. We did, however, once order one of the fruits-on-a-stick on offer, in an effort to add some vitamins to our kiddo's meal, but we were to be disappointed. The fruit was all but inedible. Lesson learnt I suppose, next time we'll stick to what they do best.
Elsewhere in the water park there is also a Starbucks for anyone wanting a caffeine fix or hot beverage between water world adventures.
Other Things To Do at Center Parcs
The best things in life are free, as they say, and so one of the best things to do at Center Parcs is simply to go for a walk. The great outdoors at any of the Center Parcs locations is beautiful, the nature of the British countryside woodlands on full display.
(For another wonderful family day out idea, walking in the stunning English countryside, consider a visit to New Forest's lovely Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary!)
The fact that Center Parcs is also largely car free means this is safe as well, and trying to spot some of the local wildlife is fun for all members of the family. Even for tiny kids who aren't able to walk all that far on their own - simply head out with the pram, the paved roads throughout the resort are easy to navigate, and no matter where your lodge is located, none of the sites are all that far.
Hikes around the resort, playing on the beach by the lake or at one of the outdoor children's play areas, and of course the water park, are unfortunately where the free options at Center Parcs come to an end! (Unless you plan on bringing any activities along with you.)
In fact, a stay at Center Parcs is almost tailor-made to try to separate you from your money.
Activities at Center Parcs
For kids of all ages (as well as adults!), there is a lengthy list of bookable activities to add to the fun of a stay at the park.
For the youngest, there are things like face painting or baby owl adventures. Or capture your memories by getting imprints of their hands and feet. There's story and singing time, or sensory play. Decorating ceramic pots, or football factory for tots. The list goes on...
Older kids can go aqua jetting, learn how to build a nature house, become a chocolate chef. Master swordplay in a fencing class. Hit the indoor climbing adventure.
To make the most of the outdoorsy nature of the site, the is a wealth of things to do outside too. From bikes for hire to outdoors sports like tennis, or a game of archery. There's a zip-line or a tree climbing adventure, or you could go paddling on the lake. Build a woodland hideaway den, or learn the art of falconry. All of it for a price though.
Fun activities for the whole family abound. Just hit the mini adventure golf course together, or navigate a forest discovery trail, or complete the family nature quest. Cruise around the lake in an electric boat.
At the indoor sports complex on the central village square, there are a bunch of ways to have a more active holiday, including badminton or pickle ball or squash courts, a roller skate rink, pilates or bollywood dancing classes, table tennis and pool tables.
And we've just scratched the surface! According to the Center Parcs website there are over 200 activities for which you could make a booking!
And if you're in the mood for some retail therapy, there are even some shopping options - the likes of toys and sweet shops, souvenirs or beauty products, and the odd clothing store.
Aqua Sana Forest Spa Woburn Forest
And of course, don't forget the Aqua Sana Spa. Pre-book your spa day experience, from a range of relaxing and revitalising treatments.
Restaurants at Woburn Forest
Before even mentioning all the various restaurant options, it's worth reiterating that the lodges at Center Parcs are very comfortably setup, and really lend themselves to self-catering. This is especially useful for those families like us with little ones who still need a nap, or any families with specific dietary requirements.
Just wander back to your accommodation, pop the kids in bed, and rustle up a quick meal in the fully equipped kitchen. No need to head out to eat at all if this is your preference, or if you'd simply like to keep an eye on the budget. Because let's be honest, holidaying as a family does not come cheap, and the Center Parcs resorts are particularly good at encouraging more spending.
There is a decent sized supermarket at Woburn Forest, which stocks everything you'll need during your stay. However, it's not likely to be the cheapest way to feed your family, so it's a good idea to do at least some of your grocery shopping in advance and bring much of what you plan to eat along with you.
That being said, convenience is also an important consideration when on holiday, and sometimes you just want someone else to do the dishes. At Center Parcs there is an abundance of different restaurant options to cater for every taste.
There are quite a few of the well-known popular high street food options, including the likes of Cafe Rouge, Amalfi and Las Iguanas. There's an indian restaurant option for that satisfying Friday night curry. You'll also find a large Sports Cafe and pub, an American Bar & Grill restaurant, as well as a Starbucks. And last but not least, there's the ever popular Pancake House (see below).
In addition to all the above, you can also request a takeaway delivery straight to your accommodation, from a menu you'll find in your lodge. From our experience, having ordered in food once during our stay, we found the quality a bit disappointing. Better to eat on site at the restaurants themselves in our opinion.
The Pancake House
Let's be honest, holidays are no time for dieting. Healthy eating, along with the other realities of life, can wait until we're back home. And what is more indulging than a warm freshly made waffle covered in whipped cream?
For that, and many other treats to please any sweet tooth, head straight for the Pancake House, overlooking the Center Parcs lake, and a firm family favourite.
The Pancake House menu is packed with tasty goodies! There are the expected American pancake options, as well as plenty of breakfast staples like french toast or granola. For those keen on savoury options there are various toasties and omelettes available. And of course, we've mentioned those waffles!
Do note that you will need a booking for the Pancake House so make sure to plan ahead.
Center Parcs Woburn Forest General Information
Arrival and Departure times
Check in times: You will be able to access your lodge accommodation from 4pm onwards. However, you can arrive at Center Parcs any time from 10am in the morning, in which case you will park your car in the car park, and wander over to the resort on foot, where you can access all the facilities while you wait for your lodge to be ready.
Early check-in from 2pm is available for an additional fee.
Check out times: Checkout from your accommodation is by 10am on the day of your departure. Once again though, you are welcome to park your car in the car park and continue to access the resort activities for the remainder of the day.
Day Passes for Center Parcs
A full-day visitors day pass is available for a price for any of your friends and family who would like to join you during your Center Parcs stay. These do need to be booked in advance though. The day pass cost is in the region of £30-50 per person, depending whether you are booking for a weekday or a weekend, and for an adult or a child.
Per the rules, day visitors must have left the resort by midnight.
Come Back Soon discount at Center Parcs
Center Parcs has a Repeat Guest Offer whereby they will send you a code for a £50 discount when you checkout from your stay. The code will give a discount on your next Center Parcs break if booked within a month of returning home. The discount is per unit of accommodation, so if you are booking more than one lodge you can get multiple discounts.
Final Review of Center Parcs Woburn Forest
The resort at Woburn Forest is the newest, as well as one of the best Center Parcs locations in the UK. As first time visitors to Woburn Forest, we were honestly very impressed.
Being able to have a family holiday locally in the UK, and avoiding all the hassle and costs associated with international travel, is already worth its weight in gold. But of course, the holiday still needs to be enjoyable. And Center Parcs is absolutely that.
The lodges are comfortable, spacious and well equipped. The facilities are top notch and comprehensive, catering for everyone from the youngest toddlers through to adults. And the locations, based as they are within some lovely inland forests, are ideal.
Of course, all this comes at a bit of a price. Particularly during school holidays, the rates at Center Parcs can be particularly high. Still, out of season the costs are generally more reasonable, and you definitely get what you pay for.
For our part, assuming the price is right, we will most definitely be back. We had a great time on our first visit to Center Parcs, and there are sure to be more.
Location: Center Parcs Woburn Forest Address: Millbrook Rd, Bedford, Postcode: MK45 2HZ
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