Winter Wonderland at Center Parcs
Families and couples are visiting Britain’s ultimate winter wonderland locations this Christmas, with mini-breaks at Center Parcs.
Christmas is an ideal time of year for the perfect getaway, and each December, Center Parcs across the country transform into Santa’s very own Lapland.
With plentiful activities to keep everyone merry and bright, and with four festive destinations to choose from, Center Parcs really are the meat of the feast.
Each host a variety of yuletide workshops and Santa’s Grottos for the children, as well as pony rides, nature trials, outdoor adventure activities and the famous Subtropical Swimming Paradises.
These specially designed pools ensure that it’s summer all year round with heated facilities, as families splash in the waves and shoot down the spirally slides.
Whinfell Forest, near the Lake District, is the perfect place for couples who wish to enjoy a romantic holiday in the heart of Cumbria.
Christmas treats include reindeer sleigh rides through the frosty forests, harmonic choirs and giant baubles, lights and Christmas trees to add colour and sparkle the occasion.
Evening entertainment tailored includes ‘Legends - the Definitive Collection’, comprising of music from The Beatles, Elvis Presley and Whitney Huston. And classy restaurants, such as the Rajinda Pradesh Indian cuisine and Bella Italia provide perfect opportunities for a couple’s night out.
Accommodation includes two-person apartments, which are relatively cheaper than the family lodges, and are located close to the lake and bustling village centre.
Also exclusive to Center Parcs are the Aqua Sana spa facilities. Enjoyed for their variety of steam rooms and saunas, heated outdoor pools and jet baths, Aqua Sanas are a welcome contrast from the chilly outdoors during the winter.
Boasting Balinese, Japanese, Roman and Greek themes, Aqua Sana offers the ultimate in relaxation for visitors, who can also sign up for invigorating pampering treatments.
These range from body massages, mud baths and facials, to more obscure ocean wraps and dry floatations treatments.
Available at Whinfell Forest is the ‘Rediscover Romance’ Aqua Sana treatment. Couples experience full Hawaiian Wave massages together, and are given time to relax with champagne and chocolate afterwards.
Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire is more appropriate for families, as it offers an abundance of children’s activities, such as water games with inflatables and circus workshops.
Christmas highlights include Santa’s Woodland Workshops, an Aladdin pantomime and a sensational lantern procession.
Also, Sherwood’s Subtropical Swimming Paradise hosts Britain’s only Grand Cascade family raft ride, which is a giant water slide with large rubber rings.
Entertainment and events include a ‘Toddler’s Brunch’, family quizzes and the ‘Adventures of Captain Freddie’, which are ideal opportunities for parents to spend quality time with their youngsters.
For families with older children, the Aqua Sana at Sherwood Forest offers a ‘Mother and Daughter’ pampering package. This involves two specially formulated facials; one to renew and freshen mature skin, and the other to nurture and protect younger skin.
Elevden Forest in Suffolk is perfect for adventure seekers and lovers of the great outdoors. The Country Club, archery hut, cycle centre and golf course make this an ideal destination for active couples or families.
Elevden Forest goes the extra mile at Christmas, with firework displays, a ‘Polar Bear Animatronic’ and even singing reindeer!
This is Britain’s only Center Parc which boasts a nine-hole golf course on site, rather than just a driving range, so is a great place to unwind and retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle.
In addition to day time events, Elevden Forest hosts a six-course ‘Food and Wine Evening’ in the La Sapinière restaurant, and a Jazz Brunch buffet for those early-risers.
Finally, Longleat Forest in Wiltshire has outdoor rapids as part of its Subtropical Swimming Paradise, and the Action Challenge outdoor adventures include abseiling, zip wires and tree-trekking.
A Cinderella pantomime sets off the Christmas festivities at Longleat Forest, along with the ‘Rolling Gnomes Animatronic Band’ and carriage rides.
The Aqua Sana provides interesting alternative treatments, such as a ‘Belgian Chocolate Body Wrap’, which covers the entire body in melted chocolate for a smooth and tasty finish!
The ‘Champagne and Strawberries’ treatment involves fresh strawberries blended with champagne for a sparkling experience and resulting in a vibrant glow.
For families and couples wanting to truly get away this Christmas, Center Parcs also have sunny locations throughout Europe, including The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France.
By Kay Taylor