Center Parcs and Covid restrictions / impacts

LouiseWoo

I'm thinking of booking a family holiday to Center Parcs in Whinfell - I've heard anecdotally that things are still being impacted quite badly by Covid - with staff shortages and things like the swimming pool and restaurants being booked up weeks and weeks in advance. Has anyone been recently. Are things running as usual or is it best spending the £1,000 + somewhere else? It's so expensive for it to be a nightmare when you get there.
Thanks in advance.

Lavendyr

We went to Center Parcs Woburn at New Year. It was the first and only visit we'd had to Center Parcs so it's hard to compare with pre-Covid. You do have to book 3 hour slots in the swimming pool in advance, but we had no problem doing this for 12 people at a time for three slots over a four night stay. Restaurants were more of a pain but we still managed to book two on-site meals at Cafe Rouge and Huck's; we ate offsite one evening and had a takeaway another. I wouldn't recommend just turning up - best to book.

The lodges were OK (we had two four-bed split level executive lodges) and very clean and the one issue we had with a shower not draining was fixed almost immediately on calling Visitor Services. You don't, however, get cleaning during your stay (or didn't at New Year). Other small things - the website said there wouldn't be chalk for the big blackboard in the living room, but it was in fact provided, and the supplies for the kitchen, bathrooms etc were replenished by a member of staff on the second day. No gaming consoles so if you hire a lodge with a gaming room, bring your own (we brought an xbox and switch).  

If you're thinking of doing it then my recommendation would be to book any activities and meals out ASAP once the booking window opens - several things were already fully booked by the time we looked at booking them. However in general it was generally a very smooth experience. 

Hope this helps.