Center Parcs is a popular UK short-break destination known for its forest-based villages and extensive range of recreational activities. While many activities incur additional costs, there are several free opportunities available to guests. This article outlines complimentary activities and details regarding the hire of cabanas within the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, based on information from available sources.
Complimentary Activities at Center Parcs
Guests can access a variety of free activities during their stay. The most significant of these is unlimited use of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, which is included in the accommodation booking. This facility is more than a standard swimming pool; it is a heated water park with a water temperature maintained at 29.5 degrees Celsius. The swimming complex includes wave pools, water slides, a children’s water play area, and designated cabana areas.
Cycling is another free activity that is integral to the Center Parcs experience. The villages are designed to be navigated primarily by bicycle, and guests are encouraged to explore the forest tracks and village layout on two wheels. This mode of transport is often described as the best way to get around the village.
Cabana Hire in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise
For guests seeking a more private base within the swimming complex, cabanas are available for hire. These are wooden huts located within the Subtropical Swimming Paradise at various Center Parcs locations, including Whinfell, Woburn, and Sherwood Forest. The cabana service is a paid enhancement, not a free sample or promotional offer.
Booking and Pricing
Cabanas are booked via the Center Parcs online booking system. The standard hire session is for three hours, with different time slots available throughout the day. The price varies based on the number of people the cabana accommodates (typically for four, six, or eight guests) and the time of day. Evening sessions, such as the 5.45pm to 8.45pm slot, are generally priced lower than daytime sessions. While there is plenty of free seating available in the swimming complex during evening hours, some guests book cabanas as a special treat.
Upon booking, the confirmation email indicates the cabana is located in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise but does not specify the exact check-in point. At Center Parcs Whinfell, guests need to enter the pool area, turn left, and locate the lifeguard station near the inflatables sales point to check in for their cabana. It is assumed the process is similar at other locations.
Cabana Features and Location
Cabanas at Whinfell are situated in a private area overlooking the main pool, though some are in more public areas near slides and the outdoor pool. Guests preferring a more private location can request this from a lifeguard. At Woburn, all cabanas are located in a private area.
The interior of a cabana typically includes: - Comfy seats and footstools - A safe - A fridge stocked with complimentary soft drinks and water - Towels for the number of guests the cabana is for - Magazines - A large television - A large rubber ring and a beach ball for pool use
Special Additions and Cabana Cove
For special occasions, such as birthdays, guests can inform the lifeguards or swimming complex manager when checking in. In some instances, the cabana has been decorated with banners and balloons. There have also been reports of complimentary items like ice creams, a card, wine, chocolates, and a personalised inflatable being delivered as a gesture of goodwill if a decoration was missed.
A new development at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest is the introduction of Cabana Cove. This is a private area offering exclusive access to a cabana and a relaxing whirlpool. Guests at Cabana Cove can also order food and drink directly to their cabana and arrange Aqua Sana treatments.
Family Suitability and Tips
Cabanas are particularly useful for families. They provide a secure base for belongings and a place to relax, while children can swim in the nearby pools. The proximity of the cabanas to the pool area at Whinfell allows children to swim independently while adults relax in the adjacent hot tub.
A tip for guests is to be aware of the booking process flaw where the specific check-in location is not detailed in the confirmation. Guests should plan to locate the lifeguard station upon arrival at the swimming complex to secure their cabana.
Conclusion
The primary free activity at Center Parcs is the use of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and the opportunity to cycle around the village. For guests desiring a private, enhanced experience within the swimming complex, the hire of a cabana is available, though this is a paid service. The cabana provides a dedicated space with amenities such as towels, a fridge with complimentary drinks, and entertainment facilities. The service is adaptable for special occasions, and a new, premium Cabana Cove option is available at Sherwood Forest.