Last Updated on 23 July 2020 by Colette
This post features a hosted stay
Our three bed executive lodge at Center Parcs, Whinfell Forest provided us with the perfect base for a weekend of relaxation, adventure and quality family time. As a family of five we are increasingly finding that renting self-catering holiday homes instead of booking hotel rooms is the way forward so we were excited to see what our accommodation at Center Parcs had to offer.
Having never stayed with Center Parcs before I can’t compare our Executive Lodge to their more basic offerings however I can tell you that we were impressed by the spacious, family friendly layout.
The Lodge comprised of a large open plan living space with a well equipped kitchen and a dining table to seat eight along with three bedrooms – two doubles and a twin, each with their own en-suite bathroom. Our Executive Lodge also had a sauna though I must admit this wasn’t something we were particularly interested in using and would have been much more excited had we had a hot tub to lounge in after the kids were in bed!
The beds were comfortable – not too soft, not too firm – with plenty of pillows and luxury bed linen which was a joy to slip into after a long day of family fun! Nobody had any trouble sleeping that’s for sure.
The Executive Lodges offer a daily maid service which was such a treat – the benefits of a self catering property with the freshly made beds of a hotel room! It was so lovely to come back to our accommodation after a morning at the pool to find the dishwasher had been emptied and the beds made, it’s the little things that can make such a difference isn’t it?
Although we didn’t watch much TV the kids were frustrated by the lack of channels, that said Dave and I did find ourselves watching a badger on one of the site channels one night whilst waiting for Love Island! It was surprisingly engaging – a bit like Big Brother with wildlife I guess. Each room also featured a flat screen TV but I don’t think we even turned them on.
Had the weather been kinder to us then our private outside space would have been wonderful – we had a table to seat six, space for a BBQ and room to play without being overlooked by other guests. As it was, it was fairly grey all weekend so during the odd moments of sunshine we popped across the road to the adventure play area rather than sitting around at the Lodge. I must admit I would have loved to have been able to sit out there of an evening and enjoying a gin & tonic!
As part of our booking we had a “Family Grocery Pack” waiting for us on arrival – this is something which can be ordered online beforehand and is really handy as it means you’re all set up for breakfast the following day without having to think about it too much. As it was we planned to self-cater the majority of our trip – personally I think it’s just easier (and cheaper) when you’re travelling with little ones. Although there was plenty of cupboard space and a wine fridge (which Dave took something of a shine too) the actually fridge itself was fairly small and it took some careful packing to fit in our groceries for the weekend – certainly something to bear in mind when you are planning your meals beforehand.
Everything about our Center Parcs Executive Lodge was well thought out – there was plenty of storage space for bike helmets, coats, bags or even a pushchair in a cupboard right near the door. This cupboard also housed the usual household bits and bobs – an ironing board, a mop – all the things you have no desire to use on holiday but might actually need. I loved that the patio doors had leaf stickers on them – not just for decoration but to make sure people realised the doors were shut so they wouldn’t walk into them. Each bathroom had a large towel rail which heated up quickly and was great for drying out your swimming stuff ready for the next day! The Executive Lodge was a really generous size for a family of five – Dave and I both said it would have been ideal for a family of four plus Grandparents. We loved how close it was to the Adventure Play Area and the Village Centre which was easily within walking distance (though we tended to cycle just for the novelty factor!)
I filmed a quick video tour of our Executive Lodge Whinfell Forest if you want to get a better feel for the size and layout:
*We stayed with Center Parcs free of charge for the purposes of writing this post. All thoughts and opinions remain my own*
I love the lodges they are such a great home from home aren’t they, we have had many happy trip to Centre Parcs it really is part of our little family history x
I think renting such a nice house for a vacation is pretty amazing for a family. The place looks nice from the photos, I wonder what the surroundings of it looks like.
We’ve stayed in exactly this type of lodge before. I think they’re ideal as they’re nice and spacious, feel luxurious but aren’t the most expensive type of accommodation either so a stay won’t break the bank!
The lodge looks amazing! We haven’t been to Center parks in years, we definitely need to go back at some point soon x
Oooh this looks good! I’ve never been to Center Parcs but am really keen to go soon with our children! Love that its quite spacious so you’re not all under each others feet too.
This looks like a lovely home away from home. I would love to visit.
Ah centre parcs, such a beautiful place, we loved every minute of it, so much fun! Glad you guys had a nice time.
We had never been to Centre Parcs and surely want to make it sometime. Looks to be a very nice outing for the family and wish to be there sometime soon!
This looks brill, I definitely need to price up center parcs for myself.
Nick always fancied trying Centre Parcs when ours were young, I think we’ve probably left it too late now but they always look good fun. #TriedTested
This looks wonderful, we have been to Center Parcs for the day but not stayed before- it’s definitely on our wish list!
We love Whinfell Forest and have been a few times. Can’t beat a Centre Parcs break! #TriedTested
I absolutely love Center Parcs and as we live only 25mins away from Sherwood Forest, we were lucky enough to go every year as children so I have so many memories of going there! I haven’t been for a while but I know they have updated a lot of their lodges and yours looks great! I haven’t been to the Whinfell forest parc but it looks really fun. Theres always plenty to do and lots to see!
#TriedTested
I had to giggle a bit at the start when your husband jumped along as well.
That lodge is super spacious. I might actually still consider this place for August.
I think it’s hilarious that you made them wait outside. HAHA
It does look so comfortable and I like the extra touches of the grocery pack and daily service so you do feel you’re having a break from it all.
We are a family of 6 and we are finding it harder and harder to find places that accommodate us without paying a fortune for extra rooms or appartments. We have stuck with self catering holidays for this reason the last few years. These lodges look amazing and I have always wanted to go to Center Parcs cant wait t read more about your stay as we have the age gap problem as well so need to cater for 3 year olds and a 9 and 12 year old
I have always wanted to visit Center Parcs. It always looks super amazing! Great review. #triedandtested.
Wow! I would love to visit Center Parcs. The lodge looks lovely.
I love your blogging with a mixture of vlogs and a funny story. Never been to Centre parcs but would defo consider it having seen this. Probably not in an “Executive” lodge though!!
Have to see where the nearest one is to me. Thanks for the info!
I would like to try center parcs again now the boys are bigger. I think they would get more out of it
We haven’t been to Center Parcs yet but it looks lovely. I really like that you have the outside seating which is lovely when you’re doing self-catering. It’s on our to-do list
I love center parcs!! Though I haven’t been for years since before children. Looks great
I went to Center Parcs as a kid and I’m really keen to go again with my own family. The executive lodge looks great, it certainly is easier going self catering when you have children. #TriedTested
We go for self catering lodges now there are 5 of us. I’ve never been to Center Parcs but the facilities look great
It looks fab – we were really impressed with our lodge when we stayed last year. We only had one of the basic ones but it wasn’t much different apart from not having ensuite bathrooms and no maid service!
I love centre parcs although think it is rather expensive. It is great to go with my parents when we split the cost of a big lodge though! However we always go back because we have such a great time!
You had me at daily maid service. I really think we need a Center Parcs break! It is a long time since we visited
I really really have to get around to going here…
I’ve never been here before. I’ve done lots of park style holidays, but never done Centre Parcs. Looks fab and what a great place to go. Kids would love it xx
Oh my goodness this looks nicer than our home!! #TriedTested