Can You Take Dogs to Centre Parcs? A Guide to Dog-Friendly Adventures
If you’re a dog owner, planning a holiday often involves one big question — can you bring your furry friend along?
The answer for Center Parcs is a resounding yes!
Center Parcs is a pet-friendly destination, offering excellent facilities and accommodation options so your pooch doesn’t have to miss out on your next adventure.
From the serene lakeside lodges to the forest trails perfect for long walks, Center Parcs promises an enjoyable escape for both people and pets.
Whether you’re considering a short break at the Forest, exploring the woodland beauty of Whinfell Forest, or spending quality family time at Longleat Forest, here’s everything you need to know about taking your loving companion to Center Parcs.
Dog-Friendly Lodges at Center Parcs
Center Parcs offers exceptional options for pet-friendly accommodation, so you can book your perfect lodge without leaving your lovely dog behind.
Most villages, including Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Woburn Forest, and Longleat Forest, have pet-friendly lodges.
These lodges are really kitted out to make your stay as comfortable as possible while ensuring your canine companion feels at home.
What to Expect from Pet-Friendly Accommodation
The pet-friendly lodges at Center Parcs are designed with pets in mind. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Space & Comfort: The lodges offer plenty of room for you, your family, and your dog to relax together.
- Outdoor Convenience: Many lodges include a patio or garden, providing a secure space where your dog can play outside.
- Dog-Friendly Features: From water bowls to easy-clean flooring, you’ll find small touches in the accommodation that make caring for your dog easier during your stay.
- Proximity to Nature: Most lodges are nestled close to walking trails, lakes, and open areas, offering peaceful spots to enjoy some outdoor time or even consider living permanently in a lodge.
When booking your next lodge, just check the pet-friendly options for availability and specific offerings at your chosen village.
The Best Center Parcs Villages for Dog-Friendly Breaks
Each Center Parcs village offers unique attractions and surroundings, but here are some highlights particularly suited to enjoying a holiday with your pooch.
Whinfell Forest
Located in Cumbria, Whinfell Forest is known for its tranquil woodland setting and lakeside views. It’s an ideal location for families travelling with pooches.
The forest trails here are a must for scenic exercise and relaxation. The towns nearby also offers plenty of pooch-friendly outdoor areas to explore.
Forest Holidays
Forest holidays, in Suffolk, is another top choice for your furry friend. The expansive woodland trails and fresh air make it perfect for long walks with your dog.
Don’t miss the lakeside paths where the whole family, including your pet, can enjoy some refreshing adventure.
Longleat Forest
Set amid the stunning Wiltshire woodland, Longleat Forest is perfect if you’re looking for a short break with exciting outdoor activities. For those seeking a countryside retreat elsewhere, explore luxury lodges for sale in the Yorkshire Dales to find your perfect escape.
There are extensive walking routes for your dog through the beautiful forest areas, making it a great choice for active dogs.
Elveden Forest
Forest is a dog-friendly haven nestled in the heart of nature, offering scenic woodland trails and open spaces perfect for adventurous pups. With its peaceful surroundings and plenty of sniff-worthy spots, it’s an ideal getaway for dogs and their owners to explore and unwind together.
Sherwood Forest
This Nottinghamshire park offers everything from outdoor sports to relaxing woodland walks. Sherwood Forest’s dog-friendly lodges are close to trails that will keep both you and your dog entertained throughout your stay.
Woburn Forest
This newer addition to Center Parcs, in Bedfordshire, is designed to accommodate guests of all kinds, including those with pets. The beautifully landscaped grounds and peaceful woodland settings are perfect for families travelling with dogs.
Exploring the Outdoors with Your Dog
Center Parcs is all about enjoying the outdoors, and this extends to its dog-friendly facilities which are very welcome to all pet . Here are some activities and areas your dog will absolutely love during your stay.
- Walking Trails: From forest walks to lakeside paths, every village offers scenic routes for walking your dog.
- Dog Exercise Areas: Dedicated exercise areas are available where your dog can run free and play.
- Relaxing by the Lake: Villages like Whinfell Forest and Elveden Forest offer picturesque lakes where you can sit back and enjoy the serene atmosphere with your pet by your side.
Just make sure your dog is kept on a lead in public areas to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests.
Facilities for Guests Travelling with Dogs
Center Parcs ensures that travelling with your dog is as simple as possible, providing thoughtful facilities for dog owners.
- Dog-Friendly Restaurants: While dogs are not allowed inside restaurants, many have outdoor seating where they are welcome.
- Dog Safety: If you need to attend indoor activities or visit the spa, Center Parcs recommends not leaving your dog alone in the lodge for extended periods. Consider booking one of their pet-sitting services before your stay.
- Comfortable Lodges: The lodges come equipped with all the basics your dog might need during the holiday, so you’ll have one less thing to pack.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Dog-Friendly Break
To make the most of your stay at Center Parcs, here are a few tips for planning your holiday with your dog.
- Book Early: Dog-friendly accommodation is popular, so booking early ensures you get the best lodge for your needs. Whether you want to stay at Forest, Forest, Longleat Forest, Woburn Forest, or Sherwood Forest, checking availability in advance gives you access to the best dog lodge options.
- Pack Essentials: Make sure your pet feels at home in your friendly lodge. Use the checklist below so you don’t miss a thing.
- Check the Rules: Get familiar with Center Parcs’ dog policies, including keeping dogs on a lead in public areas and knowing where dogs are allowed in each village.
- Explore New Trails: Each Center Parcs village offers unique forest walks and lakeside trails—perfect for dog exercise and adventure together.
- Enjoy Pet-Free Activities: If you plan to take part in spa treatments, outdoor sports, or want to spend some time in the pool, arrange dog care ahead of your holiday to make sure your pet is safe and happy.
Checklist: What to Bring for Your Dog at Center Parcs
- Lead and collar with ID tag (must for all outdoor areas) ✔️
- Pet bed or blanket for a comfortable room in your lodge ✔️
- Food and water bowls ✔️
- Enough dog food and treats for the break ✔️
- Waste bags for walks around the village and woodland areas ✔️
- Towels for drying off after lake or water play ✔️
- Favourite toys to help your family dog settle in the latest accommodation ✔️
- Dog jacket (especially if visiting outside the summer months) ✔️
- Any medication your companion may require ✔️
- Grooming brush (handy after woodland adventures!) ✔️
- Copies of vaccination records, in case required ✔️
For a hassle-free holiday, you may also want to consult this handy static caravan checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything essential for your stay.
Things to Do With Your Pet at Center Parcs
There’s plenty available for you and your pet at Center Parcs villages like Elveden, Longleat Forest, Sherwood Forest, and Woburn Forest:
- Forest Walks and Trails: Explore miles of woodland, outdoor areas, and lakeside paths together—a perfect way for your furry friend to get exercise and for you to enjoy the scenery.
- Dog Areas: Find friendly, designated spaces for your pooch to run, play, and make great friends.
- Relax by the Lake: Take time to sit together by the water in areas where dogs are welcome, and soak up the peaceful views.
- Explore the Village: Wander around the village, discover pet-friendly cafés with outdoor seating, and see what each lodge area has to offer.
- Adventure Beyond the Lodge: Get outside each day to make the most of the fresh air, new smells, and the forest environment with your furry companion.
- Short or Long Breaks: Whether you stay for one day, a break, or an extended holiday, each visit holds something new to discover for both people and pets.
By making sure you have everything you and your dog need, and planning some time for both adventure and relaxation, you can make your Center Parcs break enjoyable for the whole family, including two furry friends . Book your pet-friendly lodge, check what activities are available during your stay, and get ready to make the best memories together—because at Center Parcs, dogs are truly welcome.
Centre Parcs Pet Friendly Holidays
Centre Parcs makes it easy to keep your pet by your side while you enjoy a relaxing or adventurous holiday. From walking trails to peaceful lodges and outdoor activities, every corner of the villages is infused with nature and designed for spending quality time with your family — dogs included.
Whether you’re exploring the Forest or relaxing at Centre Parcs offers everything you need for a memorable holiday experience. Book your pet-friendly lodge today and look forward to a break where the whole family, furry members included, can make unforgettable memories together.
Pet-Friendly Lodge Options and How to Book
When bringing your dog to Centre Parcs, choosing the right lodge is key for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Each village—whether it’s Forest, Longleat Forest, Sherwood Forest, or Woburn Forest—offers a variety of pet-friendly options to suit your break. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Dog Lodge: Featuring easy-to-clean floors, enclosed patios or garden spaces, and quick access to walking trails and lakeside areas. Available throughout the parcs, they’re perfect for families and their four-legged friends.
- Standard and Executive Lodges: Many of the standard, executive, and woodland lodges have dog-friendly versions, so you can choose the level of comfort and features you’d like for your stay.
- Lakeside Lodges: If you want views and easy access to outdoor areas, some villages offer lakeside lodges that are both dog friendly and ideal for a peaceful retreat close to water and woodland walks.
How to Book:
To get your perfect pet-friendly accommodation, visit the Center Parcs website and select your chosen village (Whinfell, Longleat, Sherwood, or Woburn Forest). Use the filter for ‘dog-friendly accommodation’ or ‘pet-friendly lodges’ when searching availability.
Each dog-friendly lodge clearly states how many pets are permitted and what amenities are included.
When to Book:
Pet-friendly lodges are very popular, especially during school holidays and peak seasons.
To avoid disappointment and make sure you get one that fits your family’s needs, it’s best to book as early as possible. For the best choice and availability, try to book your break at least 6–12 months in advance.
This gives you the most flexibility—whether you want to stay close to the lakeside, near forest trails, or in a lodge with extra space for two or more pets.
Planning and booking ahead will help ensure you get the perfect accommodation so you and your dog can enjoy a wonderful holiday at the heart of the forest, with everything Center Parcs has to offer.