Taking Your Dog to Center Parcs: What You Need to Know for a Stress-Free Trip
Bringing your dog to Center Parcs can be a brilliant way to enjoy a family holiday with your furry friend, but it’s not always plain sailing—especially if you’ve got more than one pet in tow. Whether you’re dreaming of forest walks with your dog or planning a multi-pet getaway, here’s the lowdown on making it work without the hassle.
Why Center Parcs is Great for Dog-Friendly Holidays
Center Parcs loves to shout about being dog-friendly, and with over 400 acres of forest at each UK and Ireland location, it’s no wonder. You can choose from dog-friendly lodges at all five UK sites (Elveden, Longleat, Sherwood, Whinfell, and Woburn Forests) and Longford Forest in Ireland. These lodges are kitted out with laminate flooring for easy clean-ups and are tucked away on the outskirts to keep things peaceful.
But before you pack the dog treats, there are a few things to watch out for—especially if you’re juggling multiple pets. Here’s how to tackle the challenges.
The Tricky Bits of Bringing Multiple Pets to Center Parcs
1. Dog-Friendly Lodges Are Hard to Snag
Dog-friendly lodges are super popular and often get booked up fast, especially during school holidays. Center Parcs only allows two dogs per lodge, and other pets might not be welcome at all. Always double-check the pet policy before you book.
2. Dogs Need to Stay on Leads
Outside your lodge, dogs must be on a lead at all times—except in the designated dog exercise areas. But here’s the catch: these areas are often tiny, more like a back garden than a proper run. If your dog’s full of energy, this might not cut it.
3. No Fenced Patios
One thing dog owners often grumble about is the lack of enclosed outdoor space at the lodges. Late-night or early-morning toilet trips mean leashing up, which can be a pain—especially in the rain. For multi-pet households, you’ll need to plan toilet breaks carefully to avoid chaos.
4. Limited Indoor Access
Dogs aren’t allowed in most indoor spots, like the swimming pool, restaurants, or shops, except for a few dog-friendly terraces. If you’ve got multiple pets, this can make your day tricky—you’ll need to decide whether someone stays behind or leave the pets in the lodge.
Top Tips for a Smooth Center Parcs Trip with Your Dog
1. Book Early and Pick the Right Lodge
To nab a dog-friendly lodge, book as far ahead as possible—up to a year in advance for busy times. Woodland and Executive Lodges are your options, but they’re often a bit further from the main facilities.
2. Pack Smart for the Journey
Don’t forget the basics: food, water bowls, bedding, and toys. If your dog is crate-trained, bring a crate to help them settle in the new space. For multi-pet households, make sure each animal has their own spot to avoid stress.
3. Make the Most of Outdoor Time
Since dogs need to stay on leads outside the exercise areas, plan plenty of forest walks to keep them happy. Center Parcs villages are surrounded by gorgeous trails, perfect for exploring together.
4. Use Dog-Friendly Spots Wisely
Some restaurants, like the Sports Café at Whinfell Forest, let dogs join you on their outdoor terraces. Check what’s available at your village and plan meals around it. For multi-pet households, you might need to mix dining out with meals back at the lodge.
5. Keep an Eye on Multi-Pet Dynamics
If you’re bringing a dog and another pet, watch how they get on—especially in the tight lodge space. Dogs can get overexcited or territorial, which might upset smaller pets like cats or rabbits. Set up separate zones in the lodge to give everyone their own space.
6. Skip the Dog Exercise Areas for Lively Dogs
Lots of owners find the exercise areas too small for active breeds. Instead, use an extendable lead and explore quieter paths around the village edges. Just remember to keep dogs on leads to protect the wildlife.
The Pros and Cons of Taking Your Dog to Center Parcs
Pros:
- Endless forest trails for scenic walks.
- Dog-friendly lodges designed for easy cleaning.
- A chance to bond with your pets in nature.
Cons:
- Dog-friendly lodges are hard to book.
- Tiny exercise areas that don’t suit high-energy dogs.
- No enclosed patios and limited indoor access for dogs.
Final Thoughts
Taking your dog to Center Parcs can be an amazing experience, as long as you’re ready for the challenges. For multi-pet households, a bit of extra planning goes a long way to keeping everyone happy and safe. Book early, pack thoughtfully, and focus on exploring the great outdoors together—you’ll come away with memories that’ll last a lifetime.
