Center Parcs reveals new pictures of £400,000,000 UK holiday village
A new video takes us on a virtual tour of the site, featuring familiar amenities, such as waterside lodges, the Aqua Sana Forest Spa, Sports Plaza, and the Subtropical Swimming Paradise.
Plans for the new park – the first in Scotland – were first unveiled back in November.
Initial zoning blueprints show the scale of the project, including 700 self-catering lodges designed for family stays.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
Center Parcs is the UK's most visited holiday park, known for its woodland setting, huge variety of activities, and signature rapids.
Here's what we know about the new Scotland Center Parcs so far.
Frequent guests of Center Parcs will see that the new park has everything you'd expect from one of their villages.
The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is adorned with foliage, a transparent greenhouse-like ceiling, and features both indoor and outdoor pools and waterways.
There's also a children's play area, with a small slide and lots of places to splash around in.
Images also reveal that this village too will have a Pancake House – a much-loved family-friendly dining option – although we're yet to see if there will also be a Treats (the confectionery shop) or on-site Cafe Rouge or Huck's American Bar and Grill.
Unsurprisingly, this site also has some of the newer features, not in place at all Center Parcs forests.
For example, there'll be Waterside Lodges, which are currently only available to book at Elveden Forest, Suffolk.
These two-storey detached lodges feature a wooden deck and balconies for views over the 'loch', which has a sandy beach.
The Aqua Sana Forest Spa is also featured, and while few details have been revealed, it's speculated that the Scottish spa will offer state-of-the-art features, billed as a 'tranquil retreat nestled in a natural setting.'
For example, at the Aqua Sana Forest Spa in Sherwood Forest, Nottingham, there's a treetop sauna, not currently available at any other village's spa.
Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, said: 'This is an exciting opportunity – not just for Center Parcs but for the Scottish Borders.
'As we witnessed when we opened our newest location in Longford in Ireland in 2019, a new village has the potential to transform local tourism, create year-round employment and bring a significant boost to the regional economy.'
He added that Center Parcs locations are already a popular retreat for families in Scotland, and that a new location would provide a 'premium holiday experience closer to home.'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
The first ever in Scotland, the new park will be in the Scottish Borders, north of Hawick and south of Selkirk – around a 90-minute drive from Edinburgh and Newcastle, or two hours from Glasgow.
In a previous statement, the firm praised the 'picturesque location' for its 'rolling hills and open countryside providing stunning scenery at every turn.'
The village, which is expected to cost between £350 and £400 million, will be able to accommodate 3,500 guests at a time.
Although Center Parcs has yet to reveal a specific opening date, McKinlay said it is expected be some time in 2029.
Center Parcs previously claimed the new site was necessary as its 'existing villages are pretty much full all year round and we feel there is strong demand for another Center Parcs in the UK.'
There are currently five Center Parcs in the UK: Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Longleat Forest, Elveden Forest, Woburn Forest. There's also one village in Ireland: Longford Forest.
Each of these villages was developed in existing woodlands and forests, but this time, Center Parcs will be planting its own, in a process known as afforestation. More Trending
'Thousands of trees' will be planted on the site – which is 'currently mostly open grassland' – to create a brand new woodland, in what the company calls 'a bold, new approach'.
The plan also prioritises heritage and environmental significance, with additions like wetlands, meadows, and lochs, as well as improved screening to protect neighbouring properties and natural beauty.
Metro's Lifestyle Editor, Kristina Beanland, shares her memories of growing up going to the restorts.
I've been going to Center Parcs with my family since I was in primary school.
As a child, I signed up to some weird and wonderful activities: from street dance (picture the instructor as an older Raygun) to an oft-regretted two days making a music video to Madness' Baggy Trousers (I was about nine at the time, and was more of an S Club fan).
There was also a few bizarre years when I was big into circus skills. I'm still yet to find a real-world use for my diablo practice.
As I got older, I was lucky enough to call Center Parcs my retreat amid GCSE and A-Level stress. A place to revise among the quiet, before throwing myself head first down the rapids for some light relief.
Mind you, whatever my age, cycling up the hills (particularly those in Longleat Forest) has become no easier – to the point where I've now ditched the two wheels for two feet instead.
I've celebrated some pretty important milestones in a Center Parcs village: the final episode of Friends, and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, to name just a few.
I've visited the village up in Cumbria, the one down in Bedford, and all the others in between – meaning I've been to every single one in the UK (although I haven't ticked the Irish site off my list).
The village in Woburn is small and compact, and less than an hour away from London, but my favourite is probably Elveden, with its huge lake (try cable water skiing) and award-winning water ride, the Tropical Cyclone.
I only have happy memories (apart from that one time my mum tore her Achilles during an ill-fated game of badminton, but that's a story for another day), and now the visits are less frequent, but still just as fun. Circus skills have been swapped for spa days, and I've been drunk on a bike on more occasions that I care to admit here.
Now, we're joined by my young niblings – a new generation of my family is becoming equally as obsessed with Treats (iykyk) as I am.
Center Parcs is far from a budget holiday, but it's worth saving up for – I can't wait to go back.
This article was first published on November 6, 2024.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: Fact check: Could a new European sleeper train be as cheap as a budget airline flight?
MORE: Europe's 'chocolate capital' is only a £33 bus ride from the UK
MORE: 'I spent a fortune building dream home but now the council won't let me live in it'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scottish city called 'an urban wanderer's delight' named country's pub capital
A Scottish town has been named country's top pub city, boasting nine pubs per square mile, far ahead of Glasgow and Edinburgh. The future of Scottish pubs has been thrown into doubt as more drinkers swap pints in the bar for evenings in their own living rooms. Rising living costs, soaring energy bills and limited government support have combined to create a challenging climate for the trade. Despite the difficulties, pubs remain a cornerstone of social life. They are often the places where friendships are formed, relationships begin and where conversations with strangers can banish loneliness, Scottish Daily Express reports. For those keen to enjoy a change of scene from their local, Dundee has emerged as one of the most appealing destinations in the country. Recent research placed the city at the top of Scotland's pub rankings. Analysis by games room specialists Liberty Games found Dundee has nine pubs for every square mile, giving it the joint fifth-highest density in the whole of the United Kingdom. It comfortably outperformed Scotland's largest cities, with both Glasgow and Edinburgh recording just five pubs per square mile. The study examined the addresses of more than 50,000 British pubs alongside geographical data from over 350 locations to determine where drinkers have the greatest choice. Dundee's strong showing has reinforced its growing reputation as a lively hub for socialising. An online discussion about the city's best modern pubs has highlighted a range of popular options. The Nether Inn on Nethergate was the most frequently mentioned and holds the number one spot on TripAdvisor. Known as a favourite with the student crowd, it offers food during the day and, according to TripAdvisor, becomes 'the place to go' at night. Molly Malones, which has been pouring drinks since 1823, remains a West Port institution. Other venues attracting praise include Abandon Ship on Whitehall Crescent and The Glass Bucket on St Andrew's Street, both of which have earned high scores on Google. Bergies on Bell Street, The Speedwell Bar on Perth Road and Draffans on Couttie's Wynd also rank highly among locals and visitors. However, Dundee's appeal extends far beyond its pub scene. VisitScotland describes the city as offering 'all sorts of treasures' and being 'an urban wanderer's delight.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The V&A Dundee, the first branch of the world-famous museum outside London, has become a major draw. Located on the waterfront, it hosts a rotating calendar of exhibitions that attract visitors from across the country. Just a short walk away, Captain Scott's RRS Discovery offers a glimpse into polar exploration history, while the Mills Observatory provides the chance to view the stars from what was the UK's first purpose-built public observatory. Those seeking outdoor attractions can head to Camperdown Country Park, a sprawling green space ideal for walking and wildlife watching. The nearby suburb of Broughty Ferry adds to the city's charm, with its historic castle, award-winning beach and a wide selection of independent shops and cafes.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Win a three-night stay in a beautiful Scottish country estate with award-winning restaurant
YOU could spend the three nights in the beautiful Scottish countryside, looking out over the rolling hills. One lucky winner and a plus one can enjoy the beautiful stay at Wyndham Duchally Country Estate for free as part of this year's Sun Travel Awards. 5 5 Just an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, the retreat near Gleneagles is part of IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts and has a number of beautiful rooms on offer. There are the 55 lodges across the grounds, with two or three-bedroom offerings, along with kitchen and outdoor terraces. This is where you can bring your pup, as all of the lodges are dog-friendly. Otherwise head to the main house for their hotel rooms, as well as the award-winning Monteath's Restaurant. It's here where you will find locally sourced ingredients on the menu, as well as their afternoon tea and Sunday roast. Come back here for breakfast, which is included in the stay. Grab a drink at the Gatehouse Bar too, with the onsite gin distillery producing the Gatehouse Gin. You might even catch some live music on a Sunday. Need some relaxation? Head to the on-site Leisure Centre which has an indoor pool as well as a sauna, steam room and treatment rooms, next to a gym and hot tub. But the great outdoors can't be missed, with everything from cycling through the forests, trying your hand at golf or kayaking around the loch. How to enter To be in with a chance winning this trip or one of seven other incredible holidays to places like Mexico, the Caribbean and Greece, vote for your for your favourite travel companies and destinations in the form below. For the full list of prizes, see here. Pick at least one shortlisted entry in each category in this year's Sun Travel Awards. There are 11 categories in total. You have until the end of August 31, 2025, to vote. The winning companies will be presented with their Sun Travel Award at a special ceremony in autumn. Can't see the form? Click here. Please read our terms and conditions for full rules - including important info regarding dates and availability. Terms & Conditions Promotion closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Prize must be booked and taken within 12 months of the Winner accepting the Prize, is subject to availability and black out dates apply including December 20, 2025 to January 3, 2026. Winner and his/her guests must travel on same itinerary. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with the same booking. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts terms and conditions. Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd Full T&Cs apply - see here. 5
Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow commuters to benefit as ScotRail ends peak fares
This decision, announced by the Scottish Government in May, aims to simplify pricing, enhance flexibility, and give rail users better value for money. The initiative also seeks to encourage more people to opt for train travel over car usage. Without peak fares, some journeys will see reductions of almost 50%. Read more: Go-karting event coming to Clydebank this weekend - here's how to take part This includes the popular route between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Starting September 1, passengers will pay the same fare irrespective of the time or day of their journey. The Edinburgh to Glasgow return fare will be £16.80, while the Glasgow to Stirling return fare will be £10.80. Certain routes where only off-peak fares exist will remain unchanged. Passengers can check the ScotRail website or app for fare details and savings. The website and app will be updated with the new pricing structure by August 22. Season tickets will retain their current pricing until September 27, representing a saving of at least 40% compared to purchasing five Anytime Day Return tickets at pre-September 1 prices. The discount was part of a 12-month offer launched in September 2024. Flexipass tickets will be adjusted from September 1 to ensure they continue to offer savings compared to buying multiple Anytime Single or Return tickets, while still providing flexibility for part-time or hybrid commuters. Super Off-Peak Day Return tickets will be withdrawn following the removal of peak fares. Railcards, concessions, and enhanced discounts will continue to be available, with most remaining valid for travel after 9.15am, in line with existing conditions. These changes are intended to make rail travel easier to understand and more accessible. Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said: "Public ownership has created the opportunity to deliver a railway which is run for the benefit of the nation. "ScotRail is one of the fastest growing operators, with one of the best passenger satisfaction rates and we are building even further on this success by removing peak fares for good. "We want more people to choose to travel by public transport for work, study and leisure but we know that many are still struggling with cost-of-living pressures. "By removing peak fares, we are making ticketing more simple and more straightforward while at the same time supporting a shift towards sustainable public transport, protecting the climate, and saving people money." Joanne Maguire, managing director at ScotRail, said: "This is fantastic news, not only for our existing customers, but for everyone across the country considering rail travel for their commute or leisure journeys. "Travelling by train remains one of the most convenient ways to get around, and with simpler, more affordable fares, we hope to see many more people choose ScotRail."
