Latest news with #PancakeHouse
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Huge Center Parcs £67 million expansion as guests warned over work starting
A popular Center Parcs resort is undergoing a huge £67 million expansion, which will see 200 new lodges added to the site. However, guests have been warned the upgrade may cause some disruption Center Parcs has warned customers over potential disruption, as it ploughs ahead with a huge expansion. Whether you're a sucker for the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and wave machine, or love to stroll through the forest after splurging out at the Pancake House - a trip to Centre Parcs is like no other. The holiday complex, which first came to the UK back in 1987, aims to bring 'people and nature together'. Its site, which tend to be set amongst vast stretches of woodlands, feature all your typical holiday camp facilities - such as an indoor swimming pools, water slides, arcades, restaurants, shops and a spa. But, guests can also work up a sweat thanks to the numerous activities on offer - spanning from badminton and tennis to archery and yoga. Originating in the Netherlands, Center Parcs now has 28 resorts across Europe, including six in the UK. Over in Ireland, the resort's Longford Forest is a popular choice - and is currently undergoing a huge €80 million (around £76 million) refurb. The huge investment, which was first announced back in 2021, include the addition of 200 new lodges, including four of the brand's iconic treehouses. These premium accommodation types sleep up to eight people, and come with a games den, outdoor hot tub, private parking and dedicated 'Treehouse Host'. Alongside new lodges, Center Parcs also has plans to extend its existing leisure facilities, restaurants, cafés, as well as the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Spa. In a 2021 press release, Center Parcs said the investment would create 250 permanent jobs, as well as a further 300 jobs during construction. "As part of our ongoing development, we are currently constructing new lodges and facilities at Center Parcs Longford Forest," the resort states on its website. "During your stay, you may notice increased construction traffic around the village and hear some noise from the works taking place." Center Parcs confirmed that the works will not impact the village facilities, which will remain open as normal. "We will work hard to keep disruption to a minimum," it added. "Thank you for bearing with us during this time." If you're wanting to visit a Center Parcs lodge a bit closer to home, you can choose from Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire; Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire; Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Whinfell Forest, Cumbria, or Longleat Forest, Wiltshire. May half-term breaks start from £799. Prices include entry to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, but do not include activities such as tennis, badminton, bowling, or access to the spa. You can book these ahead of your visit on the Center Parcs app.
The Herald Scotland
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Center Parcs unveils further details for proposed Scottish site
The updated masterplan incorporates technical refinements and feedback gathered from earlier consultations, ensuring the proposals reflect the views and aspirations of the local community. Key highlights include new visuals and more detailed designs for the village centre, showcasing the iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise, the luxurious Aqua Sana Forest Spa, and a selection of family-friendly retail and dining options, including the much-loved Pancake House. Attendees also learned more about the layout of the accommodation, which includes woodland lodges and an apartment block, as well as a range of outdoor and adventure facilities such as tree trekking, adventure golf, and a zip wire. READ MORE: Center Parcs plans for first Scottish site take 'major step forward' Center Parcs unveils masterplan for proposed Scottish Borders village Center Parcs unveils zoning plan for proposed Scottish Borders village Additional detail was also shared on the "carefully designed" lochs, wildflower meadows, nature walks, and wetlands of the development. A dedicated Nature and Heritage Centre—complete with an adjacent restaurant and coffee shop - "will be both educational and a welcome spot for guests to relax". The masterplan also outlines extensive landscaping and screening measures "to ensure the village blends seamlessly into the surrounding natural environment". Meanwhile, "carefully integrated paths and access roads" have been designed to "preserve the village's tranquillity while enhancing guests' connection to the surrounding natural landscape". This latest consultation follows previous events in Lilliesleaf in February, where the preliminary zoning plan was revealed, and in Denholm last month, where the first iteration of the masterplan was shared. The final public consultation event will take place in Hawick on Tuesday, May 20 with a Community Open Day being hosted on Wednesday, May 21, where further detail will be revealed including new CGI of the proposed development. An updated version of the village masterplan (Image: Center Parcs) Center Parcs plans to submit a formal planning application to Scottish Borders Council this summer. Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, said: "We're pleased to share the latest version of the masterplan with the community and show how their feedback is helping to shape the future of the Scottish Borders village. From the layout of our lodges to the design of key facilities like the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa, every detail has been carefully considered to reflect the unique character of the location. We have made good progress so far in our design, technical and consultation work and we are committed to continuing positive collaboration as we move towards submitting our planning application." Center Parcs currently operates six villages across the UK and Ireland and brings over 35 years of experience in delivering high-quality, family short breaks. If planning permission is granted for the Scottish Borders site, the development is expected to generate between 750 and 800 jobs during the construction phase. Once operational, the village is expected to create approximately 1,200 permanent, non-seasonal roles—offering a wide range of career opportunities for local residents, including management positions. The total investment in the project is estimated at between £350 million and £400 million.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
The St. Johns River: 30 experiences to explore the scenic waterway
Take a trip on the St. Johns River, whether by boat or by wandering its shores on foot, and it's possible to imagine a time when saber-toothed cats and mastodons wandered the Florida peninsula or the Timucua people inhabited its banks. Modern-day explorers can find natural serenity and plenty of places for a full immersion in the wilderness along Florida's longer river, which stretches for 310 miles as it flows north before meeting with the Atlantic Ocean just outside of Jacksonville. Central Florida's portion of the 'River of Lakes' leaves many experiences for adventurers to dive into — from springs to waterfront restaurants and scenic boat tours. There are 148 known springs along the St. Johns River, leaving many places for swimmers and snorkelers to cool off and splash around. In Central Florida, the most popular of these is Blue Spring State Park, a wintertime haven for manatees and a summertime oasis for tourists and locals alike. Though a little further from the river itself, DeLeon Springs also flows into the St. Johns and offers opportunities for swimming, diving, boat tours and eating pancakes at the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House. Gemini Springs and Green Springs both flow into Sanford's Lake Monroe, one of the larger lakes along the St. Johns River. Though neither allows swimming, the parks make for great places to have a picnic or take a stroll. The Wekiva River also flows into the St. Johns, which is fed by Wekiwa Springs and Rock Springs. Both of these offer places to swim (or tube at Kelly Park) and relax during a sunny day outdoors. Ocala National Forest is chock full of springs that flow into the St. Johns River, including Alexander, Juniper, Silver Glen and Salt Springs. Silver Springs also joins the St. Johns by way of the Ocklawaha River. Plenty of parks and trails offer the chance to get up close to the St. Johns without getting wet. Black Bear Wilderness Area, for example, takes hikers on a 7-mile loop with well-maintained boardwalks right along the river's edge. Nearby, the nearly 5-mile Sanford Riverwalk gives cyclists, runners and walkers a chance to enjoy views of Lake Monroe. Other outdoor areas that share a connection with the St. Johns River include Mullet Lake Park, Little Big Econ State Forest, Hontoon Island State Park and Lake Beresford Park. In the future, DeBary's 170-acre Alexander Island will allow the public access to the St. Johns River on land right across from the Black Bear Wilderness Area. From scenic boat tours to kayaking and sailing, there are no shortage of methods for exploring the St. Johns River by water. The St. Johns Rivership Co. has multiple cruises a week that depart from Sanford, including dinner and lunch excursions and 'Rockin' on the River' every Friday. A St. Johns River Nature Cruise departs from Blue Spring State Park daily. Airboat tours are available at a number of locations, including Camp Holly in Melbourne, Airboat Rides at Midway in Christmas, the Black Hammock in Oviedo and Twister Airboat Rides at Lone Cabbage Fish Camp in Cocoa. Boat rentals are available at venues such as Highland Park Fish Camp and Holly Bluff Marina, both in DeLand. Prime places for kayaking and paddleboarding include the Wekiva River and Econlockhatchee River, both of which flow into the St. Johns. For seafood lovers who also enjoy great views, the St. Johns offers many areas for waterfront dining. Venues include the Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill in Geneva, Gators Riverside Grille in Sanford, St. Johns River Steak and Seafood in Sanford, Swamp House Riverfront Grill in DeBary and Drifters Waterfront in Astor. St. Johns Riverkeeper, the primary nonprofit that protects and defends the river, encourages visitors to adopt environmentally friendly practices while visiting and urges people to consider environmental stewardship. 310 miles, 8 days on the St. Johns River: An epic kayaking odyssey from source to sea Boaters should be mindful of loose items to prevent litter and avoid leaking fluids into the water. People who live within the St. Johns River watershed, which includes the Wekiva River and Econlockhatchee River, are encouraged to create a river-friendly yard by using fertilizer responsibly, avoiding pesticides, using organic mulch and selecting native plants. The St. Johns Riverkeeper's website has many more tips for those looking to give back and plenty of more places to explore along Florida's longest river. Visit or to learn more. Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@
