Center Parcs, Longleat Forest Reviews

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Center Parcs, Longleat Forest
★★★★☆
3.6
70.0% of users recommend this
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  • Quality of accommodation

  • Quality of food

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  • Children's entertainment

  • Adult entertainment

  • Facilities

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  • Value For Money

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Latest Reviews

“The most disabled-UNFRIENDLY venue I've been to in 70...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by gilkarin on 26/04/2023

I'm, a 70 year old disabled man who is struggling to walk. My wife and I decided to go for a three-day break to Longleat Forest Village, mainly because we don't live far. I went on their website and read all the information given. Nowhere it said it's a car-free village and that are SEVERE RESTRICTIONS to using or even parking a disabled car. Only AFTER we booked and paid, we received an email and noticed at the bottom of the message a message giving a telephone number for those who have reduced mobility, disability or medical needs. I called and explained my situation only to be tols that the village will "take care of me" and there's help. When we arrived, we were told to drive to our lodge and park our disabled car close to a mile away from our lodge, despite me having a blue badge! How was I supposed to move around, I asked? The answer was there's a village train of some sort that can take us back to our room. We tried to call customer service and asked to be able to park our car close to our lodge. but they said we're not allowed to and suggested we call medical services. After about 30 minuted of waiting on line the medical services coldly said we CAN'T PARK CLOSE TO OUR ROOM DESPITE US HAVING A BLUE BADGE! We have to take our car to the general car park which is nearly 0.6 miles away, let alone not being able to drive around. Now, I can't move without my car and I ask why this wasn't mentioned on their website BEFORE we booked and paid? I've traveled all over the world and had never encountered a hotel, airbnb or similar venue that restriced my parking. Had we known of these restrictions beforehand we wouldn't have booked! Later, when we read some reviews about Centreparcs, we've noticed some people said they had to wait up to TWO HOURS for the village transport to take them back to their room! They left us no choice but to leave the place, not even two hours after we got there. At home I wrote to them asking for a refund but they refused. If you're looking for a reasonable disabled-friendly holiday venue look elsewhere.

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“Longleat Center Parcs Pinewoods Apartments disgrace”

★☆☆☆☆

written by ysBlackburn335 on 24/08/2016

For 2016, the Pinewoods Apartment Longleat Center Parcs is within 20 feet of a huge building / construction site. Constanct noise, banging, sawing, work lorries from 9am to 5pm. Lots now on google and twitter. There is a compensation website that has been set up. Absolute disgrace as guests were not informed prior to booking or arrival and offered £100 vouchers as compensation !!

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“Not for us”

★★★☆☆

written by Chez29 on 12/12/2015

We booked the executive lodge in longleat but it looked more like a chalet with wood stuck to the front. The interior looked good when we got inside on a dark evening on closer inspection in the day the rug was stained, the furniture shabby, the bathroom floors were grubby with black stains on the floor and cobwebs even the little bin at the side of the toilet was grubby. Some dishes in the kitchen were dirty, it did have a dish washer so we put them in there to wash before using. The activities needed to be booked in advance which means you are not waiting about too long. The pool is free but you've got to pay for all other activities which can add up, cycling seems to be the way around the park that's if you like cycling of course. The food is really expensive for four adults and one 21/2 year old the cheapest meal we had was £73.00 for 2 fish and chips, two paninis 1 childrens burger and four cokes and that wasn't very tasty. I think this would have been slightly better in the summer. On a plus the staff at the food places were very friendly,

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“Fun for All!”

★★★★★

written by coClay5 on 15/10/2014

A great place to relax and have fun. Cycle paths, pool, food, and games for all the family. We like to go with friends to make it more fun for us and the kids. The accommodation is clean, in good repair and simple. Great for a short break with enough equipment to make a meal if that is what you want.

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“Very expensive and had a dirty villa”

★★★☆☆

written by GRACIEF on 08/09/2014

We had a new style Executive villa in Pine which cost approx £1800 for the week. The villa was OK and comfortable but did not justify the price. It was quite dirty and looked very shabby from the outside. You could not see out from one of the patio doors as the seal had gone on the double glazing. The restaurants are basic pub chain types with very inflated prices. The forest however is nice but very hilly in places. Do not use the Parc Market if you can avoid it as it is very expensive. My son enjoyed his activities though which is why we went there in the first place. I did not use the pool but my husband and son did and they enjoyed it. All in all not a bad holiday but I got quite angry on my return as I felt like I had been mugged!!! Unless we got a good deal on a short break it is very unlikely we will return here for a second fleecing! Park is looking tired and needs upgrading. Nice concept but they desperately need to reinvest in the accommdation and reduce their prices.

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“Great fun all the way. ”

★★★★★

written by BransonMcLean1962 on 02/09/2014

Longleat was great. Had villa 632 good location if you fancy having a walk to the jardin de sports, Village or Plaza, instead of the train. Kept us fit!! Its a lovely walk down the hillside, hard walking back though ;) Stayed in a woodland lodge which was clean and spacious. My husband and son did the target archery which they really enjoyed the instructor was great. My 9 year old daughter did the aqua jetting in the big pool at night, when the pool is closed, which she loved, a lot better than at Sherwood, they went all around the big pool and into the lazy river and by the bottom of the water slides, great fun. Me and my older daughter had our nails painted, we felt very special, lovely environment and very relaxing. We have ducklings come into villa, saw a type of deer and some lovely birds. Rapids great fun, its quite hard to get into them, but fun!!

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“Brilliant place for the family”

★★★★★

written by 297Pratt on 30/08/2014

After reading a few reviews on Longleat, I was worried because people commented on the hilly terrain. We decided to go anyway and it was superb. Staying in Pine meant that we had access to so many of the exciting activities and it was not too hilly at all. We hired bikes but walking was just as nice. We did take the landtrain round the village and yes, the outer lodges, although lovely were definitely on hilly terrain. Our lodge in Pine was amazing. Everything all seemed brand new. Even the frying pan had its label still attached. Loved it! After the long weekend break I felt healthier and refresh ed . My 3 year old was spoilt for choice with the free play areas that were scattered around the island. There was no need to pay for extra activities but my 8 year old did enjoy quad biking. I definitely would recommended this amazing place and cant wait to go back...

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“Watch out ”

★☆☆☆☆

written by Toddea347 on 27/08/2014

The blinds in our accommodation kept falling down as they were only stuck to the ceiling with duct tape. this was dangerous as we had small children. the dishwasher is very complicated to use and doesn't come with instructions. we booked a 45 mins fencing lesson for my son which only lasted 25 mins. what a rip off. the swimming pool is freezing. the staff were rude and informed me I wasn't teaching my son how to cycle properly, and questioned my parenting skills. I brought this to the attention of the customer service desk and nothing has been done to my knowledge. restaurants are very expensive and therefore we ate in the lodge every day.

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“fantastic familly holiday”

★★★★★

written by on 26/07/2014

Always have a fab time, loads for the kids to do and feels safe enough to let them go off on their own, huge choice of places to eat. Always feel tranquil and relaxing, would recommend to anyone. Little quiet in the evenings so not the place for people who like night life but we make our own entertainment.

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“Good base for cycling in the woods and relaxing”

★★★☆☆

written by DeeReam on 24/05/2014

We have just spent one week in Longleat in the Pinewood Executive apartments, which are perfectly located within the resort, both for the Plaza (the back entrance for it is just opposite) and for cycling into the woods, as they are very close to the car park and entrance. On the downside, if you are a light sleeper, chances are you will be awoken early in the morning by the machinery which is used for forest maintenance - the sound is very faint and won't be an issue for anyone else. Shearwater Lake is a 20 minutes bike ride away from the main Center Parcs entrance, and a lovely pub, the Bath Arms of Crockerton, is another 5 minutes ride further down the road (just go to the main road and turn left. The pub will be on the left). They have a large beer garden, they serve good quality food and local ales and cider, and are extremely dog friendly! There are several routes to the lake, generally the way there is downhill and easy and the way back is a bit more of a challenge! We love the Plaza in Longleat, as all of the shops, including the Parc Market, and most of the restaurants are within its temperature controlled dome - rain or shine you will be comfortable and in lovely surroundings, with fish ponds and plants. Unfortunately we found that this is not the case at other locations, such as Evelden, where the dome was really disappointing as it only contained sport courts and the water area - all of the shops where exposed to the rainy and cold weather, which truly detracts from the experience. The Parc Market is not too overpriced and you can get some real bargains with their reduced items. The quality of their products is very good, especially their breads and meats. This is where we spent our £25 vouchers (that was indeed very nice!) If your accommodation includes maid service, you will be provided with toilet paper and bin liners, and the premises will be tidied up for you each morning. Everywhere else you will need your own toilet paper and bin liners. Don't forget to bring along your own soap/shower gel, kitchen paper, washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets (only a couple are provided if you have a dishwasher). The actual Pinewood Executive apartment was identical to the one we had previously stayed in at the Redwoods. They are very well laid out, with a perfectly functional kitchen and eating area (we cooked every meal there - you do not get a traditional oven, but you do get an excellent combi microwave). If you find that any equipment is missing or not up to scratch, just contact guest services and they will promptly replace them for you - Center Parcs staff are excellent. HOWEVER, the cleanliness in the apartments themselves is unfortunately quite poor - we have found this to be the case during both of our stays at Longleat. On this occasion two plates had cheese stuck on them, a wine glass had lipstick stains, the floors and windows were visibly dusty, the surfaces in the bedroom had dirt rings on them, a bottle cap was on the floor by my side of the bed. The seal around the kitchen sink had black mould all around it. In the bathroom, the sink was slimy and there were big clumps of long hair in the bathtub and wrapped around the plug chain and shower hose. These are definitely NOT the standards of cleanliness I would expect for the price Center Parcs charge for self-catering accommodation - unfortunately this is what we have always found, and what is confirmed by many other reviewers. We therefore ensure to bring lots of washing up liquid, cream cleaner and sanitiser (I immediately wash every bit of crockery and kitchen equipment as well as all kitchen surfaces, shower, bathtub and bathroom sink area!). A vacuum cleaner can be found in the airing cupboard. The park itself is very clean (however we cannot comment on the water area as on this latest trip we did not take advantage of these facilities). We also found the shower in our accommodation extremely disappointing and not up to basic standards: the water temperature could not be set to hot and the water pressure was non existent - in fact there was more water pressure from the shower hose in the bathtub! We do not use any of the restaurants or pubs on the premises as they are far too overpriced and often of poor quality (we were appalled by the Pancake House on our last visit). For the first time, we also did not visit Aqua Sana - although they are by far our favourite spa - we found the price (£99 for day entrance for two people) prohibitive and not worth it. In January we had taken advantage of an offer which gave two of us a day in the spa area and an afternoon chocolate treat for £75 - frankly we would have been happier with something healthier and less indulgent, but it did give us day access which is what we wanted. Even then, one of our favourite rooms, the Greek Herbal Bath, was out of order, and in the afternoon the place was extremely noisy and packed due to groups of women having booked half a day in the afternoon - members of staff made no attempt to ask them to be quiet as they were clearly purchasing products. Again our experience is echoed by many other reviews. Because of this we feel that we are not prepared to pay £99 to simply access the facilities. Shame. As long as you know what to expect, a break in Center Parcs is lovely, to slow down, and relax in peaceful surroundings, close to nature.

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“Fantastic place to take a break”

★★★★★

written by Longleat on 12/05/2014

Great park all the facilities are in easy reach by cycling, walking or by land train.We chose are great spot this time plenty of wildlife came to visit rabbits,birds and ducks just outside on our patio so quiet and peaceful and we where just off the main road past the Plaza you would of thought we where right across the park but that's what's so good about the forest it seems to absorb the noise .The only thing that was negative this year was the amount of dogs we noticed in the park and while we were sat outside the sports bar having a final meal before heading home it was spoilt by two small dogs having fight every five minutes and the owners not seeming to be worried at how this was effecting other people or children that were around them.Having said that this was our fifth visit to Longleat and the excellent accommodation and surroundings will always outweigh any problems we may have while we are there.The park staff are always well presented,smiling and happy to help Well Done Longleat you made it a very memorable 25th Anniversary.

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“A birthday to remember!”

★★★★★

written by PeterG699 on 07/05/2014

I decided to take my immediate family to Centre Parcs to celebrate my 70th birthday. I have two daughters who have four children of 7 and younger between them, while my partner also has two children who have three children of 6 and less. Although our children all know each other from their childhood, the two groups of grandchildren have never met. It was wonderful to see them all enjoying themselves so much at Longleat and getting to know each other. It was the best birthday ever!

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“First timer ”

★★★★☆

written by on 08/11/2013

We took our grandson who is 3, it was our first time, can't fault the facilities all geared up for family's . The accommodation was clean and comfy. The staff friendly and helpful. The only down side I thought the activities were a little too expensive as we're eating out. On the whole I would recommend this holiday but take plenty of money.

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“Fantastic Family Time”

★★★★★

written by on 15/10/2013

This was my first visit to Center Parcs with my three year old son. The rest of my family have been several times but I had thought it rather expensive. However, having now sampled the delights of the holiday village, I would not hesitate to visit in the future. In fact my family were discussing our return before we had left the complex. My family did have to complain about some noise one night caused by the builders working on the Plaza roof but this was dealt with entirely to our satisfaction by Customer Services. Well done Center Parcs - we look forward to our return as soon as possible.

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“Great Location - Just Needs a Refresh”

★★★☆☆

written by on 04/09/2013

Had a great holiday, only spoilt by several experiences of bad customer service and a couple of very dodgy meals.... Some parts are being developed but they have forgotten to look after the original parts of the site.... We'll be back when you've had time for a refresh...

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“secure, relaxing family break”

★★★★☆

written by confusedme on 06/07/2013

As a frequent visitor to other center parcs, I thought I'd try Longleat for the first time in some 15+ years. My daughter and son's families had a great time, with the on-site Spanish and Indian restaurants receiving full marks from them. My eldest grandchild at 6 was somewhat in between age for the provided park/ play facilities (great for older and younger (my other two being 2 and 3)). Sports facilities were good (squash, badminton and snooker used), if comparable in price to outside offered facilities. (The leisure pool however is free and great for those in-between times when there's nothing else organised.) One of the nicest Center Parcs sites with mature woodland and deer abounding (pun: Oh dear). However it is rather hilly if you have mobility difficulties. Longleat Safari/ Adventure Park is also just round the corner and if you are willing to use the car (you may well not be given facilities on-site) you can have a great day there also.

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“Great - but their tennis courts are rubbish”

★★★★☆

written by on 25/06/2013

Second visit with 2 small kids (6 & 3) and other families, we all had a fab time again. Friendly helpful staff and heaps to do. The kids love it, especially the tropical swimming paradise which is excellent. My only beef is the tennis courts are seriously tired and to be frank awful. It's like playing on rundown old school courts (netball markings and all), they are in serious need of resurfacing. You'd get a more consistent bounce playing in a car park. Don't bother playing on them if it's wet unless you've got serious grips on your tennis shoes. The years of neglect, sap and moss makes them unnecessarily slippery and treacherous. When we played there wasn't even a net up on the court we booked. Fortunately another court was free, but with a bush behind the baseline and a fence around the court with gaps everywhere it was a complete pain in the backside to play on. The whole tennis set up just feels like an after-thought and not well cared for. So if want a decent hit just be aware the courts are rubbish. Shame as everything else about Longleat is great.

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“Impressed”

★★★★★

written by on 24/05/2013

We have just arrived home from a week in longleat centre Parcs. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there especially our 3. Year old son who loved going in the pool nearly every day, the water temp was warm enough for my 8month old baby too who also enjoyed her time. I booked the teddy bear picnic for my son, however I was disappointed that the leader only held a teddy bear in her arms rather than having a full size teddy bear leading the walk in the park. Thoroughly enjoyed everything else.

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“Nothing New!”

★★☆☆☆

written by on 02/11/2012

First trip back to Center Parcs after a three year break. Nothing new, just the same old stuff. Full of middle class families all looking pretty miserable! Over priced shops with only expensive brands that are well out of reach for the majority of families. Accomodation needs updating and cleaning properly. As for the subtropical swimming paradise, well there is nothing wonderful about the lack of changing rooms and the much cooler pool temperature than it used to be. To sum my feelings up I can think of a lot more worthwhile things to spend £900 on in the future.

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Brakenoodle's Comment

Written on: 23/09/2013

I have visited here for years and noticed that the pool temperature was down on previous years, and the under floor heating in the changing rooms was switched off. Center Parcs dismissed my comments telling me that nothing had changed - really??

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“ooops ....Bit shoddy for a £92m a year turnover site ! ”

★★☆☆☆

written by grumpybear on 16/10/2012

Time to call the Emporers new clothes !!! I know there are some people who just love the place and it's mecca for "busy middle class families" etc. However...the place just has to get better and deliver for 2012.Its bad and feels very tired, expensive and a slow heavy complacent money making machine. We went back to again to center parcs longleat after three 3 year gap between visits, hoping for a better experience. This time in a executive 4 bed lodge in the Maples. £980 for 3 nights (no change of towels. maid service is loading the dish washer but does not include vacuuming or emptying bins. does include cigarette ash on your door step though. nice touch!they were just plain lazy throughout) Accomodation ....just So disapointed !!It's like taking a trip back in time to 1995 or going to your Nan's, the Decoration is so dated it embarrasing. I mean dado rails, really !! so, the good bits.... Swimming is free, 4 x slides, rapids, lazy rivers..all good Landtrain is free, runs until midnight Breathing is free You can get on site at 10 am, not limited until 3. You can leave the site at midnight, although need to check out at 10 (and you will have the ash cleaning mafia ensuring your swift departure) Just expect open wallet surgery for everything else! for expample... Draught beer is £4.40 pint kronenberg/guiness.(no local ale offered) £1.45 for a kids fruit shoot Burger in the sports bar £10.25!! 45 mins kayak £27.00 90 mins archery £22.00 20 mins climbing wall for kids £6.00 junior tree adventure 45 mins £17.00 Kids Buffet in Hucks diner £7.50 meal deal(just don't bother to look for salad/vegetables)Book it all in advance. you will get turned away even if it's empty !! rules is rules. I guess if you live in the City, don't get to see the countryside, are used to paying top dollar for poor service and getting fleeced, then it's for you. The kids will love it so it doesn't matter, right?. Except it does. It has the potential to be a brilliant. Yes,it's fully booked and doubles the cost in kids holidays(ker...ching) but its always booked, so they must be doing something right, just feels grubby and shoddy. I asked the duty manager about their turnover and he couldn't tell me the turnover out of interest. he said no as it was commercially sensitive.so 30 seconds and 5 clicks later my son showed him an Ipad with the details and explained it was in the public domain, he confirmed £92 m per year. I would be great to see some of that spent on the desperately needed upgrading of lodges, deep cleaning of public areas, smile training for restaurant staff and basic cleaning training for the maids. Julian the guy doing the tree adventure was an absolute star though, sadly he was a lone one !! Times and expectations have moved on and Centerparcs is at great danger of being left behind.shame.great idea. Too expensive Too shabby Too complacent. Kids love it. 8 of us...We spent £980 on the villa, £590 on activities and £550 on eating. so £2120 for 3 nights. or £88 per person per day. Good value??? for seeing the kids having a great time. YES, definately. For knowing you are paying through the nose in a dirty, shoddy,overpriced holiday park...no, sorry.

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Brakenoodle's Response to grumpybear's Review

Written on: 15/11/2012

I totally agree with this review - spot on - and exactly my experience of Center Parcs

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Allanhc's reply to Brakenoodle's Comment

Written on: 26/04/2013

I totaly agree as well. Also part of the original charm was seclusion amonst a thick vibrant forest, sadly due to tree disease half of the trees have been removed and the seclusion gone.

Definately needs updating and deep cleaning, patios are slimy green, and parking is treachorous. Bumper got stuck on tree trunk last time and ripped it almost off when I reversed out.

Excellent in its hayday, now just a sad old ripoff.

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