Center Parcs Longleat Forest

Center Parcs Longleat Forest is the perfect place for a holiday in the countryside, combined with a packed programme of entertainment. This family-friendly resort is set amongst the ancient forests of Wiltshire, on the grounds of the famous Longleat Estate. Guests can look forward to cottages nestled in the heart of the forest, the large Subtropical Swimming Paradise water park, hundreds of activities for children and adults, and the chance to explore one of the most beautiful natural areas in the south of England. In this article, we’ll tell you what Longleat Forest is all about, what entertainment is available on the resort grounds, and what’s worth seeing in the surrounding area.

What is Center Parcs Longleat Forest?

Center Parcs Wiltshire is the first resort in southern England, having been in operation since 1994 on the Longleat Estate – a historic estate renowned for Longleat House and one of the oldest safari parks in Europe.

The resort is set within the Longleat Woods. Rare giant sequoias grow here, and one of them is considered to be among the tallest in Europe. Thanks to its undulating terrain, Longleat Forest stands out from other parks in the chain: many trails wind through the dense woodland, and the resort’s signature Land Train runs between some of the different areas.

The site features hundreds of cottages, sports facilities, a lake, a water park, a spa complex and dozens of family-friendly activities. All of this is set amidst the woodland, far from traffic and the hustle and bustle of the city.

What is there to do at Center Parcs Longleat Forest?

You can spend several days at Longleat Center Parcs without ever getting bored. Some visitors come for the water park and spa, others opt for active outdoor pursuits, whilst families with children appreciate the huge range of entertainment options for all ages.

Water Activities

The resort’s main water park is the Subtropical Swimming Paradise – an indoor water park with a tropical climate, open all year round. It features:

• a wave pool;
• several water slides;
• family pools;
• children’s play areas;
• water attractions for toddlers;
• jacuzzis;
• outdoor and indoor swimming areas.

The water temperature is maintained at a comfortable level regardless of the season, so you can swim even in winter.

Sport and active leisure

Longleat Forest offers one of the widest ranges of activities among British Center Parcs resorts. Popular activities include:

• cycle rides along forest trails;
• hiking;
• Adventure Golf;
• archery;
• a climbing wall;
• rope courses;
• Adventure Nets;
• water sports on the lake;
• tennis;
• badminton;
• sports pitches for team games.

Many of the trails pass through picturesque sections of Longleat Woods, featuring centuries-old trees and woodland lakes.

Activities for children

Longleat Center Parcs offers dozens of play and educational programmes for children. Most programmes are tailored to different age groups, so there’s something to interest both young children and teenagers. The most popular activities:

• play areas;
• themed workshops;
• meet-and-greets with characters;
• mini-golf;
• adventure trails;
• children’s sports sessions;
• creative workshops;
• playrooms.

Entertainment for adults

Adult guests most often opt for a combination of outdoor relaxation and a visit to the Aqua Sana Forest Spa. The resort features:

• restaurants serving British and international cuisine;
• cafés;
• bars;
• shops;
• a supermarket;
• the Aqua Sana Forest Spa wellness centre.

The spa is regarded as one of the finest facilities in the Center Parcs network in Great Britain. It features saunas, steam rooms, relaxation pools and a range of body treatments.

What’s there to do in the surrounding area?

Its location on the Longleat Estate allows you to combine a holiday at the resort with visits to Wiltshire’s famous attractions. The following attractions are located near the park:

1. Longleat House – one of Great Britain’s most famous stately homes.
2. Longleat Safari Park.
3. Longleat Woods.
4. The town of Warminster.
5. The Cathedral City of Bath.
6. Stonehenge.
7. Cranborne Chase National Landscape.

Longleat Safari Park is particularly popular; it is considered the first safari park outside Africa and is one of the region’s main tourist attractions.

Where is Center Parcs Longleat Forest located?

Center Parcs Longleat Forest is situated on the historic Longleat Estate in Wiltshire, in the south-west of Great Britain. The nearest town to the park is Warminster, just a few minutes’ drive away. The park is around 35 kilometres from Bath and approximately 180 kilometres from London.

The location for the resort was not chosen at random. Longleat Estate is considered one of the most famous estates in Great Britain. It is home to Longleat House, the famous Longleat Safari Park and extensive woodlands, part of which is occupied by Center Parcs Longleat Forest.

Unlike many other resorts in the chain, Longleat Forest is situated in hilly terrain. The variations in elevation make walks here all the more picturesque, and some of the cottages are literally tucked away amongst centuries-old trees. The forest is renowned for its giant sequoias, which were planted as far back as the 19th century.

Map of Center Parcs Longleat Forest

The layout of Center Parcs Longleat Forest is fairly straightforward. At the heart of the resort lies Village Square – the main square featuring restaurants, cafés, shops and entertainment areas. Nearby is the Subtropical Swimming Paradise water park, which is considered one of the most popular attractions on the site.

A little further on is a large lake, where water activities and walks take place. Sports facilities, rope courses and bike hire points are situated around the central area.

Most of the site is made up of wooded areas with cottages. They are scattered amongst the trees and linked by a network of footpaths and cycle paths. Thanks to this, even during the high season, the resort retains a peaceful atmosphere and does not feel overcrowded. Due to the hilly terrain, the resort’s own Land Train runs throughout the area, helping guests reach the resort’s main attractions more quickly.

Information for visitors

Before travelling to Center Parcs Longleat, we recommend that you check its opening times and ticket prices, and find out what accommodation options are available. It is also worth planning your transport arrangements in advance.

Opening times

Center Parcs Longleat Forest welcomes guests all year round. Stays usually begin on Mondays and Fridays, and the resort grounds are open to guests 365 days a year. The Subtropical Swimming Paradise water park, restaurants, shops and most attractions are open daily, although the timetable for individual activities may vary depending on the season.

Tickets

Center Parcs Longleat Forest does not have a traditional park entry ticket, as found at theme parks. The main way to visit is by staying in one of the cottages or apartments. Resort guests enjoy a significant benefit: access to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise is already included in the price of their stay and does not require a separate payment. You can enjoy unlimited use of the swimming pools and water slides throughout your stay.

When it comes to the cost of your trip, the price of your accommodation effectively includes:

• entry to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise;
• use of the children’s play areas;
• access to the forest trails;
• use of the beach and lake;
• participation in certain free activities.

Additional entertainment is charged separately.

Accommodation

Longleat Forest offers a range of accommodation options – from compact apartments for two to luxurious houses for larger groups.

The prices shown are indicative for bookings of 3–4 nights; they vary depending on the season, school holidays and the type of accommodation. Center Parcs only displays the exact price once specific dates have been selected.

How do I get to Center Parcs Longleat Forest?

You can get to Center Parcs Longleat Forest by car, train or bus. Choose the transport option that suits you best.

• By car. This is the most convenient option. The resort is situated on the Longleat Estate near the town of Warminster in Wiltshire. The journey takes around 40 minutes from Bath, about 1 hour from Bristol, 2.5–3 hours from London, and approximately 1.5 hours from Southampton.
• By train. The nearest railway station to the park is Warminster Railway Station. It is about 8 km from the station to the resort. From there, you can take a taxi or a local bus.
• By bus. Regional bus services run to Warminster from Bath, Salisbury, Frome and other towns in Wiltshire. You can cover the rest of the journey by taxi.
• By plane. The airports closest to Center Parcs Longleat Forest are: Bristol Airport, Southampton Airport, London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport. The most convenient way to get from the airports is by hire car or by train via Bath or Warminster.

Parking

The Centre operates a traffic restriction system typical of Center Parcs. Upon arrival, guests may drive up to their cottage to unload their luggage, after which the car must be left in one of the central car parks. As a result, there is virtually no car traffic within the resort; guests can get around on foot or by bike. Special parking spaces are provided near the accommodation for guests with reduced mobility.

Contact details and postcode

Address: Center Parcs Longleat Forest, Warminster, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom.

Postcode: BA12 7PU

Booking hotline: +44 344 826 7723

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