Center Parcs with Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

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You can take your dog to Center Parcs, but having visited more than ten times, I’d describe it as more dog-tolerant than dog-friendly.

Dogs must be on a lead at all times outside the lodge, the off-lead exercise areas are small, and much of what makes Center Parcs great (the pool, the restaurants, the activities) is inaccessible to dogs.

That doesn’t mean taking your dog isn’t worth doing, but going in with clear expectations will make the trip far more enjoyable than arriving and discovering the limitations on day one.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Center Parcs offers dog-friendly lodges at all five UK villages. These are available in selected Woodland and Forest Lodge types and are specifically designed for guests travelling with dogs. Key features include:

• Hard flooring throughout for easy cleaning after muddy walks
• A bath for washing dogs after outdoor adventures
• A dog tie post in the garden
• A dedicated dog waste bin

You can bring up to two dogs per lodge. Dog-friendly lodges are popular and availability is limited, so booking as early as possible is essential, particularly for peak season visits. When searching for availability, make sure you add the number of dogs to your search criteria alongside the number of guests.

Center Parcs does not provide dog beds or bowls in the lodges. However, water bowls are available at points around the village. You’ll need to bring your own bedding and feeding equipment.

The Cost of Bringing a Dog

Taking a dog to Center Parcs costs £129 per lodge, regardless of whether you’re bringing one or two dogs. This is charged on top of your accommodation cost.

While this is an additional expense, it’s worth comparing against the cost of kennels or a dog sitter for the duration of your trip as for many owners, bringing the dog along works out comparable in cost or cheaper, with the added benefit of not leaving them behind.

Dog food and supplies are available at the ParcMarket on site. However, as with everything at the ParcMarket, prices are higher than a standard supermarket so bringing your own supplies is recommended.

Rules & Restrictions

There are a few important rules to know before bringing a dog to Center Parcs.

Dogs must be on a lead at all times when outside your lodge, with the exception of the designated dog exercise areas.

Dogs are not permitted in most indoor buildings, including the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, the spa, shops and most restaurants, although pet-friendly restaurant terraces are available at each village.

Dogs must not be taken into non dog-friendly lodges. Center Parcs checks vehicles on arrival and dog-friendly lodges are allocated separately. Attempting to bring a dog into a standard lodge is against the terms and conditions and could result in being asked to leave.

Dogs can be left alone in the lodge. This means you can still enjoy the pool and other activities, as long as your dog is comfortable being left for a period.

Activities & What Dogs Can Join

The majority of Center Parcs’ activities and facilities are not accessible with a dog. Dogs are welcome in the following areas:

• Forest walks & cycling trails: The car-free village and forest paths are the highlight for dogs with miles of trails through the forest making for excellent walks.
• Dog exercise areas: These small spaces (no bigger than a back garden) are available for off-lead activities at all Center Parcs villages.
• Some restaurant terraces: A small number of outdoor dining areas at each village welcome dogs.

Dogs are not permitted in the pool area, the spa, indoor activities, shops and most restaurants.

Practical Tips & What to Bring

Book early. Dog-friendly lodge availability is limited and they book up quickly, sometimes more than a year in advance for popular dates.

Research local vets before you arrive. Guest Services can help in an emergency, but knowing the nearest vet’s contact details in advance saves stress if something goes wrong.

Check for ticks. Center Parcs is a forest environment with long grass and wildlife. Bring a tick removal tool and check your dog after every walk.

Bring all your own supplies. Dog bed, bowls, food, leads, poo bags and any medication. The ParcMarket stocks some essentials but at a premium.

Plan your days around your dog. The activities your dog can’t join (the pool, the spa, indoor activities) will need to be balanced with time back at the lodge or on forest walks.

Accept the limitations. Center Parcs with a dog is a different trip to Center Parcs without one. The forest walks are excellent. But if the pool and activities are central to what you want from the break, it’s worth considering whether bringing the dog is the right call for this particular trip.