ULTIMATE Centre Parcs Packing List

Are you looking for the ULTIMATE Centre Parcs packing list? We have just got back from a trip to Woburn Centre Parcs and on the whole packed really effectively. In this guide we will tell you everything to pack for Centre Parcs, including some of the the things that we wished we would have had with us!

To make this centre Parcs packing list easier to navigate with have split it into sections based on activities and areas of the park. These are the lodge, swimming pool, the village and more.

What to pack for your Centre Parcs Lodge

Centre Parcs Packing List

The first section we will look at is what you should pack for use in your lodge.

Food and Drink

Probably the area which will take up lots of room in your packing is in relation to food and drink. Although Centre Parcs has several on-site restaurants, y0u probably aren’t going to want to eat out for every mealtime as this would get very expensive.

The essential food and drink we pack for Centre Parcs are:

Cereal
Bread
Milk
Snacks including crisps / fruit / biscuits
Cooking Seasoning – oil / salt and pepper / herbs and spices
Condiments
Smores kit
Baby Food
Meals (we made and froze some meals before travel so we could use this on week nights)
Tea / Coffee / Hot Chocolate
Soft Drinks / Juices
Alcohol

It is worth noting that all Centre Parcs have a supermarket called the Parc Market. We used this to replenish milk and bread and also used the ready meals from Cook. Some products we found to be a lot more expensive than at home however some were about what we would have paid at home in a more high end supermarket.

Cleaning Products

A rudimentary cleaning kit is provided on arrival to centre parcs however you will want to take some additional things with you. We took and used:

Dish washer tablets
Washing Up Liquid
Tea Towels – some are provided but you will probably need extra,
Bin Bags – again only a limited number are provided and we did need additional.

Toilet Rolls

We had 2 rolls in each bathroom for our week long vacation. Depending on how many people are in your lodge, you may also want a couple of extra rolls with you.

Toiletries

Our basic Woodland lodge at Woburn Centre Parcs had some toiletries in it. These included shampoo, shower gel and some soap.

However with all the swimming at the park, I brought shampoo and conditioner from home that is better for dealing with chlorine.

On top of shampoo and conditioner I also packed:

Deodorant
Hand Sanitizer
Hair Brush
Hair Bands
Detangler Spray
Make up
Period Products
Razors
Sun Cream and Aftersun
Lip Balm.

Medicines

We took both prescription medications and some just in case painkillers such as Calpol and Bonjela.

Night Light

It shouldn’t have surprised us but the bedrooms in the lodges at Centre Parcs are very dark given they are surrounded by woodland. However the thing that did surprise us is that there wasn’t a low level or night light. We wished we had bought a travel night with us and will definitely bring one with us next time.

Toys, Games and Entertainment

Although we spent most of our days out in the village for evenings we bought a variety of toys, games and entertainment.

In particular we bought:

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Uno and
Jenga

Chargers

Although we didn’t have a shortage of plugs, there weren’t any chargers in the lodge itself. Remember to bring enough chargers with you.

Disposable BBQs and Lighter

Each lodge has a BBQ area which is particularly great if you are visiting Centre Parcs in summer. If you want to have a BBQ at Centre Parcs we recommend packing your own disposable BBQ and lighter.

What to pack for swimming at Centre Parcs

Swimwear

One of the biggest draws of a Centre Parcs holiday has to be the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. We recommend, that if you are traveling for longer than a weekend to take two pieces of swimwear per person. This way you can always have one to wear and one that can be drying.

Swimming Bag

A bag that can be used in the village and for heading to the swimming pool is a good idea for storing all your items.

Waterproof phone cover

If you want to take photos in the swimming pool or plan to eat at the poolside cafe you are going to want your phone and some bank cards with you. We found the best way to keep these safe and dry in the pool was with a waterproof phone cover like this one.

Swimming Aids

I was surprised to find out that centre Parcs provide some swim vests for small non swimmers. I took swim aids from home but it is worth noting that at least at Woburn, they provided swim vests.

Pool Toys

If you want to use inflatable balls or other swim toys bring these with you. There is a swim shop on site if you forget them.

Goggles

With the Rapids, Lazy River and of course water slides, there is lots of chances for your little one to get splashed. If they don’t like this be sure to have goggles with you.

Swim Nappies

If you are traveling to Centre Parcs with a baby or toddler who is not yet potty trained, you will need to bring swim nappies with you. If you want a reusable solution we recommend the Happy Nappy made by Splashabout.

Quick Dry Towels

Although you are provided with towels for use in the lodges, they are clearly marked that they are for use in accommodation only. Therefore you will need to bring your own towels for use at the subtropical swimming paradise.

We recommend bringing towels of the quick dry variety as if your kids are like mine they will be in the swimming pool a couple of times of day.

What to pack for the Village

Aerial view of the sports plaza at centre parcs

what to pack for centre parcs

Helmets

Although there is a bike shop where you can rent bicycles and accessories, we recommend bringing helmets with you if you have them.

Scooters or bikes

Depending on whether or not you have a bike rack will affect how possible this is. However if you can we recommend bringing any bikes or scooters you have with you as this will safe you the cost of renting them

Bike Locks

Again, these are available for rent at the bike shop, however if you can bring them with you we recommend it.

Backpack

Useful for days round the village.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Even though we packed groceries with us, we still used the Park Market. Bring your own reusable shopping bags with you for going on grocery runs.

Pushchair with rain cover

If you are going to Centre Parcs with a baby or toddler we recommend packing a pushchair with a rain cover. The sites are large and small legs can get tired especially after swimming.

Torch

When we were at Centre Parcs we had a power cut and our torch came in very helpful. Even without the power cut we still used our torch plenty for walking around the site which isn’t particularly well lit at night.

Umbrella

Useful if you have rain in your forecast.

What to wear at Centre Parcs

Clothing obviously depends on the season and weather forecast for your time of travel. However regardless of the time of year you are traveling there are some specific clothing you should always take to centre parks.

Sneakers – useful for walking around the site.
Wellingtons – the woodland area can get very damp so having some shoes that can deal with rain is important.
Waterproofs.
Casual clothing – there was no where with a dress code at Centre Parcs.
Layers – it can be cold in the woodland.
Swimwear
Gym Wear / Athleisure for everyone – useful for activities such as rock climbing, laser quest and other on-site activities.
Coats in Winter