Center Parcs, a popular family holiday destination, is discontinuing its crèche service across all five UK resorts by the end of May. This service previously allowed parents to book childcare for children aged three months to three years, for sessions up to three hours at around £30 each.
Bookings for the crèche are no longer available for holidays starting after May, with the option removed from all UK sites. Families have expressed disappointment, as the service enabled parents to enjoy couple time at the spa or relieved grandparents from childcare duties.
One parent shared in the Center Parcs Facebook group: “I had planned to book a much needed child free trip to the spa with my husband and planned to put the children in the kids clubs and our 2 year old in the crèche so we could go together.”
Official Statement on the Change
A Center Parcs spokesperson explained: “We’re always looking to review and evolve the guest experience. We have made the decision to remove the crèche activity from our breaks, to reflect guest feedback and limited demand for this particular activity.”
The spokesperson noted that crèche sessions were one of more than 20 activities in the Activity Den, and other options will continue uninterrupted. Center Parcs is developing new activities for children of all ages, though specifics remain undisclosed.
Recent Check-in Adjustments
Center Parcs introduced staggered arrival times in September 2025 to reduce congestion and queues. Check-in slots now vary by accommodation type:
- Treehouses (premium with hot tub, games room, sauna): from 1pm
- Exclusive Lodges: from 2pm
- Forest Lodges, Hotels, Apartments: from 3pm
- Woodland Lodges: from 4pm
Guests seeking earlier access can purchase an early arrival package.
Expansion to Sixth UK Site
Center Parcs plans to open a sixth UK village in the Scottish Borders, north of Hawick and south of Selkirk. Located about 90 minutes from Edinburgh and Newcastle or two hours from Glasgow, the site will feature 700 self-catering family lodges, a Subtropical Swimming Paradise, and a children’s play area. Construction began last month, with an opening targeted for 2029.
