What's new at Centerparcs Sherwood Forest

We recently visited Centerparcs Sherwood Forest for, what has become, our annual tradition and we always delight in taking pictures in the same spots that show how much they have grown since our first visit in 2001. 

How magical that first visit was  - still on the edge of lockdowns after living so much of their early lives cut off from the world - and marvelling at the concept of being 'on holiday'. 

 

Each year we've enjoyed the stripped back, easy family vibe on offer but this time we were happy to see some of the new updates that have happened since our last visit.

Our first full day began with soft morning light filtering through the canopy. Before the rest of the world woke up, we pulled on our shoes and stepped directly into the forest. The air smelled richly of earth and damp pine. One of the absolute joys of this place is how nature-led it feels for children; there is no persuading them to walk when there are pine cones to collect, ancient tree roots to balance on, and robin song to track through the branches. I highly recommend downloading the Merlin app before you go - some of the birds it recorded were amazing!

We strolled down towards the stream where the forest trail folds into little rocky drops. The children spent an enchanting half-hour holding hands and jumping over the mini waterfalls, their laughter ringing through the quiet clearings. If you remember our post on making the most of simple outdoor play in the countryside, this is that exact feeling amplified. They also tinkered with making a dam, watching how it diverted the course of the waterfall temporarily, before returning it to how it was. We always teach leave no trace nor harm in our natural spaces.

Further along our walk, we stopped to watch brave souls soaring through the high canopy on the new Tree Glider. The sight of families gliding through the treetops beneath the leaves brought a wonderful sense of wonder and adventure to our morning stroll.

Later in the afternoon, we discovered the newly opened Forest Social. This space is such a thoughtful addition for families. It feels like a vibrant hub designed for gathering, where you can sink into comfortable deck chairs, grab a treat, and let the kids play in the sandpit or make a craft in the Nature Hut. There's even an outdoor cinema with movies streaming every evening, or family sing-alongs, and cool food trucks for tasty morsels. We particularly like the new 'light up the forest' bikes which allow families to compete to light up an LED path of twinkly fairy lights that chase up trees and through the forest.

Of course the main event at Centerparcs is always the subtropical swimming paradise which is included in your stay and where hours can be spent floating around, soaking in hot tubs or thrill seeking on rides. We decided on doing all three! This time the kids were big enough for the rapids and oh what fun we had going round and round on those. I picked up a few bruises though. Ouch. The kids loved the splash park and slides, and had many, many goes in the wave pool. 

As dusk settled, the forest transformed into something entirely magical. Soft fairy lights began to glow along the woodland trails, guiding us on a peaceful walk towards the new outdoor cinema area. Nestled under the towering trees, it is a truly magical spot to sit together as the night draws in, wrapped up in warm layers surrounded by nature.

We finished our day at the family disco. Under a canopy of sparkling lights, the children danced with wild joy, showing off their best moves alongside dozens of other rosy-cheeked kids. In typical gender stereotypical style, girl busting moves and boy sliding across the floor on his knees. :) There were no screens, no distractions, and no rush - just music, laughter, and the sweet satisfaction of a day lived fully outdoors.

Walking back to our lodge beneath a starry sky, with one tired child riding piggyback and the other holding my hand, I felt that deep, quiet gratitude that only a proper family retreat can bring. Centerparcs has managed to introduce these fresh updates while keeping the soul of the forest completely intact. It remains a sanctuary for making simple, magical memories together.

Each of our four day stay looked something like this - with slight variations, such as having a scream on the pedalos, until the Carnivore nearly rocked us off the boat, followed by a stack of pillowy pancakes loaded with syrup and ice cream. 

We always love our walks to the nature reserve to spot wildlife too and along the way spotted the updates to the Gastro pub - with a most beautiful outdoor eating terrace and things like Crazy Pool, replacing the soft play inside.

Without doubt our favourite part of the whole experience is when the squirrels, moorhens, ducks, geese and rabbits come right up to your door. Wondering what magical creatures will be passing our little piece of woodland is absolute heaven. We did not expect to see a native grey squirrel with a pure white bushy tail, white nose and four perfect pure white socks, so of course we had to name her:  Rita Ora if you're wondering. :) 

No doubt we'll be back next year - and we were intrigued to see new lodges being built on the edge of the large lake, so that is probably where we'll begin with planning our next adventure. 

Have you been? Do you get the hype?