roonee We recently returned from our fifth trip to Sherwood Forest Center Parcs, and once again, it was a wonderful experience for our family. With two children with lots of additional needs, finding a holiday destination that is accessible, accommodating, and stress-free is incredibly important to us—and Sherwood Forest Center Parcs ticks all the boxes.
Accommodation: A Home Away from Home
One of the reasons we keep going back to this site is the brilliant accommodation. Staying in a self-contained lodge means we can relax in a space that feels like our own. For any family, but especially for ours, this makes a world of difference. The lodge is spacious, clean, and equipped with all the essentials, including a cupboard full of cleaning supplies, which is a huge bonus. Having two messy children, we like being able to clean up after ourselves throughout our stay, making sure the space stays comfortable.
What makes the lodges even better for us is their uniformity. All the lodges, inside and out, are pretty similar, which is fantastic for children who become disregulated when things change unexpectedly. From the moment we arrive, our kids know exactly what to expect from the accommodation, which instantly reduces their anxiety and helps us settle into the holiday mode.
The windows in each lodge provide stunning views of the surrounding woodland and countryside. Whether it’s watching squirrels play or spotting the different types of birds and ducks that wander by, nature always provides a sense of calm for all of us. During this last trip, we spent hours just watching the wildlife – it was great!
Safe and Car-Free Environment
One of the biggest perks of Center Parcs for us is the lack of cars on-site. Apart from unloading your car at the start and packing up at the end of your stay, the entire site is car-free. This makes the whole area feel incredibly safe and means we don’t have to worry about traffic while we’re out walking or cycling with the kids. It’s a huge relief and allows us to enjoy the outdoor spaces without the constant concern of oncoming traffic.
Activities for SEN Families
Center Parcs offers a wide range of activities, and although they can be a little pricey, they’re totally worth it for us. The site’s staff are incredibly accommodating and always do their best to meet our needs, which has allowed us to try activities I wouldn’t normally feel comfortable doing in a less accommodating environment. From pedalo boat rides to pottery painting, the experience has always been positive, and we have always come back with some beautiful family memories.
Swimming is a huge highlight for us. The fully accessible swimming facilities make it easy for SEN families to enjoy time in the water. There’s an adult-sized changing bench, two showers, and a spacious changing area, in addition to a whole row of slightly smaller, shower-less disability friendly changing cubicles, making the whole process stress-free. One evening during our stay, the accessible showers weren’t working, and after reporting the issue to guest services, they not only fixed the showers promptly but also gave our children teddy bears as an apology! I would say that’s pretty good customer service!
Final Thoughts
Sherwood Forest Center Parcs continues to be a holiday haven for our family. From the safe, car-free environment to the welcoming and accommodating staff, we always leave feeling like we have been able to relax. The accessibility features and consistent accommodations make it a perfect fit for families like ours. We’ll definitely be back again soon!
