Tucked away in the heart of rural Suffolk, Center Parcs at Elveden Forest offers a break far removed from the bustle of everyday life. Spread across 400 acres of towering pines, lakeside trails, and family-friendly activities, it’s easy to see why generations of holidaymakers return year after year. I recently spent a weekend in one of the resort’s popular Waterfront Apartments which reminded me of how rejuvenating a short break in the forest can be.
A Room with a View
The Waterfront Apartments are in a perfect location for guests who like a mix of nature and convenience. Set right by the lake, they offer views of the water, where ducks, swans, and the occasional squirrel provide constant entertainment. My first-floor apartment came with a small balcony – the ideal spot for morning coffee as mist curled lazily above the surface of the lake.
Inside, the apartment was bright and contemporary. A separate bedroom, open-plan lounge and kitchen area, and a modern bathroom provided all the essentials for a self-catering stay. The furnishings are simple yet comfortable, with plenty of storage. I appreciated the small touches: a welcome pack with kitchen basics, generous plug sockets and a small safe, although the positioning tight at the bottom of the wardrobe wasn’t ideal.
Being on the first floor brought extra privacy compared with the ground-level apartments, while still keeping you close enough to hear the gentle sounds of the lake. It felt both secluded and central – within walking distance of the Plaza and Subtropical Swimming Paradise yet tucked away enough to enjoy a sense of calm.
Life in the Forest
Center Parcs has a knack for encouraging guests to slow down and embrace outdoor living. Elveden is one of the brand’s original UK locations, and its mature woodland setting gives the park a timeless charm. A weekend here tends to revolve around two things: cycling and swimming. With cars left behind in the main car park, bikes become the default way to get around. Paths weave through the forest, leading to activity hubs and play areas.
The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is the heart of the resort. Heated to a balmy 29.5°C and filled with flumes, wave pools, and lazy rivers, it’s the place families flock to regardless of the season. Elveden’s version is one of the largest, and while it can get busy, there’s something undeniably cheerful about swimming beneath a glass roof while the forest stretches out just beyond.
For those craving more adventure, the activities list is seemingly endless: zip-lining across the lake, canoeing, archery, high ropes, nature walks, and even spa treatments at Aqua Sana. On my visit, I kept things simple – long walks in the forest, leisurely swims, and evenings spent on the balcony watching the sunset.
Eating and Drinking
Dining at Center Parcs is a flexible affair. With a fully equipped kitchen in the apartment, self-catering is easy, though many families mix this with meals out. Elveden has a good range of restaurants, from the familiar comforts of Bella Italia to The Pancake House, a long-standing favourite overlooking the lake. There’s also a well-stocked Parc Market for essentials – handy for last-minute breakfast items or a bottle of wine to enjoy back in the apartment.
A Timeless Escape
What struck me most during my stay at Elveden was how Center Parcs continues to strike a balance between nostalgia and modern family life. For many visitors, it’s a tradition that stretches back decades – the same forest, the same boats on the lake, but with updated accommodation and new activities to keep each generation engaged.
The Waterfront Apartments are a particularly appealing option, blending comfort with scenery and making you feel immersed in the heart of the resort, they offer the perfect base to enjoy all that Elveden has to offer.
In the end, what makes a weekend at Center Parcs, so refreshing isn’t just the facilities or activities, but the setting itself. There’s something about waking up to the birds singing, cycling through shaded trails, and sitting by the water as the day fades that recharges you in a way few other short breaks can. Elveden Forest feels like another world – and sometimes, that’s all you need.
David Powell
