Center Parcs has announced operational changes that will affect arrivals across all five of its UK holiday parks, including Whinfell Forest in Penrith. Starting September 29, the operator will introduce staggered lodge access times aimed at managing site traffic during peak arrival periods.
The company stated that the adjustment is intended to improve guest flow into its parks. Under the new schedule, access times will vary by accommodation type.
Guests staying in Treehouses will be able to access lodges from 1 p.m., while Exclusive Lodges will remain at 2 p.m. Forest Lodges, Hotels, and Apartments will move to 3 p.m., and Woodland Lodges will remain unchanged at 4 p.m.
For guests who purchase early arrival, Forest Lodges, Hotels, and Apartments will be available from 1 p.m., while Woodland Lodges will remain at 2 p.m.
“You can still arrive on village from 10 a.m. on your arrival day, park in the car park and enjoy everything from the Subtropical Swimming Paradise to cycle hire and many other activities. This change only affects the time your lodge will be ready,” the company explained in its website statement.
According to The Mail, Center Parcs also noted that accommodations featuring hot tubs will be cleaned and prepared for use from around 4 p.m. The operator emphasized that while lodge access times are shifting, guests will still have full use of on-site facilities upon arrival.
For holiday park and resort operators, this development reflects an industry trend toward managing congestion and enhancing the guest experience through operational adjustments.
Staggered access can help reduce bottlenecks at entry points and distribute traffic flow more evenly throughout the day, potentially improving both guest satisfaction and staff efficiency.
For businesses in the outdoor hospitality and caravan sector, the move highlights the importance of balancing customer convenience with operational logistics, particularly as demand for domestic leisure travel continues to remain strong across the UK.