Subtropical Swimming Paradise — Attraction in West Suffolk

One of main reasons to visits Centre Parcs is for their spectacular subtropical swimming pool. The pool is heated to a toasty 26°c and has many features such as, numerous hot tubs (called wirlpools), a lazy river, a wave pool, salt pool (perfect for soaking in after a workout doing their various activities) and rapids. They also have a childrens area which is pirate themed, filled with buckets of water which tip over your head randomly and lots of splash areas. They have four main slides, the most impressive being their Cyclone ride which is very fun! There are twin white drop slides which deposit you into the wave pool (although also provide you with an option to go out directly after) which are excellent for racing. The other two slides land in the same area. One is a black pool which immerses you in complete darkness and the second is a tame white slide.

The pool also has a bar which is open until 8pm and a Starbucks incase you’re hungry or thirsty during your stay.

With the brand new banding system the lockers now operate slightly differently. You use your band to lock them and then use your band to open. If they get stuck, just hit the top left corner and they should pop right open. If you forget your locker simply scan the pad on the wall to find your number!

I have been coming to centre parcs for 17 years now and the pool is definitely one of the highlights. One of my best advice though is for their plunge pool. I got hypothermia from staying in there too long. So for parents with neurodivergent children I would advise to just keep an eye on...

Swimming is included in your stay. Not the biggest Center Parcs pool but this one is nice. Many slides and a kids section. Outdoor pool is accessible via an indoor swimming area so no need to run outside if its cold out :)

Changing rooms are clean and new. Lots of single and family rooms, never had to wait to find an empty one. There are also disabled changing.

Toilets are clean inside the swimming pool.

Free showers you can use, some are hot others can be stone cold, check before stepping under! Showers can be a pain to trigger as they are touchless but don't respond half the time.

Lockers are free and lock using your Center Parcs wrist band. If you forget your locker number there are devices on the wall.

Lots of hair dryers.

There are 2 swimming gear dryers, they are now free to use, and will spin dry very well (Still hang up to dry when back at your villa). Would be nice if more are provided as there can be quite a queue.

The shop for swimwear is crazy expensive! Make sure to bring...

An amazing, varied, indoor water park. Two flumes (suitable for toddlers up to adults), a large slide (children to adults), the rapids (for swimmers), lazy river (babies upwards), the Cyclone (exhilarating ride for the braver children and adults) and many relaxation areas. Always busy, but queue times are short, except the Cyclone, which could be up to an hour if unlucky. Sometimes as little as quarter an hour. The cafe serves sandwiches and crisps. There's a Starbucks in there too. Lots of attendants supervising all of the water rides, safety is clearly of paramount importance. All clean and tidy. Lockers use your door "key" and shower wash is provided in the shower area. There's also a spinner to dry swimming wear, as well as hairdryers. A fantastic venue...