Five years ago, the thought of a UK holiday wouldn't have filled me with much excitement as an avid traveller. However, with a three-year-old in tow, the convenience of packing the car with all the home comforts we need has made travel a much more manageable affair.
This time, instead of jetting off to a sunny European resort, I opted for a long weekend at Centre Parcs in Elveden Forest, Suffolk. Being just two and a half hours from home and with the option to bring my dogs, it was an easy decision. Holidays are meant to be a respite from everyday life, and the thought of leaving my pets with a sitter and packing minimally for a flight no longer holds the same appeal.
Furthermore, I'd heard great things about the range of activities available at Centre Parcs, offering the freedom to do as much or as little as desired. Earlier this month, we set off with our dachshunds securely fastened in the back of the car, the boot overflowing with groceries, suitcases, and numerous 'just in case' items.
We were greeted by a smooth journey and a seamless check-in process. The beautiful countryside enveloped us as we entered the main gate, and the magical woodland provided an idyllic backdrop for our short break.
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Inside the Dog Lodges
Centre Parcs markets itself as pet-friendly, and for the most part, it is. Guests who bring their pets are charged an additional £109 to stay in a designated dog lodge. The extra fee, they explain, covers a thorough clean between guests, which is entirely reasonable. The lodge was spotless and fresh-smelling â there was no indication of how many dogs had previously stayed there.
All the furniture is dog-resistant, and with laminate flooring throughout, it's simple to clean up any mishaps. For those with vocal dogs who enjoy hearing their own barks, these lodges are conveniently located on the site's outskirts, presumably to keep them away from the main complex.
While dogs must be leashed around the site, there are enclosed dog exercise pens where they can run freely for as long as you (or they) wish.
<figcaption>The special dog lodges are perfectly adapted for your four-legged friends -Credit:Reach plc</figcaption>
However, one issue that I still can't comprehend since returning home is the absence of a secure back garden area for dogs to safely explore and relieve themselves.
The patios of all the standard lodges are perfectly sufficient â they come equipped with tables, chairs, and even a stand for portable barbecues. Another delightful bonus is the friendly wild deer that will approach windows and doors for a truly enchanting close-up experience. They appear completely undisturbed by excited dogs barking at them through patio doors. But what if a dog gets too close and becomes defensive?
We also had a brief incident where a dog from the neighbouring lodge ran up to one of ours, who was on a lead, and startled her. The whole situation was entirely innocent â dogs are generally accustomed to having a back garden to frolic in. Suddenly, they're leashed near their home, tethered to a designated dog post.
However, they can also roam freely up to the neighbouring lodge, if permitted. If you turn your attention away for a moment, they might even wander in if they saw an opportunity and the door was ajar.
I can't help but ponder that all these slightly plausible scenarios could be circumvented by a simple pull-out, retractable fence which can briefly confine a dog or two while they venture out for a morning or evening wee.
Interestingly, those with a more generous budget can choose to stay in a detached lodge with all the mod cons â and their own secured garden. But a quick search reveals that these cutting-edge apartments are not available to guests with dogs.
Our trip to Centre Parcs was, despite this noticeable snag, a truly enjoyable weekend and I am already planning to book again. However, our experience was marred, albeit slightly, by having to leash our dogs in the middle of the night if they needed the toilet, or first thing in the morning.
While the issue seemed immediately clear to me, it seems reviewers have not previously highlighted this. When questioned on the matter, a Centre Parcs spokesperson explained: "In keeping with our company ethos and our forest locations, none of our dog-friendly lodges include enclosed patio areas and at present there are no plans to do so. However, we have recently included a tethering point outside of these lodges so dogs can enjoy the patios."
Despite this, for those planning a getaway with their canine companions, Centre Parcs remains a strong choice, and I certainly plan to return with my furry friends.