Aqua Mundo in De Eemhof komt als beste uit landelijke ANWB-test

Wie op een gure winterdag heerlijk wil genieten van een subtropisch zwemparadijs is bij Center Parcs aan het juiste adres. De Aqua Mundo in De Eemhof komt als beste uit een test die ANWB Kampioen heeft verricht bij twaalf subtropische zwembaden in Nederland. De Aqua Mundo's van Port Zélande en De Huttenheugte volgen op nummer 2 en 3. De zwemparadijzen van Center Parcs springen er vooral uit door hun spectaculaire attracties en scoren ook zeer hoog op fun, veiligheid en hygiëne.

Extra punten.

ANWB Kampioen voerde dit najaar een test uit waarbij twaalf subtropische zwembaden bij verschillende bezoeken zijn getest op de 'funfactor', hygiëne en veiligheid. Voor de aankleding, horeca, voorzieningen en activiteiten konden de zwembaden extra punten verdienen. De Aqua Mundo's in De Eemhof, Port Zélande en De Huttenheugte kwamen als beste uit de bus. Zo springt de Aqua Mundo in De Eemhof er uit door haar supersnelle bandenglijbaan met 'trechters' ,de Turbo Twister, de Aqua Mundo in Port Zélande door haar wildwaterbaan met vier routes en de Aqua Mundo in De Huttenheugte met haar lange wildwaterbaan.

Trotst.

"We zijn er erg trots op dat de Aqua Mundo's in De Eemhof, Port Zélande en De Huttenheugte als beste uit de bus zijn gekomen. In onze Aqua Mundo's  kunnen bezoekers niet alleen genieten van spectaculaire attracties, maar zijn ook de veiligheid en hygiëne altijd in goede handen", zegt Mark Giethoorn, Operations Director Nederland van Center Parcs. "Center Parcs was haar tijd ver vooruit toen de Aqua Mundo en de wildwaterbaan in de jaren tachtig voor het eerst hun intrede deden. Hiermee hebben we een nieuwe standaard in de recreatiesector gezet en deze test wijst uit dat we hierin nog steeds voorop lopen. Al vele jaren beleven vrienden, families en gezinnen tijdens een vakantie in één van onze parken of tijdens een dagje uit veel plezier in de Aqua Mundo."

Bron: Center Parcs

Christmas Day at Center Parcs

We have more options than ever on Christmas Day, for you to book and have peace of mind that your Christmas dinner is covered.

Christmas Day Breakfast or lunch at Cafe Rouge

Village: All villages

Indulge in a luxury breakfast at Café Rouge, the perfect way to start your Christmas Day celebrations. Or if you’d like a French twist on your Christmas lunch, indulge with four courses at Café Rouge.

Christmas Day Lunch at Bella Italia

Where: Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest

Make your Christmas that extra bit special at Bella Italia. Join us as we celebrate the Italian way – with fantastic food. Enjoy antipasti boards on arrival, a selection of appetising starters, your pick of traditional Christmas mains or Italian classics and finish with a delicious dessert.

Christmas Day Lunch at Huck’s

Where: Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Woburn Forest

While you’re on your break you deserve to relax and enjoy your time out. So let us do the hard work for you on Christmas Day, and treat you with delicious food, good wine and great service. Our festive lunch is served with all the traditional trimmings, and the children can enjoy the play area and iMacs as you sit back, relax and soak up the festive atmosphere in the heart of the village.

Christmas Day Lunch at The Venue

Where: Elveden Forest, Woburn Forest, Longleat Forest

Christmas Day is busy enough without having to think about cooking and washing up. Let us take the hassle out of it and leave you with more time to spend with your family. Our traditional Christmas Carvery at the Venue includes all the festive trimmings. There’s live music and a glass of bubbles on arrival. Relax this Christmas Day and let us spoil you with great food, great service and great music.

Christmas Dinner at Foresters’ Inn

Where: Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest

Forget about oven timings, basting turkeys and who’s handling the washing up. Our four-course traditional Christmas lunch at Foresters’ Inn is the best way to relax and enjoy Christmas with loved ones. The children will be treated to their own menu and special gifts (if they’re on the ‘nice’ list!). For adults, our fine wine, beer and cocktail menus are the perfect way to top off your festive celebrations.

Christmas Day Lunch at Las Iguanas

Where: Woburn Forest and Longleat Forest

Join us at Las Iguanas this Christmas to celebrate the South American way! With a hand-selected menu, you’ll enjoy classic Las Iguanas dishes, as well as some Christmas twists on your favourites.

Christmas Day Lunch at Strada

Where: Woburn Forest

Come to Strada this Christmas Day and enjoy some delicious Italian food. Our fantastic Chefs will cook up a storm so you can relax and enjoy the day with us.

Christmas Day Lunch at The Lakeside Inn

Where: Whinfell Forest

Prepping, cooking and clearing up can eat into precious family time on Christmas Day. We’ll do the hard work for you, leaving you free to enjoy your day. Our sumptuous Christmas carvery lunch at The Lakeside Inn is packed full of traditional festive fayre, including succulent turkey and all the trimmings. Sit back and enjoy the relaxed, tranquil atmosphere as you look out onto the beautiful forest.

Christmas Day Lunch on the Waterfront

Where: Sherwood Forest

See The Pancake House transformed into a festive wonderland, offering the best views across the lake. This is the place for any family looking to push the boat out for a special dining experience on the big day. Enjoy a glass of bubbles and canapés on arrival, followed by a spectacular four-course feast. A very merry Christmas is guaranteed. Allergen information on our menu items can be provided upon request. Please alert us to your requirements on every visit as our recipes do change.

Boxing Night Party

Village: Whinfell Forest, Elveden Forest, Sherwood Forest, Woburn Forest

Continue the festivities with our popular Boxing Night Party! Bring the whole family to enjoy a children’s entertainer, non-stop disco and a live band to ensure you have a fantastic evening. Plus there is a delicious two course buffet to keep you fuelled for dancing, and a special children’s buffet with all the usual favourites.

See all festive food choices here

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Have your cake and eat it too

In celebration of National Cake Day, we are bringing you some of our favourite places to grab some mouth-watering cake this Monday, so all you need to do is think about which one takes your fancy?

Café Rouge

Where: All villages

Cake Selection

From a decadent gluten-free carrot cake topped with dreamy cream cheese icing to a tangy lemon cake with poppy seeds and cornflower petals, Café Rouge is the perfect destination for cake lovers.

Bella Italia

Where: Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest

Tiramisu

Eat your way through an Italian classic, tiramisu at Bella Italia. With layers of sweet mascarpone cream and marsala and coffee-soaked sponge, it guaranteed to please those coffee lovers.

Sicilian Lemon “Cheesecake”

A crunchy biscuit base topped with a smooth and silky filling finished with a zesty Sicilian lemon topping. A perfect pit-stop while you are on your adventure in the forest and did we mention its vegan?

Las Iguanas

Where: Woburn Forest, Longleat Forest

Creamy Caramel Cake

Enjoy a delicious treat after a long day and pop into Las Iguanas for a Creamy Caramel Cake with layers of soaked sponge drizzled with dulce de leche and topped with caramelised cream & blueberries.

Dulce De Leche Macadamia Cheesecake

Indulge your sweet tooth with a creamy cheesecake with roasted macadamia nuts and dulce de leche caramel sauce at Las Iguanas, is there a better way to celebrate national cake day?

You don’t need to wait till national cake day to grab your next slice of cake, book your next Center Parcs break and try one of our delicious cake options at our restaurants.

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New bat arrivals at Sherwood Forest

At the end of October, a bat survey took place at Sherwood Forest over the course of two days. For over five years we have had a strong relationship with Nottinghamshire Bat Group to ensure the bats in our forest are still thriving to keep them a protected species in the UK.

The bat boxes are checked twice a year, once before the bats have hibernated which was just taken place and then another check in the springtime when the bats are beginning to come out of hibernation.

With the large number of 250 bat boxes amongst the forest at Sherwood, the Nottinghamshire Bat Group tend to get around to 80% of the boxes over the two days of checks.

Excitingly over the course of the two days, they confirmed seven bat species at Sherwood including; Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Noctule Brown Long-eared bat, Daubenton’s bat, Leisler’s bat and Natterers. Of which three of these bat species were newly found; Noctule, Leisler’s and Soprano Pipistrelle.

Discover more about nature and wildlife at Sherwood Forest by booking your short break today.

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Ook Black Friday (weekend) bij Center Parcs

Ook bij Center Parcs is het Black Friday! Alleen dit weekend boek je je een verblijf in de periode van 21 december 2018 t/m 8 maart 2019 inclusief de kerstvakantie en voorjaarsvakantie nu extra voordelig. Aanbieding is geldig t/m maandag 26 november.

Lekker ertussenuit, met prachtige locaties als vakantiebestemming. Vakantie vieren in Center Parcs is zoals jij het wilt, van ontspanning tot actie, aan de kust of in de bossen. 

Geldig t/m maandag

Center Parcs sluit meerjarig partnership met Grohe

Center Parcs heeft vandaag het startsein gegeven voor een meerjarig partnership met Grohe, een internationaal toonaangevende leverancier van sanitaire producten en innovatieve toepassingen op het gebied van water. Deze samenwerking sluit aan op de ambitie van Center Parcs om een nieuwe standaard te zetten in de recreatiesector en haar gasten voortdurend te verrassen: met innovaties en nieuwe vormen van beleving, zoals de Grohe Water Experience die in de Aqua Mundo's haar intrede doet. Het partnership markeert bovendien het begin van nieuwe samenwerkingsvormen die Center Parcs in de komende jaren wil sluiten met verschillende grote partijen met als doel haar positie als marktleider in de recreatiesector verder te versterken.

Het partnership is Afgelopen woensdag officieel bekrachtigd door Pascal Ferracci, CEO van Center Parcs Europe, en Rogier van Dis, Regional Director Grohe Benelux. De samenwerking staat volledig in het teken van innovatie, duurzaamheid en het bieden van kwalitatief hoogwaardige producten. Grohe is wereldwijd een toonaangevend leverancier van innovatieve producten op het gebied van water en sanitair en staat bekend als één van de duurzaamste merken van Duitsland. Grohe introduceert haar meest duurzame en innovatie producten zoals slimme douchesystemen en waterbesparende douchekoppen, kranen en toiletten in de vakantieparken van Center Parcs in Nederland, België en Duitsland. De uitrol vindt gefaseerd plaats, bij vernieuwing van bestaande parken en bij de bouw van nieuwe vakantieparken.

Bron en hele artikel: Bouw en Wonen

Take a look at our Winter Wonderland specials

If you are visiting us on a Winter Wonderland break, then look out for our seasonal specials which are guaranteed to warm you up this winter. Whether you fancy a festive inspired pizza at Strada or are stopping off at Café Rouge for a Christmas classic, mulled wine, get together with your family with our seasonal specials and get in the festive spirit the right way.

Mulled Wine

A simple but traditional staple during the festive period. A glass of mulled wine; featuring warm red wine, festive spices and a hint of orange. Head to Café Rouge on a wintery evening for some drinks with your friends and family where this traditional favourite can be found, for a perfect winter warmer.  

Festiva Pizza*

Alongside a range of Italian flavours served at Strada, we have added a festiva pizza to the list of seasonal specials. Topped with lugancia sausage, roast chicken, smoked pancetta, caramelised red onions, sage, rocket and the showstopper, cranberry sauce. A delicious main meal to get you in the festive spirit during Winter Wonderland, and for a limited time only so get one before it’s too late.

Gingerbread Stack

If choosing what to eat at The Pancake House wasn’t hard enough, we have brought back our mouth-watering Gingerbread stack to the menu during the festive season. Eat your way through a stack of gingerbread flavoured pancakes with crushed gingerbread and whipped cream to top it off. For those that love Irish coffee treat yourself by accompanying your pancakes with a delicious Bailey’s latte.

Winter Berry Bellini

Why not celebrate the festive period on your Center Parcs break with our wintery take on the classic Bellini; a combination of strawberry purée and Prosecco blended together for a special winter treat with your loved ones, make your way to Rajinda Pradesh to get this sparkling drink. 

Panettone

Have room for dessert? Indulge on a traditional festive pudding, panettone served with vanilla gelato and cranberry at Bella Italia, it’s the perfect winter treat for sweet tooth lovers, which is too good to share with your friends and family.

Buttermilk Turkey Burger with an American Stuffing 

Our favourite American bar and grill have added some new festive drinks and food on the menu over Winter Wonderland. Try our crispy fried turkey breast, in a brioche bun with Huck’s sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion served with seasoned fries and Hucks slaw – need we say anymore? Wash it all down with the Huck’s Winter Berry Lemonade, a soft drink made with raspberries, blackberries, acai berries topped with lemonade. 

But that’s not all! Alongside our seasonal specials in our restaurants, our Winter Wonderland inspired Krispy Kreme doughnut is back this year. Exclusively available across all our villages at the ParcMarket during Winter Wonderland. These doughnuts are filled with creamy coconut marshmallow filling and topped with coconut sprinkles, are a perfect treat while you and your little ones are exploring the forest.

Are your taste buds tingling? Find out more about our restaurants before your break, or book a Winter Wonderland break and experience everything we have to offer.

*Only available at Woburn Forest

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Irish mother and son Lego artist duo unveil the 55,667 brick model that showcases all that Ireland’s largest waterpark will offer Irish families

Center Parcs is set to make a splash in Longford, Ireland next year. The new forest resort, which will open its doors in summer 2019, is set to transform family getaways as plans for Ireland's first ever Subtropical Swimming Paradise have been revealed.

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise will be Ireland's largest waterpark and promises to offer Irish families a slice of paradise in the heart of the island. Heated to 29.5oC all year round and nestled amongst lush green tropical plants, the 3,500m2 Subtropical Swimming Paradise will provide endless hours of fun for all the family.

To mark the reveal of Ireland's largest waterpark, Center Parcs teamed up with internationally renowned Lego artists, mother and son duo Jessica and Faolán Farrell from Rathangan, Co. Kildare, to create a show-stopping Lego replica of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. The prizeworthy 2 metre x 1.5 metre Lego model, which took 105 days to build using 55,667 Lego bricks, showcases all that the swimming paradise will offer Irish families when it opens its doors in 2019.

Guests to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise will be able to take a dip in the large family wave pool, tackle the Wild Water Rapids, make a splash in the children's water play areas or relax in the tranquil whirlpools. The indoor waterpark will come complete with 350m of exhilarating rides and flumes suitable for all ages (and the daredevils!). Coming to Center Parcs Longford Forest are the Tropical Cyclone, a family raft ride with a gravity-defying drop; the Typhoon, a two-seater ride with drops, swings and speeds of up to 45km/ph; and the Twister a thrilling family body slide.

Those eager to stay dry and looking to take a break from the splashes and slides will be happy to hear that the Subtropical Swimming Paradise will also feature the option a private family cabana, fitted with a TV, refreshments and loungers. Further refreshments will also be available in the Canopy Café & Bar, a welcome pit-stop for those looking for an energy boost.

A break at Center Parcs includes unlimited free entry to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise which is open from 10am – 9pm every day!

Bron: Center Parcs UK / Ireland

Large scale Lego model of the Center Parcs will go on display next year

A large scale Lego model of one the key features of the Center Parcs Longford Forest will go on display at the tourist attraction when it opens next year.

This week, the company's website began taking its first booking for the facility, with plans on track for it to open in summer 2019.

The company has confirmed that its sub tropical swimming paradise, will be the country's largest indoor swimming facility.

Advertisement

And to mark its ongoing development, Kildare mother and son, Jessica and Faolan Farrell, built an enormous Lego model of the facility, comprising of over 55,000 Lego bricks.

Jessica explained that the project was very much a labour of love.

Bron en hele artikel: Shannonside

Fast Minute Dagen: Kerstvakantie aanbieding

Snelle beslissers opgelet! Geniet van de kerstvakantie bij Center Parcs. Tijdens de Fast Minute dagen boek je je kerstvakantie nu extra voordelig.

Kerstvakantie vanaf €329 (incl. verplichte kosten) voor 4-persoons cottage, 3 nachten / 4 dagen

Weg met kerst met familie tijdens de kerstvakantie (vanaf €329)

Even weg met kerst? Vier de kerstvakantie bij Center Parcs. De feestdagen zijn het moment om met je familie of goede vrienden te genieten van een midweek of weekend weg. Geniet van de warmte in je eigen cottage, of van vertier op het park. Wat jullie ook beslissen, zeg volmondig 'ja' tegen echt even samen zijn deze kerstvakantie. 

Geniet met z'n allen voor de open haard in je cottage of van een avondje gourmetten.

Beleef de magische sferen met feestelijke versieringen en winterse activiteiten (aanbod verschilt per park).

Geniet van een van de culinaire arrangementen zoals een kerstbrunch of een kerstdiner.

Zoef van de wildwaterbaan of glijbanen in subtropisch zwemparadijs Aqua Mundo.

Wat het weer ook doet, met indoor speelwerelden en de overdekte Market Dome geniet je ook als het plenst. 

Boek nu je verblijf al vanaf €329 voor een 4-pers. cottage incl. verplichte kosten.

Duits horrorpark bezorgt Center Parcs weer last

Een vakantiepark in Zuid-Duitsland blijft Center Parcs hoofdbrekens bezorgen. Begin oktober, toen Ferienpark Allgäu geopend werd, bleken er zoveel gebreken te zijn dat gasten rechtsomkeert maakten en het park weer gesloten moest worden. Nu is het weer open, maar klaagt de plaatselijke brandweer. 

Die moest deze maand al zeven keer uitrukken voor vals alarm, meldt het lokale medium SWR. Meestal is onachtzaamheid van een parkmedewerker de oorzaak. Zo ging het alarm af bij het schoonmaken van het zwembad en bij bouwwerkzaamheden. 

Zulke onnodige uitrukken horen ook wel een beetje bij een nieuw complex, vertelt de plaatselijke brandweercommandant. Maar het is een dure grap. Iedere keer gaan er vier voertuigen en 25 brandweermannen mee. De kosten worden geschat op 700 euro per keer.

Ongekende ramp

De grootste zorgen met het park heeft het Nederlandse Center Parcs echter al achter de rug. De opening, begin oktober, draaide uit op een ongekende ramp. De huisjes waren namelijk nog niet af toen de eerste gasten arriveerden. Er waren onder meer problemen met de verwarming, warm water, televisie en internet. 

Bron en hele artikel: AD

Your Christmas at Center Parcs, wrapped up

Between trying new activities and relaxing with the family, Christmas shopping might be the last thing on your mind, but your Center Parcs break is a great opportunity to purchase the perfect gift. From a Spa Day to our very own little reindeers, to a Cath Kidston X Snow White purse and a Lego set, we really do have something for everyone.

For little ones…

Nutmeg is back on our villages but this year he is joined by a special new character – his sister Clove – in our new 2018 Christmas children’s book: Nutmeg’s Little Sister. Head over to Santa’s Woodland Workshop, ParcMarket or The Store Room to get your hands on this Christmas tale and soft toy, or get creative at our Pottery Painting Studio and paint your own Clove and Nutmeg pottery bisques to give to someone special this Christmas.

Just Kids, a store dedicated to little ones, is the ideal spot to tick off items from Santa’s list. From Lego sets and teddies to trains and Center Parcs treasures, you’ll find the perfect gift for excited children this Christmas – but only if they’ve been good, of course!

For two or more to enjoy…

Treat your loved ones to the gift of relaxation. Whether they’re seasoned spa-goers or it’s a whole new world for them, there’s something at Aqua Sana for everyone. From gift vouchers for a Spa Day for Two to a Twilight Taster for Two, give them something to look forward to in the New Year.

Head to Santa’s Woodland Workshop and get your hands on a hand-painted glass bauble. A lovely decoration for someone to keep forever and hang proudly on their Christmas tree.

Know somebody who has a sweet tooth? Take a look in Treats for the Center Parcs Christmas chocolate box, which is perfect for placing on the table to indulge in a little Christmas treat.

Just for you…

Are you a Snow-White fan? Get your hands on the latest Disney x Cath Kidston collection. Designed in creative collaboration between Disney and Cath Kidston, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs celebrates the rich design and illustration heritage of both brands now available in Store Room.

For jewellery lovers, Time for Shade is home to brands like Links of London, DKNY and Ray-Ban. The perfect gift for someone who’s a big brand lover or adores a great piece of jewellery.

Visit Spirit for fashion brands like Jack Wills* and Timberland, or for fashionistas pick up the perfect accessory from Radley, Fiorelli or Joules.

It’s not too late to start your Christmas shopping at Center Parcs, book your break now.

 

*Jack Wills is available at all locations with the exception of Longleat Forest

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Can you escape our new Locked In A Room activity?

Locked In A Room is a new activity exclusively at Longleat Forest, located in the heart of the Village Square.

For escape room lovers or those that have an hour to spare, put your skills to the test and embark on an adventure to solve clues in the hopes you will beat the clock to escape the locked room in time.

Parallax

If you dare, gather your team and enter the more difficult locked room, Parallax. You will be transported to the hideout of some kidnappers, tasked to solve the mysterious kidnapping of the time travelling genius Professor Pottenger. Frantically solve clues in 60 minutes or less to set your team and the professor free.

TimeLock

Become transformed into respected scientists and work together as a team with your friends and family on a secret laboratory project to uncover the secrets of your fellow scientist Professor Pottenger in the medium difficulty room, TimeLock. Solve the clues and figure out the professor’s secrets to escape – the question is, can your team beat the clock?

Parental guidance is required to participate in this activity, and only children aged 8 + can take part in this immersive escape room activity.

Think you have what it takes to escape the room? Take a look at our Locked In A Room activity here.

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15 Winter Wonderland activities for 2018

As the weather turns and the dark evenings set in, the thoughts of Christmas begin. All our villages will transform into a magical Winter Wonderland on 9 November and with this, an array of exciting activities, spectacular events and all round Christmas cheer arrives. Here’s a guide of 15 festive activities that you’ll be able to enjoy when you visit Center Parcs until 1 January 2019 (in no particular order).

1. Santa’s Woodland Workshop

A Christmas tradition that the whole family will love. Santa has joined us at Center Parcs for a well-earned break before the big night, where Santa and his little helpers are spending their time in Santa’s Woodland Workshop. You can visit Santa to tell him what’s on your Christmas list, take a photo with him and to remember your visit, he may give you a special present to take away.

2. Fireworks

Our fireworks display happens every Sunday and Wednesday evening at 6pm (6.30 pyrotechnics display at Woburn Forest) on breaks from 11th November to 20th December during Winter Wonderland.

Further displays will be held at 6pm on Saturday 22nd December, Wednesday 26th December and Saturday 29th December.

3. Festive Pony Rides

Before or after an exciting visit to Santa Claus, take a magical pony ride through the snow-dusted, glittering forest. Our ponies are rein-led and suitable for children. This has been a favourite activity for children for a number of years now, as a pony ride at Christmas is double the excitement for little ones! Suitable for absolute beginners, it is the perfect way to introduce them to the joys of pony riding, with our gentle ponies offering a reassuringly mellow ride as they walk through our magical forest.

4. Horse and Carriage Rides

Riding in a horse-drawn carriage is always a special experience, and it becomes even more memorable when you’re travelling through our stunning woodland in Winter Wonderland. So sit back and let the sounds and scenery wash over you as you trot gently round the village. It’s a great way to get your bearings around our festive forest.

5. Meet the Reindeer

This activity offers you and your little ones the chance to get close to some of these beautiful creatures together, to learn about them from our knowledgeable conservation rangers.

6. Design a giant Christmas stocking

When Santa comes down the chimney, he’ll be impressed to notice a glittering, sparkling Christmas stocking hanging on the fireplace. Join your little ones as they get creative with glitter, festive decorations and colourful fabric pens to make their very own customised stocking. Designing their own Christmas stocking to hang on the fireplace this Christmas Eve. We’ll provide the stocking and decorating equipment… all you need to bring is your imaginations.

7. Elf Academy

For months the village elves have been helping Santa to get ready for the big day. Now they’re experts in all things Christmas and they’d love to pass on some of their skills to a new set of trainee elves. Bring your little ones along to the Academy and they’ll get the chance to practise Christmas crafts, decorate festive treats to eat and learn some elf dance moves and games. There are lots of surprises along the way and they get to keep their elf outfits.

8. Elf Hunt

We’re going on an Elf Hunt… and we’d love you and your little one to join us. Explore the trail together through our forest, searching for hidden clues. Once you’ve solved them, there’s a special seasonal treat waiting for you at the end.

9. Festive Family Cupcake Decorating

Spend some quality family time at our cupcake decorating masterclass learn tricks of the trade and create six beautiful festive cupcakes to display in a presentation box which you can share with family and friends!

10. Festive Pottery Painting

Our Pottery Painting Studio is a great place for the whole family to enjoy an activity together. Each choose your favourite piece of pottery from our huge range, then add some seasonal sparkle and festive finesse. From baubles to tree decorations, to Nutmeg and Clove… the choice is yours. We’ll professionally glaze and fire it overnight ready for you the next day.

11. Festive Teddy Bear Picnic

Today’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic… and you and your little ones are invited. Choose a favourite teddy and join us for some special festive songs and stories before we follow the trail to our Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Every child will receive a new cuddly bear of their own at the end to take home.

12. Festive Treasure Trail

Weave your way along our woodland trails on bikes, discovering a wonderland filled with sparkling surprises. Dotted along the route are special Christmas clues – spot them all and you could win an exciting prize.

13. Festive Wreath Making

It’s the hands-on way to get creative this festive season. Bring your little ones and help them to create a festive door wreath that can be used every year. Don’t worry if you’re stuck for inspiration one of our creative Activity Den team will be on hand with lots of ideas and pictures to use.

14. Jingle Jolly Party Hour

Join the elves for a lively party packed full of upbeat music, energetic dancing and fun games. In this supervised session, little ones can make new friends and burn off some energy, before leaving with their very own goody bag to keep the party going…

15. We Wish you a Merry Quizmas

Every member of the family can take part in our fun quiz as you pit your festive wits against other family teams. The questions are all about Christmas and our professional quiz master will be making sure everything runs smoothly. The only trouble is the young ones may know more than the older ones.

To book your family’s festive fun, check out our online activities website and make sure that you don’t miss out on the ones that you really want to take part in.

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Center Parcs haakt in op herfstweer met ‘regenbillboard’

Het billboard verandert zodra er regen tegenaan komt.

Vakantieaanbieder Center Parcs heeft met Ogilvy Amsterdam een billboard ontwikkeld dat pas zichtbaar wordt wanneer regendruppels het bord raken.

Op deze manier wil het vakantiepark bezoekers attenderen op de warme temperaturen in het zwemparadijs van Center Parcs. De tekst 'Genoeg van de regen? Boek een last minute' verschijnt zodra het board in aanmerking komt met water. Dit komt door een druklaag, die ook weer automatisch droogt zodra het stopt met regenen.

Bron: Adformatie

Recipe: Toffee Apples

Make sure you eat them the day you make them when they are at their crunchiest.

Notes: Although children love a toffee apple, this is one for the grown-ups to make as you really don’t want anyone getting hot sugar burns. Make sure you wash the apples well first or the toffee will not stick due to wax on the apple skin.

Ingredients

500g White Sugar
125g Butter
2 Tbsp Hot Water
2 Tbsp White Wine Vinegar
1/2 tsp Red Gel Food Colour

To de-wax your apples
A bowl of very hot water
1 Tbsp Bicarbonate of soda
1 Tbsp Lemon juice

Method

1 Place the bicarb, hot water and lemon in a large bowl and soak your apples for 2 minutes, then wash well and dry thoroughly
2 Stick a barbecue skewer or a well-washed sturdy stick into the stalk end of each apple
3 Mix the sugar, butter, vinegar and boiling water in a heavy bottomed pan and warm over a low heat
4 Heat slowly, stirring regularly until there are no sugar grains, this takes a good 15 minutes
5 Add the food colour and stir well
6 Turn up the heat and boil for 8-10 minutes until the toffee reaches 146º-154ºC. Do not stir whilst the toffee is bubbling, although you can swirl the pan a little if you can’t resist
7 You can test the temperature with a jam or probe thermometer, or drop a blob into cold water and if it solidifies into brittle strands it is ready. Don’t heat too long or you will have burnt tasting bonfire toffee!
8 Remove from the heat and stir gently until the bubbles disappear
9 Dip and swirl your apple into the mixture, allowing excess toffee to run off then stand them on greaseproof paper/parchment
10 Pour any excess toffee onto a sheet of paper for nibbling at later

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