A Center Parcs guest has accused the holiday provider of a 'terrible' visit after a spate of issues with the waterpark at Longleat Forest in Wiltshire. The family attraction, which features adventure grounds, a giant redwood forest, accommodation, and lakes across 400 acres, has come under fire from a disappointed visitor who detailed numerous problems at the Swimming Paradise.
Guest details multiple faults at the pool
The Reddit user, who goes by the handle Lost_In_There, posted about their visit on July 1, 2026, claiming that 'everything is broken.' They reported that the rapids were shut intermittently and so slow that everyone was getting stuck halfway down the slopes. Both jacuzzis were closed, as were the cold plunge and the kids' mushroom pool area. The bubbles in the outside section were not working, and the wave machine operated only once every two hours. Additionally, the machine pulling the rafts up to the Cyclone ride was broken, forcing guests to carry the 4-man rafts up themselves.
The guest said they queried the issues with a lifeguard but received no response other than 'technical issues.' They described the experience as 'absolutely terrible' and vowed that this would be their last trip to Center Parcs after decades of visiting on and off.
Center Parcs responds to complaints
A spokesperson for Center Parcs told Metro: 'We’re committed to providing a great experience for all our guests, and this includes carrying out essential maintenance works, which can occasionally result in some of our experiences being temporarily closed.' They stated that the outdoor and indoor pools and areas, including the Cold Plunge and Wave Pool, were open as usual, and the Cyclone raft conveyor was working again. However, Venture Bay and the indoor Hot Whirlpool remained temporarily closed for maintenance. The spokesperson added: 'We are working to reopen these experiences as soon as possible, while ensuring they’re operating to the high standards our guests expect.'
Impact on Center Parcs' reputation
Center Parcs UK resorts welcome over two million guests every year, and visits are particularly sought after during school holidays. This incident highlights the challenges of maintaining large-scale holiday facilities. The guest's post has sparked outrage online, with many sharing similar experiences. The company's response emphasizes that maintenance is ongoing, but the temporary closures have left some visitors disappointed.
