Center Parcs is making a major change to its villages across the UK

| Senior Lifestyle Reporter Published July 27, 2026 12:27pm Updated July 27, 2026 12:28pm Center Parcs visitors are keen for a more ‘premium experience’ (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Center Parcs fans heading to one of the UK villages soon might notice a big change to the food and drink offering. That’s because the holiday company has revealed it’s going to be adding something new to its sites across the UK. Back in 2024, Center Parcs introduced a gastropub called The Dozing Duck to its Sherwood Forest village, and it’s proved so popular with visitors that they now want to open more. And there are already a few specific spots lined up to get their own gastropub soon. The holiday company is making some changes (Picture: Scott Aiken/Shutterstock) Center Parcs has revealed it’s looking to open a gastropub in Longford Forest, and then later in 2027 they’ll be looking to do something similar at Elveden Forest in Suffolk too. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Those familiar with the Elveden village will know it already has a pub-style venue, known as Foresters’ Inn, which will be the site of the new gastropub. According to Suffolk News, plans have already been lodged with West Suffolk Council to transform Foresters’ Inn into The Dozing Duck. If the proposal is approved, the pub will be extended and refurbished, with a new dining space added, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas, shuffleboard, and crazy pool. A new lobby and an extended terrace with four dining pods and a buggy park would also be on the cards. A spokesperson for Center Parcs told Propel Hospitality that The Dozing Duck has ‘gone from strength to strength’ since it opened and is now ‘the blueprint’ for other villages. They continued: ‘Our guests were clear in their feedback to us – they were willing to pay more for a premium experience and environment.’ Each of the gastropubs will have bespoke theming and a local focus, with designs reflecting local heritage. While Center Parcs is clearly loving The Dozing Duck, reviews online are pretty mixed, with the gastropub only earning a rating of 2.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor. Some have claimed the food is ‘lovely’ and ‘delicious’, while others think it’s ‘school dinner quality’, ‘overpriced’, and ‘average’. Dishes on the menu include pub classics such as toasted sandwiches, black pudding scotch eggs, fish and chips, burgers, sausage and mash, and apple crumble. Do you love a Center Parcs break? Sign up to The Getaway Expert, your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's travel editor, Alice Murphy. This isn’t the only change the holiday company is looking to make to its villages in the near future, though. There’s also going to be more fun and games, with The Entertainment Hive being rolled out to other sites. The concept features immersive gaming experiences, such as The Bat Cage (a high-tech batting experience) and The Arena (a mix of games and physical and mental skill challenges). Known as a ‘competitive socialising space’, The Entertainment Hive first launched in Woburn Forest in 2025, with a second one being introduced in Whinfell Forest at the end of last year. According to Center Parcs, The Entertainment Hive has already generated more than £1 million in revenue, and The Arena has an average daily occupancy of 95 per cent. Metro has contacted Center Parcs for further comment. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Our Top Shopping Picks Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Arrow MORE: Butlin’s is rolling out self-service bars with drinks poured in just six seconds Arrow MORE: M&S just launched an ‘irresistible’ new version of everyone’s favourite chocolate bar Arrow MORE: Water returns to Gatwick Airport after passengers left with ‘no flushing toilets or drinking fountains’ The Getaway Expert Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.