Can You Take Dogs To Center Parcs?

Updated May 2026

Wondering if you can take your pooch with you on a break to Center Parcs? Here’s everything you need to know about whether dogs are allowed.

Center Parcs is a brilliant holiday for families, with loads of outdoor space and woodland walks, which makes it feel like a natural fit for bringing your four-legged friend along.

But are dogs actually allowed?

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Can You Take Dogs to Center Parcs?

The good news is yes, Center Parcs does allow dogs on holiday with you.

You’ll need to book dog-friendly accommodation, which in my experience is usually a bit further away from the main village areas like the swimming pool and sports centre.

At some sites (for example, Longleat), this can mean being on the quieter edges of the park rather than centrally located.

We’ve taken our dogs on several Centre Parcs breaks and found the dog-friendly accommodation to be in excellent condition.

There was no sign of previous pets, and everything felt clean and well-maintained.

Which Center Parcs Are Dog Friendly?

All UK & Ireland Center Parcs villages are dog friendly:

Whinfell Forest (Cumbria)
Sherwood Forest (Nottinghamshire)
Longleat Forest (Wiltshire)
Elveden Forest (Suffolk)
Woburn Forest (Bedfordshire)
Longford Forest (Ireland)

How Many Dogs Can You Take To Center Parcs?

You can usually bring up to two dogs per booking.

We once had a situation where one of our dogs sadly passed away before a trip, and Center Parcs were very understanding and refunded the difference in cost when we called them.

How Much Does It Cost to Take Dogs?

It currently costs around £129 per stay for up to two dogs.

It’s not a small extra cost, especially on top of an already expensive holiday, but it can still work out cheaper than kennels or dog sitters, depending on your situation.

Dogs are not allowed on day visits or day passes (except assistance dogs).

Are There Any Dog Restrictions at Center Parcs?

Yes there are. Not all dogs are allowed at Center Parcs.

Certain breeds that fall under the UK Dangerous Dogs Act are not permitted, even as pets.

This includes breeds such as Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasileiros, along with any dog that is legally prohibited in the UK.

It’s always worth double-checking the latest rules before booking if you’re unsure, as Center Parcs does follow strict safety guidelines around this and you will be asked to leave the site if you book and arrive with one of these breeds of dog.

Is Center Parcs Dog Friendly?

Yes, but there are some limitations to where they can go.

Dogs are:

allowed in dog-friendly accommodation
welcome in some outdoor areas
provided with waste bins around the site
sometimes offered water bowls outside selected venues

However, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times when outside your accommodation, unless you’re in a designated exercise area.

There are also dog exercise areas on site, although in our experience, they can be quite small depending on the village.

Can Dogs Go Into Restaurants?

Some venues are dog-friendly, but not all.

For example:

At Longleat Forest, dogs are allowed in The Foresters’ Inn
Some Starbucks locations on-site also allow dogs in outdoor/semi-outdoor areas

It’s worth checking the specific village details before you travel, as this can vary quite a bit between the different locations.

Do Dogs Need to Be on a Lead?

Yes, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times around the village – ideally a short lead 2m or less.

The only exception is within designated dog exercise areas.

They can be off the lead inside your accommodation, but not in public indoor spaces.

Can You Leave Dogs in the Accommodation?

Yes, you can leave dogs in your lodge while you’re out using facilities like the pool or activities.

However, it’s important to consider your dog’s temperament and whether they might bark or become stressed in a new environment, especially if left alone for long periods.

Can Dogs Go on the Land Train at Center Parcs Longleat?

At Center Parcs Longleat Forest, dogs are not allowed on the land train.

This is worth knowing if you were planning to use it as an easy way to get around the site with your dog, as you’ll need to walk instead.

Which Accommodation Is Dog Friendly At Center Parcs?

Dog-friendly options are usually:

Woodland Lodges
Executive Lodges

Availability can be limited, so it’s worth booking early, especially during school holidays.

Dog-friendly lodges typically have:

hard flooring for easy cleaning
a bath (useful for muddy paws!)
easy access to walking areas

What If You Have Allergies to Dogs at Center Parcs?

If you have allergies and are worried about staying in a lodge that may have previously had dogs, it’s worth knowing that this is very unlikely to be an issue in practice.

Dog-friendly accommodation at Center Parcs is quite limited and usually gets booked up well in advance, so most lodges are never used for pets.

Almost all dog-friendly accommodation is in the same area – you can see this on the map when booking.

If you are particularly sensitive or concerned, it may also be worth contacting Center Parcs in advance, as in some cases an enhanced or deep clean may be requested for extra peace of mind.

Can You “Sneak In” a Dog to Center Parcs?

You might see people searching things like “can you sneak a dog into Center Parcs”, but the simple answer is no, all dogs must be booked in and declared before arrival.

Dogs can’t be brought onto site unless they’re included in your reservation, and there isn’t the option to add them once you arrive.

If you bring a dog without booking it, you will be refused entry.

From a practical point of view, it’s also worth sorting this in advance anyway, as dog-friendly accommodation is limited and needs to be allocated ahead of time.

Can You Bring Other Pets To Center Parcs?

No, only dogs are allowed at Center Parcs (plus registered assistance animals).

So not cats, rabbits or hamsters – or any other pets!

What About European Center Parcs?

Some European Center Parcs locations do allow pets, usually with similar rules and additional charges, but policies vary by country and site, so always check the specific village before booking.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Center Parcs is genuinely one of the more dog-friendly UK holiday options, especially for people who want a mix of woodland walks, outdoor space, and family facilities.

It’s not perfect for every dog (especially if they don’t like being left alone or need lots of off-lead space), but for many families it works really well as a pet-friendly break.