I have stayed in Center Parcs dog friendly lodges but there was one glaring problem

Five years ago, the idea of ​​a holiday in the UK would not have excited me as an avid traveller. However, now with a three-year-old in tow, the convenience of packing our car with all the amenities we need makes the trip much more manageable.

For the first time, instead of flying to a sunny European resort, I opted for a long weekend at Center Parcs in Elveden Forest, Suffolk. Being only two and a half hours from home and having the option to bring my dogs made it an easy choice.

Holidays are meant to be a respite from everyday life, but leaving my pets with a sitter and trying to pack the bare minimum for a flight just doesn’t hold the same appeal.

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What’s more, I had heard great things about the range of activities available at Center Parcs – with the freedom to do as much or as little as you like. Earlier this month we set off with the dachshunds strapped securely in the back of the car and a trunk full of groceries, suitcases and numerous “just in case” items.

We were greeted by a smooth journey and a smooth check-in process. The beautiful countryside enveloped us as we entered the main gate and the magical forest provided an idyllic backdrop for our short break, reports Express.

Inside the doghouses

Center Parcs markets itself as pet-friendly – and for the most part, it is. Guests bringing their pets pay an additional £109 to stay in a designated dog kennel.

The extra charge, they explain, is to cover the cost of a thorough cleaning between guests, which is entirely reasonable. The cabin was spotless and smelling fresh – there was no indication of how many dogs had previously stayed there.

All furniture is dog-proof and with laminate flooring throughout, it’s easy to clean up any accidents. For those with vocal dogs who like to hear their own barks, these cabins are conveniently located on the edge of the site, presumably to keep them away from the main complex.

While dogs must be kept on a lead around the site, there are enclosed dog exercise pens where they can run free for as long as you (or them) want.

However, one issue I still can’t figure out since returning home is the lack of a secure back garden for them to safely explore and relieve themselves.

The terraces of all standard cottages are perfectly sufficient – they are 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 delightful close-up experience.

They seem completely unfazed by the delighted dogs barking at them through the patio doors. But what if a dog gets too close and becomes defensive?

We also had a brief incident where a dog from the neighboring cottage ran up to one of ours which was on a lead and startled her.

The whole situation was completely innocent – dogs are generally used to having a back garden to run around in. Suddenly, they are leashed near their house, tied to a post designated for dogs.

However, they are free to travel to the neighboring lodge if permitted. If you turn your attention away for a moment, they might even come in if they saw an opportunity and the door was ajar.

I can’t help but think that all of these slightly plausible scenarios could be circumvented by a simple retractable fence that can briefly corral a dog or two while they venture out for a morning or evening.

Interestingly, those on a more generous budget can choose to stay in a detached cottage with all the modern amenities – and their own secure garden. But a quick search reveals that these high-end apartments are not available to guests with dogs.

Our trip to Center Parcs was, despite this glaring problem, a really enjoyable weekend and I’m already planning to book again. However, our experience was marred, albeit slightly, by having to keep our dogs on a leash in the middle of the night if they needed the toilet or first thing in the morning.

Although the problem seemed immediately clear to me, it seems that the reviewers had not previously pointed this out. When quizzed on the matter, a spokesperson for Center Parcs explained: “In keeping with our company ethos and our woodland locations, none of our dog-friendly lodges include enclosed patio areas and there are currently no plans to do so.

“However, we have recently included a tether point outside these lodges so dogs can enjoy the terraces.” Despite this, for those planning a getaway with their canine companions, Center Parcs remains a strong choice and I definitely plan to return with my furry friends.