A disappointed Center Parcs guest has accused the holiday company of providing a 'terrible' experience after encountering numerous problems at the waterpark at Longleat Forest in Wiltshire. The visitor, using the Reddit handle Lost_In_There, posted a complaint on July 2, 2026, detailing issues with the rapids, jacuzzis, children's pool, and wave machine at the Center Parcs Longleat Swimming Paradise.
Guest Reports Multiple Failures
The Reddit user stated: 'I am currently at Longleat. Everything is broken.' They described that the rapids were shut intermittently and so slow that guests were getting stuck halfway down the slopes. Both jacuzzis and the cold plunge were closed, as was the kids' mushroom pool area. Bubbles in the outside section no longer came on, and the wave machine operated only once every two hours. Additionally, the machine pulling rafts up to the Cyclone ride was broken, forcing guests to carry four-man rafts up themselves.
According to the guest, when they queried a lifeguard, around eight lifeguards aged 18-22 were 'hysterically laughing' and gave no response other than 'technical issues.' The visitor described the situation as 'absolutely terrible' and noted that after decades of visits, this would be their last trip ever.
Center Parcs Responds
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 confirmed that the outdoor and indoor pools, including the Cold Plunge and Wave Pool, were open as usual, and the Cyclone raft conveyor was working normally. However, Venture Bay and the indoor Hot Whirlpool remained temporarily closed for maintenance, with efforts to reopen them as soon as possible while ensuring high standards.
Center Parcs UK resorts welcome over two million guests annually, with visits particularly sought after during school holidays. The Longleat Forest site spans 400 acres and features adventure grounds, a giant redwood forest, accommodation, and lakes.
