With over 15 years experience in the UK short break industry, it is understood at Longleat Forest that when the weather is unforgiving, innovative methods and committed individuals are essential to give families visiting even in the coldest of months, the best break they can have.

Here are just some of the methods of coping with the snow:

• Many members of staff showed their commitment by walking several miles to get to work
• Leaf-blowers were used to blow snow off guests’ cars in the car park
• Up to 80 members of staff stayed on the villages overnight to keep the village operational
• Propane heaters were used to stop the brakes freezing on the bikes in the cycle centre
• Over the course of the week, the village was ploughed 40 times which is the equivalent of 300 miles
• A free holiday club was organised for staff who had their children with them due to school closures

Andy De’Ath, General Manager of Longleat Forest says:

“We have had some severe weather conditions over the years and this has to have been one of the most challenging. We are proud to say that we have learnt from previous experiences and put plans in place for these situations so, despite these harsh weather conditions, we stayed open and operational. From over 100 activities we offer, only 1% of activities were cancelled due to health and safety reasons. It is thanks to colleagues working around the clock so that we could continue to give families a quality short break experience. Despite the operational challenges, the forest looked beautiful and our guests had a fantastic time.”

Center Parcs is one of the only destinations in the UK open 365 days a year, whatever the weather. With an indoor Subtropical Swimming Paradise, over 70 indoor activities and an indulgent Aqua Sana Spa, families enjoying a break at Center Parcs don’t let the weather get in the way of the perfect break.

For more information on Center Parcs, visit: www.centerparcs.co.uk or call: 08448 266 266