If you're looking for a family-friendly holiday that's similar to Center Parcs but cheaper, you're in luck. We've scoured the UK to find the best alternatives to Center Parcs that won't break the bank.
We understand the appeal of a Center Parcs holiday, but the prices during school holidays can be a bit steep.
That's why we've put together a list of alternatives that offer similar accommodation, pools, and a wide range of activities.
Cheaper Alternatives to Center Parcs: Budget-Friendly Holiday Options
We've compared the prices of each alternative to the cost of a week in a standard lodge at Center Parcs in Elvedon at the beginning of the school summer holidays, which costs £2328 as of 18th January 2023. So, without further ado, here are the best Center Parcs alternatives in the UK that won't break the bank.
These are the best cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs
If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to Center Parcs, there are plenty of options available. One of the best options is Center Parcs France, which is much cheaper than UK Center Parcs, even with the cost of the ferry or Eurotunnel. We recommend Le Lac d’Ailette, which is the closest Center Parcs to Calais. Other great alternatives include Haven's Hafan y Môr, Sandyballs, and Bluestone Wales. These alternatives offer lodges, facilities, restaurants, and over 100 indoor and outdoor activities, making them perfect for family holidays.
Sandyballs Holiday Village
Sandyballs Holiday Village is a popular holiday destination located in the stunning New Forest National Park in the South of England. It is part of the Away Resorts group, which has 23 locations throughout the UK. Sandyballs is considered to be the best resort in the group and the closest they have to a Center Parcs alternative.
Sandyballs Holiday Cost
The cost of a holiday at Sandyballs varies depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Prices start from £1355 for a luxury caravan and £1728 for the Esme Lodge on AwayResorts. You can view the luxury caravan by clicking here and the Esme Lodge by clicking here. Currently, you can get 15% off your booking by using the code HOLIDAYS15.
Sandyballs Village Deals
AwayResorts regularly offers deals and discounts for Sandyballs Holiday Village. You can check out their latest offers by clicking here.
Sandyballs offers a range of activities for guests, including archery, fishing, alpaca walking, laser combat, arts and crafts, and much more. During the summer months, guests can enjoy outdoor movie nights. Similar to Center Parcs, there is an app available for guests to book certain activities in advance.
Accommodation options include caravans and lodges, some of which come with hot tubs. The onsite restaurant has a large menu and a great selection for kids. However, the indoor pool is a little dated, although it is adequate and in good weather, guests can enjoy the lovely outdoor pool.
One of the best things about Sandyballs Holiday Village is that it is dog-friendly. Additionally, the village is located close to the south coast, including Lymington, Christchurch, Bournemouth, and Poole. If you're looking for outdoor activities, Sandyballs is a great place to stay. You can even go paddleboarding in Sandbanks or spend the afternoon on the beach at Canford Cliffs.
Bluestone National Park Resort
Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire, Wales is a great alternative to CenterParcs. Spread over 500-acres, the resort offers a variety of lodges that sleep between 2 and 14 people, making it one of the largest lodges of all of the Center Parcs alternatives if you’re looking for places like Center Parcs for a group holiday.
Bluestone has over 100 indoor and outdoor activities, and they are a bit cheaper than the Centre Parcs activities. The resort has a lot to offer families with young children, and their swimming pool is great for little ones. Bluestone is a great toddler-friendly alternative to Center Parcs. The pool at Bluestone is the most like a Center Parcs pool with flumes and rapids rides.
Bluestone is not dog-friendly, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Bluestone Holiday Cost
Prices for a holiday at Bluestone start from £1980. You can check the Bluestone website for the latest prices and availability.
Bluestone Deals
Check out the last-minute Bluestone deals and special offers on their website. Keep an eye out for seasonal deals and discounts, especially during the Christmas season when Bluestone is one of the best places in the UK to spend the holidays.
Overall, Bluestone National Park Resort is a great alternative to CenterParcs, offering a variety of lodges, activities, and amenities for families looking for a fun and relaxing getaway in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Gwel a Mor
Gwel and Mor Holiday Cost
Gwel an Mor is a luxury holiday resort located in South Wales, close to Portreath on Cornwall's north coast. It offers a range of beautiful Scandinavian and eco lodges with hot tubs (or without). The resort provides many 5-star luxury lodges with balconies looking out to sea and hot tubs.
The prices for the lodges start from £1503 for their Lowena Lodge, which is cheaper on the Landal website than the Gwel an Mor website. The resort provides pet-friendly lodges for those who want to bring their furry friends along.
Gwel an Mor Offers
Gwel an Mor offers last-minute deals that you can find on their website. The resort has an onsite spa and restaurant, as well as an indoor adventure centre, swimming pool, gym, and nine-hole golf course. Little ones will love the wildlife centre, and older kids may like to try out some surfing. All holidays include free tennis and free soft play.
Gwel an Mor is a perfect luxury alternative to Centre Parcs, providing a range of activities and amenities for the entire family. The resort is located in a beautiful area of Cornwall, with some of the best beaches nearby.
Landal Sandybrook
If you're looking for cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs in the Peak District, Landal Sandybrook is a great choice. The location is fantastic, and the lodges come in 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms, some with hot tubs. There's an on-site restaurant, and several cosy country pubs are nearby. The George at Alstonefield is a favourite of many visitors.
On-site, you'll find an indoor pool with a jacuzzi and sauna for those aged 16 and over. There's also a large field for kids to play football and a play area next to it. A woodland walk is also available. In case of wet weather, there's a games room and toddler playroom.
Sandybrook offers several activities such as archery, orienteering, and mini-golf. Although there may not be as much to do here as at Center Parcs, Sandybrook encourages you to explore the beautiful countryside in the Peak District.
Sandybrook is only 15 minutes from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones and Thorpe Cloud, which is an easy walk with kids. It's also right next door to the Tissington Trail, a 13-mile traffic-free trail for cyclists and walkers.
Landal Darwin Forest is a similar site nearby if you can't find accommodation at Sandybrook and offers more on-site facilities.
Sandybrook is dog-friendly.
Sandybrook Holiday Cost
Prices at Sandybrook start from £1499.
Landal Deals
Last-minute deals are available on the Landal site, so check there for the latest offers.
If you're looking for a glamping experience, Sandybrook offers safari tents that are perfect for a unique and fun-filled holiday. Landal Sandybrook is part of the Landal Greenparks family, which has 15 sites across the UK. So, if you're looking for other places like Center Parcs in different areas, Landal Greenparks is worth checking out.
Forest Holidays
Forest Holidays Holiday Cost
Forest Holidays have 12 resorts located in and around forests in the UK. They offer a natural holiday alternative to Center Parcs, with accommodation that blends into the scenery. While there are no swimming pools at the Forest Holidays resorts, many of the lodges have hot tubs. Prices start from £1980 for a holiday at Forest Holidays.
Forest Holidays Deals
If you're looking for late availability deals, check out the Forest Holidays website. They offer weekend breaks that are perfect for a quick getaway. Forest Holidays activities are designed to get kids outdoors, with forest ranger adventures, nocturnal adventures for older children, and playgrounds for kids. Additionally, they offer cycling holidays for families. If you're looking for an alternative to Center Parcs in Wales but don't want to stay at Bluestone, check out the Forest Holidays cabins in Beddgelert.
Overall, Forest Holidays is a great option for those who prefer a more natural holiday experience and want to get away from crowds. While there are no swimming pools, there are hot tubs in many of the lodges. Forest Holidays is perfect for families looking for outdoor activities and adventures, such as woodland walks, cycling, and forest ranger adventures.
Ribby Hall Village
Ribby Hall holiday cost
If you're looking for a five-star holiday village close to Blackpool in Lancashire, Ribby Hall Village is a great option. Accommodation ranges from cottages to pine lodges and even a farmhouse sleeping up to 12 people. Some of their luxury lodges have hot tubs, and they also have an absolutely stunning Lakeside View apartment. Ribby Hall is also dog friendly.
Prices start from £1542, making it a more affordable alternative to Center Parcs.
Ribby Hall deals
If you're looking for a deal, you can check on their special offers page to see if they are running any deals. With loads of indoor and outdoor activities available for families that you can book online, Ribby Hall Village is a great option for a family holiday. They also have a new family entertainment venue, The Hive, offering indoor entertainment and dining.
Tattershall Lakes Country Park
Tattershall Lakes Country Park is a dog-friendly holiday destination located in Lincolnshire, UK. It is situated on the shores of a lake and offers a wide range of watersports and other activities such as fishing, an outdoor lido, splash pad, indoor pool, and evening entertainment.
Comparative Holiday Cost
The prices at Tattershall Lakes Country Park start from £1619 for a luxury caravan. However, you can save more by booking with private owners through Booking.com. This can be a cheaper alternative to the park's own prices.
Tattershall Lakes Deals
Away Resorts offers a variety of deals for Tattershall Lakes Country Park. Currently, you can get 15% off your booking by using the code GETAWAY15. Check out all of the offers available on the Away Resorts website.
Whether you want to enjoy watersports or simply relax by the lake, Tattershall Lakes Country Park has something for everyone.
Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea
If you are looking for an all-inclusive holiday resort in the UK, Potters Resorts is an excellent option. Located on the Norfolk coast between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, Potters Resorts offers a wide range of activities and entertainment options.
One of the benefits of choosing Potters Resorts is that everything is included in the price. This means you don't have to worry about additional costs for activities or dining. The resort offers a huge list of activities, including play areas, adventure playgrounds, and various other playgrounds.
Accommodation options at Potters Resorts range from bungalow rooms to hotel rooms. Since the resort is all-inclusive, there isn't really a comparable self-catering option like Center Parcs.
It's worth noting that Potters Resorts only offers short breaks (3 or 4 nights) and is not dog-friendly.
Potters Resorts holiday cost
Prices for Potters Resorts start from £N/A (there is no comparative cost) for a 3-night short break from 28th July. The cost for adults is £509, children aged 9-17 cost £409, children aged 2-8 cost £379, and children under 2 cost £15.00.
Potters Resorts deals
If you're looking for last-minute deals for Potters Resorts, you can check out their website for more information.
PGL Family Adventure Holidays
If you're looking for a family holiday with plenty of activities, PGL Family Adventure Holidays might be a good alternative to Center Parcs. Although the accommodation may not be quite up to the standard of Center Parcs, you'll be too busy to notice. PGL is well known for running school residential trips but they have recently opened up to families in the school holidays.
Currently, family holidays are only being offered at Barton Hall in Devon and Caythorpe Court in Lincolnshire. The activities available include archery, climbing, football, zorbing, tennis, rock climbing, fencing, and more. The kids will love the fact that you all get involved in all of the activities, although you don't have to.
PGL Holidays holiday costs
For 2023, PGL is dropping prices by 25%, and you can book from as little as £159 per person for a short break. The prices are all-inclusive, except for drinks.
PGL Holidays deals
PGL sometimes has special offers throughout the year. You can sign up to hear about them here.
Overall, if you're looking for a holiday with plenty of activities and a lower price point than Center Parcs, PGL Family Adventure Holidays might be a good choice for you.
Holiday Park Resorts – a great Center Parcs alternative
Holiday parks are a great alternative to Center Parcs, especially if you're looking for a cheaper option. Two of the main holiday park resorts in the UK are Parkdean Resorts and Haven, but there are many smaller ones as well.
Parkdean Resorts has 66 sites across the UK, offering some of the cheapest holiday accommodation. While some of their parks may not be on par with Center Parcs, there are several worth mentioning. For instance, Parkdean's Ruda Holiday Park in Devon is set in a stunning coastal location and has direct beach access.
Haven Holidays, on the other hand, has 40 parks across the UK and is geared towards families, with many of them being pet-friendly. Their Presthaven Beach Resort in North Wales is a great option, with a wide range of activities and entertainment options for the whole family.
Whether you're planning a trip to the countryside, the Peak District, or any other part of the UK, there's sure to be a holiday park nearby. So why not consider a holiday park resort as a great Center Parcs alternative?
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Woolacombe Bay
Comparative holiday cost
When planning your holiday at Woolacombe Bay, you can expect prices to start from £1310 for a New Wave Silver Caravan. It's worth noting that the surf lodges are actually more expensive than those at Centre Parcs.
Woolacombe Bay deals
If you're looking for deals at Woolacombe Bay, you can easily search for them on their website to find the best offers available for your stay.
Parkdean Warmwell
Warmwell holiday cost
If you're looking for a family-friendly holiday park with plenty of activities, then Parkdean Warmwell is a great choice. Located in a woodland park near Weymouth in Dorset, it offers a range of accommodation options, from basic lodges to luxury lodges with hot tubs and on-site bar and restaurant.
Prices start from £1219 for a basic lodge (on Parkdean Resorts). The cost of your holiday will depend on the type of accommodation you choose, the time of year you book, and the number of people in your party.
Warmwell offers
Parkdean Warmwell offers a range of special deals and discounts throughout the year. Check out the Parkdean offers page to see the latest deals on offer. From early bird discounts to last-minute deals, there are plenty of ways to save money on your holiday.
One of the biggest draws of Warmwell is its 110m all-weather ski slope, the only one of its kind in the UK. But that's not all - there's also an indoor roller rink, archery, crazy golf, ten pin bowling, and a high ropes course. And when you're ready to cool off, head to the indoor pool with its wave machine and flumes.
Warmwell is also dog-friendly, with an agility course for dogs. With recent investment in the park, there are now even more activities available, making it a great alternative to Centre Parcs.
Parkdean Nodes Point
Parkdean Nodes Point is a family-friendly holiday park located near Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. It is a great cheap alternative to Center Parcs and is pet-friendly. The holiday park has direct access to the beautiful Priory Bay beach. Accommodation is in the form of caravans and lodges with some new luxury lodges. In the summer months, there are luxury safari tents if you feel like a glamping holiday.
Nodes Point Holiday Cost
The cost of a holiday at Nodes Point starts from £889 for a basic chalet. However, their Dimbola Lodge is more comparable at £1529. It is important to note that you need to factor in the price of the ferry to get to the Isle of Wight. Booking in advance is a good idea to keep the cost down. Portsmouth to Fishbourn is the main route, but the quickest sailing is from Lymington to Yarmouth. You can search for ferries to the Isle of Wight on DirectFerries.
Nodes Point Deals
Parkdean offers several deals for Nodes Point that you can check out here. You can also use your Sun holidays vouchers at Nodes Point. During the summer holidays, they run an entertainment program. On-site facilities include an all-weather multi-sports facility, a kids' playground, an indoor heated pool with water slide and toddler pool, and a kids' club. There’s also an on-site restaurant where you can dine.
Parkdean White Cross Bay
Located on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Lake District, Parkdean White Cross Bay offers a range of lodges and caravans, some with hot tubs and varying in age. The resort features a heated indoor pool with sauna and jacuzzi, an adventure playground for children, and an entertainment centre. While there are fewer activities available on-site compared to other resorts, there is plenty to do off-site in the Outdoor Capital of the UK. The area offers many watersports activities, including Ghyll Scrambling (gorge walking), which can be booked through Adventure21 in Coniston.
White Cross Bay is dog-friendly. Prices for a lodge start at £1139, while cheaper caravans are also available. Check out the Parkdean offers here.
White Cross Bay holiday cost
Prices for lodges at White Cross Bay start at £1139, while caravans are available at a cheaper rate.
White Cross Bay deals
Check out the Parkdean offers here for deals on White Cross Bay holidays.
Haven Primrose Valley
Primrose Valley holiday cost
If you're looking for a fun-filled family holiday, then Haven Primrose Valley is the perfect destination. Located in Yorkshire on the Flamborough Heritage Coast, this Haven park is one of the biggest and offers a range of accommodation options, including caravans that are more like lodges.
The Gold Caravan prices start from £1433 for a Haven break, which includes access to the pool and activities. The park offers a range of activities, from aerial adventure and footgolf to den making, high ropes and boating on the lake. You can even bring your furry friend along as Primrose Valley is dog-friendly.
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Primrose Valley deals
Looking for a great deal? Haven offers a range of deals for Primrose Valley and other Haven parks. Check out the Haven website for the most up-to-date prices and book your holiday today. While you're there, be sure to check out the on-site food and drink options, including Burger King and Papa Johns. Plus, there are two indoor pools with waterslides and a splash area, as well as an outdoor heated pool, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Haven Hafan y Mor
Hafan y Mor is one of the largest Haven sites located in North Wales on Pwlheli beach close to Snowdonia National Park. It offers a variety of accommodation options such as caravans, apartments, and lodges. The indoor sports zone and indoor pool with wave machine, slides, and flumes provide entertainment for all ages. The adventure village offers aerial adventure, climbing wall, big jump, pedal karts, den building, and roller disco.
There are many dining options available, and Hafan y Mor is dog-friendly with an agility course for dogs.
Hafan y Mor holiday cost
Basic caravans at Hafan y Mor start from £1097 (stay & play), while a more comparable option would be the Gold Caravan at £1556 (stay & play).
Hafan y Mor deals
To find the most up-to-date prices and book your stay at Hafan y Mor, visit the Haven website. Additionally, you can look at Haven deals here to find the best offer for your stay.
Butlins
Butlins is a popular holiday park that has been around since the 1930s. There are three Butlins locations in the UK, including Skegness, Minehead, and Bognor Regis. The Minehead location is situated on the beautiful Somerset coast, making it an excellent base for exploring Exmoor National Park.
One of the biggest draws of Butlins holidays is the entertainment on offer, especially during school holidays. Accommodation options vary at each resort and range from budget to premium prices. Lots of activities at Butlins are included in the cost of your holiday, including the entertainment, pool area, and unlimited fairground rides.
If you are visiting with young children, you should consider the Just for Tots breaks, which are exclusively for families with children under 5. However, it is important to note that Butlins is not dog-friendly.
Butlins Holiday Cost
The cost of a Butlins holiday varies depending on your choice of accommodation. At Minehead, prices start from £1932 for the Comfort Plus Apartments, while Bayside Apartments are from £2313.
Butlins Deals
There are various Butlins deals available that can help you save money on your holiday. Check out the Butlins deals page for the latest offers. You can also use Tesco vouchers to save money on Butlins holidays.
Places like Centre Parcs (that aren't necessarily cheaper)...
If you're looking for a holiday experience similar to Centre Parcs, but don't mind spending a bit more, you may want to consider Longleat Forest. While it may be pricier, the park offers a wide range of activities that are sure to keep you and your family entertained.
Crieff Hydro
Crieff Hydro holiday cost
If you're considering a holiday at Crieff Hydro, prices for accommodation start from £2508. The resort offers a range of lodging options, including hotel rooms and self-catering lodges that can accommodate groups of 2 to 16 people.
Crieff Hydro deals
For booking and deals at Crieff Hydro, you can visit the official website to explore available options and packages. Whether you're interested in a family getaway or a relaxing break, Crieff Hydro provides a variety of activities and amenities for all to enjoy.
We hope you find inspiration for your next family holiday at this alternative to Center Parcs. If you have any other recommendations for similar holiday destinations, we'd love to hear from you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some budget-friendly alternatives to Centre Parcs in the UK?
If you're looking for budget-friendly alternatives to Centre Parcs, there are many options available. Haven's Hafan y Môr in North Wales is a popular choice, offering a waterpark, loads of activities, and coastal views. Other options include Hoseasons, which offers lodges and parks across the UK, and Parkdean Resorts, which has a variety of parks in coastal locations.
Can you recommend any luxury holiday parks in the UK that are similar to Centre Parcs?
If you're looking for a luxury holiday park similar to Centre Parcs, you might want to consider Darwin Escapes. They have a variety of parks across the UK, offering luxury lodges, hot tubs, and spa facilities. Another option is Luxury Lodges, which has a range of lodges in scenic locations across the UK.
What options are available for an adult-focused holiday similar to Centre Parcs?
If you're looking for an adult-focused holiday similar to Centre Parcs, you might want to consider The Cornwall Hotel Spa and Estate. This luxury hotel offers a range of activities, including golf, spa treatments, and fine dining. Another option is Champneys, which has a variety of health spas across the UK.
Are there any holiday resorts like Centre Parcs in Norfolk that are more affordable?
If you're looking for holiday resorts like Centre Parcs in Norfolk that are more affordable, you might want to consider Kelling Heath Holiday Park. This park offers a range of lodges and caravans in a natural setting, with plenty of activities available. Another option is Woodland Holiday Park, which has a variety of lodges and caravans in a woodland setting.
How does Forest Holidays compare to Centre Parcs in terms of cost?
Forest Holidays is a popular alternative to Centre Parcs, offering lodges in woodland settings across the UK. In terms of cost, Forest Holidays can be more affordable than Centre Parcs, especially during off-peak times. However, prices can vary depending on the location and time of year.
What are some European destinations comparable to Centre Parcs for a cost-effective holiday?
If you're looking for cost-effective European destinations comparable to Centre Parcs, you might want to consider Landal GreenParks. They have a variety of parks across Europe, offering lodges and activities in natural settings. Another option is Eurocamp, which has a range of campsites across Europe, offering a variety of accommodation and activities.
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