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MOVING WITH THE MILITARY SOON?

Everything You Need for a Trip to Center Parcs + Packing List

Just thinking about a trip to Center Parcs makes me giddy. It’s so much fun for all ages, not just for kids. But thinking about what to pack for Center Parcs, especially if it’s your first visit, can be totally overwhelming. (Been there, done that.) Luckily, you have this post with a Center Parcs packing list that has literally everything we take with us!

I’m 100% convinced that Center Parcs is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for families. ⁠ ⁠ (and no, they’re not paying me to say all this, we’ve paid out of pocket for all of our stays.)

What is Center Parcs?

Center Parcs basically a perfect holiday spot: they have accommodation for up to 12 people, a giant waterpark with kiddie pools and slides (included in your stay!), relaxing nature all around you, restaurants and a grocery store on-site, activities for everyone, bikes to rent, playgrounds galore, and dozens of locations to choose from in multiple countries . ⁠ ⁠ Seriously, it’s like an oasis and a perfect spot for a staycation or a vacay. ⁠

⁠In fact, I was recently at one alone with my three kids while my husband did the Nijmegen march in the Netherlands, so it’s also a great place for those of you who are solo parenting and still want to travel and go somewhere but want something a little more stress-free. ⁠

NOTE: there’s no free childcare included (like at a kinder hotel ), but there are tons of things for kids of all ages to do (some have a fee)….and the awesome free water park, of course!⁠⁠

I hope you’ll find this post helpful if you’re planning a trip to Center Parcs soon.

Using the packing list

If you’re wondering how to organize your lists, I like to create notes on my phone (I have an iPhone and just use the “notes” app), and check them off as I pack/gather the items.

Then, the list lives on my phone for our next trip.

Alternatively, you can get this free Center Parcs packing list printable that I created that has everything in this blog post on one sheet of paper, PLUSE a blank one for you to fill in with your own things!

What to Take to Center Parcs (Packing List)

These Center Parcs packing lists are good whether you’re going for a week or just a quick weekend, and it may sound like a lot of stuff, but keep in mind that Center Parcs is pretty bare-bones when it comes to the extra stuff (more on that below).

I’m not sharing clothes/toiletries since that will be season-dependent, so this is just all the extra stuff.

Grab the free center parcs packing list printables above and keep reading to see each section below!

For Your Cottage

Before you start your packing list for Center Parcs, double-check your accommodation.

If you have a VIP cottage, extra things like linen and towels will be provided. If you don’t have things like sheets and towels provided you can pay extra to have them included and/or have the beds made. (I personally like doing this, because I don’t want that much extra work on a vacay…but if you’re in this for a budget trip then definitely BYOS (bring your own stuff).

• to take all the things from our vehicle to the cottage. GAME CHANGER!
• See it on amazon.de here
• a fan or two (if going during the summer months)
• hand towels (for the bathroom)
• extra trash bags
• paper towels
• toilet paper
• Ziploc bags/Tupperware for leftovers
• hand soap for each bathroom and kitchen sink
• dishwasher pods
• This clothesline does not need clothespins; we love it
• See it on amazon.de here .
• super handy instead of finding a washing machine
• we use these ; can also get them from DM in Germany
• towels (optional; check your accommodation amenities)
• bed sheets (optional; check your accommodation amenities)

PRO TIP: If you forget something, don’t worry. Each Center Parcs has a grocery store on-site, and it’s actually not that pricey. I expected to see things marked way up, but it was pretty reasonable. So if you forget the TP, no worries: you can pick some extra rolls up when you get there.

Traveling with a baby? We’ve seen safety gates provided by stairs, high chairs, and cribs available in each place we’ve stayed.

For Food and Cooking

A note before the list begins: there are plenty of places to eat when you take a trip to Center Parcs, but it can get pricey very quickly. So if you’re looking to save some bucks, you can do that by bringing most things with you from home. (It’s actually a variation of this list …I just pare it down a bit.)

Also, as I mentioned above, there is a grocery store at Center Parcs, and I’ve been pleasantly impressed with the variety of items they have. I’m talking produce, frozen foods, meats, cheese, bread, milk, eggs…all the things, so don’t fret if you forget something!

Obviously, this list needs to be personalized for your family, but here’s our exact list of all the extra food I like to bring. Don’t forget that your kids will still want snacks!

With that said…here’s our Center Parcs packing list for all things food and cooking.

Kitchen Extras

• A good knife
• for the drive to/from Center Parcs
• see it on amazon.de here
• coffee filters
• wine/bottle opener
• If you have little kids; the dishes provided are very much not kid-friendly at Center Parcs
• slow cooker
• water jug for the fridge (if you like cold water)
• ice cube trays + small container to hold ice
• bacon/sausage (can cook at home and just heat up)

LUNCH /SNACKS

• string cheese
• mayo/ketchup/mustard
• peanut butter
• olive oil/butter
• salt and pepper

DINNERS/Prepared Meals

We like to take some prepared dinners—a little extra work ahead of time helps tremendously once you get there! Here are a few things you can make ahead of time and pack for a Center Parcs trip:

• Don’t forget the taco shells, tortillas, tortilla chips, lettuce, etc.
• Plus your favorite toppings (onion, tomato, olives, salsa, cheese, sour cream, avocado, etc.)
• jar(s) of sauce
• ground beef/meatballs
• shredded cheese

For Aqua Mundo

This is the water park at Center Parcs, and we quickly learned that if you plan on spending some quality time here, you’ll need to pack a bag just for Aqua Mundo.

• Water bag (nothing crazy; just a large bag—like from IKEA—to keep everything all in)
• We have 100x200cm for the adults and 70x140cm for the kids
• see ’em on amazon.de here
• there are free floaties for kids available as soon as you walk into the pool area, but if you have certain ones you like, you can bring ’em
• mentioned this above, but you’ll be thankful you brought it so you can dry all the swimsuits!

All the Extras

These are all optional! You can rent bikes there, or bring your own if you have the space.

• a backpack when going to/from places
• Reusable shopping bag

Tell Me About Your Center Parcs Trip!

Whew! I know that sounds like a lot, but if you’re looking to save some money and a little stress when you’re there, this is the Center Parcs packing list for you.

I’d love to hear about your trip— which Center Parcs are you going to or have you been to? Tell me all about it!

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12 Best tips for your Center Parcs family holiday

• Post category: Travel to France
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

If you have never heard of Center Parcs, you may have had visions of tiny cottages without running water and wifi. In reality, these are 4-star level accommodation, with everything from dishwashers and wifi, to jetted tubs and saunas.

A lovely cottage, quiet time in the countryside, with something to do for everyone. But it can be pricey. Whether it is your first time at Center Parcs or not, here are my top tips to save money and make the most of your holiday.

Included in your booking is a fully self-served cottage with a functional kitchen and access to certain resort facilities such as:

• an indoor domed pool
• an outdoor pool
• indoor and outdoor playgrounds for the kids

Other paying facilities and activities include:

• horseriding

There are supermarkets and restaurants on-site, so depending on how many activities you participate in and how many dinners out you have, your budget could skyrocket.

So a bit of preparation is just the key to keeping a hand on your wallet. Here are my best tips for visiting Center Parcs and staying within budget. Allons-y!

1. Deciding when to go

When to go is probably one of the most important decisions you have to make. Prices are higher during school holidays, so you will get better deals outside of that.

Another cost-saving idea is going to a Center Parcs in another country. For example, if you are in the U.K. and need to go during U.K. school holidays, consider going to a Center Parcs in France or Netherlands as those school holidays will be different (and less expensive). You can look up the holidays for each country before booking:

• France school holidays
• Germany school holidays
• Netherlands school holidays
• Belgium school holidays

If you need to go during school holidays, book your cottage as early as possible as prices go higher as the peak period approaches. Center Parcs allows reservations 12-18 months in advance.

Alternatively, if you can wait, there are also usually last-minute deals for the weekend or just go from Monday to Thursday, if you have flexibility.

2. Check the weather before booking

The other issue is that there is no air conditioning in the cottages, at least at the ones in France , and I’ve not seen them at the resorts across Europe either. So if you go to Center Parcs in the middle of July -August, not only will you be paying a premium, you’ll also be sweating a lot.

Outside of the August heat though, Center Parcs is fabulous. With its indoor pools, indoor playgrounds, and other indoor activities, you can usually figure out something to do even if it is raining or windy.

3. Make the reservation on Booking.com

If you are coming from the U.K., the UK Center Parcs website has much higher prices than the Center Parcs in Europe. You could book on the local country website, but if you can’t read French or German, I suggest booking directly on Booking.com since they should offer the lowest equivalent price.

4. Get a VIP cottage with sauna

This is probably my top tip for booking, especially if you are going in winter and you have small children. It cost us an extra €50 (depends on the deals available) and is absolute perfection. It is basically the price of a couple of trips to the big spa at Center Parcs for 2 adults.

Having the sauna right in the cottage meant that with the kids in bed by 8 pm, that left plenty of time for mum and dad to enjoy a relaxing evening in the sauna and then finish off with a glass of wine by the fire.

☞ READ MORE: Visiting France in Winter. Brr!

5. Check the children’s bedroom arrangements

While booking our holiday, we noticed that there was only one crib in the cottage, and that there were no sheets for the crib . If you have twins or small children that are really close in age, this may not work for you.

The crib is also folded up in the parents’ bedroom, but there isn’t actually much room to expand it in the master bedroom, even in the VIP cottage. If we were using the crib, we would have to put it elsewhere.

The other issue was that the twin beds in the 2nd bedroom were quite high, and there were no barriers. We ended up moving two dining chairs into the bedroom every evening to form a barrier to keep our toddlers from falling out of their beds.

6. Pre-book everything or download the Center Parcs app

If you are coming from the U.K. to France or to any of the other Center Parcs in Europe, you will find that you need that country app to book the activities.

Make sure you install the app and that it works before arriving at the resort, or alternatively pre-book all your activities on the computer before you arrive. There’s no need to waste time waiting in line!

7. Check-in online and arrive early (with a separate swim bag)

You are not allowed to check into your cottage until 15h but they do let you access all facilities. There is usually a line of waiting vehicles at check-in so if you can try to get there early. You can leave all your stuff in the car and head to the pool to start your holiday immediately. Also, pool towels are not provided, so bring your own.

(If you can’t make it early, no worries, the check-in at 15h occurs directly while you are in the car, and is pretty fast.)

8. Bring your own groceries

There is a grocery store on-site at Center Parcs, but as you can imagine, it is a wee bit expensive. When planning your meals for your cottage, you have to keep in mind the following:

• there is no freezer
• there is no oven
• there are no condiments

The last time I went I remembered not to bring a frozen pizza, but the pasta I cooked could have really used some salt and pepper. So here are some hints for your condensed grocery list for Center Parcs:

• salt and pepper
• other spices for cooking
• dishwashing liquid and dishwasher tabs (scrubbers are provided)
• toilet paper (one roll provided)
• tissue paper
• tea / coffee
• compact logs of wood for the fireplace

9. Bring your own strollers, bikes, and scooters

One of the main things to remember with Center Parcs is that your cottage might be quite far away from the center. Depending on the resort, the paths are not particularly pedestrianized and can be quite hilly.

Our last stay at Center Parcs, we were about 1.5 km (1mile) away, and it was raining, too far away for our toddlers to go back and forth a couple of times a day. Combined with muddy paths, we were quite happy to have strollers along.

Note: There are golf carts that can be rented on the resort if you can’t manage a bike or scooter.

10. Bring your own fondue wok or raclette set

No oven doesn’t mean that you can’t have a great family meal together. The restaurants at Center Parcs are rather ordinary and overpriced and given the distance from the cottage to the center, it is much nicer to have at least one dinner at home.

So bring your own fondue / raclette set, a bottle of wine, and have dinner as a family.

11. Move your car closer to your cottage as early on Departure Day

Checkout at 10 am tends to be a rush of cars and traffic jams. Moving your car earlier to load up all the luggage will help your holiday end on a good note.

Note: At certain Center Parcs in France you can check out on Sundays at 15h. Check the resort that you are staying at, and see if your resort offers late checkout.

☞ READ MORE: 24 Things to know before driving in France

12. Play after checkout

Even if you have to check out at 10am, you can still stay at the resort till the late afternoon. So load up the car and vacate your cottage, and let the concierge know that you would like to enjoy the facilities a little longer.

So there you have it, my top tips for Center Parcs! Have I missed anything? If you are planning on visiting one of the French resorts, have a read through my article comparing the different Center Parcs in France . As always, happy vacationing and à bientôt !

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How to use a Center Parcs family break grant 

Find out everything you need to know about our Center Parcs family break grants, including how to use them and wider questions.

Your family break grant will be sent directly to Center Parcs. Please call them to make a booking on 03448 267723 if you live in England, Scotland or Wales, or 03448 2677749 from Northern Ireland.

Alternatively, please visit the Center Parcs website, contact page choose the ‘send an email’ option, then choose Family Fund under the type of enquiry heading to submit your query or request a call back from the team.

Any family break booked with Center Parcs must include the child’s main carer and the child you have applied for. Additional family members and/or carers can also be included on the booking.

Please note that your award must be used within six months from the date on your award letter. Any funds left after six months will be returned to Family Fund.

Frequently asked questions

How long is my family break card valid for?

Center Parcs family break grants are issued with an expiry date of six months from the date on your award letter. You must book your break, and spend the grant in full, by this date, however your date of travel can be any time after the expiry date. If there are any unused funds after six months, these will be returned to Family Fund.

I have made a booking and need some extra help and support

If you need some support after making a booking, please call the Center Parcs pre-arrival service team, on 01623 837134 . 

What if my child requires a more specialised break?

Center Parcs is a diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation and they will do their best, where possible, to meet any additional requests. If you need any adaptations or special arrangements, please complete this form once your booking is confirmed . For more information and details of the accessible breaks they offer, give them a call or visit their website.’

Who can use the Center Parcs family break grant?

Any break booked with the Center Parcs family break grant must include the child’s main carer and child that you applied for. Additional family members and/or carers can also be included on the booking.

Who can I talk to at Center Parcs?

If you have made a booking and need some support, please call the pre-arrival service team on 01623 837134 .

What if the break we want costs more than our grant amount?

Your grant is a contribution towards the cost of a family break but you can add a bit more of your own money if you want to book a more expensive break. You just need to discuss payment options and balance due-dates when booking your break.

Can I book more than one break?

You can book as many breaks as you wish.

Can the grant be used as a deposit for a booking?

Please note that you need to pay the full balance at the time of booking.

During your Center Parcs break all guests must adhere to the Center Parcs Terms & Conditions. You can see Center Parcs UK Terms and conditions here . You can see Center Parcs Ireland Terms and conditions here.

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click through to a product or service and then buy it, I receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.

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Top Tips For An Amazing Break At Center Parcs

• 30 May 2017

When the sun is shining on a Friday morning, it’s a bank holiday weekend and it only takes 15 minutes to get to your holiday destination, you know you are set for an amazing short break. We’ve just spent the long weekend (Friday to Monday) at Center Parcs Woburn Forest, the newest of the Center Parcs resorts in the UK and couldn’t have had a better time.

Here’s my review and top tips to get the most out of a short break at Center Parcs.

Location, location, location

It’s really great for us that Woburn Forest is practically on our door step as there was minimal travel time and maximum enjoyment; half of our group spent the full day there as you can arrive from 10am.

Even when our eldest daughter arrived with my husband after a day at school, Center Parcs check in is so efficient that they were in the lodge enjoying ice creams before 4pm which meant we still had plenty of time to enjoy the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and playground before dinner on the first day.

When we booked, we had considered going to Center Parcs Longleat Forest to make it feel like more of a holiday but children don’t care whether its 10 minutes or 3 hours away. Once you are on holiday, you are on holiday.

The Center Parcs locations all vary by how established they are, how old they are and a bit by what activities they offer; I would say choose one that is close to you rather than worrying too much about the differences. It’s always best to maximise the time you get to spend there, especially when you are only doing a 3 night break.

Advance check in all the way

We arrived at the gates at 11am expecting bank holiday queues at check in but there were none.

I had checked in in advance (giving car registration numbers and names, addresses etc of all guests in our party) so when we drove straight up to the check in lodge, we were handed our wristbands, given directions to the car park and a Center Parcs Woburn Forest map and sent on our way to enjoy ourselves at the village before we could officially get in to our lodge at 3pm.

It was the easiest check in ever and a painless start to our Center Parcs break – don’t ignore the emails to check in in advance!

Cash-free holidaying – cashless wristbands

You are given your striking green wristband on arrival (you get one per bedroom). They do everything!

Your wristbands is your lodge key, but it can also be used to secure your lockers in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise or Aqua Sana, and pay for refreshments in both too. Handy when the kids want a slushy when you’re in the pool!

All you need to do is register your wristband at any payment kiosk, then you settle up on the day of departure for the total amount of purchases (up to £300).

It’s an active break – get moving!

Centre Parcs Woburn Forest is much smaller than I had thought it was going to be. Bikes are a prominent feature of a Center Parcs holiday but honestly, at Woburn Forest, I don’t think that they are a necessity.

We could walk from our lodge to the Village in 5 minutes and to the Plaza in 5 minutes in the other direction. Both walks were down the hill from our lodge so it was actually easier to walk as riding a bike back up the hill was a challenge with a small human on the back!

Either way, a Center Parcs mini break is going to get you active as you move around the park, so if you need a bike to make life a little easier, then go for it. The amount and variety of bikes is phenomenal at the Cycle Centre and they are super friendly and helpful too.

Download the Center Parcs app

The Center Parcs app is great and I’d definitely recommend downloading it as soon as you’ve booked your break. From here you can pre-book any Center Parcs activities you want to do and it stores them in your personalized itinerary. There is also a handy village map on it too.

The wifi at Center Parcs was always fantastic, considering we were in the middle of a forest, so booking activities via the app when we were there was easy too. We booked the children on aqua jetting only 15 minutes before it started because we were up early one day!

READ MY GUIDE TO UK STAYCATIONS HERE

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF KELLING HEATH HOLIDAY PARK HERE FOR A FABULOUS ALTERNATIVE TO CENTER PARCS

Don’t feel pressured to book too much before you arrive. You don’t want to spend the whole time looking at an itinerary finding out where you need to be in 10 minutes time! If there are things you absolutely, desperately want to do, then book them but otherwise, wait to get there and see what takes your fancy.

I would say that planning to book half your activities is probably a good balance as things can get busy and you don’t want to be disappointed.

By doing this though, you leave yourself some time available to do something you see when you’re there that you really want to try but hadn’t thought about it until you saw it…

Or you save some time to just relax! I had booked the children in for a 3 hour Mad Hatter’s Tea Party thinking that it would be a perfect time for an adults only trip to the Center Parcs spa – Aqua Sana – right next door to the activity den. It turned out to be blazing sunshine that afternoon so we spent the child-free time with a glass of vino at the back of our lodge relaxing (much needed by day 3!) in the sunshine.

Easy dining options

Each lodge has an outdoor eating area with a brick built BBQ where you can use a disposable BBQ only. We brought one with us but the on site shop was selling them too (along with GIANT marshmallows!) It’s an easy way to cook over the summer months and really easy to tidy away with less washing up than proper cooking on your holiday!

The fridges in the lodges aren’t huge so it’s inevitable that during your stay you’ll have to either eat out in one of the restaurants or visit the onsite shop to top up whatever supplies you have brought.

We have said that next time we go, we will take advantage of the COOK meals which are on sale in the ParcMarket.

I love COOK meals and have used them before as a tasty and easy option on weekends away with friends. You get the benefit of home cooked food which you haven’t had to make or transport to your holiday with the rest of your baggage, all at a much more affordable price than eating out at one of the restaurants. Obviously you have got to cook it yourself but if you want to avoid the pricey restaurants (our dinner and drinks at Hucks on Saturday night for 4 adults and 2 children came to £120), this is a great alternative.

Returners get the best pricing

They are expanding Woburn Forest with more lodges being built around the site. I also overheard one of the lifeguards saying that the Subtropical Swimming Paradise is going to be extended to include more of the things that they have at the Center Parcs Elveden site – hottubs, jacuzzis and lane swimming.

We’re already talking about when we can go back, and with the Center Parcs  come back soon offer already in my inbox, we may well be booking soon….

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If you are researching you Center Parcs holiday before you go (you probably are if you have ended up here!), make sure you pop in the correct spelling and you’ll get the most useful answers. 

Happy holidays!

1 Comment on Top Tips For An Amazing Break At Center Parcs

Also a good idea to take your own food and, if you have one, a slow cooker. Then you can put all your ingredients together and return to a wholesome meal.

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Baby friendly holidays and breaks in the UK

Your first family getaway together is a special experience, so get ready to make unforgettable memories together on a baby-friendly holiday in the UK. Holidays with a baby under one can be stressful, but Center Parcs has been designed to make everything as relaxing and easy as possible. With baby-friendly lodges featuring highchairs and cots, family-friendly restaurants and activities for babies, we’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Last-minute breaks

Spring breaks

• What's included
• Accommodation

Subtropical Swimming Paradise

• Restaurants
• Aqua Sana Spa
• Guest gallery

Center Parcs UK locations for holidays with your baby

Whinfell Forest, Cumbria

Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire

Elveden Forest, Suffolk

Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire

Longleat Forest, Wiltshire

Holiday activities for tots.

Fun Pots With Tots

Baby Dolphins

Creche 3-23 months

Sensory Play Babies

Baby Imprints

Discover more baby-friendly activites

What's included with your break

• Adventure playgrounds  
• Free entry into the  Subtropical Swimming Paradise  
• Up to 400 acres of woodland to explore
• Free baby dolphins session for infants under 3
• Sandy beach 
• Free Ella’s Kitchen baby food in selected  restaurants

More about what's included

Baby-friendly accommodation

Our holiday lodges are all baby-friendly, with everything you need for a relaxing break with your little one. You'll find:

• A cot (you’ll need to bring your own linen)
• Bed rails on request
• A chalkboard for creative little minds
• Stair gates
• A highchair
• A super-sized storage cupboard for your pushchair
• Forest views so little ones can spot wildlife

Please be aware that some lodges have steps to the entrance, so check this when booking.

Discover accommodation

See what our guests are saying

• Whinfell Forest
• Sherwood Forest
• Longleat Forest
• Elveden Forest
• Woburn Forest

@Abigail C - September 2023, Whinfell Forest

We have just returned from our first holiday at Center parcs as a couple with a 11 month old. Check in was really easy, we arrived around 1pm and headed straight to the cycle Centre for our bikes, we hired 2 bikes - 1 had a toddler seat on the back. The only thing I would say about this is whinfell isn’t flat, lots of hills so as people who don’t usually cycle we found this quite challenging! Probably won’t rent them again but that’s just our preference! Getting the cycles and returning was super easy. We went to the subtropical swimming paradise every day - our baby loved the toddler splash park and the wave pool. We ate at the cafe one day but tbh it wasn’t amazing (except the chips!) and quite expensive but I suppose it’s personal taste! We went to Bella italia and hucks. Both where lovely, I had the best burger I’ve had in my life at hucks so I 100% recommend you try it! I don’t know how it has any negative reviews. Overall and amazing break, the day we got home we also booked for next year!

 Family gathering   

@Martin H   - August 2023, Whinfell Forest 

Had an amazing time loads of fun things to do and see the indoor pool was amazing we had a 20 month old baby girl and she loved it ,dining choices suited all needs at reasonable prices and the mini supermarket had everything else you might need the resort was alway clean and tidy everywhere we went and the staff couldn't be more helpful,we even saw a few red squirrels fantastic experience we'll definitely be returning

Whinfell Forest Tripadvisor

Second visit and a lifetime more to go! <3

@Sabrinarh91 - May 2023, Sherwood Forest

This is the second time my partner and I have stayed here, this time we was joined with our lovely little baby. We have made a pact that we will visit every year now and make it our new family tradition! There is something for ALL ages and the only thing I would change is to make time go slower as the week just flew by. I would like to mention that the staff (everywhere) are so welcoming and friendly and I think that can really make or break a holiday. There was one girl in particular who worked in the toy shop who was super lovely but sadly I didn’t catch her name (working afternoon 22/5/23) Sadly I left a couple of things behind in our lodge but Guest Services were so wonderful and have been able to recover and post it back to us. I’ll stop going on now but I’ll add some photos of our stay and the CUTE wildlife! Thank you Sherwood CP for being the first and best holiday for a baby girl, we can’t wait to come back every year! xx

Great time had by all

@Little bird- March 2023, Sherwood Forest

We had a short break at Centre Parc Sherwood, to enjoy a family get together and celebrate the youngest member’s first birthday. Everyone had a great time, most especially the 4yr old who found everything magical . The chalet was clean, spacious and comfortable. As we have 2 babies in the family, a second cot and high chair was provided. We all enjoyed the tropical swimming pool, as well as cycle rides, walking, even able to enjoy a play on the beach. Fabulous long weekend, already planning our next visit!

Sherwood Forest Tripadvisor

Great family break

@pink fairy - March 2024, Longleat Forest

Lovely family mid week. All staff we came into contact with were helpful, polite and courteous. Lodge clean and very comfortable, enough space for 6 and a baby. All public areas clean and welcoming. Great fun in the swimming pool, lots of slides and the rapids were such fun! Will definitely return!

Fun for the whole family

@Rachel S - February 2023, Longleat Forest

So much fun for the whole family. In our party there were 5 adults, a teenager and 2 babies under 2. I can honestly say there was something for everyone and we all loved every minute. Staff were particularly friendly and helpful. We can not wait to go back.

Longleat Forest Tripadvisor

A wonderful break

@218491  - March 2023, Elveden Forest

First time visiting Center Parcs - really relaxing, lots to do and family friendly. A wonderful setting and we can’t wait to return. It was our first trip away with our baby and everything we could possible need was on hand, can’t recommend enough.

Quality family time

@Chloe L - February 2023, Elveden Forest

We’re a family of 2 adults and a 5 month old baby. This was our first family holiday and first time visiting Center Parcs and we had the most amazing time! The check-in / check-out process was very easy and straightforward. We stayed in Oak 943 and had lots of wildlife visit every day…from deer, squirrels, robins and blue tits! We took a window bird feeder that stuck on the window (definitely recommend getting one of these) and lots of bird seed, berries, monkey nuts etc. The facilities on site were brilliant, especially the Subtropical Swimming Paradise! We went swimming everyday and loved it. We also done adventure golf, bowling, pottery painting, badminton and sensory baby. The Winter Forest Lights were magical and each evening we loved walking through them. I couldn’t fault a thing. We had breakfast at Pancake House on our first morning which was delicious. We also ate at Rajinda Pradesh and Huck’s which were lovely. All the staff were polite, friendly and super helpful. Overall we had a lovely family holiday and we’re already looking at booking for next year. I think we may now have the bug for it! 💗

Elveden Forest Tripadvisor

Wonderful time

@Matt C - October 2023, Woburn Forest

First time at woburn. Had a lovely experience. Lots to do. Wonderful atmosphere. Very clean and well kept. Very friendly staff. Hotel room very spacious for us with a baby. Enjoyed the activities that were on offer.

Amazing Family Holiday at Center Parcs Woburn

@lisaranson - September 2023, Woburn Forest

What an amazing holiday! Center Parcs Woburn is fantastic. Not only is it clean, tidy and well run it offers so much fun for everyone no matter what age. We went for 4 nights family holiday and had the best time. Our lodge was well equipped and spacious. The beds were super comfy. The lodge was located in the wood so we had the joy of watching the deer, birds and squirrels playing around outside our window. Every lodge has a BBQ area in a secluded garden and we made the most of that. My 4 year old son took part in 3 activities; Explorer driving, jet skis for juniors and Fun Football Factory. He enjoyed them all but especially loved the driving activity. Was well run and perfect for his age group. I myself indulged in a spa treatment. I was overwhelmed by how big and lovely the Spa was when I arrived. It was so luxurious inside and I highly recommend a little pampering if you go! The restaurants on site were great! We had a delicious meal at Hucks American Grill. They had a large soft play area inside the restaurant perfect for little ones who prefer to play. They had playground scattered all over the park and I noticed they even had a dedicated dog play area too which I thought was a nice touch. The highlight for my family was the Subtropical Paradise swimming pool. How much fun! Slides, wave pool, lazy river and just so much fun for all ages. Well monitored by lifeguards especially with little ones around. Felt safe! Guest Services were great! My baby needed medical assistance and the first aiders Sarah and Charlotte were absolutely fabulous. They tended to my baby all the while keeping me calm and supported and ordering a pizza for my other son as we were just going out for dinner. Sadly we had to go to hospital but were home the next day. They couldn’t do enough to ensure we got out and back into the park quickly and smoothly. I am eternally grateful for their care. The park is stunning! Location is perfect. There’s a supermarket on site which is fully stocked and just great! Plenty of treats; Starbucks coffee shops, ice cream parlours, sweet shop and other shops. We loved Joules! Hand on heart I can say it was a fantastic holiday even with our little scare in the middle. Couldn’t ask for friendlier more helpful staff all over the park. It was super clean and just well run. We highly recommend and we will definitely return.

Woburn Forest Tripadvisor

Swimming with your baby

Splash into the Subtropical Swimming Paradise with your little one. Heated to 29.5c all year round, it’s the perfect place to introduce them to the water.

• Discover baby pools, sensory water play areas and our free Baby Dolphins play session. 
• You’ll also find family changing rooms, large lockers, a buggy park and the Canopy Café and Bar serving poolside food and drink.

Top tip: hire a Family Cabana for a cosy, peaceful retreat – perfect for naptime!

View Subtropical Swimming Paradise

Eating out with your infant

All of our restaurants are child and baby-friendly. You’ll find:

• Plenty of space for multiple highchairs and prams
• Free Ella’s Kitchen baby food (subject to availability)
• Activity packs to keep little ones entertained
• Children’s menus offering healthy and tasty dishes
• Feeding stations for warming up milk
• Indoor or outdoor play areas at some of our restaurants

If you’d prefer a relaxing evening in, order restaurant food to be delivered to your lodge and eat in peace whilst your little one sleeps.

Discover restaurants

Feel revitalised at Aqua Sana Spa

Need some time to recharge? Why not visit Aqua Sana and enjoy a relaxing spa day.

Nestled in the trees of our Center Parcs villages, each of our spas have up to 25 different spa experiences, from wet, to dry, to herbal or meditative, you'll find everything you need to leave feeling relaxed and revitalised.

Discover Aqua Sana

Our top tips on making the most of your break with your baby

• Book early arrival to beat the queues
• Select a lodge in a central area closer to the amenities
• Pre-order groceries before you arrive for delivery
• Book your little one into the creche so you can relax in Aqua Sana Spa
• Ask for free Ella’s Kitchen baby food in our restaurants
• If you forget anything, ParcMarket stocks plenty of baby essentials including swim nappies
• Visit Aquatique for any additional swimming gear
• Discover our Adventure Playgrounds for all ages

Read top tips from our guests

Frequently asked questions

• What is the best age to bring my baby to Center Parcs?
• Are the lodges baby proof?
• Will guests from other lodges disturb my baby?
• What baby facilities & supplies are available?
• What essentials should we bring on our baby-friendly break?
• Does Center Parcs have an on-site doctor if my baby becomes ill?
• What happens if we need to leave early because of a baby emergency?
• What entertainment is there for my babies?
• What can adults do after dropping the kids off at the crèche?

Any age! A Center Parcs break is a great way to create special memories with your little one.

Our lodges are all baby-friendly, with everything you need for a relaxing break with your little one. Whether you’re staying in a Woodland Lodge, a Treehouse or anything in between, you’ll find a cot (you’ll need to bring your own linen), highchair, toddler bathroom step, super-sized storage cupboard for your pushchair, and forest views so little ones can spot wildlife. Please be aware that some lodges have steps to the entrance, so check this when booking. 

Our policy states that behaviour should not be excessive, noisy or disruptive, especially at night. If you have any concerns about noise levels during your stay, please let us know by contacting Guest Services.

All our restaurants are child and baby friendly. You’ll find plenty of space for multiple highchairs and prams, free Ella’s Kitchen baby food (subject to availability), feeding stations for warming up milk as well as indoor or outdoor play areas at some of our restaurants. We also have baby changing areas at various locations at each of our villages. Please check your village map to find your nearest baby facilities. 

We’ve collated some top tips for a baby-friendly break from our guests , which includes information on what to bring! Don’t forget, you can also pick up your essentials from our on-site supermarket, ParcMarket.

Our First Aid Centre colleagues provide immediate first aid and emergency treatment only. They can also signpost you to local medical services, but these are most often accessed through NHS 111. The First Aid Centre is open daily 9am to 9pm. Please call the First Aid Centre for an appointment.

If your baby requires immediate hospital assistance, dial 9 for an outside line from an internal telephone then dial 999 or 112. Alternatively, contact Guest Services to make the call on your behalf.

If you do not have a phone in your lodge (phones are in apartments only at Longford Forest) and mobile signal is limited, please use the emergency telephone boxes located around the village and highlighted on the map.

Please let us know if you dial 999 direct so we can ensure that the emergency services get to you as soon as possible. If you contact an Emergency service yourself, please make us aware via the emergency number .

If you need to leave early due to an emergency, please let our colleagues at Guest Services know via the emergency number and they will do their best to support you with anything you need help with. If it’s outside of the emergency number hours, don’t worry, your call will go through to our Security team who will be on hand to help.

You’ll find plenty of things to do that are great for keeping babies entertained. Head to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and discover baby pools, sensory water play areas, splash pools and mini slides.

There are also lots of activities that your baby will love. From exploring their senses in Sensory Play Babies , to water activities like Baby Dolphins and sporty activities like Baby Balance Bike Buddy , there’s so much fun for little ones!

See our full list of activities

 Around each of our villages, there are a number of indoor and outdoor play areas for your little ones to explore. As well as outdoor adventure playgrounds, there are indoor play areas where you don't need to pay or book - just turn up and let your little one explore to their heart's content.

 All of our restaurants are child friendly, with plenty of space for highchairs and pushchairs, children’s menus with healthy and tasty dishes, activity packs to keep them entertained and play areas in some of our restaurants where they can run around and play.

You can also hire a wide range of cycles, including Balance Bikes, Tag-a-longs, Children’s Bikes, Trailers and Pushchairs from the Cycle Centre . There’s something for the whole family!

Our Crèche Session will keep your little ones entertained for 3 hours. Whilst they’re off having fun, why not enjoy some well-deserved relaxation at Aqua Sana , our spa in the heart of the forest. Or spend some quality time together nestled in nature in the comfort of your lodge, embrace your inner adventurer in one of our thrilling activities or enjoy a tranquil cycle ride through the forest.

Picture perfect moments

View all 5 images

Read more about visiting Center Parcs with a baby

Center Parcs, where special memories are made

Your guide to a baby friendly break

We brought home the best souvenir ever

Big fun for the little ones at Center Parcs

Other child-friendly breaks.

Be inspired by other family breaks from toddler-friendly breaks to older children and teenager breaks

1-2 year olds

2-4 year olds

4 - 11 years

A holiday is a very personal and individual experience and whatever your particular needs or requirements are; let us tailor make a bespoke holiday for you. We can promise you that our dedicated and knowledgeable travel team will give you the best value quote for your holiday and create a fantastic holiday for you to remember forever. How to use your card… Your card is preloaded with a certain amount and registered to you so all you need to do is use it!

Call our experienced Family Fund Travel Team on 0161 440 6743 (option 1) We are here to: • Help with all of your holiday enquiries • Answer any queries you may have • Make your booking Alternatively you can book on this website. This website also allows you to access your card information and check your balance (check balance logo in top right hand corner of this page) Security… We strongly advise that you keep a copy of the card number in a safe place. In the event that your card is lost or stolen, it may be possible to cancel the value that is on the card, but Travel by Inspire will require the full card number.

Important: Your Family Breaks and Travel Card is only valid for 6 months from the date of issue, please make sure your card is still in date before you try to use it. You can check by calling us on 0161 440 6743 (option 1).

We are a Member of ABTA (Membership No: L4341)

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5 Cheap Alternatives to Center Parcs in England

Many people are surprised by how much it costs to stay at Center Parcs. While they offer a lot in terms of accommodation, entertainment and activities, it can sometimes be too expensive for a lot of families. That’s why I pulled together a list of some great, cheap alternatives to Center Parcs in England to try.

Centre Parcs are a popular choice for families in the UK, but they can sometimes work out more expensive than going abroad. I’m not sure if it’s the impact of the pandemic, which saw the price of staycations boom, or just factoring in the price of facilities and activities in addition to accommodation, but the price of staying at Center Parcs can be too much to pay for a lot of people. Fortunately, there are lots of cheap alternatives to Centre Parcs that offer similar holidays.

Don’t get me wrong, I can totally understand why Center Parcs are so popular. They’re one of the most highly recommended places to stay in England, located in beautiful areas with great facilitates and lots of different things to do. As a network of villages, they are designed to have everything for families for a fun and entertaining holiday. But staying at Center Parcs can cost a lot of money, setting you back up to £2000 for a week’s holiday.

That’s why I wanted to provide some more budget-friendly alternatives to Center Parcs in England, which offer similar holidays but at more affordable prices. Check out the list below for some of my favourites! 

The best cheap holiday resort alternatives to Center Parcs

If you like the idea of a staycation but are a little overwhelmed with how expensive the likes of Center Parcs is, then hopefully these cheap alternatives will come in handy.

1. Butlin’s, Minehead

If you ask anyone in the UK what the best alternative to Center Parcs is, they will probably tell you Butlin’s. In fact, it was first founded in the 1930s for the purpose of providing Brits with an affordable holiday here in England. So it rightly became a popular, quintessential British holiday that lots of people still value today. It’s also a name synonymous with children’s shows and entertainment, where they put on lots for families looking to keep kids busy.

As of now, Butlin’s has three resorts; Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness. Each one is located by the coast, and comes complete with fairgrounds, swimming pools and theatre shows. There’s also things for adults to do to, like the Ocean Spa at Bognor Regis, The Yacht Club and other restaurants at Minehead, and the Leisure Hub at Skegness.

Although all Butlin’s resorts are great alternatives to Center Parcs if you’re looking for something more affordable, my personal preferences is Minehead. It’s the largest of the three resorts, found near the sandy golden beaches of Somerset. It hasn’t changed as much over the years, so still has that old-school family-friendly British seaside holiday kind-of-feel. However, all three have splash parks, entertainment, rides and everything you could need.

Butlin’s at Bognor has recently had huge investment to make it even better.

Butlin’s isn’t necessarily as fancy as Center Parcs, and they specialise in seaside resorts instead of nature resorts. However, they are generally considered the go-to alternative for Center Parcs in the UK. 

If you have a group of you interested in visiting Butlin’s, it could be cheaper and easier to travel to Butlin’s by minibus .

Accommodation 

Accommodation at Butlins is pretty good too; you can choose a level (and budget) to suit you, which generally helps to keep things cheaper than Center Parcs. From standard rooms to bungalows to chalets and seaside lodges, there’s a wide variety on offer across the three resorts.

At the Minehead resort, you can choose from rooms, apartments and premium accommodation. From the room selection, the ‘silver room’ promises to be suitable for budget-conscious guests. They have everything you’d need and expect from a basic but comfy space to stay and shower, so this is a good option to keep things low cost.

If you want something above a standard hotel room, then you can opt for an affordable apartment stay or a deluxe bayside apartment stay, a seaside lodge, or a lake chalet. The lodges and chalets are probably the most similar to Center Parc-style accommodation, but they’re still cheaper.

The range of accommodation available means that you can find the right accommodation based on your budget. If you want to splash out on a fancier apartment, you can – or if you only plan on staying in the rooms for sleeping, a basic hotel room may be better for you. 

Facilities 

Butlin’s includes a lot of activities in their prices which means that when it comes to things to do, you don’t have to worry about piling on additional costs for your holiday. This really can pay off when it comes to paying less. You get unlimited fairground rides, access to indoor and outdoor swimming pools and splash parks, evening shows, and entertainment. 

Of course, there are additional costs if you want to try other activities like archery, adventure golf, bowling, and pottery painting. But a lot is included in the price. I actually think that booking with Butlin’s is really easy, because you can clearly see what is included in the price.

One of the reasons why Butlin’s is so popular with families is because they have a ton of facilities to try out – especially in Minehead. Plus, there’s a beach around the corner for sunbathing and sea swimming that’s free to access. Somerset is a really nice area to explore if you haven’t already, and is great for long beach walks or visiting quaint villages.

Now, let’s talk about costs. Butlin’s is more affordable than Center Parcs – but it isn’t ‘cheap’. The cheapest prices for a week in August 2023 was £1055, which was for a family of four in self-catering apartments. This comes down to just over £800 for October 2023 half term. It’s still quite a lot of money, however it does work out quite a bit cheaper than Center Parcs.

As expected, prices vary depending on the type of accommodation you want and what time of the year you want to stay. However, Butlin’s are well known for their great deals and last-minute breaks. So it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out.

While booking your trip last minute can be risky, you can sometimes bag a holiday for a really good price! 

READ MORE: Holiday Packing List for Toddlers

2. Tattershall Lakes, Lincolnshire

This holiday village is owned by Away Resorts and is centred around a group of eight lakes at Tattershall, Lincolnshire. It’s not as well known as Center Parcs, so it’s generally a lot quieter with less crowded facilities. This makes the on-site hot tub holiday homes even more appealing and relaxing.

The lakes provide stunning scenery as well as activities to do – but there are no forest walks or trails available like at Center Parcs. You can still take part in things like archery, axe-throwing, high rope adventures, and lots of water sports. There’s also a great selection of things to do for kids at Tattershall Lakes, like a fairy and superhero academy, mad science and slime workshops, pirate play, sensory boards and toddlerpop painters and more.

Accommodation at Butlin’s

Like with Butlin’s, Tattershall Lakes resort offers a lot of different accommodation types so you can find the best options that suit your preferences and budget. 

There are specific types of accommodation available at Tattershall Lakes that sort of impact the type of holiday you might have. You could choose to stay in The Rockstar, which is indulgent, fun and comes with a hot tub guarantee!

Or there’s the TriBeca, which is stylish and a bit like staying in a New York flat. These are the exclusive accommodation types and are more expensive.

Alternatively, you could go for the lodges, caravans and hot tub hideaways, which are more similar to accommodation at Center Parcs. The comfort lodges are the most economical of the types of lodges, but still offer 2-3 bedrooms and sleep 4-8 people. There’s a TV, comfy beds and full size oven, which is handy if you want to cut costs a little and cook now and again.

The caravans also range from comfort to luxurious, however even the most basic can make for a great family holiday base. There are even options for earlier check-ins, additional towels and soaps, and more, which makes it easier to fit the holiday around your needs.

Overall, the range in types and size of accommodation means that you can make things cheaper.

Facilities at Tattershall Lakes

There’s definitely no lack of facilities or activities at this resort. Tattershall Lakes specialises in water-based activities due to the nearby lakes so there are options for swimming (both indoor and outdoor), jet skiing, water play areas, wakeboarding, and more.

Outside of the water, there are high rope obstacle courses, archery, pottery painting, cycling, zip wire, and more. There’s even a spa for adults to visit and plenty of bars for those late-night drinks. 

There are a few snags to be aware of. Firstly, some of the watersports will be closed during the winter months. Secondly, a lot of these activities are not included in the price of your stay – so check beforehand! 

Also, it’s true, Tattershall Lakes lies close to an RAF base, and there’s no denying it can get a bit noisy. But think of it this way, it’s like having your very own airshow right on your doorstep.

Price of Tattershall Lakes

Tattershall Lakes is a much more affordable alternative to Center Parcs as it costs an average of £1,000 for a week’s stay (depending on your choice of accommodation of course). However, there are some good deals if you’re willing to go basic and on particular dates. For example, you could stay for 3 nights from the 23rd October 2023 for just £276 in a value caravan, or £474 for a superior caravan with a hot tub!

However, as a lot of the activities and facilities cost extra on top, it’s important to keep this in mind when budgeting for your holiday.  

3. Landal Greenparks, Gwel An Mor

Landal Greenparks is a much smaller resort company, which means that their resort parks are smaller, quieter, and a lot cheaper than the likes of Center Parcs. They have a few family-friendly resorts around the UK but one of their best is their Gwel an Mor resort in Cornwall. It’s near the small fishing village of Portreath and its sandy beaches and small woodlands so you can enjoy both sea and forestry while staying here.

I can see why most of the reviews talk about the surroundings and atmosphere of the resort. Overall it’s quiet, but it’s a great all-rounder park. It has everything you need to feel like you’re in a resort, but it’s close enough to Portreath that you can explore further afield. If you have a car, you can also head to The Eden Project, St Ives or Newquay too.

But even if you want to stay around the resort, there’s lots to keep you occupied. It has its own Feadon Wildlife Centre, as well as a spa, activities and kid-friendly entertainment. The lodges are really nice too so you won’t feel the need to rush out every morning.

For me, the best thing about the Gwel an Mor resort is the holiday vibe. It’s not overrun or heaving with crows, and it’s in a great location. Even though it’s geared towards families, it has the whole laid-back coastal feels of Cornwall where you can really feel like you’re away from it all. If you’re arriving by car, don’t forget to make the most of this beautiful spot of England with the most unmissable spots to see on a Cornwall road trip!

Accommodation  at Landal Greenpark

Unlike other resorts, Landal Greenparks specialises in one type of accommodation – lodges. This does limit your choices when it comes to accommodation types as there’s no room for camping or caravanning here.

However, Landal Greenparks have made an effort to ensure each of their lodges is stylish, comfortable, and fitted out with additional amenities. For example, you can opt for a stand-alone lodge with a hot tub or barbecue – or a large lodge with enough room for larger groups.

This makes it a good resort for groups that go beyond the traditional family stay. If you are looking for a place that can host a weekend getaway for hen-dos, stag-dos, and more, then Landal Greenparks is definitely a resort to consider. 

In fact, if you are coming with kids make sure you search for ‘children’s accommodation’ when booking, which tells you which lodges are more suited to families, and which aren’t.

Facilities at Landal Greenpark

Although Landal Greenparks may have much smaller resorts than Center Parcs, this doesn’t mean they lack the same level of facilities. 

The Gwel an Mor resort features an indoor swimming pool and soft play area for kids, a golf course, fitness centre, and a bar and restaurant.

There’s also a nearby wildlife centre where you can get up close with some real animals, a well-being spa with a sauna and steam cabin, and Clover Lake for fishing. Or you can enjoy their archery range, bowling greens, croquet lawns, or tennis courts for more activities.

Although it’s one of the cheap alternatives to Center Parcs, it still has some similar features like cycle paths, walking paths, forestry, and more. Of course, there’s the famous Cornish coastline and Portreath Beach, which is just one mile from the resort. So, there’s definitely plenty to do here. 

Price 

The Gwel an Mor resort is one of the most expensive Landal Greenparks resorts, but it’s also one of the best. Prices for a week’s getaway start around £1615 but that’s still a whole £500 cheaper than Center Parcs. Plus you’re a stones throw away from one of the best beaches in the UK!

However, if the Gwel an Mor resort is still way too expensive for your budget, then check out some of Landal Greenparks’ other resorts such as the Whitbarrow resort. A week’s stay there can cost under £1000 for accommodation. 

4. Parkdean Warmwell, Dorset

Both the facilities and location of Parkdean Warmwell give this cheap alternative to Center Parcs a good competitive edge. It’s located in Dorset, so is close to beaches and historic towns, and is also the only holiday park in the UK that has a ski slope!

I don’t usually like the phrase there’s something for everyone as it sounds a bit cliché, however Parkdean Warmwell truly has a lot of different things to offer that cater to most. Beyond skiing and exploring, you can wander around the forest, fish at the lake, go deer-spotting on a woodland walk, venture along the high ropes, play Jurassic crazy golf and more.

The resort has been updated recently too, with lots of new facilities and activities. Some of these include an inside climbing wall, VR room, indoor sports dome, bungee trampolines, as well as a course on how to survive using natural surroundings with the Bear Grylls Survival Academy.

It’s clear to see why Parkdean Warmwell is an award-winning resort (5 Star Exceptional Award from the English Tourist Board and Gold David Bellamy Conservation Award), despite being one of the cheap alternatives to Center Parcs. It seems to have all the same services and things that I love about Center Parcs (if not more!), but at a more affordable rate.

Accommodation at Warmwell Holiday Park

The upgrades to Warmwell Holiday Park aren’t just the facilities and activities, but accommodation too. The lodges are stylish and relaxing, and like with the other resorts, come in a range of sizes to suit your party size and budget!

Some have verandas and jacuzzis, and some are lake views. Obviously, the more features the more you’re going to pay, but even the most basic lodges are spacious and comfortable.

If you’re coming with pets, make sure you choose one that’s pet-friendly. Not all the lodges are so it’s worth noting.

Facilities at Warmwell Holiday Park

As mentioned, Warmwell Holiday Park has a great range of modern facilities. It features a restaurant for dining at and fish ‘n’ chip shop for takeaways. Kids can enjoy the amusement arcade as well as the adventure playgrounds. Plus there’s lots of useful amenities like a laundrette, cash machine, mini supermarket.

The park also boasts a 110m ski slope for ski and snowboarding lovers, as well as a mini golf course. For anglers, there are three well-stocked fishing lakes within the park too. You can also hire bikes if you decide to explore the park further, or head out and about around Dorset. On sunny days, this is a great way to see the area.

Price at Warmwell Holiday Park

Prices in the summer holidays can get quite steep, although still not as expensive as £2000 at Centre Parcs. For two adults and two kids, you could pay over £1300 for four nights. However, for the same party size and duration, you could get it as cheap as £450 in September, making it one of the best alternatives to Centre Parcs for price on this list!

This price is for a ‘caravan’ as opposed to the other larger lodges, however it is a static home that falls under a type of lodge anyway!

5. Haven Hopton Resort Norfolk

Of course no list of cheap alternatives to Center Parcs would be complete without a Haven holiday in there. Haven are sometimes considered as more of a base if you want to do some more exploring, whereas Center Parcs usually have guests that stay on site all the time.

However, there are lots of Haven resorts that do actually feature many of the great facilities, accommodation and activities that Center Parcs do, which is why I selected Hopton.

Hopton is one of a few Haven holiday parks in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, offering direct beach access and lot of things to do. One of the more popular activities exclusive to this resort is the Mini Aerial Adventure, which is a bit like Go Ape for toddlers and young kids. There’s also a huge SplashZone swimming park with slides and flumes. In 2023, the Hopton also expanded its features to a NERF training camp, inflatable area, climbing wall and covered outdoor pool.

Although you don’t exactly need to go off site to fill up your schedule, Hopton is located in a beautiful part of the UK. It’s right by Great Yarmouth Beach, which is a lovely sandy stretch to walk along or play on. There’s also the Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park and Norfolk Broads nearby, giving you lots of reasons and options to explore.

Accommodation at Hopton

There’s quite a good range of budget-friendly options at Hopton, as well as most Haven resorts. You can choose from caravans and lodges, as well as different levels of luxury for each type. So you could stay in the saver caravan to really minimise costs which you can book for four nights from just £49, or go for premium lodges to be more extravagant.

The saver caravans still have two bedrooms and can sleep up to four people, showing they’re not that overly small. However, silver and gold caravans come with the added bonus of verandas, as well as being larger, meaning they feel bigger overall.

Facilities at Hopton

Haven’s Hopton resort is quite a big resort, so has everything you need. There’s an amusement centre, swimming pools, Marina Lounge entertainment venue, restaurants, supermarket and more. As mentioned, it has a great range of activities, including lots of new ones added this year.

However, it’s clear the main pull is the beach. It’s so close and spacious that it feels like it belongs to the resort. Obviously, if the weather rains, which is always risky in England of course, then you need to rely on the indoor facilities. Fortunately, that means you can still swim in the new outdoor pool.

Price at Hopton

You can really grab a bargain if you opt for the cheapest accommodation and book in advance. For example, a Haven Hideaway holiday in a Saver Caravan for a week in March 2024 costs just £133.

It’s important to know the difference between a Haven holiday and a Haven Hideaway holiday. The first includes access to swimming as well as free and paid activities and entertainment. Haven Hideaways are just accommodation.

However, the same holiday as a Haven holiday (including the perks) costs £193, so still significantly cheaper than Centre Parcs. A diamond lodge at Haven ups the price a lot to £1361, which can actually work out more than some Centre Parcs.

Arguably what makes Haven a cheaper alternative is its broader range of more economical accommodation types.

So, is there an alternative to Center Parcs?

I hope this list has shown you that there are lots of other resorts in England that are more affordable than Center Parcs. Some are still quite pricey, and some are more coastal parks than woodland, but they’re still cheaper alternatives worth considering.

Center Parcs certainly isn’t the only one, it’s just generally the most well-known in the UK. It does have a lot of good activities – maybe more than any of these alternatives, but that’s why it can be too much to pay for some families.

Instead, why not take a look at other locations, from the sandy beaches of Somerset to the lakes of Lincolnshire; there are plenty of great holiday resorts out there in England and some of them cost way less for a week’s stay than Center Parcs. 

Why is Center Parcs so expensive in school holidays?

Center Parcs aren’t the only resorts that put up prices during school holidays. As with all holidays generally, holiday parks and resorts operate through supply and demand. This is why they tend to be pricier during school holidays as many families are free to travel during these periods.

What’s so great about Center Parcs?

Like with all these cheap alternatives in England, Center Parcs offers families everything under one roof (or open sky). This is the main appeal, as it makes it easy to keep everyone of all ages and party size entertained.

But Center Parcs probably has the edge when it comes to variety and quality. It has more things to do and more stylish accommodation. So I’m not saying Center Parcs isn’t worth the money, but it doesn’t mean it’s the only option for those searching for cheaper alternatives.

Is Center Parcs better than Haven?

Choosing between Centre Parcs and Haven depends on personal preference. Centre Parcs offers a woodland retreat with lots of outdoor activities and premium accommodations. Haven is more like Butlin’s, where they are generally seaside locations with traditional holiday park entertainment. Both offer unique experiences, so it really depends on what you and your family prefer.

Having said that, a lot of reviews indicate that people do prefer Center Parcs – it’s just a lot more expensive.

Quicklist of cheap alternatives to Center Parcs

• Butlin’s, Minehead
• Tattershall Lakes, Lincolnshire
• Landal Greenparks, Gwel An Mor
• Parkdean Warmwell, Dorset
• Haven Hopton Resort Norfolk

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Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

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Inside Centre Parcs - a look at the stunning Irish holiday resort ahead of €85million expansion

The demand for the holiday spot has been huge

• 18:24, 16 JUN 2021

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Center Parcs' brand new Longford Forest holiday resort in the heart of Newcastle Wood in Ballymahon, Co Longford opened in 2019.

The company is now looking to expand the site in the next few years with a €85 million budget.

Man-made beaches surrounded by woodland, tropical indoor swimming pools, renting bikes to cycle to the shop, playing outdoor sports beneath the canopy of trees - anyone who has spent time at one of the popular Center Parcs resorts across the UK and Europe will have fond memories of the holiday spot.

All the Center Parcs resorts are similar, each covering about 400 acres of woodland and are all jam-packed with activities, restaurants, sports centres, a subtropical swimming paradise and a huge indoor tropical plaza to explore.

In 2008, after opening five successful Center Parcs locations dotted across the UK, the chief executive of Center Parcs announced that it had built its last UK village and that a sixth would most likely be in Ireland.

When the company opened its first Irish resort in 2019, it was sure to be a hit with families and couples looking for an activity-packed staycation.

The demand for the holiday spot has been huge and CEO Martin Dolby appeared on RTE's News at One to say that bookings for the rest of the year are booming, despite some restrictions to activities at the park.

After being closed for some time due to Covid-19 restrictions, Longford Forest is back up and running.

But what is it really like to holiday there and what will their expansion look like?

Longford Forest

Currently, Longford Forest can accommodate up to 2,500 guest in its 466 self-catering lodges and 30 apartments.

The site offers over 100 different indoor and outdoor activities to choose from.

With unpredictable Irish weather, guests can find indoor activities for all ages. From pottery painting to dance classes, badminton to bowling, guests can try their hand at the extensive list of activities the park has to offer.

If you want to spend your days outdoors try tennis, zip lining over the lake, take a segway for a spin, drive 4x4 off-road quad bikes, attempt archery among the trees, take part in nature trails or try out the many watersports available.

The Longford resort also has a new Aqua Sana Spa in the heart of the forest - bliss!

Ireland’s largest indoor waterpark

And the main attraction for many guests? The Subtropical Swimming Paradise, heated to a balmy 29.5 degrees all year round.

At the moment, guests need to pre-book a slot at the pool to enjoy lazy rivers, jacuzzis, kid’s play areas, slides and rides at Ireland’s largest indoor waterpark.

What do people who have stayed there say?

The overall response to the resort is hugely positive. Over 500 people took to TripAdvisor to share their good experience.

“Couldn’t recommend it highly enough. I am quite fussy when it comes to accommodation but I would have nothing but compliments here,” wrote one.

“We are a family of four with kids aged 14 & 10. There is something for everyone here, great activities, really good food, well stocked supermarket, great accommodation and peaceful sleep.”

“We stayed in Center Parcs for Christmas, the staff were amazing, so accommodating. The lodge was clean and warm. Winter wonderland was amazing, the kids loved it,” said another, already planning her next trip to the resort.

The majority of complaints on the site are about restrictions during Covid, as some activities were difficult to book due to smaller numbers allowed to participate and restaurants were down to a reduced capacity too.

“We’ve been a full week trying to spot any slots. The pool is now restricted to 2 x 2hr sessions, which would be fine if there was anything else to do,” one reviewer said about her struggle to find activity slots last year.

Another major complaint - the price. Center Parcs breaks are notoriously expensive.

“The fact there is no daily pass, and a family of 4 have to pay 1300 euro to go there 3 nights for swimming and sliding that is simple discrimination of that people who have no money for that luxury” wrote one customer.

A basic woodland lodge for two adults and two children for 4 nights in July can set you back an eye watering €1,499 - and that’s without booking any extra activities. Despite the price, the resort sells plenty of breaks and many of their more luxurious accommodation options are all booked up for the summer.

The Longford Forest website is even encouraging guests to book their 2022 break in advance to avoid disappointment.

What are they expanding next?

With a whopping €85 million to spend, the brand new Longford Forest isn’t looking at any major additions to their facilities. Facilities will be expanded instead, to accommodate a growing number of guests visiting the holiday spot.

The forest resort is growing in capacity. With 200 additional accommodation lodges to be built, including four luxury treehouses.

Center Parcs hopes to begin construction in 2023. Around 300 construction jobs will be created during the development.

While 1,000 people are currently permanently employed at the site, 250 more jobs are to be filled when the development is completed.

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