Center Parcs Alternatives: Discover 20 Budget-Friendly Options

Looking for Cheaper Alternatives to Center Parcs? Well we have you covered! Center Parcs has been a popular destination for UK families seeking action-packed, fun-filled holidays since 1987. However, its all-singing, all-dancing family holiday experience can come at a high cost, especially during the school holidays.

But don’t worry, there are many alternatives to Center Parcs that offer a similar experience at a lower cost.

These places like Center Parcs are located in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK, making them the perfect base for exploring the local area.

Center Parcs Alternatives

With indoor and outdoor pools, a variety of activities, and stunning surroundings, these holidays like Center Parcs will provide a memorable experience for the whole family.

Similar to Center Parcs:

• Bluestone Wales
• Landal GreenParks
• Ribby Hall Village
• Sandyballs Holiday Village
• Forest Holidays
• Tattershall Lakes Country Park
• PGL Family Adventure Holidays

UK Holiday Parks (Cheapest Alternatives)

• Parkdean Nodes Point
• Parkdean White Cross Bay
• Parkdean Warmwell
• Haven Primrose Valley
• Hopton Holiday Village
• Wild Duck Holiday Park
• Haven Seashore Holiday Park
• Haven Hafan y Mor
• Haven Lydstep Beach
• Haven Thornwick Bay
• Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park
• Butlins
• Pontins

Bluestone Wales:

Address: Canaston Wood, The Grange, Narberth SA67 8DE

Bluestone is a great alternative to Center Parcs, located in Pembrokeshire in Wales in a beautiful part of the country.

The 500-acre park offers a variety of lodges to choose from that sleep between 2 and 14 people, making it a great option for groups. With over 100 indoor and outdoor activities, Bluestone has plenty to keep the whole family entertained, and its swimming pool is perfect for little ones with flumes and rapids rides.

The activities at Bluestone are a bit cheaper than the Center Parcs activities, and the resort is great for young children based on the type of activities on offer.

• Did you know Center Parcs in Europe can be up to 50% Cheaper? The Ultimate Guide to the Best Center Parcs Europe Locations.

Landal GreenParks:

Landal is another great Center Parcs alternative, with 15 locations across the UK, including the 5-star luxury lodge resort Gwel an Mor on the beautiful Cornish coast.

The parks are much smaller than Center Parcs and don’t offer as many activities, but the lodges are nicely spaced and are within easy walking distance of the pool and other facilities.Landal encourages families to get out and about, offering discounts to local attractions.

The activities at Landal include mini-golf, zorbing, archery, fencing, snorkeling, and woodland walks.

Ribby Hall Village:

Address: Ribby Rd, Kirkham, Preston PR4 2PR

Ribby Hall Village is a 5-star holiday village experience set in 100 acres of Lancashire countryside between Blackpool and Preston.

It offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for families, as well as a Wild Discovery centre and a new entertainment centre, The Hive, with plenty of things to do for families. Ribby Hall Village offers a range of accommodation options, from cottages to pine lodges and a farmhouse that sleeps up to 12 people.

Sandyballs Holiday Village:

Address: Sandy Balls New Forest Holiday Village, Southampton Rd, Fordingbridge SP6 2JZ

Surrounded by the beautiful New Forest National Park, Sandyballs Holiday Village is part of the Away Resorts group, which has 23 locations throughout the UK.

Sandyballs is considered as one of the closest alternatives to Center Parcs. It boasts indoor and outdoor pools and a range of activities that are budget-friendly compared to the activities offered at Center Parcs. Activities include archery, fishing, Alpaca Walking, Laser Combat, arts and crafts, outdoor movie nights, and more.

Accommodation include caravans and lodges, some with hot tubs, and there are always plenty of events and activities during peak season for families. The on-site restaurant and well-stocked shop are additional perks. Although the indoor pool may seem a bit dated, the outdoor pool makes up for it, especially during good weather.

Forest Holidays:

Forest Holidays is a great alternative to Center Parcs for families who are looking for a more natural holiday experience.

They offer some of the best family tree house holidays in the UK, with 12 sites around the country mostly located in forests. Accommodation at Forest Holidays is sympathetic to the local surroundings and ranges from lodges to log cabins, some of which look like treehouses.

The sites do not have pools, but they offer many opportunities to get the kids out into nature, including forest ranger adventures and nocturnal adventures (for 10 years+), playgrounds, and more.

Tattershall Lakes Country Park:

Address: 57 Sleaford Rd, Tattershall, Lincoln LN4 4JG

Tattershall Lakes Country Park is an action-packed holiday destination located in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside. With its beautiful lakeside setting, visitors can enjoy a range of water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and jet skiing.

For those who prefer to relax, the park offers a range of bars and restaurants, ensuring you won’t go hungry or thirsty during your stay. Accommodation options include classic caravans, exclusive lakeside lodges, and unique TriBeCa and Rockstar villages with stylish interiors and distinctive designs.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Tattershall Lakes offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation. The surrounding area is full of attractions, including wildlife parks, farms, gorgeous walks, and beach trips.

Located near the famous seaside town of Skegness and within reach of many other Lincolnshire attractions, Tattershall Lakes Country Park is a beautiful countryside retreat that offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

• Want to know more Center Parcs Alternatives in Lincolnshire? Read our Guide here.

PGL Family Adventure Holidays:

PGL Family Adventure Holidays is a great option for families who are looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to Center Parcs.

While the experience may not be quite as luxurious as Center Parcs, PGL offers all-inclusive family breaks that are fun and help connect the whole family. The activities on offer are teambuilding exercises for families, and everything is taken care of for you, so all you have to do is turn up for your activities.

Currently, family holidays are only being offered at Barton Hall in Devon and Caythorpe Court in Lincolnshire.

UK Holiday Park Resorts:

Many UK holiday park resorts have undergone huge upgrades, offering new facilities and lodges that rival Center Parcs.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Center Parcs, there are plenty of options available in the UK, offering various activities and amenities to suit different interests and budgets.

Here are some of the best holiday park resorts in the UK that offer a Center Parcs-like experience:

Parkdean Nodes Point:

Address: Eddington Rd, St Helens, Ryde PO33 1YA

Parkdean resorts are at the cheaper end of the UK holiday park scale, but they do have some gems in amongst their 66 sites in the UK.

Nodes Point is located on the Isle of Wight and offers direct access to the beautiful sandy beach of St Helens. The resort features traditional holiday caravans, lodges, and luxury safari tents for the summer months, each with their own kitchen and toilet. Nodes Point also has an on-site restaurant, kids’ club, indoor pool with water slide, multi-weather sports facility, and more.

Parkdean White Cross Bay:

Address: A591, Windermere LA23 1LF

White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere offers the ideal escape for both active travellers and those seeking relaxation.

Situated on the shores of Lake Windermere, the park provides breath-taking views and ample opportunities for wildlife spotting. Surrounded by picturesque woodland, you can enjoy a peaceful and natural environment. On the park, you’ll find a variety of amenities to enhance your experience, including an indoor pool, spa pool, sauna, and steam room. Children can have fun and stay active in the park’s play area, and during school holidays, they can participate in various activities.

Parkdean Warmwell:

Address: D3390, Warmwell Rd, Dorchester DT2 8JE

Warmwell Holiday Park in Weymouth is a destination full of surprises.

With a 110m all-weather ski slope, peaceful fishing lakes, and woodland walks perfect for spotting roe deer, there’s always something new to discover. The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors to participate in, including team games in the Sports Dome, arts and crafts in the Arts and Crafts Den, and interactive trampolining. When it’s time to cool off, visit the heated indoor pool with a flume and wave machine.

Haven Primrose Valley:

Address: Primrose Ave, Primrose Valley, Filey YO14 9RF

Haven Holidays are very similar to Parkdean holidays, with 40 parks across the UK that are pet-friendly and geared towards families. Primrose Valley is located in Yorkshire and offers a range of caravans to suit different budgets, along with on-site food and drink options, 2 indoor pools with waterslides and splash park, outdoor heated pool, go-karting, high ropes, boating lake, and more.

Haven offers five main grades of caravan, starting with Saver and going up to Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Signature, each offering an increasing range of amenities such as wider caravans, dishwashers, verandas, and extra TVs in the bedrooms.

Hopton Holiday Village:

Address: Hopton, Great Yarmouth NR31 9BW

Hopton Holiday Village is a perfect destination for families looking for a fun-filled and relaxing holiday. With its direct beach access, families can spend their days soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful coastline of Norfolk.

The park’s impressive pool area, complete with water slides and palm tree fountains, is sure to provide hours of fun for kids of all ages. The family amusement centre at Hopton Holiday Village offers a variety of games and activities for kids, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

The Cook’s fish and chips takeaway is perfect for a quick bite, while the modern Marina Lounge entertainment venue is perfect for a night of fun and relaxation. The park’s sizeable supermarket provides all the necessary supplies, making your stay even more comfortable.

Wild Duck Holiday Park:

Address: Howard’s Common, Belton, Great Yarmouth NR31 9NE

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life at Haven Wild Duck Holiday Park. This park is a little different from the rest, as it’s the only woodland park in the Haven collection. It’s still got all your favourite Haven features, like a heated indoor and outdoor pool and a packed activity offering. Hire a bike and explore the forest trails and wooded clearings, or take a day trip to Great Yarmouth or the Norfolk Broads.

Whether you’re looking to relax or have an action-packed holiday, Wild Duck is a great alternative to Center Parcs.

Haven Seashore Holiday Park:

Address: North Denes, Caister-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth NR30 4HG

Haven Seashore Holiday Park is located right on the beachfront in Great Yarmouth, offering the perfect setting for a spontaneous day at the beach.

Just a short walk over the sand dunes and you’ll find yourself soaking up the sun and the salty sea air. For those seeking thrills, the historic Pleasure Beach is just a quick drive away. The park also features the recently developed Shore Water Park, complete with flumes, slides, and a SplashZone, providing plenty of opportunities for water-based fun.

In the evenings, enjoy exciting live entertainment at the Marina Bar and Stage, or head to the family amusement centre for more fun and games.

With its prime beachfront location and range of on-site amenities, Haven Seashore Holiday Park is the ideal destination for families and couples seeking a fun-filled holiday by the sea.

Haven Hafan y Mor:

Address: Pwllheli, Gwynedd North Wales LL53 6HX

Hafan y Mor is located in North Wales on a beautiful beach close to Snowdonia National Park and is one of the largest of the Haven sites. The resort offers an indoor sports zone, indoor pool with wave machine, slides, and flumes, mini-golf, high ropes, pedal karts, den building, 4×4 mini-adventures, entertainment venues, mini-market, and more.

Haven Lydstep Beach:

Address: Lydstep, Tenby SA70 7SB

Haven Lydstep Beach is a holiday park located in South Wales near the coastal town of Tenby.

This park offers stunning sea views and a range of activities, including watersports in the bay, a climbing wall, and an on-site restaurant with mini-market. For families with young children, there are also aqua gliders in the pool and Nature Rockz, which offers outdoor activities such as pirate treasure hunts and nature trails.

Some activities may come at an extra cost.

Haven Thornwick Bay:

Address: N Marine Rd, Flamborough, Bridlington YO15 1AU

Haven Thornwick Bay is located in Yorkshire, near the holiday town of Scarborough. ,

This park is situated on the beautiful Flamborough Headland Heritage coast and offers a range of caravans to suit all budgets. The park is the newest of the Haven parks and offers a range of activities, including an indoor activity barn with archery, table tennis, and football coaching, as well as an indoor pool with slides and kayaking.

There’s also an on-site restaurant, mini-market, and a family entertainment area. This park is pet-friendly.

Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park:

Address: Sandy Bay, Exmouth, Devon EX8 5BT

Devon Cliffs Holiday Park is Haven’s largest park, offering a range of amenities and activities for families and couples. With two outdoor pools and one indoor pool, as well as a four-lane waterslide, there is plenty of opportunity for swimming and water play.

One of the standout features of the park is its adjacent beach and surf school, making it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy the coast. The park also offers a range of on-site activities, including 12 restaurants, two entertainment venues, and a variety of activities such as football, minigolf, target shooting, high wires, bungee trampoline, segway, and rock climbing.

Butlins:

Butlins is a great alternative to Center Parcs for those who want a similar range of activities but in a different setup.

Unlike Center Parcs, Butlins is located on seaside sites, which have been updated with modern facilities. For families with young children, there is a dedicated toddler fairground ride area, as well as go-karts for older kids (minimum height 1m with an adult). The pool area is also a hit with kids, although it can get quite busy.

For those looking for dining options, there is an American diner and other meal plans available.

Pontins:

Pontins Holiday Parks is a popular holiday destination for families and couples in the UK, offering locations across the country.

These locations include Camber Sands in East Sussex, Brean Sands in Somerset, Southport in Merseyside, and Prestatyn Sands in North Wales. Pontins Holiday Parks are known for being some of the cheapest holiday options available, offering affordable accommodation and a range of activities for guests to enjoy.

Despite their low prices, Pontins Holiday Parks have received mixed reviews from guests, with some praising the parks for their value for money and fun activities, while others have raised concerns about the standard of the accommodation and facilities.

The parks offer a variety of accommodation options, including classic chalets, apartments, and lodges, ensuring that there is something to suit every budget and taste. Guests can also enjoy a range of activities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, live entertainment, sports facilities, children’s play areas, and much more.

 

Save money by going to a Center Parcs abroad

Going to Center Parcs abroad can be a more budget-friendly option compared to staying in the UK.

According to a recent article in The Sun, Center Parcs in Europe offer the same level of quality and luxury as their UK counterparts, but at a lower cost. This is due to the lower cost of living in some European countries, which results in lower prices for accommodation, food and activities.

For families or couples looking to save money on their holiday, Center Parcs abroad can be a great option. For example, a week-long stay at a Center Parcs in the Netherlands or Belgium can cost up to 50% less than a similar stay in the UK. This can make a big difference, especially for those who are looking to stick to a budget.

In addition to lower accommodation costs, Center Parcs abroad also often offer better value for money when it comes to food and drinks. Meals and drinks in the restaurants and bars are typically priced lower, which can add up to significant savings, especially for families who are looking to keep their holiday costs down.

Center Parcs abroad also offer a range of activities and amenities that are on par with those offered in the UK parks. From indoor and outdoor swimming pools to sports facilities, children’s play areas, and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone at Center Parcs abroad.

Furthermore, Center Parcs abroad are often located in picturesque and scenic locations, offering stunning views and plenty of opportunities for exploring the surrounding areas. Whether it’s taking a scenic walk in the countryside, visiting local attractions, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, Center Parcs abroad offer a memorable and enjoyable holiday experience.

Final Thoughts

there are numerous alternatives to Center Parcs that offer just as much, if not more, in terms of luxury, adventure, and relaxation. From the stunning lakeside setting of White Cross Bay Holiday Park to the action-packed Tattershall Lakes Country Park, there is a holiday park that caters to every taste and budget.

Whether you’re looking for a caravan holiday, a lodge escape, or an outdoor adventure, the alternatives to Center Parcs provide a unique and memorable experience.

So next time you’re planning a holiday, consider these amazing holiday parks as your alternative to Center Parcs and experience a new level of relaxation and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this FAQ section, we will answer some of the most common questions about cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs.

What are the cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs?

There are several holiday parks and resorts that offer similar amenities and experiences as Center Parcs but at a lower cost.

Some popular options include Haven Holidays, Parkdean Resorts, and White Cross Bay Holiday Park.

Are the alternatives to CenterParcs as good as Center Parcs?

The quality of holiday parks and resorts can vary greatly, but many of the cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs offer similar amenities and experiences, such as indoor and outdoor pools, live entertainment, and activities for children and adults.

What are the best times to book a holiday?

The best times to book a holiday at a cheaper alternative to Center Parcs are typically mid-week and during the off-season. Arriving on a Friday instead of a Saturday can also help save money.

How much can I save?

The amount you can save will vary depending on the holiday park, the time of year, and the type of accommodation you choose.

However, you can expect to save anywhere from 20-50% compared to the cost of a similar holiday at Center Parcs.

Are the activities and amenities just as good as those at Center Parcs?

The activities and amenities offered at cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs can vary, but many offer similar experiences, such as indoor and outdoor pools, live entertainment, and activities for children and adults.

Can I still expect a high level of customer service?

Yes, many of the cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs have a reputation for providing excellent customer service and ensuring that their guests have a memorable and enjoyable holiday.

Are there any drawbacks to booking a holiday a cheaper alternative?

One of the main drawbacks could be that the facilities and amenities may not be as extensive or luxurious as those found at Center Parcs. However, many guests find that the lower cost more than makes up for any differences.

Are the cheaper alternatives to center parcs family-friendly?

Yes, many of the holiday parks and resorts that are cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs are specifically designed for families, offering a range of activities and amenities for children and adults.

Can I book activities and experiences at the cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs?

Yes, many of the holiday parks and resorts that are cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs offer a range of activities and experiences that can be booked in advance or during your stay. These may include water sports, outdoor adventures, and live entertainment.