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Center Parcs Alternatives: Similar UK Holiday Parks to Visit in 2025
If you’re looking for Center Parcs alternatives that offer the same great mix of fun and relaxation but at a more affordable price, you’ve come to the right place.
While Center Parcs is a popular choice, the rising costs, especially during school holidays, have families searching for other options. Luckily, the UK has plenty of alternatives to Center Parcs that offer similar features, from indoor swimming pools to luxury lodges with hot tubs.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best alternatives across the UK, offering everything from exciting activities to peaceful retreats.
Key Takeaways
- Affordable Center Parcs Alternatives: Discover budget-friendly holiday parks like Bluestone National Park Resort and Sandyballs Holiday Village, offering similar facilities such as indoor swimming pools and family activities.
- Top Family Holiday Parks: Explore family-focused parks with a wide range of activities, including mini golf, adventure playgrounds, and cycling trails, ensuring fun for everyone.
- Luxury Lodges and Hot Tubs: Find holiday parks with luxury lodges and hot tubs, providing a relaxing and enjoyable stay for families looking for a bit of extra comfort.
Sandyballs Holiday Village
Address: Sandyballs Holiday Village, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 2JZ
If you’re looking for a Center Parcs alternative in southern England, Sandyballs Holiday Village in the New Forest National Park is a great choice. Part of the Away Resorts Group, it offers a variety of self-catering lodges and caravans, with many options including hot tubs for a touch of luxury.
Sandyballs has a lot going for it when it comes to family-friendly activities. You’ll find both indoor and outdoor pools, perfect for a swim no matter the weather. The indoor pool might be a little dated, but it still provides a great way to enjoy some water fun. When the sun’s out, the heated outdoor pool is a favourite spot for families.
For those who like to keep active, Sandyballs offers a wide range of activities. You can try your hand at archery, go on an alpaca walk, or challenge yourself with laser combat. There’s also plenty of room to explore the beautiful New Forest, with cycling and walking trails nearby. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, you can unwind in the village’s on-site spa or enjoy a family meal at the restaurant, which has plenty of kid-friendly options.
Sandyballs is also ideally located for exploring the south coast. You’re a short drive away from places like Bournemouth, Lymington, and Sandbanks, where you can enjoy outdoor activities like paddleboarding and beach days. This makes Sandyballs an excellent choice for a family holiday at any time of year.
Bluestone National Park Resort
Address: Bluestone National Park Resort, Canaston Wood, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 8DE
For those seeking a Center Parcs alternative in Wales, Bluestone National Park Resort is an excellent option. Set across 500 acres in beautiful Pembrokeshire, Bluestone is packed with over 100 indoor and outdoor activities for families, making it one of the closest alternatives to Center Parcs in terms of what’s on offer.
The resort features an incredible Blue Lagoon water park, with indoor swimming pools, flumes, and rapids. It’s perfect for younger children and adults alike, with designated areas for toddlers to splash about safely while older kids and adults enjoy the more thrilling slides. For those who love swimming pools, Bluestone’s water park is one of the best you’ll find outside of Center Parcs.
Aside from the water fun, Bluestone offers a variety of activities ranging from mini golf and bike hire to high ropes and zip lines. Whether you want to relax or go on an adventure, there’s something for everyone. Accommodation at Bluestone varies from cosy lodges for small families to larger ones that can accommodate bigger groups, making it perfect for both small family breaks and larger gatherings.
One thing that sets Bluestone apart is its focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly practices and nature-based activities. If you’re looking for a luxury alternative that’s also environmentally conscious, Bluestone could be the ideal choice for your next family holiday.
Forest Holidays
Address: Various locations across the UK
For a quieter, more relaxed alternative to Center Parcs, Forest Holidaysoffers a range of luxury lodges located in scenic forest areas throughout the UK. These lodges are perfect for families who enjoy nature, as they provide a more peaceful experience compared to busier holiday park resorts.
While Forest Holidays doesn’t have swimming pools on-site, many lodges come equipped with private hot tubs, offering the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the nearby forests. If you love the outdoors, you’ll appreciate the woodland walks and cycling trails available at these resorts. The focus here is on reconnecting with nature, with activities such as forest ranger tours and wildlife spotting walks for children and adults alike.
The lodges themselves are beautifully designed, often blending into the natural surroundings, and offer all the modern comforts you’d expect. With locations scattered across the UK, from Scotland to the South West, Forest Holidays is ideal for families looking to get away from it all and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Gwel an Mor
Address: Gwel an Mor, Feadon Lane, Portreath, Cornwall, TR16 4PE
For a more luxurious take on Center Parcs alternatives, Gwel an Mor in Cornwall is worth considering. Located near the stunning north coast of Cornwall, this luxury holiday park offers high-end Scandinavian-style lodges with hot tubs and beautiful sea views. It’s perfect for families looking for a more exclusive break while still enjoying plenty of activities.
Gwel an Mor has an indoor pool, an adventure centre for the kids, a golf course, and a wildlife centre where children can get up close with animals. There’s also a top-notch spa and on-site restaurant, making it a great choice for parents who want a bit of pampering alongside family fun.
Cornwall’s coastline is one of the best in the UK, and Gwel an Mor is ideally located for beach lovers. You’re close to some of the best beaches in the region, where you can enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, paddleboarding, or just relaxing by the sea.
Landal Sandybrook
Address: Landal Sandybrook, Buxton Road, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AQ
If you’re after a Center Parcs alternative in the Peak District, Landal Sandybrook is an excellent option. This holiday park offers a range of self-catering lodges, many of which come with hot tubs for added relaxation. It’s a smaller, quieter resort compared to Center Parcs, but it’s packed with family-friendly activities.
The on-site indoor pool is a favourite among families, while the resort also offers mini golf, archery, and a variety of outdoor adventure activities. Sandybrook is also located right next to the Tissington Trail, a 13-mile cycling and walking route, perfect for families who love exploring the countryside. Nearby, you can visit the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones, one of the most scenic spots in the Peak District, making it ideal for a family day out.
The resort also has a games room, a small playground, and a lovely woodland walk on-site, giving kids plenty of space to explore. For parents looking to relax, there’s a sauna and spa treatments available to help you unwind after a busy day.
Ribby Hall Village
Address: Ribby Hall Village, Ribby Road, Wrea Green, Lancashire, PR4 2PR
Located near Blackpool, Ribby Hall Village is another great Center Parcs alternative with loads of activities for the whole family. This five-star holiday village offers a wide range of accommodation, including cottages, pine lodges, and even a farmhouse for larger groups. Some lodges come with hot tubs, making it a relaxing choice for families.
The resort features both indoor and outdoor pools, and children will love the new family entertainment venue, The Hive, which offers dining and indoor play areas. There are also lots of indoor and outdoor activities, from crazy golf and cycling trails to ten pin bowling and a soft play area for younger children.
Ribby Hall is also close to Blackpool’s famous attractions, so if you fancy a day out, you can head to the beach or visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach for more family fun. It’s a perfect spot for families looking for a balance between relaxation and adventure.
Tattershall Lakes Country Park
Address: Tattershall Lakes Country Park, Sleaford Road, Tattershall, Lincolnshire, LN4 4JG
Set in Lincolnshire, Tattershall Lakes is a fantastic Center Parcs alternative for families who love water sports. Located on the shores of a lake, the park offers a wide range of activities, from paddleboarding and jet skiing to kayaking. There’s also a splash pad and an indoor pool, making it a great choice for water-loving families.
The accommodation includes traditional caravans, luxury lodges, and lakeside cabins. Many of the lodges come with hot tubs, adding a touch of luxury to your stay. During the school holidays, there’s also a packed programme of evening entertainment, including live shows, kids’ activities, and outdoor cinema nights.
Tattershall Lakes is part of the Away Resorts Group, which means you can expect a similar experience to Sandyballs but with a focus on water-based activities. It’s also a dog-friendly park, so your four-legged friends can join in on the family fun.
Potters Resorts
Address: Potters Resorts, Coast Road, Hopton-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 9BX
For those looking for an all-inclusive alternative to Center Parcs, Potters Resorts in Norfolk is an excellent choice. As the UK’s first all-inclusive holiday resort, Potters takes the hassle out of family holidays by offering a wide range of activities, meals, drinks, and entertainment included in the price.
Unlike Center Parcs, where many activities come at an extra cost, everything at Potters is covered, from table tennis and crazy golf to evening entertainment and family shows. Accommodation ranges from bungalow rooms to hotel-style stays, with something to suit all family sizes.
Potters is located near some beautiful beaches on the North Norfolk coast, so you can easily combine a beach day with your holiday. It’s a great option for families who want everything in one place, without worrying about additional costs.
PGL Family Adventure Holidays
Address: PGL Barton Hall, Kingskerswell Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 8JY
For a more adventurous take on a Center Parcs alternative, PGL Family Adventure Holidays offers action-packed stays at its UK locations. PGL is best known for running activity holidays for schools, but they’ve recently opened their doors to families during the school holidays, making it a brilliant alternative to Center Parcs for those who love adrenaline-fuelled fun.
Activities range from raft building and zip-lining to climbing walls and assault courses, so there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. While the accommodation might not be as luxurious as Center Parcs, the sheer number of activities and the all-inclusive nature of the stay more than make up for it.
If you’re after a holiday where you and the kids can get stuck into loads of activities, PGL Family Adventure Holidays is a fantastic option. Locations include Devon and Lincolnshire, with different activity programmes depending on where you stay.
Haven Primrose Valley
Address: Haven Primrose Valley, Primrose Valley, Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 9RF
Located on the stunning Yorkshire coast, Haven Primrose Valley is one of the largest Haven parks in the UK and a great Center Parcs alternative for families looking for variety. The park offers loads of on-site activities, including aerial adventure, footgolf, and a boating lake, making it perfect for families who enjoy trying new things.
With two indoor pools featuring waterslides and a heated outdoor pool, there’s plenty of water fun to be had. Accommodation ranges from traditional caravans to Gold Caravans that offer a more lodge-like experience, giving you the option to choose the level of luxury that suits your budget.
Haven Primrose Valley is also dog-friendly, so your pets can enjoy the holiday too. With a mix of seaside fun and family-friendly activities, it’s a great spot for a summer holiday.
Parkdean Resorts Warmwell
Address: Parkdean Resorts Warmwell, Warmwell Road, Crossways, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8JE
Parkdean Resorts Warmwell offers a brilliant range of activities that make it a perfect Center Parcs alternative. Located in Dorset, the park is set within a woodland area, making it an ideal spot for families who love being outdoors. One of the most unique features of Warmwell is its artificial ski slope, which is a great option for anyone wanting to try their hand at skiing or snowboarding without heading to the Alps!
The park also has an indoor pool with a wave machine and water flumes, perfect for those looking to enjoy some water-based fun. There are also plenty of family activities, including crazy golf, ten pin bowling, and an indoor roller rink. For younger children, there’s an adventure playground and a variety of child-friendly activities on offer.
Accommodation at Warmwell includes cosy lodges, some of which come with hot tubs for that extra touch of luxury. With the Dorset coast nearby, it’s easy to explore local attractions while enjoying the activities on-site.
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park
Address: Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park, Sandy Lane, Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7AH
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park on the North Devon coast is another fantastic Center Parcs alternative. The park offers stunning sea views and is set on a hill overlooking Woolacombe Beach, one of the best beaches in the UK.
There’s a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained, including indoor and outdoor pools, adventure golf, and a heated outdoor pool (open seasonally). Kids will love the indoor soft play areas, while older children and adults can enjoy more active options like zorbing, segway safaris, and even watersports.
Woolacombe Bay is a dog-friendly park, so you can bring your furry friends along. There’s also a range of on-site restaurants and bars, perfect for enjoying some delicious food after a day of activities.
Haven Primrose Valley
Address: Haven Primrose Valley, Primrose Valley, Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 9RF
Located on the stunning Yorkshire coast, Haven Primrose Valley is one of the largest Haven parks and offers an impressive array of activities, making it a great Center Parcs alternative. The park is ideal for families who want a mix of beach access and on-site entertainment. There are two large indoor pools featuring water slides and splash areas, plus a heated outdoor pool that’s perfect for the warmer months.
The list of activities at Primrose Valley is extensive, including aerial adventure courses, footgolf, den building, and a boating lake. Whether you’re looking for something active like high ropes or prefer a more relaxed pace with outdoor play areas for the kids, there’s something for every family member to enjoy.
Accommodation options range from budget-friendly caravans to Gold Caravans, which offer a more lodge-like experience for those seeking a bit more comfort. This dog-friendly park also has plenty of food and drink options on-site, including a Burger King and Papa John’s for quick meals after a busy day.
Hafan y Môr Holiday Park
Address: Haven Hafan y Môr, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, North Wales, LL53 6HJ
Located on the North Wales coast, Hafan y Môr is one of Haven’s largest parks and a great choice for families looking for a Center Parcs alternative. The park is perfect for those who love both water and land-based activities. The indoor pool at Hafan y Môr is particularly impressive, with a wave machine, flumes, and water slides. There’s also a brand-new adventure village, where you can try activities like high ropes, a climbing wall, and even an exciting big jump.
There’s plenty for families to do here, including den building, roller disco, and pedal karts. Hafan y Môr is also home to a beautiful boating lake, where you can spend time on the water. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the nearby Snowdonia National Park offers a range of hiking trails and outdoor adventures.
Accommodation includes modern caravans and spacious lodges, some of which come with hot tubs for an added touch of luxury. The park is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your pets along for the holiday. With a variety of dining options on-site and plenty of local attractions to explore, Hafan y Môr is a fantastic option for a family getaway.
Overall
When it comes to finding a great Center Parcs alternative, the UK offers plenty of options that provide similar amenities without the hefty price tag. From Sandyballs Holiday Village in the New Forest to Bluestone National Park Resort in Wales, there’s no shortage of family-friendly resorts with indoor and outdoor pools, luxury lodges, and exciting activities.
For a more relaxed holiday, Forest Holidays provides a peaceful retreat with woodland walks and hot tubs, while PGL Family Adventure Holidays offer an action-packed experience for families who love the thrill of outdoor activities. Whatever your family is looking for, there’s an option to suit your needs and budget.
FAQs
What is the best alternative to Center Parcs in the UK?
The best Center Parcs alternative depends on what you’re looking for. Sandyballs Holiday Village and Bluestone National Park Resort are great for families who want a mix of activities, while Forest Holidays offers a more relaxed, nature-focused experience.
Are there any Center Parcs alternatives with indoor swimming pools?
Yes, many Center Parcs alternatives offer indoor swimming pools. Bluestone National Park Resort has an amazing Blue Lagoon water park, and Sandyballs Holiday Village also offers both indoor and outdoor pools.
What are some budget-friendly alternatives to Center Parcs?
For more affordable options, consider Haven Primrose Valley or Tattershall Lakes. These holiday parks offer a wide range of activities at a lower price point than Center Parcs.
Do any alternatives to Center Parcs have luxury lodges?
Yes, several Center Parcs alternatives offer luxury lodges. Gwel an Mor in Cornwall is a fantastic option, with Scandinavian-style lodges and hot tubs. Forest Holidays also offers luxury lodges in various locations across the UK.
Are there any dog-friendly alternatives to Center Parcs?
Many alternatives are dog-friendly, including Sandyballs Holiday Village, Forest Holidays, and Tattershall Lakes. These locations welcome pets, so you don’t have to leave your furry friends behind.
Which Center Parcs alternative is best for younger children?
Bluestone National Park Resort is great for families with younger children due to its child-friendly indoor swimming pools and range of activities. Ribby Hall Village also offers a variety of entertainment options for little ones.
Do any alternatives to Center Parcs offer all-inclusive options?
Potters Resorts offers an all-inclusive experience, with meals, activities, and entertainment included in the price. It’s a great choice for families who want to avoid additional costs for activities and dining.
What Center Parcs alternative has the best outdoor activities?
For outdoor fun, Forest Holidays is ideal with its focus on woodland walks and nature-based activities. Tattershall Lakes is also excellent, especially for water sports and outdoor entertainment.
Are there any Center Parcs alternatives with spa facilities?
Yes, several alternatives offer spa treatments. Gwel an Mor in Cornwall and Sandyballs Holiday Village both have on-site spas where you can relax and unwind during your stay.
Which alternatives to Center Parcs have both indoor and outdoor pools?
If you’re looking for both indoor and outdoor pools, Sandyballs Holiday Village and Ribby Hall Village are great choices, offering a mix of water activities no matter the weather.