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How to Pick The Best Center Parcs in Netherlands and Holland
With a total of nine Center Parcs locations scattered across the picturesque landscapes of the Netherlands and Holland, these destinations have become increasingly popular among holidaymakers. Recent reports even suggest that they offer a more cost-effective alternative to their UK counterparts. .
In this guide for 2023, we’re here to help you select the perfect Center Parcs resort tailored to your needs.
UK Center Parcs vs. Center Parcs Holland: A Cost Comparison
When planning a family holiday, budget considerations often play a significant role in decision-making. Let’s look at how the prices vary between the UK and Center Parcs Holland:
In the UK:
- A standard cottage for 7 nights in August costs approximately £1,500.
- Entry to Aqua Mundo is priced at £30 per adult and £20 per child.
- A meal for 2 adults and 2 children at the Market Dome can set you back around £100.
In Holland:
- The equivalent standard cottage for 7 nights in August comes in at around €1,200.
- Entry to Aqua Mundo is priced at €25 per adult and €15 per child.
- A similar meal for 2 adults and 2 children at the Market Dome costs approximately €75.
As you can see, UK prices are notably higher than their Dutch counterparts. This price differential can be attributed to several factors, including the generally higher cost of living in the UK and increased market competition, prompting Center Parcs in the UK to set higher prices for profitability.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly Center Parcs holiday without compromising on amenities and activities, Center Parcs Netherlands offer an attractive alternative. You can still enjoy the same fantastic facilities and experiences while enjoying significant savings on your holiday budget.
Finding the Nearest Center Parcs to the UK
The Netherlands is a relatively compact country, which means that the differences in driving distances are not as significant as they would be in larger countries like Germany or France. However, for travellers from the UK, convenience is key. While there are various ways to reach the Netherlands, we’ll primarily focus on the travel time from Calais, considering the ease of driving through the Eurotunnel at Folkestone, which takes just 35 minutes to reach Calais.
Center Parcs De Kempervennen is the closest, approximately a 3-hour drive from Calais, while Center Parcs Het Meerdal, Center Parcs Port Zelande, and Center Parcs Limburgse Peel are also conveniently located, all requiring about a 3-hour and 15-minute drive.
Center Parcs Het Heijderbos and Center Parcs De Eemhof are a bit farther away, with an estimated 3-hour and 30-minute drive from Calais.
If you’re willing to travel a bit more, you’ll find Center Parcs Park Zandvoort approximately 4 hours away, while Center Parcs De Huttenheugte and Center Parcs Parc Sandur are the furthest, both requiring a 4-hour and 30-minute drive from Calais.
Surprisingly, several Dutch Center Parcs locations are actually closer to the UK than many French Center Parcs. The proximity of these locations can significantly impact your choice, particularly if you’re looking for a shorter travel time.
Evaluating Customer Reviews
One of the most reliable indicators of a Center Parcs location’s quality is customer reviews. Platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Reviews provide invaluable insights into the experiences of previous visitors. To determine which Center Parcs in the Netherlands and Holland receive the highest praise, we’ve analysed reviews from these platforms.
Center Parcs Het Meerdal
Center Parcs Het Meerdal stands out with the highest overall rating, earning an impressive 8/10. This top rating is a result of glowing reviews on both Google Reviews and TripAdvisor, where it has consistently garnered 4/5 stars. Visitors frequently commend Het Meerdal for its family-friendly environment, well-maintained facilities, and diverse range of activities suitable for all age groups.
Center Parcs Parc Sandur
Taking second place is Center Parcs Parc Sandur, boasting an overall rating of 7.6/10. Much like Het Meerdal, Parc Sandur has received positive reviews on both Google Reviews and TripAdvisor, securing 4.1/5 and 3.5/5 stars, respectively. Guests appreciate the tranquil lakeside setting, peaceful ambience, and the resort’s commitment to delivering a serene retreat.
Comparing the Best Value for Money
Ensuring that you get the best value for your money is a key consideration when planning a family holiday. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve assessed the pricing of a family holiday for two adults and two children at all nine Center Parcs locations during October 2023:
- Limburgse Peel – £381
- Het Meerdal – £394
- Parc Sandur – £433
- De Kempervennen – £518
- Het Heijderbos – £584
- Port Zelande – £597
- De Huttenheugte – £597
- De Eemhof – £610
- Park Zandvoort – £630
When considering the cost of your Center Parcs holiday, remember to factor in any additional activities or upgrades you plan to enjoy.
Exploring Available Facilities
The variety and quality of facilities at each Center Parcs location can significantly influence your holiday experience. While it’s important to know the number of activities offered, it’s equally crucial to consider the diversity and appeal of these amenities. Keep in mind that most activities at Center Parcs come at an additional cost, so understanding what’s available can help you budget effectively.
Here’s a ranking of the Center Parcs locations based on the number of activities on offer, from the park with the most to the park with the fewest:
- Port Zelande – 101 activities
- Het Meerdal – 98 activities
- De Kempervennen – 89 activities
- Het Heijderbos – 87 activities
- De Huttenheugte – 86 activities
- De Eemhof – 85 activities
- Parc Sandur – 79 activities
- Park Zandvoort – 58 activities
- Limburgse Peel – 57 activities
This information offers an idea of the range of activities you can enjoy at each Center Parcs.
To provide you with a more detailed look, let’s consider the number of free activities included in your holiday package at each Center Parcs location, from the most to the least:
- Het Meerdal – 30 free activities
- De Eemhof – 29 free activities
- Port Zelande – 29 free activities
- Het Heijderbos – 29 free activities
- De Huttenheugte – 29 free activities
- De Kempervennen – 28 free activities
- Park Zandvoort – 25 free activities
- Parc Sandur – 23 free activities
- Limburgse Peel – 23 free activities
In this aspect, Het Meerdal leads the way by offering the highest number of free activities, ensuring there’s plenty to do without incurring extra costs during your stay. However, several other Center Parcs locations are not far behind in terms of the number of complimentary activities included in your holiday package.
Unveiling the Best Swimming Pools
One of the standout features of Center Parcs resorts is their impressive waterparks, known as ‘Aqua Mundo.’ These waterparks offer a delightful aquatic experience, often featuring thrilling slides, relaxing pools, and exciting water activities. To help you identify the best waterpark among the Dutch Center Parcs locations, we’ve examined customer reviews.
Center Parcs Het Meerdal
According to customer reviews on Google Reviews, Center Parcs Het Meerdal boasts the best waterpark in the Netherlands/Holland, earning an outstanding score of 4.4/5. Visitors are particularly fond of the park’s Aqua Mundo, praising its variety of water-based attractions and its welcoming ambience.
Center Parcs De Kempervennen
Following closely behind is Center Parcs De Kempervennen, which received a commendable score of 4.3/5. Guests appreciate the waterpark’s thrilling slides and overall aquatic facilities, making it a top choice for water enthusiasts.
Center Parcs De Huttenheugte
Center Parcs De Huttenheugte is another location with an impressive waterpark, securing a rating of 4.3/5. Visitors admire the waterpark’s exhilarating slides and family-friendly environment.
Center Parcs Het Heijderbos
Center Parcs Het Heijderbos joins the ranks of top-rated waterparks with a score of 4.3/5. Guests praise the park’s aquatic offerings, including its slides and swimming areas.
Center Parcs De Eemhof
With a score of 4.3/5, Center Parcs De Eemhof also earns recognition for its waterpark. Visitors enjoy the variety of water-based activities and the park’s efforts to create an enjoyable aquatic experience.
While Het Meerdal takes the lead in waterpark ratings, several other Center Parcs locations offer outstanding water-based attractions, ensuring that aquatic enthusiasts have plenty of options to choose from.
Additional Notable Differences
As you navigate through the decision-making process, here are some noteworthy distinctions among the nine Center Parcs locations:
Rebranded Locations: Three of the Dutch Center Parcs were previously known as Sunparks but underwent rebranding. These include Limburgse Peel, Parc Sandur, and Park Zandvoort.
Age Differences: Het Meerdal and De Huttenheugte were established in the early 1970s and are the oldest Center Parcs in the Netherlands. Conversely, the newest park, built in 1999, is Parc Sandur, which was previously a Sunpark.
Renovations: Five of the Center Parcs locations in the Netherlands have recently undergone renovations. These include Het Heijderbos, where 800 cottages were renovated, and upgrades were made to a ‘tropical indoor play world’ known as the Jungle Dome. A new lane slide was also added to the swimming pool. Other Dutch parks that have been renovated include De Eemhof, Het Meerdal, De Huttenheugte, and De Kempervennen.
Our Top 3 Center Parcs Holland Picks
Center Parcs Kemervennen
- Nestled in the lush forests of North Brabant, this Center Parcs is about an hour’s drive from Eindhoven.
- The park is known for its sparkling lakes and tranquil surroundings.
- It also has a wide range of facilities and activities, making it a great place to relax and have fun.
- Some of the things that make Center Parcs De Kempervennen a great place to stay include:
- The Aqua Mundo swimming paradise is one of the best in the world, with 17 slides and a wave pool.
- The Market Dome is a large indoor shopping and dining area with over 20 restaurants.
- The park is very family-friendly, with activities for all ages.
- The staff are always happy to help.
Center Parcs De Huttenheugte
- Set in a picturesque corner of Drenthe, this Center Parcs is about an hour’s drive from Groningen.
- The park is known for its rolling hills and charming villages.
- It also has a wide range of facilities and activities, making it a great place to relax and have fun.
- Some of the things that make Center Parcs De Huttenheugte a great place to stay include:
- The Aqua Mundo swimming paradise is one of the best in the world, with 12 slides and a lazy river.
- The Market Dome is a large indoor shopping and dining area with over 15 restaurants.
- The park is very family-friendly, with activities for all ages.
- The staff are always happy to help.
Center Parcs Meerdal – Our Number 1 Pick
- Located in the heart of Limburg, this Center Parcs is about an hour’s drive from Eindhoven.
- The park is known for its unique setting, with a lakeside location and lush forests.
- It also has a wide range of facilities and activities, making it a great place to relax and have fun.
- Some of the things that make Center Parcs Meerdal a great place to stay include:
- The Aqua Mundo swimming paradise is one of the best in the world, with 14 slides and a surf simulator.
- The Market Dome is a large indoor shopping and dining area with over 20 restaurants.
- The park is very family-friendly, with activities for all ages.
- The staff are always happy to help.
Choosing the Best Center Parcs in the Netherlands and Holland for You
After considering all the factors and comparing the nine Center Parcs locations in the Netherlands and Holland, a clear winner emerges: Center Parcs Het Meerdal. This resort impressively ticks many boxes, excelling in customer reviews and offering good value in various pricing comparisons. With the highest number of activities and convenient proximity to the UK, Het Meerdal stands out as an excellent choice for families seeking a memorable holiday.
Ultimately, the best Center Parcs choice for your family may depend on your specific preferences and priorities. While Het Meerdal leads the way in various aspects, exploring the unique features of each location can help you tailor your holiday to your family’s desires. Remember that whichever Center Parcs you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable and relaxing escape in the picturesque landscapes of the Netherlands and Holland.