With its woodland lodges, water parks, and family-friendly activities, Center Parcs has long been a popular holiday destination for families across the UK. However, with the increasing demand for alternative options, there are now many other holiday parks and resorts that offer similar experiences at a more affordable price.
One such alternative is Hoseasons, which offers a variety of lodges, holiday parks, and boating holidays across the UK. From the stunning countryside of the Lake District to the picturesque beaches of Cornwall, Hoseasons has something for everyone. With a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to cosy cottages, there is something to suit every budget and taste.
Another popular alternative to Center Parcs is Forest Holidays, which offers luxury cabins in some of the UK’s most beautiful forests. With hot tubs, log burners, and stunning views, Forest Holidays offers a truly unique and relaxing holiday experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family adventure, Forest Holidays has something for everyone.
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Understanding Center Parcs
Center Parcs is a popular holiday resort chain in the UK. It offers a wide range of activities and facilities for families, couples, and groups. The company was founded in the Netherlands in 1968 and has since expanded to other European countries, including the UK.
The UK has five Center Parcs resorts, located in Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest, Whinfell Forest, and Woburn Forest. Each resort covers a large area of woodland and offers a variety of accommodation options, including lodges, apartments, and hotel rooms.
Center Parcs is known for its focus on the natural environment and outdoor activities. The resorts feature subtropical swimming paradises, water sports, adventure activities, and spa facilities. The company also offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.
While Center Parcs is a popular choice for many families, some may be looking for alternatives. Reasons for this may include cost, availability, or a desire to try something different. There are several other holiday resorts and destinations in the UK that offer similar experiences to Center Parcs.
Some alternatives to Center Parcs include:
- Forest Holidays
- Hoseasons
- Bluestone National Park Resort
- Landal GreenParks
- Darwin Escapes
Each of these alternatives offers a unique experience and may be a good option for those looking for a change from Center Parcs.
UK-Based Alternatives to Center Parcs
Forest Holidays
Forest Holidays offers luxury cabins in beautiful woodland locations across the UK. With hot tubs, log burners, and stunning views, these cabins provide a unique and relaxing holiday experience. Forest Holidays has locations in England, Scotland, and Wales, including the Forest of Dean, Sherwood Forest, and the Cairngorms.
Hoseasons
Hoseasons offers a range of holiday parks and lodges across the UK, including coastal locations and countryside retreats. With a variety of accommodation options, from caravans to luxury lodges, Hoseasons caters to all budgets. Popular locations include Cornwall, Devon, and the Lake District.
Haven Holidays
Haven Holidays offers family-friendly holiday parks across the UK, with a range of activities and entertainment for all ages. With locations in coastal areas and countryside settings, Haven Holidays provides a variety of accommodation options, including caravans, lodges, and apartments. Popular locations include Devon, Cornwall, and North Wales.
There are many UK-based alternatives to Center Parcs, offering a range of accommodation options and locations. Whether you’re looking for a luxury cabin in the woods or a family-friendly holiday park by the sea, there’s something for everyone.
International Alternatives to Center Parcs
Eurocamp
Eurocamp is a popular holiday park company that offers a range of accommodation options across Europe. They have over 190 parks in 10 countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Eurocamp offers a variety of activities for families, including swimming pools, sports facilities, and kids’ clubs.
Eurocamp’s accommodation options include mobile homes, lodges, and tents. They also offer glamping options, such as safari tents and treehouses. Eurocamp is known for its affordable prices and flexible booking options, making it a great alternative to Center Parcs.
Landal GreenParks
Landal GreenParks is a holiday park company that operates across Europe, with parks in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Denmark. They offer a range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges, chalets, and apartments.
Landal GreenParks is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and focus on sustainability. They offer a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and water sports. Landal GreenParks also has indoor facilities, including swimming pools and wellness centers.
Overall, Eurocamp and Landal GreenParks are two great alternatives to Center Parcs for families looking for a fun and affordable holiday in Europe.
Luxury Alternatives to Center Parcs
The Lakes by Yoo
The Lakes by Yoo is a luxury alternative to Center Parcs that offers a range of exclusive holiday homes in the heart of the Cotswolds. The development is set within 650 acres of private estate and offers a range of activities and amenities for guests to enjoy.
The Lakes by Yoo offers a range of accommodation options, including lakeside lodges, woodland cabins, and countryside villas. Each property is designed to the highest standards and features luxury fittings and furnishings throughout.
Guests can enjoy a range of activities at The Lakes by Yoo, including fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the private lakes. The estate also offers tennis courts, a gym, and a spa for guests to enjoy.
Soho Farmhouse
Soho Farmhouse is another luxury alternative to Center Parcs that offers a range of exclusive accommodation options and activities. The development is set within 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside and features a range of amenities for guests to enjoy.
Soho Farmhouse offers a range of accommodation options, including cabins, cottages, and farmhouses. Each property is designed to the highest standards and features luxury fittings and furnishings throughout.
Guests can enjoy a range of activities at Soho Farmhouse, including horse riding, tennis, and swimming in the outdoor pool. The estate also features a range of restaurants, bars, and a spa for guests to enjoy.
Overall, The Lakes by Yoo and Soho Farmhouse are both luxury alternatives to Center Parcs that offer a range of exclusive accommodation options and activities for guests to enjoy.
Budget Alternatives to Center Parcs
For those looking for a budget-friendly alternative to Center Parcs, there are a few options to consider. Two popular options are Parkdean Resorts and Pontins.
Parkdean Resorts
Parkdean Resorts offers a range of holiday parks across the UK, with prices starting from as low as ยฃ99 for a weekend break. The parks offer a variety of accommodation options, including caravans, lodges, and camping pitches. Many parks also have on-site facilities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
One of the benefits of Parkdean Resorts is the flexibility it offers. Guests can choose to bring their own accommodation or rent one of the park’s options. Additionally, there are often special offers available, such as discounts for booking early or for booking multiple breaks.
Pontins
Pontins is another budget-friendly alternative to Center Parcs, offering holiday parks across the UK. Prices start from as low as ยฃ59 for a weekend break. Accommodation options include apartments, chalets, and even glamping tents.
Pontins also offers a range of on-site facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants, and entertainment venues. However, it’s worth noting that the quality of accommodation and facilities may vary between parks.
Overall, while these alternatives may not offer the same level of luxury as Center Parcs, they can provide a fun and affordable holiday for families and groups.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Center Parcs
Eco Retreats
For those looking for a more sustainable holiday option, Eco Retreats may be a great alternative to Center Parcs. These retreats offer a range of accommodation options, from yurts to cabins, all designed to have minimal impact on the environment.
Eco Retreats are located in some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the UK, including the Welsh mountains and the Scottish Highlands. Guests can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching, as well as workshops on sustainable living and permaculture.
The Quiet Site
Another eco-friendly alternative to Center Parcs is The Quiet Site, located in the Lake District National Park. This site offers a range of accommodation options, including camping pods, yurts, and traditional camping pitches.
The Quiet Site prides itself on its commitment to sustainability, with features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and composting toilets. Guests can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and fishing, as well as a well-stocked onsite shop and a bar serving local ales.
Eco Retreats and The Quiet Site offer great alternatives to Center Parcs for those looking for a more sustainable holiday option. With their focus on eco-friendly accommodation and outdoor activities, they provide a unique and memorable holiday experience while minimising their impact on the environment.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several alternatives to Center Parcs that offer similar experiences at a lower cost. While Center Parcs is a well-known and popular choice for families and groups, it may not be the most budget-friendly option for everyone.
Holiday parks such as Haven and Butlins offer a range of activities and facilities that are similar to those found at Center Parcs. These parks are often located near the coast and offer a variety of accommodation options, from caravans to lodges.
For those who prefer a more secluded and natural setting, there are several camping and glamping sites that offer a similar experience to Center Parcs. These sites often have a range of activities and facilities, such as swimming pools and adventure playgrounds, and are located in scenic areas.
Finally, for those who are looking for a more luxurious experience, there are several high-end resorts that offer similar facilities and activities to Center Parcs. These resorts often have spa facilities, fine dining restaurants, and a range of outdoor activities, such as golf and tennis.
Overall, there are plenty of alternatives to Center Parcs that cater to different budgets and preferences. By exploring these options, families and groups can find a holiday that suits their needs and offers a memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs?
Yes, there are cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs. Some of the holiday parks that offer similar experiences at a lower cost include:
- Pontins
- Forest Holidays
- Hoseasons
- Landal GreenParks (In Holland)
- Parkdean Resorts
What are some alternatives to Center Parcs in Europe?
There are several alternatives to Center Parcs in Europe. Some of the popular ones include:
- Les Trois Forรชts Center Parcs (France)
- Sunparks (Belgium)
- Terme Olimia (Slovenia)
- Villages Nature Paris (France)
How does Forest Holidays compare to Center Parcs?
Forest Holidays is a similar holiday park to Center Parcs, but with a focus on luxury cabins in forest locations. While Center Parcs offers a wider range of activities and facilities, Forest Holidays provides a more tranquil and secluded experience.
What are the differences between Sandy Balls and Center Parcs?
Sandy Balls is a holiday park located in the New Forest, offering a similar experience to Center Parcs. However, Sandy Balls has a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, with fewer activities and facilities than Center Parcs.
Is there a Dutch equivalent to Center Parcs?
Yes, there is a Dutch equivalent to Center Parcs called Landal GreenParks. Landal GreenParks offers a similar experience to Center Parcs with a focus on nature and outdoor activities. It has over 90 holiday parks across Europe, including several in the Netherlands.
