12 Affordable Alternatives to Centre Parcs for Your Next Holiday

If you’re like me, you’re probably always on the lookout for the perfect holiday destination. And if you’re a fan of Centre Parcs, I totally get it. The mix of accommodation options, on-site activities, and picturesque locations makes it a top choice for many families and couples looking for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors.

But, let’s get real, Centre Parcs can be a bit pricey and sometimes you might want to try something completely different. That’s why I decided to explore some alternatives to Centre Parcs, and share my findings with you.

In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at some UK-based alternatives, European alternatives, luxury alternatives and cheap alternatives to Centre Parcs. I’ll be comparing the amenities, activities, and pricing of each option so you can make an informed decision about your next holiday at home or away.

By the end of this blog, you’ll have a better understanding of the different options available to you and hopefully you’ll find the most suitable destination that is similar to Centre Parcs, but different, (or as my wife says; “same, same but different”) and suits your needs and budget

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Quick Fire Stats

1. Alternatives to Centre Parcs can be up to 50% cheaper than the original stay.

2. One alternative to Centre Parcs is Camping, with campsites located in close proximity to beaches, shops, and leisure activities.

3. Farm Stay UK offers an affordable staycation alternative, with stays ranging from £20-£70 per night.

4. Coastal staycations are increasingly popular, with many seaside towns offering accommodation from as little as £30 per night.

5. Glamping is a great alternative to Centre Parcs, with many locations offering glamping experiences for as little as £50 a night.

6. Campervans are a popular option for getaways that are affordable and still offer all the home comforts, with prices ranging between £50 – £140 per night for hire.

7. Yurts, teepees and domes are a cheap way to stay in luxury, with prices starting from as little as £30 a night.

8. Family-friendly hotels, bed and breakfast and guesthouses are often much more affordable than the original stay, with prices starting from £40 per night.

9. Airbnb offers accommodation from as little as £20 per night, and the average total cost of a stay in the UK is £75.

10. Airbnb offers a range of properties to suit any family’s needs, from hotels and motels, to cottages and apartments.

11. Luxury camping is a great way to experience a unique holiday experience, at a fraction of the cost of Centre Parcs.

12. Luxury camping holidays start from as little as £50 per night, and can include activities such as archery, mini golf, hot tubs, and spa treatments.

13. House swapping is a great way to get away for a fraction of the cost of Centre Parcs, with offers starting from as little as £25 per night.

14. Private villas are a great way to enjoy a staycation in comfort and luxury, and can be rented from as little as £50 per night.

15. Holiday parks are a great alternative to Centre Parcs, offering caravans, lodges and chalets for as little as £25 per night.

16. UK staycations are becoming increasingly popular, with over 11 million staycationers opting for a UK escape in 2020.

17. Staycations are often chosen as a way to avoid the stress and extra cost of travelling abroad.

18. The number of people choosing staycations has grown significantly since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

19. There are many luxury holiday lodges, cottages and country parks that offer a more affordable alternative to Centre Parcs.

20. UK holiday parks are offering more discounts and deals than ever, with prices now as low as £20 per night.

UK-based Alternatives to Centre Parcs

So you’re looking for a UK alternative to Centre Parcs? No problem! I’ve done some research and I’ve come up with a list of options that I think you’ll really like.

First on the list is Forest Holidays. If you are trying to choose between Forest Holidays or Centre Parks here is what you need to know.

Average cost of a Center Parcs holiday in the UK is £800 per week

Forest Holidays is a suitable option if you’re looking for a holiday in the heart of nature. With cabins, lodges, and treehouses nestled in the woods and surrounded by greenery, you’ll feel like you’re miles away from civilisation. Plus, they have a broad selection of activities, like archery, a forest spa and much more. Their accommodations come with fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas and access to a range of activities and experiences.

Another great British alternative is The Hideaways Club. This option is perfect for those looking for a more exclusive experience and offers a shared ownership opportunity for those looking for a more permanent holiday destination. The Hideaways Club offers members exclusive luxurious apartments and villas in some of the most picturesque locations in the UK and further afield.

If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, Darwin Escapes are great options and offer a variety of accommodation options and on-site activities to keep you entertained during your stay. They are pet friendly too!

Blue Skies Lodges is a family run business which has a selection of self-catering lodges and log cabins in some of the most stunning locations in the UK.

Now, I know you might be wondering how these options compare to Centre Parcs. Well, I’ve put together a comparison chart that shows the amenities, activities, and pricing of each option. This way, you can easily see which one is the right fit for you.

	Forest Holidays	The Hideaways Club	Darwin Escapes	Blue Skies Lodges
Amenities	Cabins in the woods, spa, archery, bike rental	Luxurious lodges and villas	Swimming pool, playground, spa, fishing	Luxurious lodges, hot tubs, playground, fishing
Activities	Archery, Forest Spa, bike rental, and more	fishing, cycling, hiking, and more	Swimming, playground, spa, fishing	Hot tubs, playground, fishing
Pricing	££	£££	£	££

Center Parcs offers a range of activities including swimming, cycling, and adventure sports

European Alternatives to Centre Parcs

If you’re looking to take your holiday to the next level and explore new places, then Europe has got you covered! There are many worthy alternatives to Centre Parcs that are worth checking out.

First on the list is Landal GreenParks. Landal Green Parks is one of the largest holiday park operators in Europe including Holland, Austria and Hungary. It offers a diverse selection of accommodations and activities in some of the most spectacular parts of Europe.

This is a great option if you’re looking for a holiday in a scenic natural setting with lots of on-site activities that will keep you entertained during your stay.

Roompot Parks is another viable European getaway alternative. They offer a variety of holiday parks in different countries. They have a good range of accommodation options available. From luxury cottages to comfortable apartments, they have something for everyone.

EuroParcs and Sunparks are also worth checking out. Both provide a variety of comfortable and affordable accommodations throughout Europe.

I know it can be a bit overwhelming to compare all these options. Therefore, I’ve also put together a comparison chart that shows the amenities, activities, and pricing of each option. This way, you can easily see which one is the most suitable fit for you.

	Landal GreenParks	Roompot Parks	EuroParcs	Sunparks
Amenities	Natural setting, swimming pools, playgrounds, spa	Variety of accommodation options, swimming pools, playgrounds	Variety of accommodation options, swimming pools, playgrounds	Variety of accommodation options, swimming pools, playgrounds
Activities	Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, and more	Hiking, cycling, fishing, and more	Hiking, cycling, fishing, and more	Hiking, cycling, fishing, and more
Pricing	££	££	££	££

Alternative holiday parks can offer similar activities at a lower cost

Luxury Alternatives to Centre Parcs UK

If you’re looking for a luxury holiday experience, then these alternatives to Centre Parcs are definitely worth considering. Luxury Lodges, The Retreat Company and The Forest Retreat are all excellent choices.

First on the list is Luxury Lodges who offer a range of luxurious lodges and apartments across the UK in areas of outstanding natural beauty, with all the added extras such as hot tubs and spas.

The Retreat Company is another viable option for those looking for a luxury holiday experience. They offer a variety of accommodations in idyllic locations and provide a range of activities including Health and Wellness, Yoga, Reiki and other retreat services to make your stay truly unforgettable.

The Forest Retreat is also worth checking out. This eco-retreat offers a variety of luxurious lodges and villas that are set in the heart of the forest overlooking the Wye Valley. You’ll feel like you’re miles away from civilisation, but still have access to all the amenities and activities you need to make your holiday truly special.

If you’re wondering how these options compare to each other, I’ve put together a comparison chart that shows the amenities, activities, and pricing of each option. This way, you can easily see which one is the right fit for you.

	Luxury Lodges	The Retreat Company	The Forest Retreat
Amenities	Luxurious lodges and villas, private hot tubs, high-end furnishings, dog friendly.	Luxurious lodges and villas, private hot tubs, high-end furnishings, spa.	Luxurious lodges and villas, high-end furnishings.
Activities	Hiking, cycling, fishing, and more	Health & Wellness, Yoga, Spa, Detox.	Yoga, Massage, Hiking.
Pricing	£££	£££	£££

Many alternative holiday parks have on-site facilities such as swimming pools and playgrounds

Cheap Alternatives to Centre Parcs

If you’re looking for a holiday that won’t break the bank, there are several cheap alternatives to Centre Parcs that you can consider.

One option is camping, glamping and caravan parks, which can be a more affordable way to experience the great outdoors and all the British countryside has to offer. Many of these parks offer basic amenities such as toilets and showers, as well as on-site activities such as fishing and hiking.

Another affordable option is renting a self-catering cottage or apartment, which can be a practical way to save money on accommodation while still enjoying the amenities and activities that Centre Parcs has to offer

 . Many online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com and HomeAway offer a variety of options to choose from.

Hostels, farms and budget hotels can also be a cost-effective option for those looking to save money on accommodation while still enjoying a holiday experience. With a bit of research, you can find a holiday that fits your budget and still offers a memorable experience.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! I hope this blog has helped you explore some of the alternatives to Centre Parcs. It has also provided you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your next holiday or weekend break in the countryside.

To summarise, we looked at some UK-based alternatives to Centre Parcs like Forest Holidays, The Hideaways Club, Darwin Escapes, and Blue Skies Lodges.

We also took a look at European alternatives like Landal GreenParks, Roompot Parks, EuroParcs and Sunparks.

We explored luxury alternatives like Exclusive Lodges UK, The Retreat Company, and The Forest Retreat.

And lastly we looked at cheaper alternatives to Centre Parcs like caravanning and camping to find a deal on AirBnB, Bookings.com or HomeAway.

Some alternative holiday parks offer all-inclusive packages, including meals and activities

I’ve tried to provide a comparison of amenities, activities, and pricing for the first three similar alternatives to Centre Parcs. This is so you can have an idea of what each option has to offer and choose the one that best suits your preferences and budget.

Now for my personal recommendation… Well it really depends on what you are hoping for in a holiday. If you are looking for a luxury experience, then I would recommend Exclusive Lodges UK, The Retreat Company, or The Forest Retreat. If you’re looking for a European holiday, then Landal GreenParks or Roompot Parks would be suitable options. And if you’re searching for a more affordable option in the UK, then Darwin Escapes or Blue Skies Lodges would be suitable.

In the end, it’s all about finding the right balance between amenities, activities and budget.

In conclusion, Centre Parcs may be an easy and familiar choice, but it’s well worth exploring the wealth of affordable alternatives. Who knows, your next favourite family holiday could be just around the corner – and it could even save you some money!

Note: The pricing is represented by “£” signs, where “£” represents an affordable option, “££” represents a moderate option and “£££” represents a luxury option. Please keep in mind that the prices are subject to change and depend on the season and location. It’s also worth mentioning that the amenities and activities offered may vary depending on the specific location of the holiday park. It is always a good idea to check the specific location’s website for more information on the amenities and activities offered.

12 Affordable Alternatives to Centre Parcs for Your Next Holiday