IF you’re looking for an affordable Center Parcs holiday, you might be best to tie in a visit to Europe at the same time.
New research has revealed how you could save nearly £1,000 on your Center Parcs holiday if you ditch the UK for the German resort.
The study, conducted by travel money experts at eurochange found the price for a four-night stay in Sherwood Forest would cost around £1,399.
This is based on a family of four staying during the October half term.
However the same dates for the German Center Parcs, Park Nordseeküste in Germany, was just $569 (£442.66) for a family of four.
This saves £957 for the entire trip.
Even if you add in flight prices this is still a huge saving, with Ryanair having £15 flights from the UK to Bremen – just over an hour away to the park.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement at eurochange, comments: “Half-term can be a very expensive time for families, and it can be tricky to work out your best options when it comes to booking a break.
“With soaring costs during school holidays for hotels and resorts in the UK, it can often be much cheaper to go abroad.
“You can actually get a lot more for your money due to the exchange rate, even factoring in flight costs.
“People often think Center Parcs resorts are cheaper in the UK, however our research shows it is actually far more cost effective to take the whole family to a park abroad.”
Park Nordseeküste has just as many amazing amenities, as well as the nearby Frisian Beach.
Onsite is Aqua Mundo, the waterpark with two slides, as well as a activities including a beach playground and sea hikes
rooms range from cottages and apartments to a four-star hotel.
One mum revealed how she saved hundreds by heading to a Center Parc in the Netherlands instead.
Mum Catherine Lofthouse said: “We paid about £400 less at Zandvoort Center Parcs in Holland, just a short train ride outside Amsterdam, compared to staying at one of the five Parcs in the UK.
“We’re made the most of an early booking discount of 20 per cent and an offer for families travelling with kids, which takes more than €300 (£262) off the price.
“Our pounds stretch further abroad, with a better standard of accommodation, €30 (£26.22) of activities vouchers and the choice of which lodge to stay in, all included in the price.”
Another couple revealed how they saved more than £1,200 on their Center Parcs trip by going to Belgium.
In a TikTok video, they said: “When you go to Center Parcs in Belgium for half term because it’s €519 (£447) instead of the £1,699 it costs in the UK.”
She said she still saved, after spending just a few hundred on transport.
She added in the comments: “Even with the Eurotunnel and petrol factored in it’s still nearly £1,000 cheaper.”
Mum Jane Atkinson recently visited the Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest – here’s what she thought.
“When we weren’t strolling the grounds or cooking a lodge-side feast, many days were spent by the swimming pool or.
“Center Parcs calls it the “subtropical swimming paradise”, covered by a clear dome that is heated to a balmy 29C year round and filled with plants and trees.
“It certainly did feel tropical and, most importantly, it was included in the price — all day, every day from 10am to 9pm.
“The fun didn’t end there either as, the following day, the kids were booked into a three-hour “Wizard Academy” to make crafts, cast spells and play magical games.
“Aside from this, there is so much else for kids and adults to get stuck into, such as games of squash, falconry classes, bike or pedalo hire and paddleboarding.
“The spa, on the other hand, was my highlight. Now I wouldn’t rule out becoming one of those families who returns every year to Center Parcs.”
And a brand new Center Parcs is opening in Denmark next year – the first in the country.
Still keen to visit Center Parcs in the UK? Here are two new attractions set to open at Longleat, to celebrate it’s 30th anniversary.
