Latest news with #CenterParcs
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Alternatives to Center Parcs that could save families more than £600
Center Parcs is widely considered the UK's best holiday village but it's not always the most budget-friendly option - this alternative park has been rated a 'no-brainer' and still offers plenty of family fun Holiday parks in the UK offer all everything you need for a fun-filled break with friends or family, with each location bringing its own unique twist. From swimming pools and fishing lakes to arcades, go-karts, and live entertainment, there's usually something for everyone to enjoy. What differs is the price. High-end destinations like Center Parcs offer luxury lodges nestled away in pine-scented forests that are renowned for being quite pricey, while more traditional holiday parks like Haven pin their USP on proximity to beaches and seaside breaks on a budget. Center Parcs may be highly esteemed as the UK's top holiday village but with prices skyrocketing into the thousands during peak season, it can be a bit steep for families on a tighter budget. Another financial worry with Center Parcs is that while some activities are complimentary, guests need to pay extra to participate in any of the truly exciting stuff. With activities costing from a couple of pounds to as much as £50 each, increasing the fun could quickly drain your budget. At Haven, access to swimming pools, activity villages and entertainment areas is included. Haven has 38 seaside parks and each one offers swimming pools, activity villages, on-site eateries and live shows. Similar to Center Parcs in terms of entertainment, it's certainly a less expensive option. It might not be fair to pit Haven against Center Parcs as they're quite different beasts, but when it comes down to family holidays, the purse strings often have the final say. Opting for a caravan break over a week in a woodsy Scandinavian lodge may lack a certain prestige, but it promises heaps of enjoyment for both adults and children. Narin Flanders, a mum-of-two and seasoned Center Parcs guest, recently ventured to a Haven for a weekend getaway and returned singing its praises. Penning her thoughts for MyLondon, Narin shared her initial trepidation about the escalating costs at Center Parcs and the stereotype of a cramped caravan stay. However, she cast aside her doubts and found the experience joyous, deeming the switch a 'no-brainer' after clocking the significant savings. She said: "What's more the difference in price in terms of meals and activities was considerable and we were pleased to come home without feeling like we'd been rinsed for money at every turn - a low point of our last Center Parcs trip was paying just shy of £7 for two Fruit Shoots which, ironically, felt like the final straw. "As grown-ups we expected the kids would enjoy a Haven break more than us, but we all came away having had a blast. It was, without doubt, the best holiday in terms of how much everyone in the family enjoyed it, no matter their age. There was a great mixture of activities to do and opportunities for chill time, and the accommodation was lovely - with plenty of space for everyone to spread out." We've done a little comparison of all six UK Center Parcs villages against their nearest geographical Haven rivals to demonstrate what you might fork out for a short getaway in mid-September. Lake District Whinfell Forest, Lake District Perched at the cusp of the Lake District, Whinfell Forest boasts sprawling woodland, go-karting, and a golf driving range. This retreat is also known for Centre Parcs' iconic subtropical swimming paradise, complete with its thrilling water park, slides, splash pools and a lake fitted out for watersports alongside a sandy beach. Cost for a four-night break in September: £549. Haven Lakeland On the flip side of the Lake District with arresting views of lakes and peaks, Haven Lakeland is a caravan site offering water thrills from kayaking and canoeing to paddleboarding and pedalo adventures. Amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, an entertainment space and a picturesque bay-side eatery. Cost for a four night break in September: £139. Price difference between the two: Snag a £410 saving with Haven. East Midlands Sherwood Forest, Nottingham Nestled deep within the historic Nottinghamshire Forest, the original Sherwood Forest Centre Parcs holiday village remains as sought-after today as when it first opened its doors in 1987. Spanning over 400 acres of forest to roam, the park boasts a revamped Aqua Sana Forest Spa with luxury lodges and a Treetop Sauna, the Grand Cascade water ride, racket ball courts, a virtual reality experience, and an array of shops and restaurants in the open-air village. Price for a four-day break in September: £549, but if you fancy upgrading to a tree house, you'd be looking at over £3000. Golden Sands Holiday Park, Mablethorpe Moving away from the forest and towards the coast, Golden Sands Holiday Park features a massive indoor swimming pool with a fun flume, an adventure village with aerial activities and huge jumps, an entertainment arcade, live performances, and onsite dining options. Price for a four-day break in September: £49. Price difference between the two: A saving of £500 with Haven. South West Longleat Forest, Wiltshire Located in the stunning and historic Longleat Estate, this West Country holiday village offers all the usual signature Centre Parcs attractions, along with a free land train, adventure golf, an escape room, and a spa. Price for a four-day break in mid-September: £649. Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village, Somerset Located by the seaside in Somerset, Burnham-on-Sea boasts two scenic lakes, an indoor pool equipped with a water slide and an outdoor pool for those sunny days. Guests can rent their own kart to explore the park, enjoy some entertainment in the lounge or indulge in a delicious meal at the Mash and Barrel restaurant. The cost for a four-day break in mid-September is £109. The price difference between the two results in a saving of £540 with Haven. East of England Elvedon Elveden Forest is perfect for those who relish spending time in the great outdoors. It provides miles of forest cycle paths, watersports on the lake and the longest Centre Parcs zip wire in the UK. This park also features waterside lodges that are unique to the Suffolk location. The cost for a four-day break in mid-September is £679. Caister on Sea, Great Yarmouth As one of Haven's most cherished holiday parks, Caister is situated right on the beach and offers traditional caravan fun in Suffolk. The park boasts a new adventure village complete with new activities and play areas, an indoor pool with slides and its very own Burger King. The cost for a four-day break in September is £79. The price difference between the two results in a saving of £600 with Haven. Holiday breaks easily accessible from London. Woburn Forest, Bedford Just an hour away from central London, Woburn Forest offers a range of activities, restaurants and accommodation types within a compact 300-acre site featuring a subtropical swimming paradise, an onsite spa and secret picnic areas. The cost for a four-day break in September is £499 Kent Coast, Kent Situated roughly an hour from London, the Kent Coast is nestled near Rochester in Kent. The site has recently undergone a revamp to introduce a brand new Marina Lounge entertainment area and activity village, along with a fishing lake, two swimming pools and an onsite restaurant. Cost for a four-day break in September: £85 Price difference between the two: A saving of £414 with Haven While Center Parcs may offer a touch more luxury, opting for a weekend getaway at Haven could save you hundreds of pounds. Elsewhere, Parkdean Resorts offers a traditional British holiday park vibe, boasting 66 parks in some of UK's sought-after coastal regions. Echoing Haven's ethos, Parkdean offers swimming pools, convenient on-site dining and an assortment of entertainment and activities aimed at families. Fun-loving families who have already enjoyed a stay with Haven have left thousands of reviews on Tripadvisor. A visitor who stayed at Kent Coast left a five-star review that said: "My family and I (2 children under 4) spent 5 days at Kent Coast and had a brilliant time. What a great park, they really have done a lot with the 18m upgrade." Another added: "This was my first caravan holiday and to be honest, I didn't know what to expect, but we had a great time at Haven Allhallows. I would recommend it especially for people with children. There is so much to do we didn't want to leave." A family who enjoyed a break at the Burnham on Sea park left a five-star review that said: "There was plenty to do as a family with 2 children. The activities, indoor and outdoor pools were great fun. The arcades had plenty of games to go on. The food was also very nice we ate in the restaurant a few times throughout our stay. We will definitely visit again." Some guests were not so impressed by their visit though, with on visitor saying: "The sad bit is Burnham on Sea itself! It was windy, freezing and there is nothing to do with young children!"
North Wales Live
14-06-2025
- North Wales Live
Center Parcs reviewed - a weekend as relaxing or exciting as you want it to be
If you were going to design a perfect, relaxing family holiday - this would probably be it. A cabin in the woods, an open fire, no traffic. Birds and animals coming up to your window every day, dappled sunlight glinting off the lakes. There's a spa just a few minutes from your door, and enough places to eat so you won't have to cook for days. They have got this down to a fine art. We first visited Center Parcs Longleat 16 years ago and we've been back a few times - enjoying each and every break Our children have grown up with it, so we've seen them enjoy everything from children's clubs to junior activities - and this time they got to come to the spa with us and even go on a quad biking safari. The joy of Center Parcs is that it is a holiday you personalise, putting together whatever you want - as relaxing or active as you like, as social or isolated as you want. We took a long weekend break, turning up on Friday morning to make the most of the facilities. After grabbing a coffee in the Plaza we headed to the pool - the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. On a warm day, the outdoor part of the pool is a very pleasant place to be - and there are plenty of slides, rides and rapids for those who want a bit more adventure. We were surprised that neither the Plaza nor the pool seemed too busy. In previous years, crossover days have been hectic - you could queue to get a changing cubicle. But despite it being a bank holiday weekend everything was very efficient and calm. After our swim we picked up our bikes from the cycle centre - a great way to get around the park with the layout specifically designed so it is accessible for all ages and abilities. We then headed to the Pancake House in the village centre for a delicious lunch out in the sunshine, overlooking the forest. We got into our lodge in the afternoon, at the far end of the park from the entrance, but right next to a land-train stop, and - as mentioned - those bikes come in handy. The lodges are fully equipped with everything you need. Facilities vary depending on what you book, but you should get a full kitchen with all mod cons - from microwave and dishwasher to coffee machine and in some cases a wine fridge. It's worth ordering a grocery delivery so you have all the supplies you need. And you can always head out to the Parc Market to top up on essentials and treats. If you want to keep the cost down, there is a Morrisons not far from the park so stock up before heading in. You could spend your whole weekend in the lodge. Throw open the patio doors and soak in the fauna and flora - brilliant sunshine or showers and storms are all fantastic through the filter of the forest. But there is also far too much to do in the park not to take advantage. On Saturday, we spent three hours enjoying all the Aqua Sana spa has to offer. Room after room of heat, steam, soothing sound and scents. There are cosy places where you can curl up and sleep, or steam and sauna rooms, each themed to something different - volcanic heat, woodland campfire, Nordic vibes, etc. There is a pool at the heart of the spa, hot tubs out back and two floors of spaces where you will find something to relax and recharge you. The down side of the spa being such a great attraction and being open to people who aren't staying at the park is that for us, it was busy. It's not really a problem with so many rooms to choose from, but the signs reminding people that the spaces are supposed to be quiet and relaxing seem to have disappeared, so you may need to move from room to room to find somewhere where groups aren't chattering through the experience. But when you find a quiet spot - it is everything. After the spa, we headed down to the lake for a quiet outdoor lunch on the beach. Then we went into the sports centre for games and coffee. In the evening, we headed out to a restaurant. There are plenty of places to choose from - chain names to unique cuisine. Go French, South American, USA, Gastropub, Italian, Chinese, Indian etc etc etc. We ate at Las Iguanas, a familiar name and a great selection for a family with different tastes. It was a delicious meal and a fun atmosphere in the heart of the park. Sunday was that quad biking safari I mentioned. You get all the gear, a detailed lesson in safety and how to operate the bikes, then you head off around a course for 45 minutes of high(ish) speed fun. The course leaders are great at keeping an eye on everyone and will split the group into those who want to go a bit faster, and those who want to take it a little easier. The course has plenty of hills, turns, banks and challenges so you can drift and slide - or enjoy a more sedate experience. Great fun, and the course leaders really knew what they were doing and kept everyone safe and happy. The afternoon was more swimming, and shopping in the various stores. Then for dinner we ordered in - each picking from a different restaurant and it all arrived together, hot and delicious - pizza, chinese and Indian all at the same time. As I've said, there are hundreds of activities and events to choose from. But for us, some of the best times were just sitting quietly on the lodge with the door open, absorbing the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Squirrels, deer, birds, rabbits and hedgehogs come up to explore and see if you're willing to throw them a few seeds or peanuts Sunday night we headed out to the sports bar for a fun family quiz and a few drinks. Inexpensive and a great family activity It may be that the bedrooms are perfect for relaxing, or just that we tired ourselves out - but we all slept well in the comfortable lodge.. On Monday, the last day, we headed out of the lodge by 10 a.m. You get to explore the park for the rest of the day — enjoy activities from sports and escape rooms to swimming, arts and crafts, horse riding, Segways, or nature trails. There is a handy app that lets you find out what's on and book your places. It will also remind you when you need to be somewhere and even give you directions to get there. When we left, we headed across the road for a few hours enjoying Longleat Safari Park - a great way to end a family weekend packed with fun, relaxation, adventure and most of all memories. Center Parcs Longleat is this month launching Adventure Nets - Navigate through a series of suspended nets, tunnels, a ball zone and treehouses in an activity for thrill-seekers. Exclusive to Center Parcs, the Adventure Nets course also includes TAG Active technology, where you'll use a wristband to 'tag' beacons around the course and score points. You can choose whether you play competitve, timed TAG games or just explore and play during your session. The cheapest Center Parcs breaks are mid-week, term-time stays in basic woodland lodges or apartments—especially outside school holidays. You could find a Woodland Lodge at £25 per person per night based on six people staying together at Longleat, with even cheaper breaks available at Sherwood Forest. There are also one-bedroom apartments which generally offer lower prices - from £200 total for four nights. Even in peak season, such as July, and with a family of four you can secure a three-bed Woodland Lodge in some parcs from £800 - £55 per person per night. 3-bedroom 'New Style' Woodland lodges offer the best value compared to Executive or Exclusive options. Center Parcs offers a range of prices, depending on the facilities you want in your accommodation. Full details, prices and booking options available here.
Wales Online
14-06-2025
- Wales Online
Center Parcs reviewed - a weekend as relaxing or exciting as you want it to be
Center Parcs reviewed - a weekend as relaxing or exciting as you want it to be The parcs offer a slice of calm in the heart of the UK and Ireland, with six locations to choose from If you were going to design a perfect, relaxing family holiday - this would probably be it. A cabin in the woods, an open fire, no traffic. Birds and animals coming up to your window every day, dappled sunlight glinting off the lakes. There's a spa just a few minutes from your door, and enough places to eat so you won't have to cook for days. They have got this down to a fine art. We first visited Center Parcs Longleat 16 years ago and we've been back a few times - enjoying each and every break Our children have grown up with it, so we've seen them enjoy everything from children's clubs to junior activities - and this time they got to come to the spa with us and even go on a quad biking safari. The joy of Center Parcs is that it is a holiday you personalise, putting together whatever you want - as relaxing or active as you like, as social or isolated as you want. Article continues below We took a long weekend break, turning up on Friday morning to make the most of the facilities. After grabbing a coffee in the Plaza we headed to the pool - the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. On a warm day, the outdoor part of the pool is a very pleasant place to be - and there are plenty of slides, rides and rapids for those who want a bit more adventure. We were surprised that neither the Plaza nor the pool seemed too busy. In previous years, crossover days have been hectic - you could queue to get a changing cubicle. But despite it being a bank holiday weekend everything was very efficient and calm. After our swim we picked up our bikes from the cycle centre - a great way to get around the park with the layout specifically designed so it is accessible for all ages and abilities. We then headed to the Pancake House in the village centre for a delicious lunch out in the sunshine, overlooking the forest. We got into our lodge in the afternoon, at the far end of the park from the entrance, but right next to a land-train stop, and - as mentioned - those bikes come in handy. The lodges are fully equipped with everything you need. Facilities vary depending on what you book, but you should get a full kitchen with all mod cons - from microwave and dishwasher to coffee machine and in some cases a wine fridge. It's worth ordering a grocery delivery so you have all the supplies you need. And you can always head out to the Parc Market to top up on essentials and treats. If you want to keep the cost down, there is a Morrisons not far from the park so stock up before heading in. You could spend your whole weekend in the lodge. Throw open the patio doors and soak in the fauna and flora - brilliant sunshine or showers and storms are all fantastic through the filter of the forest. But there is also far too much to do in the park not to take advantage. On Saturday, we spent three hours enjoying all the Aqua Sana spa has to offer. Room after room of heat, steam, soothing sound and scents. There are cosy places where you can curl up and sleep, or steam and sauna rooms, each themed to something different - volcanic heat, woodland campfire, Nordic vibes, etc. There is a pool at the heart of the spa, hot tubs out back and two floors of spaces where you will find something to relax and recharge you. The down side of the spa being such a great attraction and being open to people who aren't staying at the park is that for us, it was busy. It's not really a problem with so many rooms to choose from, but the signs reminding people that the spaces are supposed to be quiet and relaxing seem to have disappeared, so you may need to move from room to room to find somewhere where groups aren't chattering through the experience. But when you find a quiet spot - it is everything. After the spa, we headed down to the lake for a quiet outdoor lunch on the beach. Then we went into the sports centre for games and coffee. In the evening, we headed out to a restaurant. There are plenty of places to choose from - chain names to unique cuisine. Go French, South American, USA, Gastropub, Italian, Chinese, Indian etc etc etc. We ate at Las Iguanas, a familiar name and a great selection for a family with different tastes. It was a delicious meal and a fun atmosphere in the heart of the park. Sunday was that quad biking safari I mentioned. You get all the gear, a detailed lesson in safety and how to operate the bikes, then you head off around a course for 45 minutes of high(ish) speed fun. The course leaders are great at keeping an eye on everyone and will split the group into those who want to go a bit faster, and those who want to take it a little easier. The course has plenty of hills, turns, banks and challenges so you can drift and slide - or enjoy a more sedate experience. Great fun, and the course leaders really knew what they were doing and kept everyone safe and happy. The afternoon was more swimming, and shopping in the various stores. Then for dinner we ordered in - each picking from a different restaurant and it all arrived together, hot and delicious - pizza, chinese and Indian all at the same time. As I've said, there are hundreds of activities and events to choose from. But for us, some of the best times were just sitting quietly on the lodge with the door open, absorbing the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Squirrels, deer, birds, rabbits and hedgehogs come up to explore and see if you're willing to throw them a few seeds or peanuts Sunday night we headed out to the sports bar for a fun family quiz and a few drinks. Inexpensive and a great family activity It may be that the bedrooms are perfect for relaxing, or just that we tired ourselves out - but we all slept well in the comfortable lodge.. On Monday, the last day, we headed out of the lodge by 10 a.m. You get to explore the park for the rest of the day — enjoy activities from sports and escape rooms to swimming, arts and crafts, horse riding, Segways, or nature trails. There is a handy app that lets you find out what's on and book your places. It will also remind you when you need to be somewhere and even give you directions to get there. When we left, we headed across the road for a few hours enjoying Longleat Safari Park - a great way to end a family weekend packed with fun, relaxation, adventure and most of all memories. Center Parcs Longleat is this month launching Adventure Nets - Navigate through a series of suspended nets, tunnels, a ball zone and treehouses in an activity for thrill-seekers. Exclusive to Center Parcs, the Adventure Nets course also includes TAG Active technology, where you'll use a wristband to 'tag' beacons around the course and score points. You can choose whether you play competitve, timed TAG games or just explore and play during your session. The cheapest Center Parcs breaks are mid-week, term-time stays in basic woodland lodges or apartments—especially outside school holidays. You could find a Woodland Lodge at £25 per person per night based on six people staying together at Longleat, with even cheaper breaks available at Sherwood Forest. There are also one-bedroom apartments which generally offer lower prices - from £200 total for four nights. Even in peak season, such as July, and with a family of four you can secure a three-bed Woodland Lodge in some parcs from £800 - £55 per person per night. 3-bedroom 'New Style' Woodland lodges offer the best value compared to Executive or Exclusive options. Article continues below Center Parcs offers a range of prices, depending on the facilities you want in your accommodation. Full details, prices and booking options available here.
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I compared Center Parcs to Butlins and there's really only one obvious verdict'
Within the first six months of 2025 I have visited Center Parcs' Longleat Forest and Butlin's Minehead parks - and the contrasts couldn't be more stark Two of the leading UK holiday brands have a lot to offer, but it's exactly what they serve up to unassuming holidaymakers that makes them worlds apart. When I told my husband I wanted to compare Center Parcs with Butlin's, he told me it was impossible to compare apples with pears. In other words, their concepts are very different. But after a long-weekend at Center Parcs Longleat Forest in March, and then an additional four days at Butlin's in Minehead, there's a lot to be said for both and what they bring to the table in terms of staycations. Butlin's serves the British seaside culture, whereas Center Parcs plunges its guests into the middle of the countryside where urban life feels a million miles away. So yes, of course, they are going to be different and have their own appeals. And they don't promise to be like each other, either. Rocking up at Center Parcs in March, the wooden-clad lodges, towering trees, and abundant cyclists told me that this park is for the adventuring family. The ones who like to explore, walk, cycle and stay as active as possible. Let's be honest, you often need a holiday to recover from an action-packed stay at Center Parcs. Then, in the height of spring arriving at Minehead's Butlin's, the sea breeze, the far-away buzz of fairground rides and loud laughter of children told me this break was all about the simple concept of making children feel as included and entertained as possible. It's kids first and adults a close second. For anyone who hasn't yet been to either and could be looking to book a break to Butlin's or Center Parcs, I've done all the hard comparisons for you. Center Parcs vs. Butlins: Budgets The first obvious thing to mention is Center Parcs is way more expensive than Butlin's. Not only have I been to Longleat, but also to its Elveden Forest branch in Suffolk where the branding and concept is identical. You'd easily spend well over £600 for a basic family lodge at any of its locations, whereas Butlin's could set you back just over £100 for a basic apartment at either Minehead, Skegness or Bognor Regis. Butlin's offers smaller apartments, hotel-like rooms or self-catering complexes which all vary in cost. Center Parcs also has some variety but its price point starts much higher, with some of its luxurious lodges coming with hot-tubs, saunas and enclosed gardens. It also has designated lodges for people with dogs, which comes at an additional cost. But it's not just the price of staying over you'd need to be aware of. At Butlin's shows are free, as are the indoor and outdoor fairgrounds, something I found incredibly good value for money. We paid an additional £15 per person for VIP wristbands which enabled us to queue jump and get seated first for the performances. Swimming is also free and the indoor and outdoor pools can be used as often as you'd like. At Center Parcs swimming is also free, but any other activity such as quad biking, pottery painting, seeing owls, and hiring bikes come at an extra cost. But you are not pressured into buying into any of this - you can visit a Center Parcs site and bring your own bikes, explore the on-site parks and walking trails and not spend much money at all. If you are wanting to immerse yourself in the full CP experience, it is going to cost you. So to conclude - a budget-friendly break is far simpler to complete at Butlin's than it is at Center Parcs, but it's not impossible at either. Center Parcs vs. Butlins: Entertainment day and night One striking similarity at both parks is, by around 10pm, most of the noise and buzz dies down. After-all these are family-orientated complexes. Butlin's does, however, offer big weekenders for adults and these types of events go on well into the night. Guests are reminded of others who are in bed much earlier, and are asked to keep the noise down as they filter back to their accommodation. There's no doubt entertainment is Butlin's middle name, with organised shows, character meet-and-greets and fairground attractions taking centre stage. Center Parcs holds things like quiz nights and has a bustling sports bar at each site which is where adults are seen spending much time. But its concept is less-imposing, and with the site way more sprawled out, I've never heard noise after-dark. If you're looking for an upbeat break where bed-times don't matter, Butlin's should be your first choice. If you want to shut the noise away on your terms, it's Center Parcs all the way. Center Parcs vs Butlin's: Things to do Both holiday parks have more than enough to do - but I'd say Center Parcs has more of a variety than Butlin's. This is because there's a lot of activities for families and adults. Butlin's is very child-orientated if you are there for a standard week's holiday. By the end of our fourth day I was more than ready to come home and felt as though we had done everything the park had to offer. With Center Parcs, unless you have an unlimited bank account and an infinite amount of time, you'll never get around all the activities in a single stay. This means you can keep returning and there will always be something new to do next time. But much of the activities are outdoors based, so if you've picked an unfortunate week weather wise, wellies and waterproofs are essential. Plus, the sites are varied. At Longleat there's a little road train which takes guests across the park due to its sheer size, but there's nothing like this at Elveden as it's much smaller and not so hilly. Some of CP's sites also house some incredible spas, which are so sought after that people living nearby visit these alone. Of course, treatments and visiting all costs. Butlin's main event tents are dominated by arcade machines, which obviously require cash to operate. They also have a bowling alley and other small scale games for the family to participate in. At Center Parcs, they also have designated areas with arcade-like entertainment, pre-booked smaller scale activities such as teddy bear designing, hair braiding and face painting along with 10-pin bowling. Both sites have great outdoor parks for children, with Butlin's recently spending millions on a new interactive playground, with lights and sounds, for kids at Minehead. Center Parcs has wooden, rustic playgrounds - equally as fun - with around the same amount of facilities. Center Parcs vs. Butlin's: Eating arrangements At Butlin's you can pay for a half-board eating plan which requires you to go to one or two of its on-site restaurants and pick from a buffet-style choice. This obviously means you can fill up at breakfast time, have a light snack at lunch and be ready for dinner. It's by far the cheapest option on site, with food court dining priced at £24.95 per adult, per day, and under £7 per child, per day. Premium dining is only a fraction more expensive at £32.95 per day for an adult and just under £10 for a child. There's also fish and chips and Costa coffee outlets for anyone wanting to eat on-the-go. There are a number of restaurants scattered around the park for anyone wanting to eat-out and experience table service. We brought some of our own food, and our apartment was set up with a microwave and oven if we wanted to cook our own, but we didn't need to bother. Center Parcs offers no such dining plans. We nearly always do a food shop before arriving and cook our own dinners in the apartment. Center Parcs houses big name restaurants such as Bella Italia, Pret-a-Manger and Las Iguanas to name a few. It also allows you to pre-book takeaways from their on-site restaurants delivered directly to your lodge. My verdict My husband was right - directly comparing both parks is no easy feat. They both have their pros and cons, but ultimately, for me, Center Parcs wins my vote. I found the parks more modern, clean, and varied. And I came away with the ability to have stayed longer had the option been there. My four-year-old also fell in love with the pools, which had various flumes and areas designated for children. We never go over-board when it comes to shelling out on endless activities, and I like the fact you don't need to feel obliged to do so. Center Parcs had way more for adults to do, with kids in mind too. Butlin's was without a doubt a great break for my little one who was buzzing at the shows, the fairground rides and the arcade amusements. She loved the football ground, and the swimming. But as the pool's flumes were too big for her to go on, she wasn't itching to go back. I was also more than ready to go on our last day. If you're looking for a budget break by the sea, Butlin's is where it's at. But if you're into the countryside and could walk and cycle for hours away from civilisation, Center Parcs is the holiday for you.
Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I stayed in a UK Center Parcs dupe and the location was simply unreal'
Louise, a mum-of-two, spent three nights at the retreat with her family and was very impressed with the facilities - as well as the price tag Center Parcs is a renowned UK staycation staple for many Brits, with vast parks in some of the most beautiful, rural settings. With sites in Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Wiltshire and Newark to name a few, getting to one of these locations couldn't be easier for many holidaymakers who don't want the fuss of flying. But, with many activities costing extra once there, the parks are often touted as expensive, and can rack up quite the bill. But one mum has revealed a budget-friendly option. Louise, a mum of two children aged nine and six, has come up with a cost-effective alternative that she claims offers a comparable experience without breaking the bank. "If you're looking for a cheap Center Parcs alternative, then this could be right up your street," she said on her Bored with Kids TikTok video. "We spent three nights here for just under 500 quid, or £40 per person per night." READ MORE: 'I'm a former check-in agent and the worst time to travel is not during summer' She's talking about Sherwood Castle Retreat in Newark, Nottinghamshire, a holiday site around 14-miles from its Center Parcs competitor. In snippets from her video, Louise remarked: "It is heavily influenced by its location near Sherwood Forest and by the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. There are loads of original props from the movie here, including the actual reception.", reports Nottinghamshire Live. The mum took to sharing a video of their delightful woodland lodge, replete with kitchen and dining area, a snug living room complete with TV and children's bunk beds, not forgetting the alluring log burner. She explained: "The woodland lodges have hot tubs, and are pretty similar to the Centre Parcs ones with the layout," further revealing, "We even had a log burner here, which was lovely at night." She expressed additional perks: "Plus you have tennis, bowling, and swimming available before 5 pm. You can actually book out the whole pool for yourselves if you wanted. They even have a little animal farm here too. Although you probably don't wanna be staying too close to it as they have two massive cockerels and these woke us up before 5am everyday." However, the lack of Wi-Fi and underwhelming play park and mini golf offerings were downsides she didn't shy away from noting. Wrapping up her review, Louise added: "However, it is less than half the price of the cheapest Centre Parcs lodge, it's in a beautiful location, and there are loads of lovely places to visit nearby,". Louise's video has since stirred up chatter online, with viewers chiming in with their thoughts, including one who recalled, "We stayed there, it was amazing." Several followers expressed gratitude to Louise for highlighting such a gem, with comments pouring in like, "This place looks great and brilliant price." Nestled in a 40-acre woodland in the legendary Sherwood Forest, the Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest is a serene getaway situated near Rufford, Nottinghamshire, just two miles south of Ollerton and a mere stone's throw, 20 miles north, from Nottingham. Offering an enchanting escape, the retreat boasts seven different styles of cosy detached pine lodges that can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 8 people, with some boasting their own private jacuzzis. Set amongst the rustling trees of this storied forest, guests are greeted every morning by the tranquil sounds of nature. The lodges come complete with modern comforts like en-suites stocked with complimentary toiletries, fitted kitchens for self-catering stays, toasty fireplaces, and televisions. Several units also offer a mix of double and bunk bedrooms, catering perfectly to family holidays. Facilities and activities Visitors looking to immerse themselves in the Robin Hood legend will find no shortage of activities, including: Movie buffs of "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" will delight at props from the movie, thoughtfully displayed throughout the park, enhancing the magical ambiance connected to the Lore of Robin Hood and providing a truly distinctive experience right in the cradle of English history. How to get there Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest is situated on Rufford Lane. To avoid a wet crossing, it's advised that visitors use the entrance from Wellow side of Rufford Lane, staying clear of the ford (stream). Journeying by Train from London: Hop on an LNER service departing from London King's Cross to Newark North Gate (a swift travel time of 1 hour 27 minutes), followed by a short taxi or bus jaunt that will whisk you to the tranquillity of Sherwood Forest, close to Ollerton. By Car from London: Head north on the M25 to A1(M), continue on the A1 past Peterborough, take the A614 exit towards Ollerton/Rufford, then follow Rufford Lane from the Wellow end - total journey approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, covering 120-130 miles from London. Where to book The retreat can be booked on various sites, including their own website, where a stay begins at £92 per day at the time of writing. You can also secure your spot at the retreat on and TripAdvisor.
