Home Places to stay 11 Affordable and Fun Alternatives to Centre Parcs for Your Next Family Vacation
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11 Affordable and Fun Alternatives to Centre Parcs for Your Next Family Vacation

Scenic park in United Kingdom

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As a parent, you know how important it is to take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle and spend some quality time with your loved ones. Center Parcs has long been a popular choice for families looking for a fun and relaxing vacation, but with its high prices and limited availability, it’s not always the best option. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 10 affordable and fun alternatives to Center Parcs for your next family vacation.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Center Parcs and its popularity

Trail leading to Parkdean St. Minver accommodations
Parkdean St. Minver

Center Parcs is a holiday resort chain that offers a variety of activities, accommodations, and facilities for families. With locations throughout the UK, Center Parcs has become a popular choice for families looking for a fun and relaxing vacation. The resorts offer a range of activities, including swimming pools, water parks, bike trails, and more. However, with prices starting at around £300 for a weekend break, Center Parcs can be quite expensive, especially during peak season.

Why look for alternatives to Center Parcs?

Family strolling around Parkdean Lower Hyde
Parkdean Lower Hyde

While Center Parcs can be a great option for families, there are several reasons why you might want to look for alternatives. Firstly, as mentioned, it can be quite expensive, especially during peak season. Secondly, availability can be limited, especially during school holidays. And finally, if you’ve been to Center Parcs before, you might be looking for something new and different.

1. Parkdean St. Minver – Cornwall

Lodges at Parkdean St. Minver
Parkdean St. Minver

Located in the beautiful county of Cornwall, Parkdean St. Minver offers a range of accommodations, including caravans, lodges, and camping pitches. The resort has plenty of activities for families, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a soft play area, and a playground. There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions in the surrounding area, such as the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

2. Haven Kiln Park – Wales

Family vacationing at Haven Kiln Park
Haven Kiln Park

Haven Kiln Park is located in the seaside town of Tenby in Wales. The resort offers a range of accommodations, including caravans, lodges, and glamping pods. There are plenty of activities for families, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sports court, and a playground. The resort is also located close to the beach and the town center, which has plenty of shops and restaurants.

3. Parkdean Fallbarrow – Cumbria

Aerial View of Parkdean Fallbarrow
Parkdean Fallbarrow

Parkdean Fallbarrow is located in the Lake District, one of the most beautiful areas of the UK. The resort offers a range of accommodations, including caravans, lodges, and apartments. There are plenty of activities for families, including a playground, a sports court, and a boat launch. The resort is also located close to the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, which has plenty of shops and restaurants.

4. Weybourne Holiday Cottages – North Norfolk

Pool area at Weybourne Holiday Cottages
Weybourne Holiday Cottages

Weybourne Holiday Cottages is a collection of self-catering cottages located in the beautiful countryside of north Norfolk. The cottages are perfect for families, with plenty of space and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. There are plenty of activities in the surrounding area, including the North Norfolk Railway and the Bure Valley Railway.

5. Parkdean White Acres – Cornwall

Lake View at Parkdean White Acres
Parkdean White Acres

Parkdean White Acres is located in the beautiful county of Cornwall and offers a range of accommodations, including caravans, lodges, and camping pitches. The resort has plenty of activities for families, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a soft play area, and a playground. There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions in the surrounding area, such as the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

6. Loch Ken Eco Bothies – Dumfries and Galloway

Lodge at Loch Ken Eco Bothies
Loch Ken Eco Bothies

If you’re looking for a unique and eco-friendly vacation, Loch Ken Eco Bothies in Dumfries and Galloway might be just what you need. The bothies are self-catering accommodations that are perfect for families, with plenty of space and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. There are plenty of activities in the surrounding area, including fishing, canoeing, and hiking.

7. Parkdean Lower Hyde – Isle of Wight

Big Family vacationing at Parkdean Lower Hyde
Parkdean Lower Hyde

Parkdean Lower Hyde is located on the Isle of Wight and offers a range of accommodations, including caravans, lodges, and apartments. The resort has plenty of activities for families, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a soft play area, and a playground. There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions in the surrounding area, such as Blackgang Chine and the Isle of Wight Zoo.

8. Landal GreenParks

Landal GreenParks aerial view
Landal GreenParks

Landal GreenParks is a chain of holiday parks located throughout Europe. The parks offer a range of accommodations, including cottages, apartments, and chalets. There are plenty of activities for families, including swimming pools, bike trails, and playgrounds. The parks are located in some of the most beautiful areas of Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria.

9. Morton of Pitmilly – Fife

Rainbow and landscape view at Morton of Pitmilly
Morton of Pitmilly

Morton of Pitmilly is a collection of self-catering cottages located in the beautiful countryside of Fife. The cottages are perfect for families, with plenty of space and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. There are plenty of activities in the surrounding area, including hiking, golfing, and visiting local attractions such as St. Andrews and the Scottish Deer Centre.

10. YHA London Lee Valley – Hertfordshire

Lodges at YHA London Lee Valley
YHA London Lee Valley

If you’re looking for a city break, the YHA London Lee Valley in Hertfordshire might be just what you need. The hostel offers a range of accommodations, including private rooms and dorms. There are plenty of activities in the surrounding area, including the Lee Valley White Water Centre and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

11. Sandybrook Country Park, Derbyshire

Hot Tub in Landal Sandybrook Lodges
Landal Sandybrook Lodges

Sandybrook Country Park is located in the beautiful Peak District and offers a range of accommodations, including lodges, apartments, and glamping pods. There are plenty of activities for families, including a swimming pool, a soft play area, and a playground. The park is also located close to the town of Ashbourne, which has plenty of shops and restaurants.

Conclusion: The importance of exploring new vacation spots.

While Center Parcs can be a great option for families, there are plenty of affordable and fun alternatives out there. By exploring new vacation spots, you can discover new activities, attractions, and experiences that you might not have found otherwise. So the next time you’re planning a family vacation, consider one of these alternatives to Center Parcs and make some new memories with your loved ones.

Looking for more vacation ideas? Check out our blog for more travel inspiration!

Written by
David Prior

David Prior is an NCTJ-qualified journalist and the editor of Big Family Breaks. He is also a father of five and an experienced traveller, especially with kids.

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