Half-term is fast approaching, which can only mean a Centre Parcs alternative holiday is on the cards for you and your family. Yes, that's right - 2024 is the year we say "No More!" to Centre Parcs' often hefty pricing because there are plenty of other holiday park options that are just as good, if not better.
Indeed, If you've got a UK staycation on the agenda, Center Parcs UK is likely at the top of your list. However, the renowned forest getaways can come with a weighty price tag. For instance, a four-night stay for a family of four during school holidays can easily soar to nearly £1,500. Fortunately, some fantastic alternatives offer all the exciting activities, cosy accommodations, and delicious dining options without breaking the bank.
The best Centre Parcs alternatives, at a glance:
Editor's Choice: Parkdean Resorts, 66 locations, from £259 for 4 nights
Best coastal Centre Parcs alternative: Haven, 38 locations, from £305 for 4 nights
Best high-end Centre Parcs alternative: Away Resorts, 26 locations, from £500 for 4 nights
We're all struggling to find money these days, but that shouldn't stop you from creating family memories you'll treasure for a lifetime. With all that being said, welcome to Closer's ultimate guide to Centre Parc alternatives. Here's a breakdown of some budget-friendly options for a four-night getaway for two adults and two children during the May half-term.
From Parksdean Resorts to Glamping Hideaways, discover the best Centre Parcs alternatives now.
SHOP: The best Centre Parcs alternatives for your next family holiday
Editor's Choice
top pick
Parkdean Resortswww.parkdeanresorts.co.uk
Description
Winner of the "Best Company For UK Family Holidays" during the British Travel Awards 2023 (along with two other company-based awards), Parkdean Resorts owns and operates 66 holiday parks across England, Scotland and Wales as the UK’s largest holiday park operator.
From coastal havens by Britain’s favourite beaches to lakeside retreats in scenic countryside settings, there’s something for everyone. Each park offers a range of fantastic family facilities with excellent entertainment in the evenings. A worthy rival of Centre Parcs at half the cost. Winner.
Pros
- Proud three-times British Travel Award winner
- Book today with a £25 deposit*
- Cancellation Cover
- Rated as creators of amazing memories on Google and TripAdvisor
Cons
- Some of the cheaper parks can look a bit tired, we recommend going for parks in the £200 range (for 4 nights) and above, and reading reviews
2.
Away Resorts
Best high-end Centre Parcs alternative
luxury
Away Resortswww.awayresorts.co.uk
Description
Looking for somewhere a little more luxurious? If you've got the cash to spend, spend it at Away Resorts - it'll still be a bargain in the face of Centre Parcs, that's for sure. Every Away Resorts park is within areas of natural beauty, places of interest, national parks and beaches – with every village having its own unique sense of charm and adventure.
What's more, Away Resorts allows you to own your own top-quality holiday home, so you can escape the horrors of everyday life whenever you please. However - our favourite fact about Away Resorts is that they have Burst of Blue accommodations, painted using colours that align with a dog's vision capabilities. It's the little things, isn't it?
Pros
- Flexible arrival and departure times
- Free pitch fees for the remainder of the 2024 season*
- You can get accommodation with a hot tub!
- Instagrammable locations
Cons
- A little more expensive than the others on our list
3.
Haven
Best coastal Centre Parcs alternative
seaside retreat
Havenwww.haven.com
Description
Does your soul crave the sound of the sea? Haven's 38 holiday parks are all coastal, and they strive to make your seaside holiday a good one. Dotted around the UK's top resorts, Haven's parks are surrounded by the most spectacular landscapes and sandiest beaches.
Not only do the surroundings look tip-top, but the stuff going on inside the parks is just as fantastic. Think splash-tastic heated indoor and outdoor pools, archery, and zip wires – entertainment for all ages.
Pros
- 38 parks all around the coast of England, Scotland and Wales
- A safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families
- The staff are lovely and accommodating
- Deals available: e.g feed your family for £20 deal, spend £45 on activities and get the cheapest free
Cons
- Caravans can be too small for groups of 5+ adults
- Delivery from the on-site takeaways closes relatively early
Best glamping Centre Parcs alternative
back to nature
Glamping Hideawayswww.glampinghideaways.co.uk
Description
Why do regular cold, uncomfortable, muddy camping - when glamorous camping, glamping, exists? Glamping Hideaways has a unique collection of glamping locations throughout the UK, from shepherd’s huts and lodges to yurts and safari tents. If you’re looking for a way to get back to nature, enjoy some fresh air and unplug for a few days, then jump aboard the glamping train, stat.
All of Glamping Hideaway's "glamping pods", as they call them, are cared for by a dedicated onsite team, who are generally the owners of the location. You might even get to enjoy some special extras, such as a hot tub or firepit under the stars.
Pros
- Variety of unique accommodations like domes, grain silos and gypsy huts
- Nature-focused retreat
- Hot tubs and firepits available on certain sites
Cons
- No onsite activities
5.
Pontins
Best child-free Centre Parcs alternative
adult only
Pontinswww.pontins.com
Description
Probably the most infamous Centre Parc alternative on our list, Pontins is a treasure trove of slightly corny entertainment, which will be a laugh and a half to experience with your partner. Pontins has two holiday parks to choose from: Pakefield Holiday Village, situated near Lowestoft in Suffolk, or Sand Bay, near the stretch of coast in North Somerset.
Their Premium Adults Breaks are packed with acts from all across the UK, spanning a range of entertainment that appeals to all tastes. Our favourite of these entertainment packages is the Strictly weekend, packed with star appearances from BBC Strictly Come Dancing professionals, UK dance champions and much more, with workshops and performances on offer throughout.
Pros
- Choose from decked-out apartments or bungalows
- No kids running around as both parks are marked as "exclusively adult only"
- Activities like dance workshops with Strictly professionals
- Free activities ranging from bowls to swimming and much more
Cons
- No children allowed (rules changed in 2020)
- No dogs allowed in any of the parks (excluding the bungalow at Pakefield)
So, what are the best Centre Parcs alternatives, in summary?
We here at Closer believe that the top Centre Parcs alternative has to be Parkdean Resorts, with Haven and Away Resorts coming in second and third place. Parkdean Resorts has everything you could want in a Centre Parcs holiday at half the cost. A tonne of activities for all ages, including high ropes, watersports and even a ski slope at Warmwell, so you can have that aesthetic family ski trip you've always dreamed of without waving goodbye to a huge chunk of cash. From forests to beaches all around the UK, Parkdean simply has the best variety of parks on offer for the best price. Centre Parcs is old news, my friends.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Closer, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her “dupe queen”, as there’s not a product in the world she can’t find a cheaper alternative for.