16 Center Parcs Tricks
Bag cheap trips and slash food bills
While Center Parcs is unlikely to ever be extremely low-cost, we have plenty of smart strategies to reduce the expense. Whether you’re considering a trip or have already made a booking, this guide offers tips to save money, such as securing £199 four-night stays, discovering affordable dates even during school holidays, and finding European parks at a fraction of the cost.
1 – Center Parcs in a nutshell
With woodland settings and lodge accommodation, Center Parcs has five venues across the UK: Whinfell (in Cumbria), Sherwood (in Nottinghamshire), Elveden (in Suffolk), Woburn (in Bedfordshire) and Longleat (in Wiltshire). There’s also now one in Ireland, Longford.
The parks feature the following facilities:
- Swimming pool complex. At the core of every resort, you’ll find expansive pools featuring lazy rivers, thrilling rapids, and exciting slides, all of which are available to enjoy at no additional charge.
- Cycling. The areas are mostly free from cars, with paved paths that are ideal for novice cyclists and children. You’ll need to bring your own bicycle or rent one for an additional fee.
- Beaches and a water sports lake. Bring along a bucket or spade, or opt to pay additional fees for experiences like kayaking or paddle boarding.
- Activities. At an extra cost, sporty types can book activities such as archery, horse riding and treetop rope adventures.
- Indoor sports complex. Each village has a ‘Sports Plaza’ where you can pay for climbing, badminton, snooker etc.
- Spa. For an extra charge, visitors can book in at the spa, which has heated pools, steam rooms and saunas. You can also book face and body treatments.
- Restaurants. Nosh options include chains such as Bella Italia, Cafe Rouge and The Pancake House. Check Center Parcs’ site for details.
2 – Euro parks at half the price
Center Parcs resorts in Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands can offer significantly lower prices compared to their UK counterparts—particularly for extended stays during school holidays or in larger accommodations. This remains true even when accounting for the additional expenses of flights or ferry travel.
While Center Parcs UK and Center Parcs Europe are now run by separate companies, both feature lodges surrounded by woods and nature. TripAdvisor ratings for both UK and European parks are quite similar, making it worthwhile to compare options to find the most affordable choice.
To highlight the potential savings, we found that a three-bedroom lodge at Woburn park in Bedfordshire was priced at £2,648 for the first week of August 2024. In contrast, a comparable lodge at the Limburgse Peel site in the Netherlands was only €1,480 (around £1,251). Even after including flights for a family of four, costing £280, the total comes to £1,531, which is £1,117 cheaper than the UK option.
3 – Slash the cost of European Center Parcs stays further by buying from that country’s site
If you choose to book a holiday at a Center Parcs resort in Europe, be sure to verify the prices on the local website for that country. Interestingly, Center Parcs Europe often directs British customers to book mainland European parks via its UK site (centerparcs.com/gb-en), where the rates can sometimes be higher.
So check prices across French, Dutch, Belgian and German sites, then compare to the GB site price (which will also been in euros). If you’re having difficulty with the language, the Google Chrome web browser can translate the page with a single click. Simply visit the foreign website, and a pop-up will appear, offering you the option to translate it.
Keep in mind that when you book a stay at any Center Parcs Europe location, you’ll be required to pay in euros. To ensure you get the best exchange rate, consider using a credit or debit card designed for overseas spending.
For example, during our search, we discovered a six-night stay in October 2024 at Park De Haan in Belgium. The UK site listed the price as €919 (£777), while the Belgian site offered the same stay for €889 (£751).
However, this isn’t always the case. Occasionally, we’ve noticed that the UK site offers slightly lower prices, so it’s worth comparing both options.
If you’re hoping to apply this strategy to UK-based parks, unfortunately, it’s not possible. You won’t be able to use, for instance, the German site to book a stay at Sherwood Forest.
4 – Booking late wins, outside peak times
Outside peak times, booking late usually wins – for example, four nights for £199. Center Parcs seldom provides discount codes. However, it occasionally offers special deals, with prices often dropping around eight weeks before the travel date. The most affordable last-minute break available right now is £299 for a two-night midweek stay in a three-bedroom lodge, compared to £430 for the same lodge booked for next year.
Although it’s not a certainty, we’ve generally noticed that booking closer to the date tends to be less expensive than booking well in advance. For instance, we’ve previously come across a four-night stay in a one-bedroom studio for only £199.
For the most up-to-date offers, be sure to check Center Parcs’ late deals page.
Can’t book late? Book as early as possible
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Delaying your booking until the last minute can severely limit your options in terms of both choice and availability. If you have specific dates and locations in mind that you cannot adjust, it’s wise to secure your reservation as early as possible.
You can begin your search up to 18 months in advance, as this is when Center Parcs first releases its availability.
Although Center Parcs does not disclose its exact pricing tactics, it’s generally observed that prices for peak periods increase as the date approaches.
5 – If possible, stay term-time, midweek…
Center Parcs rates see a noticeable increase outside of term-time. For instance, a two-bedroom lodge at Whinfell cost £2,128 in the final week of August, but only £1,278 during the first week of September when schools resume. This marks an £850 difference.
If you don’t have children, have grown-up kids, or your children are not yet in school, consider making the most of midweek stays during non-holiday periods.
6 – … or find hidden cheap booking dates if you’ve school-age kids
When the school term wraps up, parents often let out a collective ‘GRRRRR’ in frustration over the surge in holiday prices. Much like flights, hotels, and package vacations, the expense of a stay at Center Parcs seems to skyrocket during this period.
Occasionally, your school’s academic calendar might not align with others, due to factors like inset days or different scheduling decisions by your local council. These variations in school terms can offer significant savings.
For instance, in 2024, most schools in Leicestershire finish for summer on July 10, whereas other regions typically break up around July 19. We discovered a week’s stay in a two-bedroom lodge at Elveden for £1,528, available for the week before the majority of schools’ summer holidays begin. The same lodge, if booked for the following week, costs £1,978.
Additionally, Scottish schools break up earlier than those in the rest of the UK, with the 2024 summer break starting around June 28. Therefore, Scottish families planning to travel south might find it advantageous to plan their holidays for early summer.
To discover when schools in your area have breaks, utilize the Gov.uk school holiday dates tool. It’s also a good idea to confirm directly with your school, since inset days and term dates can differ.
For additional information on school holidays across various regions, you can search on Google. Holiday Extras offers a helpful overview of school holiday schedules in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Inset days are a boon for cheap long weekends
Inset days are special mid-term breaks that differ between schools and are typically designated for teacher training. With a bit of strategic planning, these days can offer a great opportunity to secure affordable stays at Center Parcs.
7 – The larger the group, the cheaper the cost
At Center Parcs, taking advantage of economies of scale can lead to significant savings. Generally, the more people in your group, the lower the cost per person for accommodation. Traveling with friends or family can make a noticeable difference in your expenses.
For those traveling with two families, they recommend opting for a two-storey lodge, as this allows each family to have their own floor, enhancing comfort and privacy.
For instance, we found that a four-bedroom lodge in Sherwood Forest was priced at £1,558 per week for January 2025. With eight guests, this breaks down to £28 per person per night. In contrast, a one-bedroom studio apartment for the same week, accommodating two people, costs £838 in total, which equates to £60 per person per night.
8 – Bag ‘two extra days’ of fun by checking in early and leaving late
At Center Parcs UK, the designated check-in time for accessing your accommodation is 4pm, which often results in long queues.
Nonetheless, you’re welcome to enjoy the resort facilities starting from 10am on your arrival day. Arriving early gives you the chance to make the most of the amenities while waiting for the queues to diminish.
On the day you check out, you need to return your lodge keys by 10am. However, you can continue to enjoy the resort until midnight that night. By planning accordingly, you can extend your fun for a few extra hours.
9 – Look outside the complex to save on activities
Center Parcs is a destination designed for activity enthusiasts, offering a range of options such as archery (starting at £20.50 per person), den building (£54 per group), and cupcake decorating (£30 per person). Prices may vary depending on the location, so it’s helpful to check their list of example activity costs.
Engaging in these activities can quickly add up to hundreds of pounds, so there’s no need to feel obligated to participate in everything. If you’re visiting with children, they will likely enjoy playing in the natural surroundings or drifting along the lazy river.
Additionally, exploring local attractions outside the resort could provide more affordable alternatives to Center Parcs’ activities.
10 – Spend the day lounging at the pool to save cash
The indoor swimming areas, also known as Subtropical Swimming Paradises, are the highlight of Center Parcs, featuring wave machines and waterfalls. As one of the few complimentary activities available, it’s worth dedicating a day to floating along the lazy river.
Make sure to pack your own towels, as renting a beach towel costs £2 each. Additionally, using the swimsuit wringer comes with a 20p fee, so consider bringing several swimsuits if possible.
Free under-threes’ swimming sessions
Baby Dolphins is a complimentary program designed for children under three years old, held before the pool opens when it’s calm. This session helps introduce infants and toddlers to the water. The schedule varies by village and day, so it’s best to check with the reception directly for the most current information.
11 – Take your own bike
Hit the road on two wheels! Cycling is a fantastic way to explore Center Parcs, given its expansive layout. To save some cash, it’s ideal to bring your own bike—just don’t forget a lock.
If there isn’t enough room in the car for adult bikes, consider bringing the kids’ bikes instead. Scooters can also be useful for younger children to get around easily. For those who prefer renting, a four-night rental starts at £33 for adults and £25 for kids.
12 – Avoid the pricey Parc Market and click and collect at a supermarket instead
Most lodgings feature kitchens, allowing you to significantly reduce your holiday food expenses by preparing meals yourself rather than dining out. Avoid the costly ‘Parc Market’ located within the complex; instead, consider placing a click-and-collect order at a nearby supermarket. Simply locate your Center Parcs on Google Maps, select nearby, and search for ‘supermarket’.
Winner winner, yellow sticker
Similar to major supermarket chains, Parc Market offers discounts on food as it nears its sell-by date, although the items remain entirely safe to consume. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “Visit the supermarket within the park half an hour before closing time – you can always find great deals on food.”
13 – Write a meal plan
The Menu Planning thread is filled with numerous suggestions, but at its core, the key is to decide what you’ll be eating each day and gather the necessary ingredients.
Bringing your own slow cooker is also highly recommended. Simply add your meat and vegetables in the morning before you leave for your activities, let it cook all day, and by the time you return, you’ll be greeted with a delicious stew, casserole, or soup.
14 – Take the right kit to avoid pricey extras
To avoid unexpected costs at Center Parcs, it’s wise to come prepared and bring along items that might otherwise result in extra charges.
For instance, Center Parcs only permits the use of instant fire-logs in their fireplaces. While these can be expensive at the Parc Market, you can often find them for about £1 each at stores like Aldi, Home Bargains, Lidl, and Poundland.
If you’re traveling with children, consider bringing along bird food, a bucket and spade for lake activities, and extra chalk for the chalkboard.
Additionally, packing DVDs or a streaming device such as a Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick could be beneficial for entertainment. A bike lock can also be useful for securing bikes and buggies.
Lastly, remember to pack essential items for your lodge, including washing-up liquid, tea, sugar, dishwasher tablets, bin bags, olive oil, and toilet paper.
15 – Slash the cost of a holiday village stay with cheap Center Parcs alternatives
Before booking a stay at Center Parcs, consider exploring more budget-friendly options. Below, we’ve highlighted some alternative holiday villages that offer a similar experience—nestled in natural settings with self-catering lodges, often featuring swimming pools and a range of on-site activities. While they may not always be less expensive, comparing prices could save you money.
A great approach is to first determine your budget by asking, “How much can I spend on this vacation?” and then find the best possible holiday within that financial limit.
- Landal GreenParks. Run by a Dutch company, Landal GreenParks has great TripAdvisor feedback and 19 UK locations across the UK.A three-bed lodge was £469 in October 2024 at Brunston in Scotland (compared with £1,578 at Center Parcs Whinfell).
- Forest Holidays. Working in partnership with the Forestry Commission, Forest Holidays runs rural breaks at 13 sites across England, Wales and Scotland, from Blackwood in Hampshire to Beddgelert in Snowdonia. You have the option to stay in treehouses or cabins, and you can enjoy activities such as zip-lining and survival training.It was sometimes a smidgeon cheaper than Center Parcs when we checked.
- Bluestone. A holiday village in Pembrokeshire, Wales, Bluestone features a water park, several restaurants and activities such as rock climbing and kayaking. When we looked into booking a two-bedroom lodge for a week in September 2024, we found it priced at £625. In contrast, Center Parcs Sherwood Forest was charging £1,178 for the same period.However, it can work out more expensive than Center Parcs sometimes, so it’s always worth comparing.
- More UK holiday parks. There are cheaper options too, such as caravans or chalets at Butlins, Haven* and Pontins*. When selecting from these options, be sure to search for discounts, as there are frequently special offers available online or in community newspapers. Additionally, check our Sun £9.50 Holidays page regularly, as we update it with the latest deals.
- Stay in a country manor for £25/night. Not all hostels are the grimy, odorous dormitories you might imagine – plenty are spotless and located in unexpected settings. You have the option to book private single or double rooms, and many hostels offer complimentary internet and breakfast. For instance, Wasdale Hall, a historic 19th-century manor in Cumbria, offers accommodations starting at just £25 per night per guest. To book, visit Youth Hostel Association (YHA) and Hostelling Scotland.
- Camping. To really slash the price, good ol’ camping’s a fun way to explore the great British outdoors and get away on the cheap. ExEconomics rate the website UKCampsite, which lists sites by area and facilities and has user reviews.
For more tips and how to find the right accommodation, see our Cheap UK Hotels, Cheap Hotels and Cheap Holiday Rentals guides.
16 – Treble Tesco points on Forest Holidays
Before using your Tesco vouchers in-store, take a look at Tesco’s rewards brochure. You might discover that you can double the value of your vouchers (for example, turning £10 into £20) on items like railcards, Hotels.com stays, and more. For additional details, check out our Boost Tesco Vouchers guide.
One of the rewards partners is Forest Holidays, which, like Center Parcs, offers lodge-style accommodation in forests. Tesco lets you turn every £5 of Clubcard vouchers into £10 to spend at Forest Holidays.
The company receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, but a notable drawback is that vouchers cannot cover the full cost of your stay. Instead, they can only be applied to a maximum of 25% of the cabin price.