Center Parcs is one of those holiday locations in the UK that many people want to be able to visit. With the beautiful woodland lodges, the family time, and the chance to enjoy being in the great outdoors, it just looks like the perfect holiday in the UK.
The bad part about these holidays is that, in some people’s opinion, they are expensive. Some would argue that you get what you pay for.
A beautiful setting, decent facilities and lots of things to do for a family to enjoy. But as we all want to save money where possible, are there ways to enjoy Center Parcs on a budget? I wanted to share with you some of the Center parcs tips to help you do that.
Center Parcs Tips on Saving Money Prior To Booking
Be flexible with your dates
One of the first things that you could consider doing would be to be flexible with your dates. Choosing the most popular times like a holiday in August, or arriving on a weekend date can actually be a lot more expensive than shopping around for different dates.
For example, if you do want or need to take that break in August, choosing the last week of August can work out more budget-friendly than any other time during that month.
This is because most people want their kids home and some time to settle before returning to school. If this doesn’t bother you then it might work out a little cheaper.
Always click to be flexible with the dates when searching online, you might end up being pleasantly surprised.
Book weekends during school term time
If you are lucky enough to have a Center Parcs that isn’t too far away then why not book a break on a weekend during the school term time?
You could pack the car up ready during the school day on a Friday, go straight from school and be at the Center Parcs resort early evening.
You then have the whole time Saturday and Sunday to enjoy. If you live close enough, you could even get up early and drop the kids straight to school from your Center Parcs break.
It could enable you to enjoy a nice cheaper weekend than going during the school holidays.
Choose mid-week breaks at a Center Parcs close to you
Another great option is to choose a mid-week shorter break rather than a weekend. This does mean that the cost might be cheaper than it would be at the weekend.
However, you could take this one step further. If you live close enough to a Center Parcs and you work from home, then why not relocate there for a week during the term time?
You could work from Center Parcs and enjoy the beautiful setting, your kids can enjoy the facilities in the evenings and then make the most of it at the weekend before going home.
This, of course, is only possible if you are within driving distance of your kid’s school. However, if you don’t have kids and work from home, then it could be a great option to enjoy as well.
Be mindful of your school holiday dates and inset days
Some schools have different holidays from others when you live in different council areas. For example, some parts of the UK enjoy a 2-week half term at the end of May and beginning of June while others don’t.
Some get extra days off in the Summer holidays instead. Look at your school holidays and also your inset days, which will also be different, and try and take advantage of different start and end times.
You may find that you can pick up a break that is a little more budget-friendly than it would have been if you were booking a stay during the peak time of the school holidays.
Book a last-minute deal
While for some family holidays it pays to book in advance, with Center Parcs you may find that it is more budget-friendly to book a last-minute trip away.
If you are flexible with your dates, and like the idea of booking with just a few days’ notice, then this could mean that you can enjoy a Center Parcs break without the full cost.
Center Parcs want to fill their accommodation and cabins, so you may find this works out better for you.
Larger group bookings can help save money
If you plan on going on holiday with a few different families or relatives, then it might work out more cost-effective to book one of the larger options for accommodation and all stay together.
Separate cabins, albeit offering more privacy for you, will end up costing you more.
If you are all prepared to stay under the same roof then you could enjoy the Center Parcs holiday without it costing as much as it would have done in your own cabin separately.
Center Parcs Tips To Save Money Whilst There
Take your own bikes
There is no hiding from the fact that there will be additional costs to enjoy some of the facilities at a Center Parcs resort.
While there are many free activities to enjoy and it costs you nothing to get outside and walk around the complex or enjoy the pool, you might want to enjoy things in a different way.
Bringing your own bikes will save on the hire costs at Center Parcs.
There is also the added benefit that you and your children will be comfortable with your own bikes, meaning that you can get out and enjoy biking with confidence rather than worrying about the hired bikes.
Bring your own food and drinks
There are usually shops on-site at Center Parcs complexes, but, the truth is, the food and drinks are sold at inflated costs.
So if you do plan on having some snacks and drinks in your accommodation, or maybe even cooking, then a great tip is to plan out what you need and head to a supermarket outside of the Center Parcs complex.
You can then bring it in with you. This will save you a lot of money when it comes to water bottles, snacks and other drinks you might need.
Refillable drinks bottles
On the subject of drinks, why not bring with you some refillable bottles? This will be perfect for summer as you will need to stay hydrated when out and about.
You could then save a fortune when somebody wants or needs a drink as you will already be prepared.
Embrace the swimming pool
The swimming pool is a free activity that you can enjoy during your time at Center Parcs. It is a great way to spend some quality time with your family.
While you are enjoying a Center Parcs trip you should spend as much time as you can in the swimming pool areas.
You may say that it defeats the object, but the swimming areas are vast and have so much for you to enjoy while you are there.
It will help you to still enjoy your time, but save some money on the additional activities.
Take advantage of the free facilities
There are many different free activities that you can enjoy doing during your time at Center Parcs.
While there are things you can pay for, you can have just as much fun doing the free stuff as well. Here are a couple of examples:
- Swimming – We have already mentioned how you can spend a lot of time in the swimming areas and still have a great time.
- Feed the wildlife – There are specific areas where you can feed the wildlife and also spot animals in the outdoor areas of your accommodation.
- Play on the playgrounds – There are many different playgrounds around the Center Parcs complexes and they are completely free to use. The kids will love them.
- Enjoy your surroundings – Explore the forests and walk around the lake.
- Enjoy a bike ride when bringing your own bikes – A great way to see the area and enjoy some downtime.
Plan your meals or cook while you are there
When it comes to saving money, a great way to do that is to cook your own meals. But I can appreciate that you may not want to spend your whole holiday cooking, so a great hack is to prepare some meals at home before you come on your Center Parcs trip.
Batch cook a few recipes you are eating and then freeze them to be reheated when you get there. Or make up some meals in oven-proof dishes that you can cook when you get there. It will save you time and money.
Take advantage of the “come back soon” loyalty scheme
If you have already had a Center Parcs break then take advantage of the “come back soon” loyalty scheme.
They usually offer money off when it comes to rebooking again and if you know where and when you plan to go, this could be an additional saving.
Center Parcs is a great place to go where the whole family can enjoy some downtime together, but as proven above, it doesn’t need to cost you a fortune.
I hope these Center Parcs tips help you to enjoy a break on a budget.
Which Center Parcs Should You Book ?
There are six Center Parcs locations for you to choose from:
Elveden Forest Suffolk
Nature-lovers and adrenaline junkies alike will adore Elveden Forest in the heart of rural Suffolk, with level, flat terrain ideal for exploring on two wheels.
Woburn Forest Bedfordshire
Set in 300 acres of gently sloping woodland, Woburn Forest is one of the newest villages. Offering the same features as other villages, but a more compact site, it’s ideal for little ones who get tired easily.
Sherwood Forest Nottinghamshire
The original UK Center Parcs village and a traditional family favourite for many. Discover the family-friendly Grand Cascade water ride at the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and the UK’s first Treetop Sauna at the Aqua Sana Spa.
Longleat Forest Wiltshire
Rolling hills, valleys and towering Giant Redwoods make for spectacular scenery and views at this Wiltshire village, this expansive, spaced-out village is ideal for active families and those who love the great outdoors.
Whinfell Forest Cumbria
Set amongst peaceful Caledonian pine woodland, you can catch a glimpse of rare red squirrels and the uncommon orchid, wander beside trickling streams and discover traditional, Scandinavian-style lodges – all around a striking lake centrepiece.
Nestled in 400 acres of diverse, historic woodland just five kilometres from Ballymahon, Longford Forest is the newest village and the first in Ireland.