Center Parcs is an amazing place to go on holiday but it can be pricey, especially if you go during the school holidays.

Here are my five alternatives to Center Parcs.

I love going on holiday to Center Parcs and have had several breaks there with my family.

However, I’m the first to admit it’s not the cheapest place to go on holiday.

While I don’t think anything can beat the amenities and overall feeling you get at Center Parcs, there are plenty of other holiday parks that offer a very similar vibe, with onsite swimming pools, restaurants and log cabins.

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If you’re looking for a holiday like Center Parcs, but are on a tight budget, or simply want to try something a little bit different I’ve listed the some of the best alternatives below.

5 Alternatives To Center Parcs

1.Ribby Hall Village

Ribby Hall Village is in Lancashire, and not too far from Blackpool. It’s a family owned holiday village that has a range of luxury self-catering holiday lodges has as well as it’s very own hotel and spa.

Ribby hall has some of the same events as Center Parcs such as a Winter Wonderland and offer some of the same facilities such as a swimming pool, restaurants and spa. One other difference is that you can actually purchase a holiday home a Ribby Hall, something you can’t do at Center Parcs.

Many Center Parcs locations aren’t close to the coast, so having a beach nearby might be seen as a bonus by some families.

2. Forest Holidays

Forest Holidays has 13 locations in the U.K. and offers holidays like Center Parcs if it’s a secluded cabin in the woods you’re looking for.

While not all locations offer the range of amenities that Center Parcs has, it’s still worth checking out, especially for an adult break where you want to spend your time relaxing rather than doing family activities.

Many of the lodges come with hot tubs too which is always a nice bonus although do be aware prices aren’t that different to Center Parcs.

Do Forest Holidays Have Swimming Pools?

No, none of the Forest Holidays sites currently have swimming pools, so if your favourite thing about Center Parcs is the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, this might not be the right Center Parcs alternative for you.

3. Haven

While Haven might not be quite as upmarket as Center Parcs, it is a great option for those on a tight budget.

Haven offers a range of different accommodation – from camping and caravans to more luxurious options like wood lodges.

There are Haven sites located all over the U.K. so it should be easy to find one that’s in easy travelling distance of your home.

Amenities can vary hugely between sites though, so be sure to do plenty of research before booking.

As with most places, the cheapest breaks can be found in low season and during term time.

You can also book a cheaper break that doesn’t include entertainment or swimming pool access.

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4. Bluestone Wales – Closest Alternative To Center Parcs

Bluestone Wales has a similar look and feel to Center Parcs and is a great alternative although prices aren’t that much cheaper.

It has similar facilities which include a swimming pool, entertainment and on-site restaurants.

Bluestone Wales has a more open feel than Center Parcs with many lodges and other types of accommodation being in a open area rather than in the forest itself.

5. Center Parcs Europe

As well as having locations in the U.K., Center Parcs also has locations all across Europe including France, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands.

Generally speaking these work out much cheaper than booking a break here, however, there are the additional costs of travel to take into account.

I find the idea of visiting the one just outside of Paris very appealing as it’s so close to Disneyland but would probably be cheaper than staying onsite with Disney.

Photo by Victoria Welton on Unsplash