New data from Which? has revealed Brits could more than halve their accommodation costs by opting to stay at a Center Parcs site in Europe, instead of the UK
Families planning on visiting Center Parcs in the UK this year could save hundreds by switching their visit to a European location.
New research carried out by Which? has revealed that families could more than halve their accommodation costs by opting to visit a European location of Center Parcs. Comparing the price of a four-night family stay at 32 Center Parcs sites across England and Europe during school holidays, Which? found that UK sites cost considerably more than prices paid elsewhere in Europe.
The average price paid in the UK was £1,435. However, the average cost in Germany and the Netherlands was hundreds less, costing an average of £857 and £886 respectively. Whilst France and Germany came in at a slightly higher cost, both destinations were still considerably less than the UK, costing £1098 and £1121 respectively.
“While UK holiday parks offer families an easy way to explore the great British countryside, our research has found that casting your net further afield could make your break more affordable,” Naomi Leach, deputy editor of Which? Travel said. “Those holidaying in the May and October half-terms stand to make the most significant savings, but even during the summer a family could save hundreds of pounds on their accommodation costs. Do factor in the cost of transport and travel insurance to ensure the swap is worthwhile and always double check European parks have the facilities and activities you expect.”
Bookings for May half-term in France were found to be 143% less than the average cost in the UK. A May half-term Center Parcs break in the UK would set you back £1,449 on average, but the same period would only cost £597 in France. The same week was also less in Germany (£788), the Netherlands (£742) and Belgium (£672).
If wanting to visit Center Parcs in the October half-term, the biggest savings can be found in the Netherlands where a four-night break will save families £804 compared to the UK. During the summer holidays, Germany proved to be the cheapest Center Parcs destination. The end of the summer break offered the biggest savings, with a stay at a German Center Parcs between 26th and 30th August coming to £803 on average, over £600 less than a stay in the UK at £1409.
As Naomi said, it is worth checking the travel costs to get to the European destinations. The easiest parks to get are in France and Belgium, which can be accessed from the south of England. A return ferry for a family of four to Calais, France, costs around £150. Alternatively, parks in the Netherlands can be reached directly by ferry from Hull, Harwich or Newcastle, or by driving a few hours from Calais or Dunkirk.
While Center Parcs Europe is a separate company from its UK counterpart, it still operates 27 parks across Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. European locations also have the chance of warmer weather conditions and cheaper activity costs. Some parks are also in proximity of major tourist attractions, such as the Villages Nature Paris park which is short distance from Disneyland Paris. Alternatively, for those who are big lovers of nature and the environment, the Les Landes de Gascogne park in Beauziac, France, offers impressive treehouses, vegetable gardens and tall pine trees.