For many families, a week spent at a Center Parcs resort nestled in the woods with plenty of outdoor activities has become a beloved tradition.
Though it’s a popular choice, it can often be expensive – sometimes prohibitively so, especially during peak times such as school holidays.
For those seeking an alternative that could save hundreds of pounds, there is a simple solution: choosing Center Parcs locations in Europe.
Though operated by two separate companies, both Center Parcs UK and Center Parcs Europe offer the same kind of nature-based getaway, but at varying prices.
The Daily Mail compared prices for the upcoming school breaks – October half term and February half term, to see whether it was better value to stay closer to home or head overseas.
Analysing the cheapest available accommodation in each destination, we calculated the median cost for every country.
A trip to Center Parcs UK costs around £1,709 on average, for a family of four staying four nights from October 27-31 2025.
The most expensive option was Longleat Forest, located in Wiltshire, which promises ‘spectacular scenery and striking views’ and came to £1,849.
For many families, a week spent at a Center Parcs resort tucked away in the woods with plenty of outdoor activities is a staple
Though two separate companies, both Center Parcs UK and Center Parcs Europe offer the same sort of nature-based trip away, and at varying prices
The Daily Mail compared prices for the upcoming school breaks – October half term and February half term, to see whether it was better value to stay closer to home or head overseas
Meanwhile, Whinfell Forest, located in the heart of the Lake District, was the most affordable option at £1,499 for four nights.
The Europe-based company offers several destinations, including the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany and Denmark.
All were cheaper than staying in the UK on average, with some costing less than half the price of a trip closer to home.
In the Netherlands, the average price for the same dates during October half term comes to €645.56 (£561.25) making it the cheapest option overall.
Germany was a close second, costing £611.33 on average, while Denmark, which is home to only one Center Parcs resort, cost £753.77.
Belgium was slightly more, at £822.10 for the four night stay.
France was the priciest, but families can still enjoy a trip abroad for around €1,398.86 (£1,216.16), which is still £500 cheaper than the UK option, with the added bonus of a change of scenery, cuisine, and culture.
It’s important to note that school holiday dates in the UK and other European countries, like France, may not align, which could affect the overall cost.
A trip to Center Parcs UK costs around £1,709 on average, for a family of four staying four nights, October 27 to 31. Pictured: Woburn Forest
The Europe-based company has several destinations, including the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany and Denmark. Pictured: Center Parcs, Het Heijderbos, in the Netherlands
Even with the cost of travel to overseas destinations factored in, it may still be a better deal to head abroad for a Center Parcs getaway.
The cheapest place to stay out of all the individual European parks for October half term was Park Nordseeküste, at €423 (£367.43).
Using Rome2Rio, the Mail calculated the cost to travel from London to the German resort including fuel cost for the drive and a trip across the Channel.
Overall, the return journey came to £431 for a family of four.
It would take nine hours to reach Park Nordseeküste from London, with a drive to Folkestone costing around £20.50 in fuel.
A return ticket for Le Shuttle priced at £173 for certain times, while the drive from Calais-Fréthun to the park worked out at around £108.50 in fuel, according to Rome2Rio.
In total, with travel accounted for, the trip to Park Nordseeküste would be £789.75, still less than half of what it would be to stay at a UK destination on average.
While the more expensive trip abroad, Villages Nature Paris was €1,564 (£1,359.73).
Even with the cost of travel accounted for to the overseas destinations, it may still be a better deal to head abroad for a Center Parcs fix
With a similar journey to the German location, but driving from Calais-Fréthun to Center Parcs Villages Nature Paris, it came to around £311 in return travel costs.
This brings the total to £1670.73, which is still below the average price for a trip in the UK.
Earlier this week, Georgina Fuller who has been to all of the Center Parcs in the UK, wrote in the Daily Mail how she felt the prices were ‘outrageous’.
She noted that they were especially high ‘during school holidays when they’re usually double’.
For those looking ahead to February half term next year, a four night stay for a family of four still costs significantly less than the UK options.
To stay at Center Parcs closer to home from February 16 to 20, it costs around £1,319 on average.
On the pricier side, Longleat Forest came to £1,399, while Whinfell Forest was the cheapest at £1,199.
During February half term, for the same dates, Denmark proved to be the cheapest with it’s one location, Nordborg Resort coming to €604 (£523.93).
Earlier this week, Georgina Fuller, who has been to all of the Center Parcs in the UK, wrote in the Daily Mail how she felt the prices were ‘outrageous’. Pictured: A Center Parcs villa in France
Next up was the Netherlands at €630.11 (£546.58) overall, while Germany came third, with a trip there costing €639.67 (£554.88) on average.
Belgium was next best value, at €707.80 (£613.97) and France was fifth at €912 (£791.11) on average, still offering visitors hundreds of pounds of savings compared to a trip in the UK.
The Daily Mail approached Center Parcs UK for comment.
Prices correct as of September 3, 2025.
