Planning a getaway to Center Parcs can be an exciting adventure for families and friends. We're huge advocates for Center Parcs and find the experience is incredibly rewarding, we're also aware it can also be quite costly. Fear not! Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you make the most of your holiday at Center Parcs without breaking the bank.
1. Cook in your lodge
All Center Parcs accommodations come with fully-equipped kitchens. You won't have all the comforts of your home kitchen but they come stock with the basic equipment to cook your meals while staying there.
Kitchens come with the basics - they have an oven, stove, microwave, baking trays. kettle, a selection of pots and pans and some knives and key utensils. Some bits of kitchen kit you might want to bring include:
Kitchens come with the basics - they have an oven, stove, microwave, baking trays. kettle, a selection of pots and pans and some knives and key utensils. Some bits of kitchen kit you might want to bring include:
- Slow cooker or Pressure Cooker/InstantPot: allow you to throw things in, set a timer and come back to a made dinner
- Toastie machine: Toasties can be a family favourite for lunch
- Air fryer: Hear us out, bringing an air fryer to Center Parcs is a more reliable way to cook family favourites like chips, nuggets and fish fingers.
Probably this biggest thing you can do to save money while at Center Parcs is preparing your own meals. Plan your menu in advance, and bring along non-perishable items to reduce grocery shopping costs. Consider having a packed lunch or a picnic during your outing days instead of dining at restaurants.
2. Utilise the free activities
While many activities at Center Parcs come with a fee, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy. Explore the play parks, run about the softplays, hike through the forests, or spend the day at the sandy beach.
The number one activity that's included in your stay is the swimming at the subtropical swimming paradise. The swimming has something for everyone, kiddy pools for the little ones, flumes for the adventure seeker, hot tubs to soak in and a pool with lanes for doing lengths.
The number one activity that's included in your stay is the swimming at the subtropical swimming paradise. The swimming has something for everyone, kiddy pools for the little ones, flumes for the adventure seeker, hot tubs to soak in and a pool with lanes for doing lengths.
3. Bring your own bicycles
Renting bicycles can be pricey, especially for a family. If possible, bring your own bikes to enjoy the extensive cycling paths throughout the resort. It’s a great way to stay active and explore the surroundings without additional costs.
You'll see many cars at Center Parcs with roof racks.
You'll see many cars at Center Parcs with roof racks.
4. Plan ahead
Plan your activities in advance and pre-book them where possible. This will not only help you manage your budget more effectively but also ensure you get slots for popular activities at a time that suits you.
Booking for activities is done online and opens up 12 weeks before your stay.
Booking for activities is done online and opens up 12 weeks before your stay.
5. Pack Smart
Don't worry if you forget something, Center Parcs has an onsite Parc Market which is generally well stocked and there are some clothing outlets on site too (as well as the toy shop) However you can avoid spending extra money on items you forgot to pack by having a detailed packing list. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:
- Essentials: Toiletries, first aid kit, and medications.
- Kitchen Items: Basic spices, oils, condiments, and snacks.
- Activities Gear: Swimwear, sports equipment, and sensible shoes.
- Comfort Items: Board games, books, and DVDs for cozy nights in. You can connect devices to the TV using HDMI so you could bring a Switch or Fire Stick.
Use the Price Promise
That's our top 5 ways to save some money but there's one last time we have to share and thats regarding the Center Parcs UK Price Promise that is applied to some bookings.
Either use our Come Back Soon Tracker to monitor your booking details or regularly check the Center Parcs website for the cost of accommodation on your chosen dates.. If the price for your holiday drops, you can benefit from the price difference under the Come Back Soon Offer / Price Promise, potentially saving hundreds of pounds.
Either use our Come Back Soon Tracker to monitor your booking details or regularly check the Center Parcs website for the cost of accommodation on your chosen dates.. If the price for your holiday drops, you can benefit from the price difference under the Come Back Soon Offer / Price Promise, potentially saving hundreds of pounds.
