Brits deterred by the cost of a break to Center Parcs in the UK could save up to £800 on their accommodation by opting for a European site, new Which? research has found.
The consumer advocate compared the costs of four-night stays for a family of four at 32 Center Parcs sites in England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany during five separate school holiday weeks: in May, July, August and October.
It found that average prices paid at Center Parcs resorts in the UK “were considerably higher than prices paid elsewhere in Europe”, stating that Britons could save “hundreds of pounds by holidaying abroad “.
Throughout the dates Which one? Checked, the average UK Center Parcs accommodation price is £1,435, while the average cost in Germany and the Netherlands is a fraction of that, averaging £857 and £866 respectively.
According to the watchdog, substantial savings could also be made in France and Belgium, where average stays cost £1,098 and £1,121 respectively.
Which? compared the costs of four-night stays for a family of four at 32 Center Parcs sites across Europe
Brits deterred by the cost of a break to Center Parcs in the UK could save up to £800 on accommodation by opting for a European site. Which? found. Above: Center Parcs Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire, England
Which? revealed that France had the most significant savings in the May half-term where, without taking travel costs into account, a family could save £852 on average compared to booking in the UK.
The consumer group found that, at an average of £1,449 in May, a stay at Center Parcs in the UK costs 143 per cent more than the average cost of a comparable break in France (£597).
During the same week, which one? found that British families could save an average of £788 in Germany, £742 in the Netherlands and £672 in Belgium.
Meanwhile, those booking in the October half-term can find the biggest savings in the Netherlands, where a four-night break costs £804 less on average than in the UK.
Which? revealed that, using the average of £1,449, a break to Center Parcs in the UK is 125 per cent more expensive than its Dutch equivalent (£645).
During the summer holidays, the consumer group found that Germany was the cheapest Center Parcs destination in each of the three weeks analysed.
The end of the summer holidays offered the biggest savings, which ones? noted.
A stay at a German Center Parcs between August 26 and 30 cost an average of £803, which is more than £600 less than a stay in the UK (£1,409).
Between August 19 and 23, which one? He claimed travelers could save just £500 and £254 between July 19 and August 2, compared to staying in the UK.
While travel costs could drive these prices up, what are the spot checks? suggests families could still save once taken into account, especially if they book ferries well in advance.
Which? He noted that the Center Parks of Belgium and France are the easiest to reach from the south of England. For example, Park de Haan in Belgium is approximately just over an hour’s drive from Dunkirk, while Calais is about two and a half hours from Center Parcs Le Lac d’Ailette.
| DATES | United Kingdom | France | Belgium | Netherlands | Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27 – 31 | £1,449 | £597 | £777 | £707 | £661 |
| July 29 – August 2 | £1,429 | £1,472 | £1,355 | £1,210 | £1,175 |
| August 19 – 23 | £1,439 | £1,419 | £1,281 | £995 | £949 |
| August 26 – 30 | £1,409 | £1,143 | £1,070 | £872 | £803 |
| October 28 – November 1 | £1,449 | £857 | N/A | £645 | £699 |
| Averages | £1,435 | £1,098 | £1,121 | £886 | £857 |
Throughout the dates Which one? As we’ve found, the average price of accommodation at Center Parcs resorts in the UK is £1,435. Pictured above is Center Parcs Woburn Forest
Which? revealed that at the time of writing, a return ferry to Calais for a family of four could be booked for £147 during the October half-term or £165 during the May half-term.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, can be reached by ferry from Hull, Harwich and Newcastle, or by driving a few hours from Calais or Dunkirk.
Center Parcs De Eemhof has the lowest price in October: £505 for four nights, which one? noted. It’s about an hour and a half drive from Hook of Holland, with a return ferry from Harwich available for £188 at the time of writing, according to the consumer group.
At a total cost of £693, it’s a saving of £606 compared to Center Parcs Whinfell Forest in Cumbria, which is the lowest priced UK park available that week (£1,299 for a four-night stay). revealed.
Which? However, he advises tourists to take into account the duration of the trip, as the ferry crossing to Hoek van Holland takes more than seven hours.
Naomi Leach, deputy editor of Which? Travelsaid: “While UK holiday parks offer families an easy way to explore the great British countryside, our research has found that looking further afield could make your holiday more affordable.”
‘Those who go on holiday in the May and October half-terms save the most, but even during the summer a family could save hundreds of pounds on accommodation costs.
“Take into account the cost of transport and travel insurance to make sure the move is worth it and always check that European parks have the facilities and activities you expect.”
Center Parcs UK said: ‘Despite sharing a brand, Center Parcs UK and Center Parcs Europe are completely separate companies that operate very differently.
‘At Center Parcs UK, our unique offering attracts loyal guests, a large number of whom return year after year; Last year, we welcomed approximately 2.2 million guests and had continuous occupancy of around 97 percent. We continue to invest heavily in our facilities, accommodation, people and the forests in which we operate.’
