Who doesn’t love Center Parcs?
Since opening its first UK village in Sherwood Forest back in the ’80s, the brand become a cultural and nostalgic touchstone.
The resorts draw around 2.3 million across the UK and Ireland each year with its woodland lodges, pretty cycle paths and family-friendly activities.
They’re so popular, in fact, that they’re often at 97% capacity, all year round.
However, there’s no denying that these getaways have become increasingly expensive — rising to eye-watering prices during the school holidays.
Case in point: Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert found three-bed lodges starting at £2,798 for the first week of August 2026.
Even regular Bank Holiday breaks start from £1,149.
With the cost of just about everything rising, it can be hard to justify spending that on any kind of holiday, certainly on staycations.
Especially when budget airlines are selling European flights for less than a train from London to your favourite Center Parcs.
Metro has done some digging to find the best family-friendly alternatives on the continent.
1. Center Parcs Europe
Die-hard Center Parcs fans — why not swap the UK resorts for a cheaper European one?
Center Parcs Europe is under separate corporate ownership from the UK arm, but offers identical experiences.
We’re talking massive indoor water parks, climbing walls and those same gorgeous forest lodges.
Resorts across France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands often come in at a fraction of the price.
For example, four-night stays for four people during promotional off-peak seasons can be as little as €207 (£177) per person.
Standard off-peak and mid-week getaways typically range between €400 (£342) and €800 (£684) for short stays.
And if you’ve choice but to travel during the summer holidays, prices for a family of four generally range from €1,300 (£1,111) to €2,200 (£1,881).
According to peak summer estimates by Holiday Park Guru, Germany is the cheapest, followed by the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
2. Ulrichshof Nature, Germany
Deep in the Bavarian Forest, and close to the Czechia border, is Ulrichshof Nature.
The complex is perfect for families: there’s a heated outdoor pool, a pirate-themed splash park, a whirlpool and slides.
Away from the water-based activities, there’s also a forest playground where adults and kids can enjoy climbing and zip lines.
Plus, there’s daily childcare available from 9am to 8pm if an adults-only relaxation day calls.
The main difference between the classic Center Parcs is that rather than lodge accommodation, Ulrichshof Nature has family suites of all sizes.
On the cheaper end of the scale, there are standard rooms with balconies.
If you’re willing to splash the cash, you can upgrade to luxury suites with large living spaces.
There are plenty of packages to suit all budgets, many of which include all-inclusive meals with sustainable, regional cuisine.
For example, the July ‘family happiness’ package starts from €366 (£313) for one night.
The ‘lucky riders’ package, which includes three-pony riding sessions, starts from €1,341 (£1,146) for four nights.
The nearest airports are Munich and Nuremberg, around a two-hour drive away.
In September, flights from Gatwick to Munich with easyJet average at £48. Ryanair flies to Nuremberg from Stansted for as little as £30.
3. Lalandia, Denmark
Water babies must try Lalandia at least once.
Denmark’s collection of tropical-themed family holiday resorts has locations across the country, including Billund, Rødby and Søndervig.
The Billund resort is home to Scandinavia’s largest indoor waterpark (called Aquadomes), where guests can enjoy high-speed water slides, a large wave pool, a lazy river, and a secret cave pool with an underwater aquarium.
As a collective, Lalandia also features Nordic holiday cottages, indoor play areas, and various restaurants.
There are bowling alleys, mini-golf, fitness centres, and sports halls, too.
Not to mention the impressive Tarzan course – a forest obstacle course that stretches over 400 metres, complete with a zipline.
For those wanting to experience the Aquadomes, autumn holiday bookings for the Billund location are now open.
A spacious holiday home for a family of four starts from €734 (£627) in October. The cottages have two bedrooms, a covered terrace, and disabled facilities.
You can fly directly to Billund Airport from London Heathrow. British Airways has direct flights in October from £68.
4. Duinrell, Netherlands
From the largest waterpark in Scandinavia to the biggest in the Netherlands — Duinrell should be on your agenda.
This holiday and amusement park is located in the town of Wassenaar, in the province of South Holland.
You can either stay overnight or visit for the day, whatever your budget permits.
Key features include the amusement park, which boasts rides for all ages, from thrilling rollercoasters to competitive bumper car sessions.
The tropical waterpark is also a highlight: With 21 unique slides, including a spinning giant funnel and a lazy river, it’s the largest in the Benelux.
The park also features an outdoor tiki pool, open in the summer months.
For those planning on a day trip, tickets for the amusement park and outdoor tiki pool start from €29.50 (£25).
Making a holiday of it? There are multiple accommodation options available, including camping, glamping, and ‘Duingalows.’
A four-person, five-night bungalow stay in September starts from €736 (£629).
Camping by the river starts from €265 (£226) for two nights, while a glamping spot for a family of five starts from €515 (£440) for three nights.
The closest airport to Duinrell is Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM), a 30-minute drive away.
Transavia flies from Stansted for as little as £39 in September.
5. Cambrils Park, Salou, Spain
Last but not least, if southern Europe is calling, check out Cambrils Park in Salou.
It’s located just a five-minute walk from the beach, in the heart of the Costa Daurada, where you’ll find charming villages, natural landscapes, and historic sites.
On-site, it’s a family affair. The park boasts swimming pools with splash areas for the little ones, slides and water games for the adventurous, and a quiet environment where parents can relax.
Inside, there’s a playroom where kids can take part in creative workshops or group games.
Or, if you feel like a family wellness day, there’s a spa where parents and children can relax together. Whether it’s floating in heated pools or trying hydrotherapy circuits, Cambrils Park believes that wellness isn’t just for stressed-out adults.
As for accommodation, there are a variety of themed apartments available, with one, two or three bedrooms.
There’s the ‘calm and sophistication of La Mediterrània,’ the ‘exotic vegetation of La Polynesia,’ and the ‘energy and colour of the Caribbean.’
For example, a villa for a family of four for four nights starts from €720 (£615) in September, while ‘Aloha bungalows’ that sleep six start from €745 (£637).
The nearest airport is Reus, a 15-minute drive away. Jet2 fly from Luton for around £30.
