3 staycation holiday parks that can save you money this summer
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The Great British Staycation continues to be a popular choice for those looking to escape the fast pace of everyday life in 2023, with destinations in the Isle of Wight and Wales being named among the best for a summer holiday in the UK. While the end of the pandemic has seen flights and international holidays resume, with cheap deals on easyJet flights and Jet2 flight sales frequently on offer, millions of Britons continue to set their sights on a holiday in the UK.
Research from Tripadvisor found that over a third of British holidaymakers will take both international and domestic trips, while a similar number, 31 percent, will make the most of the warmer weather at home, holidaying exclusively in the UK. But with the demand for UK staycations continuing to rise, prices are also skyrocketing, especially at some much-loved destinations.
If you’re hoping to book a stay at Center Parcs in the summer holidays, you could be looking at prices upwards of £1,000 for less than a week. The network of holiday villages offers quaint cottages and lodges, as well as activities for all of the family such as swimming pools, mini golf, treetop activity courses and live entertainment.
But, whether you’re on a budget or simply looking for something a little different, there are plenty of other holiday parks to explore in the UK. Express.co.uk has rounded up some alternative staycation parks offering a similar experience which might just save you some money too.
Scroll down to read the full list of staycation holiday parks, as well as information on activities, accommodation and pricing guidelines, or click on the links to jump to the relevant section.
Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest
An alternative to Center Parcs Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
If you’re looking for a Sherwood Forest escape, Forest Holidays offers a great Nottinghamshire alternative to Center Parcs. Unlike Center Parcs Sherwood Forest, all holiday accommodations at Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest location come with a hot tub, even on its one-bedroom properties. As a result, one-bedroom properties can be a little pricer than their Center Parcs counterpart.
But the hot tub is all part of a wider focus on relaxation, with holidaymakers firmly rooted in the great outdoors, with nothing but the sound of the rustling leaves and the hot tub bubbling away.
In terms of location, all of the surrounding amenities are the same for both Center Parcs Sherwood Forest and Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest, with just a 12-minute drive between them. Holidaymakers can enjoy the rich history of Sherwood Forest, the home of heroic legend Robin Hood.
There are also plenty of activities to fill your time with while enjoying a stay at Forest Holidays, including archery, axe throwing, a Go Ape treetop adventure, and even in-room spa treatments. However, while Center Parcs has its famous indoor swimming pool, there are no swimming facilities at Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest.
Though Forest Holidays is self-catering, easy-to-make food and drink packages can be purchased for delivery to your cabin or lodge.
Express.co.uk compared prices between Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest and Center Parcs Sherwood Forest and found the following savings:
Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest
- Four nights at Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest in a three-bedroom New Style Golden Oak lodge with hot tub from July 24 to July 28, 2023, priced at £1,545
- Seven nights at Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest in a three-bedroom New Style Golden Oak lodge with hot tub from August 21 to August 28, 2023, priced at £3,240
Center Parcs Sherwood Forest
- Four nights at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest in a three-bedroom New Style Executive Lodge with hot tub from July 24 to July 28, 2023, priced at £2,799
- Seven nights at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest in a three-bedroom New Style Executive Lodge with hot tub and sauna from August 21 to August 28, 2023, priced at £5,298.00
Express.co.uk found these prices independently, with all costs accurate at the time of writing (May 2023), based on two adults, but these are subject to availability.
Find the best price for your stay and book a staycation with Forest Holidays Book Now
White Cross Bay Holiday Park
An alternative to Center Parcs Whinfell Forest
Nestled in the Lake District town of Bowness-on-Windermere is White Cross Bay Holiday Park, a mix of caravans and luxury lodges on the shoreline of Lake Windermere run by Parkdean Resorts. The site offers pet-friendly options and select lodges also feature a private hot tub.
Though White Cross Bay is roughly a 55-minute drive from Center Parcs Lake District option Whifell Forest, the Parkdean Resorts location benefits from similarly green surroundings and, of course, a nearby lake.
Much like at Center Parcs, guests can enjoy access to an indoor pool, as well as spa features including a spa pool, sauna and steam room. On sunny days, little ones can enjoy the outdoor play area while adults can soak up the rays from the beer garden. There’s also an amusement arcade, multi-sports court, bar, restaurant and coffee shop.
Given its location, there are plenty of lakes, forests and mountains to explore beyond the park entrance.
Express.co.uk compared prices between White Cross Bay Holiday Park and Center Parcs Whinfell Forest and found the following savings:
White Cross Bay Holiday Park
- Three nights at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in two-bedroom Loweswater Lodge from July 28th to July 31st, 2023, priced at £798
- Three nights at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in two-bedroom Brathay Lodge from August 25th to August 28th, 2023, priced at £849
Center Parcs Whinfell Forest
- Three nights at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest in a two-bedroom New Style Woodland Lodge from July 28th to July 31st, priced at £859
- Three nights at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest in a two-bedroom New Style Woodland Lodge from August 25th to August 28th, 2023, priced at £899
Express.co.uk found these prices independently, with all costs accurate at the time of writing (May 2023), based on two adults, but these are subject to availability.
Compare prices and book your holiday at White Cross Bay Book Now
Brokerswood Holiday Park
An alternative to Center Parcs Longleat in Wiltshire
Just a 15-minute drive from Center Parcs’ Longleat location is Brokerswood Holiday Park, operated by Hoseasons. The holiday park features a variety of different accommodations, ranging from comfortable static caravans with their own private decking, to luxury lodges which can sleep up to eight people and feature their own hot tub. For those hoping to bring along the fluffier members of the family, pets are also welcome at select accommodation types too.
There is plenty of entertainment on-site for guests to enjoy, including canoeing and kayaking, a “Tarzan” adventure trail, axe throwing and fishing. However, unlike Center Parcs Longleat, Brokerswood does not feature a swimming pool or a spa.
If you’re looking to explore the area beyond the holiday parks, there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors busy. Brokerswood Holiday Park is nine miles from Longleat Safari Park and is also a short drive to historic attractions at Bath, Salisbury and Stonehenge.
Express.co.uk compared prices between Brokerswood Holiday Park and Center Parcs Longleat and found the following savings:
Brokerswood Holiday Park
- Four nights at Brokerswood Holiday Park in a comfort plus two-bedroom static caravan from July 24 to July 28, 2023, priced at £665 (includes £74 discount)
- Seven nights at Brokerswood Holiday Park in a comfort plus two-bedroom static caravan from August 7 to August 14, 2023, priced at £829 (includes £46 discount)
Center Parcs Longleat
- Four nights at Center Parcs Longleat in a one-bedroom New Style executive studio apartment from July 24 to July 28, 2023, priced at £779
- Four nights at Center Parcs in a one-bedroom New Style Executive Studio Apartment from August 7 to August 14, 2023, priced at £1408
Express.co.uk found these prices independently, with all costs accurate at the time of writing (May 2023), based on two adults, but these are subject to availability.
Compare prices and book your stay at Brokerswood Holiday Park Book Now
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