UK households visiting Center Parcs can have holiday reduced by £852

The little-known way you can save more than £800 on your Center Parcs holiday this year has been revealed by experts. Which?, a consumer body, says UK families can have £852 removed from their Center Parcs bill as we head towards the spring and summer getaway season.

Which? compared the cost of a four-night stay for a family of four at 32 Center Parcs sites across England and four countries in the European Union: France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Which? crunched the numbers on trips across five separate weeks of the school holidays in May, July, August and October.

The research found that the average prices at Center Parcs resorts in the UK were "considerably higher" than Europe with the average price of a four-night break at a Center Parcs site an eye-watering £1,435, compared to £857 and £886 in Germany and the Netherlands.

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In May, a family of four could save £852 by booking to stay at a Center Parcs in France compared to the UK, it also found. During May half term, a UK stay costs £1,449, on average, compared to just £597 in France. And holidaymakers could save £788 in Germany, £742 in the Netherlands and £672 in Belgium during the same week.

In October half term, a UK stay will cost an average of £1,449 compared to £645 in the Netherlands. Naomi Leach, Deputy Editor of Which? Travel said: "While UK holiday parks offer families an easy way to explore the great British countryside, our research has found that casting your net further afield could make your break more affordable.

"Those holidaying in the May and October half-terms stand to make the most significant savings, but even during the summer a family could save hundreds of pounds on their accommodation costs. Do factor in the cost of transport and travel insurance to ensure the swap is worthwhile and always double check European parks have the facilities and activities you expect."

A spokesperson from Center Parcs UK said: "Despite sharing a brand name, Center Parcs UK and Center Parcs Europe are entirely separate companies which operate very differently. At Center Parcs UK, our unique offering attracts loyal guests, a high number of whom return year after year – last year, we welcomed approximately 2.2 million guests and had continued occupancy of around 97%.

"We continue to invest heavily in our facilities, accommodation, people and the woodlands in which we operate. With Center Parcs villages across the country, we offer the opportunity to enjoy a high-quality and convenient short break in a beautiful woodland setting, without the need for lengthy travel with children."