Center Parcs in Europe
Discussion
I'm looking at a week away with the family 10 & 13 year olds, and I've stumbled across Center Parcs in Europe. Normally I'd be put off as I hate the brand over here, but I understand it's a different company in Europe.
They look a chunk cheaper, but what's it like when you're there, are you fleeced for cash at every turn, or can you have fun without spending too much when you're on-sight?
They look a chunk cheaper, but what's it like when you're there, are you fleeced for cash at every turn, or can you have fun without spending too much when you're on-sight?
okgo said:
They’re the same. Just cheaper is what my brother said, personally the drive to Belgium isn’t worth the time/money for me.
It’s not a different company in a conventional sense, the U.K. is owned by private equity (Brookfield), so not sure it makes much odds.
The drive doesn't bother me. It's part of the adventure, as it going to a different county (we will do a day trip)It’s not a different company in a conventional sense, the U.K. is owned by private equity (Brookfield), so not sure it makes much odds.
We’ve been to a couple in France and Belgium. Definitely cheaper, but very similar once you get there in terms of being rinsed for everything under the sun.
The whole premise is that everything is on site and you don’t need your car, so seeing any of the local area is counter-intuitive. In which case, you might as well put the cost of the tunnel and fuel towards the extra cost of Longleat.
The whole premise is that everything is on site and you don’t need your car, so seeing any of the local area is counter-intuitive. In which case, you might as well put the cost of the tunnel and fuel towards the extra cost of Longleat.
miniman said:
We’ve been to a couple in France and Belgium. Definitely cheaper, but very similar once you get there in terms of being rinsed for everything under the sun.
The whole premise is that everything is on site and you don’t need your car, so seeing any of the local area is counter-intuitive. In which case, you might as well put the cost of the tunnel and fuel towards the extra cost of Longleat.
Where the prices once you're in expensive? I'm pretty sure the kids would be happy with a pool and bikes for about 80% of the time. The whole premise is that everything is on site and you don’t need your car, so seeing any of the local area is counter-intuitive. In which case, you might as well put the cost of the tunnel and fuel towards the extra cost of Longleat.
I will have to look at the costs to see what the difference is once the train and the cost of dragging the car over there is
ThisInJapanese said:
miniman said:
We’ve been to a couple in France and Belgium. Definitely cheaper, but very similar once you get there in terms of being rinsed for everything under the sun.
The whole premise is that everything is on site and you don’t need your car, so seeing any of the local area is counter-intuitive. In which case, you might as well put the cost of the tunnel and fuel towards the extra cost of Longleat.
Where the prices once you're in expensive? I'm pretty sure the kids would be happy with a pool and bikes for about 80% of the time. The whole premise is that everything is on site and you don’t need your car, so seeing any of the local area is counter-intuitive. In which case, you might as well put the cost of the tunnel and fuel towards the extra cost of Longleat.
I will have to look at the costs to see what the difference is once the train and the cost of dragging the car over there is
ThisInJapanese said:
Where the prices once you're in expensive? I'm pretty sure the kids would be happy with a pool and bikes for about 80% of the time.
I will have to look at the costs to see what the difference is once the train and the cost of dragging the car over there is
I would choose the European ones over the British ones purely on price. You’re not losing anything, the local food options are better and the weather is probably better. Price difference of over £1000 per week.I will have to look at the costs to see what the difference is once the train and the cost of dragging the car over there is
I went to one last week in the UK, it should have been kids under school age or private school kids only (as have an extra week off) - mannnnnny people were there who had taken their kids out of school. Confirmed by one or two I got speaking to at the bar/during activities for children.
£700 last week for a 3 bed thing for 4 nights. This week it’s £2000 for the same thing now state schools are off. Most people it seemed would take the school fine.
£700 last week for a 3 bed thing for 4 nights. This week it’s £2000 for the same thing now state schools are off. Most people it seemed would take the school fine.
I went to center parc Sandur a few years ago. It's near the dutch city/town of Emmen a few miles from the German border yet a pretty easy drive from the Hook of Holland.
Parc Sandur tends to be the cheapest center parc when you look at the prices but it was absolutely fine.
If you want an amazing pool area then this isn't the place but it was a really pleasant place built next to a lake with plenty of activities and play areas.
We mainly used it as a base for trips out and about - the zoo in Emmen called Wildlands was amazing, with a brilliant indoor play area with streams and bridges, never seen anything like it in the UK.
I've been looking at options this summer and if center parcs appeal then I'd also look at Landal parks - these seem very widespread in Holland, Germany and Belgium and offer a similar experience by the look of it.
Parc Sandur tends to be the cheapest center parc when you look at the prices but it was absolutely fine.
If you want an amazing pool area then this isn't the place but it was a really pleasant place built next to a lake with plenty of activities and play areas.
We mainly used it as a base for trips out and about - the zoo in Emmen called Wildlands was amazing, with a brilliant indoor play area with streams and bridges, never seen anything like it in the UK.
I've been looking at options this summer and if center parcs appeal then I'd also look at Landal parks - these seem very widespread in Holland, Germany and Belgium and offer a similar experience by the look of it.
okgo said:
£700 last week for a 3 bed thing for 4 nights. This week it’s £2000 for the same thing now state schools are off. Most people it seemed would take the school fine.
I know people who have done this in the past but the law around this has fairly recently changed and people I know seem less keen now.Can't recall the specifics but I remember a letter from the school a while back outlining the changes and it's not just fines - pretty sure it escalates towards court appearances and potential referrals to safeguarding.
okgo said:
I went to one last week in the UK, it should have been kids under school age or private school kids only (as have an extra week off) - mannnnnny people were there who had taken their kids out of school. Confirmed by one or two I got speaking to at the bar/during activities for children.
£700 last week for a 3 bed thing for 4 nights. This week it’s £2000 for the same thing now state schools are off. Most people it seemed would take the school fine.
Sometimes different Authorities have different holidays, with us last week & this coming week are the holidays.£700 last week for a 3 bed thing for 4 nights. This week it’s £2000 for the same thing now state schools are off. Most people it seemed would take the school fine.
When I was last down in Nottingham it was Scottish holidays - Scottish accents everywhere, was also a £700 midweek.
miniman said:
The whole premise is that everything is on site and you don’t need your car, so seeing any of the local area is counter-intuitive. In which case, you might as well put the cost of the tunnel and fuel towards the extra cost of Longleat.
7 nights at Longleat for a family of 4 - £28487 nights at De Vossemeren for a family of 4 -€1661 (~£1418)
Le Shuttle- £370
Fuel- £100
Still the best part of £1000 cheaper to go into Europe!
We have been to the one near Winterberg in Germany (Center Parcs Park Hochsauerland) for day trips. Not stayed there but had discounts to use the facilities. Lovely pool, biggest outdoor play park in Europe, great area around, loads to do, MTB, zip lines, water sports, beautiful area of Germany. Less than 5hrs drive from Hook of Holland ferry, we enjoy the overnight ferry as just adds to the event.
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