It's no secret that Center Parcs can be an expensive holiday! Here are my top tips for saving money (as well as my blog on free things to do while you're there).
Use the "come back soon" offer
Center Parcs offer you £50 off your next break if you book within a certain timeframe - so if you know you want to go again then it's worth booking in to benefit from £50 off.
Visit in winter
If you don't mind the cold weather then the winter is the cheapest time to visit and you can spend your days in the tropics of the pool!
Book in advance
The earlier you book the more choice of accommodation you have and therefore more chance of a cheaper style accommodation. The closer to the time you get the more chance of the expensive ones being left.
Be flexible about when you book
If you're able to book outside of school holidays then a midweek break Monday- Friday offers the best value for money (with 4 nights being even cheaper than a 3 night weekend break).
Travel on an inset day
As inset days usually fall outside of the school holiday calendar you can save money if you are lucky here.
Use all the free activities on offer
See my separate blog post with all of this information - but as a starter use the Subtropical Swimming Paradise!
Book the cheaper activities when you are there
Some of the cheaper activities include adventure golf, bowling (cheaper the more people you have), American pool plus many more.
Make the most of your check in and out days
Whilst this doesn't actually save you money you will get your money's worth if you take advantage of being able to be on site from 10am on your day of check in and until midnight on your day of checkout.
Free under-threes' swimming sessions
Baby Dolphins is a free session for under-threes run before the pool opens while it's quiet to introduce babies and toddlers to the water. These take place at different times and on different days for each village – check directly with reception as well, as they're subject to change.
Arrange "click and collect" at a local supermarket
The supermarket on site is great but it's expensive so if you can't bring all your food with you then arrange a click and collect with a local supermarket for when you arrive to save some £££.
Pack like a pro
it might sound obvious but pack everything into the car you possibly can that you might need and would end up buying there. For isntance:
- bucket and spade for the beach
- logs for the fire
- bike lock for buggies
- washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets (you only get a small amount included in the lodge)
Consider the Alternatives
Center Parcs resorts in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands are very often a lot cheaper that the UK parks even when you've factored in the costs of flights or ferries. It's worth taking a look!
You can even try one of the similar parks in the UK such as Bluestone in Wales.
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