Parents have expressed outrage after discovering dramatic price differences for stays at Center Parcs during the February half-term break.
Ian Addison, a teacher and father-of-two from Hampshire, revealed that a four-night stay in a two-bedroom Woodland Lodge at the Woburn Forest Center Parcs costs £429 for the week beginning February 10.
However, the identical accommodation surges to £1,449 during half-term week, starting February 17.
Sharing his findings on X, Addison wrote: “Does anyone know when half-term is? Oh, don’t worry, I worked it out.”
Center Parcs defended the decision
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Social media users have branded the price hike as “criminal,” with many expressing concern about its impact on lower-income families.
“This penalises poorer families. They can’t afford to take their kids away in half term. They then end up breaking the law by taking them in school time or can’t take them at all! It’s so unfair,” one user wrote.
Another commented: “This makes me so cross. I’m trying to book to take my kids away this week because I can’t do it during term time. We’ve had an awful year and I think we really need some quality time together.”
Center Parcs defended its pricing strategy in a statement, highlighting its popularity with families.
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A holiday bungalow at Center Parcs
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“Center Parcs offers unique family short breaks, welcoming over two million guests to our villages annually, and we are 97 per cent full all year-round,” a representative told MailOnline.
The company added: “Our guests demand a high-quality experience and each year we invest tens of millions of pounds improving our villages to ensure we meet their expectations.”
Some social media users acknowledged the business perspective, with one noting: “You can’t stop a business from making money, though.”
Parents considering term-time holidays face strict penalties under rules introduced in August 2024. Taking children out of school for five days now results in a £160 fine per child in England and Wales, reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.
Woburn Center ParcsWoburn Center ParcsThe consequences can be even more severe, with local education authorities able to issue attendance orders requiring parents to explain absences.
Parents who fail to provide valid reasons could face court action, with potential penalties including up to one month in prison and fines of up to £1,000. In Northern Ireland, parents may be fined up to £1,000 if a child’s attendance falls below 85 per cent.
Discount expert Nick Drewe suggests several alternatives for families seeking affordable holidays during school breaks.
“Look for last-minute holidays when companies are eager to fill unsold seats and rooms,” he advises, noting it’s “much more cost-effective for them to make some money than no money.”
Other money-saving options include choosing all-inclusive packages, considering alternative accommodation like apartment hotels or B&Bs, and exploring less touristy destinations.