Can you believe that half term has already arrived? Indeed, the first chunk of the year has flown by, and now it’s time for kids and their teachers to take a well-deserved break from school life.
While the children might relish the time off, parents often face the challenge of keeping them entertained, especially during the winter months when the weather can be a bit hit and miss.
For those who can afford a holiday, one mum has revealed why she believes Center Parcs abroad is the ideal choice for a family retreat. The UK boasts five Center Parcs locations – in Cumbria, Nottinghamshire, Wiltshire, Suffolk, and Bedfordshire – but there are also options in the Netherlands, France, and Germany.
During last May’s half term, Daisy Woods, a mother of four and the award-winning ‘Parenting Creator of the Year’ known as @muddlethroughmummy on social media, took her family to Center Parcs Park De Haan for the first time and has since offered a glimpse into their trip. She and her partner spent £1,116.28 for a six-night stay for the entire family.
Daisy highlighted the cost difference compared to a UK stay, remarking: “Center Parcs in Longleat wanted £2,500+ for just 4 nights!” She also pointed out that Belgium doesn’t observe a May half term, which likely contributed to the more affordable pricing.
The Belgian resort is situated on a stunning lake, just 1km away from Belgium’s longest beach. It’s also a mere 30-minute drive from the enchanting city of Bruges.
Daisy shared how her family chose to drive to Belgium: “Our return ferry crossing with DFDS Ferries from Dover to Calais cost £240 and then we had a 1hr15 drive straight to De Haan, which was really easy.”
They decided to stay at the Best Western Plus Dover Marina hotel and spa to break up the journey, although Daisy noted this isn’t necessary. Daisy’s post quickly garnered comments.
One person wrote: “We’ve been to the Belgium one three times.” Another added: “We did this park back in 2022, it is beautiful and the beach is nearby too!”
Another shared: “We have been going here for years! Brilliant place.” One individual commented: “We are at the one in France and it is so much cheaper and so much better than the UK one and we flew we have done bed and breakfast and it still has come under £1000 for the week so definitely worth it and the accommodation is amazing.”
Another agreed, saying: “We went to the one in France as it was a lot cheaper than UK prices and you really felt like you had a proper holiday.”
Another parent shared their experience: “We did the same thing years ago when our children were young. We went to the Netherlands. However check facilities carefully because not all CPs are identical in Europe! In the UK you know what to expect but there were two in the Netherlands quite close geographically but wide apart in facilities!”.
How to get to Center Parcs Belgium from UK
For those considering a trip to Center Parcs Belgium from the UK, there are several travel options. You can drive and take the ferry like Daisy and her family chose, or you can take a train from London St Pancras International to Bruxelles-Midi, then Lierre, Lommel, Lommel Station, and Lommel Soeverein.
If you prefer flying, you can take a plane to and from these locations: London City Airport to Rotterdam The Hague Airport, then take a car or private transfer to the resort; Heathrow Airport to Brussels National Airport, then take a car or private transfer to the resort; or London Stansted Airport to Eindhoven Airport, then take a car or private transfer to the resort. .
Would you try this? Comment below.