Holiday similar to Centre Parcs

[Littlehouseinthebigcity]

We have loved a Centre Parcs holiday in the past but they are so pricey for what they are. - is there anywhere else we can go for a lovely lodge holiday (ideally with a
Hot Tub) with a swimming pool and plenty of other easy kids activities? Or am I asking for the impossible!? Would especially love it if there could be animals involved for my animal obsessed 4 yo. Other child is 6 as I realise that's relevant 🤣

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MNHQ update: If you’re short on time, here’s a summary of the best options Mumsnetters are recommending on this thread:

😎Crieff Hydro, Scotland

😎Bluestone, Wales

😎Eurocamp De Twee Bruggen, Netherlands

😎Forest Holidays, UK

😎Ribby Hall, Lancashire

😎Parkdean Resorts, UK

😎Darwin Forest, Derbyshire

For more inspo, check out our guide to the best UK holiday parks, featuring more recommendations from Mumsnetters.

Crieff Hydro in Scotland has self catering lodges which give access to the pool and kids club, and close to action glen where there are lots of activities. No hot tubs, but there is a jacuzzi at the pool I think and the Victorian baths (adult only).

We like Bluestone in Wales. It's not far from Folly Farm which is amazing!! So much more than a farm!!
Bluestone has activities, pool etc

Another vote for Bluestone and Folly Farm. Fabulous area.

Search on Hoseasons, they have access to loads of different holiday parks, you can filter by requirements. And they are no more expensive than booking directly.

We did de twee Bruggen in Holland last October - would be lovely in the summer! But I assume a lot busier, and there was talk of them expanding so you’ll have to check. Lovely, QUIET campsite, lots to do for kids free of charge, animals, lovely warm small non-screechy pool. There were some GORGEOUS red houses to stay in but unfortunately we were in a static caravan 😄 Day trips. Easy journey. Much less faff than CP. And dare I say it, friendlier people 😄 (I really despise CP)

Have you looked at forest holidays?
https://www.forestholidays.co.uk/

Ive no idea if they are cheaper than C.P. though. But they certainly look nicer!

Ribby hall, it’s the only 5* holiday resort. It’s just like centre Parcs but has a zoo and better restaurants!

We're just back from a week at Ribbyhall.. we had a great time with a toddler and our dog.
Really big lodge, everything you need on campus and an absolute fraction of the cost of centre parcs... probably not as much sure enough but the pool was great, activities, good places to eat.

Ah this has definitely given me some to look at thanks. Had already been drawn to Bluestone but were in Yorkshire and not sure the drive is worth it for a relatively short break.

We've done Forest Holidays a couple of times, the cabins are lovely (with hot tubs) and they have branches in Yorkshire. We actually went to the Norfolk one and found there wasn't too much to do onsite (no swimming pool) but they have bike hire, forest school type activities, a playground, etc. and there was plenty of stuff to do within a shortish drive. It was significantly cheaper than CP when we went.

When I've priced it up in the past I always found Bluestone just as expensive as cen

Sorry. As expensive as Center parcs

Parkdean resorts

Darwin Forest in Derbyshire is great. Lodges with hot tubs, an indoor pool and some activities. Maybe not so much to do on site as CP but close to plenty of local attractions. Chatsworth has a farm and children's playground and Gulliver's Kingdom is good fun for younger children.

Maybe you are just looking for UK ideas but if not, Lalandia in Denmark is fabulous...there are 3. The Billund one is across the road from Legoland and has Scandinavias biggest waterpark (indoors) on site. Gorgeous lodges too and lovely restaurants and soooo much to do!

Away resorts? Maybe Tattershall Lakes is close enough for a long weekend?

A second vote for Darwin near Matlock

@stonkytonk11

They sound great I’ll have a look
my non UK curve ball would be Efteling there accommodation is really nice and the park is fantastic for little ones. We took the ferry from hull. Pound for pound it would be Efteling over centre parks every time

Were off to Plopsa de Pan in Belgium in May. Which has similar parks around it and hopefully will also be good. Again whole trip less than centre parks in school holidays

@Doingthework depending on where you are in the UK Ryanair flights to Billund are usually very cheap and the airport is a 5 min bus ride from Lalandia. You can pretty much see the airport from the accommodation

@stonkytonk11
It looks fantastic just been looking at driving to Germany and getting the ferry but flying sounds easier. I am north west based so plenty of options for Ryan air. Thanks 🙏

@Doingthework no problem, it's definitely worth a look. So so much to do in Lalandia including a mini goat field where you can go in and pet the goats 🙂 There's the waterpark, soft play, bowling, ice skating, loads of outdoor climbing/ play parks etc. we did Legoland and Lego house but Wow park nearby also looked good (our kids are older so we gave it a miss)

Thank you all so much! Have sent many links to my DH 😆 We would love to go abroad but for various reasons it's not practical this year, so will saving those suggestions for next year. Currently Ribby Hall or Darwin Forest are looking like front runners.