IF you're a big fan of the Center Parcs vibe but not the prices, there's lots of UK alternatives that might be worth a look. My family regularly stayed at Center Parcs sites until rising costs put it beyond our budget about five years ago. But since then, we've explored parks across England and Wales to see which have recreated the forest feel, luxury lodges, subtropical swimming zone and outdoor activities we know and love at Center Parcs.
I've taken my boys, aged five, nine and 11, to a number of alternative holiday parks across the UK. All of these have elements of the Center Parcs magic to them, although none has the whole package, so you need to pick and choose which bits are best for you and then match your break accordingly. Bluestone in Pembrokeshire is probably the closest you'll get, with the Blue Lagoon adventure pool boasting waves, flumes, lazy river and the like.
We particularly loved the open-sided Serendome, offering outdoor activities like high ropes under cover while still enjoying the bracing Welsh air. And the upside-down platinum lodges, where an upstairs sunroom had sliding doors that could be opened to the elements, was the perfect place to stay. Tattershall Lakes also has lots of lovely lodges, some with hot tubs.
It really makes the most of its lakeside location, with its entertainment complex, playground, lido and indoor splash pad all looking out over the water. I also enjoyed the atmosphere in the old-time Spiegeltent, where you can catch a show, a.