‘Center Parcs alternative’ is perfect for summer holidays on a budget | UK | Travel

As the summer season beckons and school holidays inch nearer, families are beginning to think about potential holiday destinations for the year.

Increasingly, families are shunning holidays abroad in favour of simpler and more affordable UK staycations. Center Parcs, a favourite among adults and children alike with locations throughout the UK, offers a plethora of activities. However, those hoping to stay for longer or travelling with big groups may want a cheaper alternative.

To offer a solution, Louise, a mum of two kids aged nine and six, has revealed a budget-friendly alternative that she claims provides a similar experience at a fraction of the cost.

“If you’re looking for a cheap Center Parcs alternative, then this could be right up your street. We spent three nights here for just under 500 quid, or £40 per person per night,” Louise announced in her TikTok video introduction.

She’s referring to Sherwood Castle Retreat in Newark, situated between Sheffield and Nottingham.

Through clips in her video, Louise said: “It is heavily influenced by its location near Sherwood Forest and by the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. There are loads of original props from the movie here, including the actual reception.”

The mum then showcased their lodge, featuring a kitchen with a dining table connected to a living room complete with TV, bunk beds for the children, and even a log burner.

“The woodland lodges have hot tubs, and are pretty similar to the Centre Parcs ones with the layout,” she detailed. “We even had a log burner here, which was lovely at night.”

She added: “Plus you have tennis, bowling, and swimming available before five pm. You can actually book out the whole pool for yourselves if you wanted.

“They even have a little animal farm here too. Although you probably don’t wanna be staying too close to it as they have two massive cockerels and these woke us up before five am every morning.”

However, she cautioned that the resort lacked Wi-Fi and felt the play park and mini golf courses didn’t meet her expectations.

“However, it is less than half the price of the cheapest Centre Parcs lodge, it’s in a beautiful location, and there are loads of lovely places to visit nearby,” Louise concluded in the video.

The video prompted several viewers to share their thoughts in the comments section, with one person sharing: “We stayed there was amazing and the booking out the pool to our self was great as it was good for our 4 year old.”

Others expressed gratitude to Louise for sharing her discovery, with one commenting: “This place looks great and brilliant price.”

Sherwood Castle Retreat has been approached for comment.