I found a Center Parcs alternative that's cheaper – for £74 you get a caravan with hot tub & kids eat FREE

The Irish Sun

02-07-2025

MANY people love taking their kids to Center Parcs for a holiday - but it can be rather pricey at peak times.
However, one savvy mum has revealed how she found a
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Mum Nicole raved about a holiday park in Cumbria which is 'cheaper than Center Parcs' - and her caravan had a private hot tub
Credit: tiktok@nicoletravelandlife
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She said her kids ate free in the Coast and Country restaurant on site
Credit: tiktok@nicoletravelandlife
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The pool area has numerous sun loungers and an adults-only hour
Credit: supplied
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Nicole recommended the Wild Rose Holiday Park, near to the Lake District
Credit: supplied
Mum Nicole, who posts under
Cumbria
.
She claimed the location felt like she was 'abroad' and she couldn't 'get over' how 'nice it was.'
The family stayed in
the holiday
park's 'standard caravan', and Nicole claimed it was 'absolutely beautiful.'
A highlight for her was the
More on Center Parcs
Inside, she said the caravan was 'spotless', had plenty of storage and came with absolutely everything you could need - and you 'literally just needed to bring your clothes.'
She said in her clip, which has racked up over 17,500 likes: '[They] even give you a little box of bin bags, washing up tablets, everything like that. So you literally do not need to bring a thing.'
The holiday park is also 'dog friendly', which she called a 'huge bonus', and the mum said they took advantage of the 'adults only swim' session, which was from 6pm to 7pm.
Nicole also raved about the onsite restaurant, Coast and Country.
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She continued: 'They have children's entertainment, and children also eat free.
'So we got a family of four meal: two adults, two children. It cost £41, which I think's an absolute bargain.
The English holiday resort that families say is a 'fancy Center Parcs'
'If you're a parent, you'll know how good this is, but in the restaurant, they have a little play area for your children to play in while you eat your meal.'
Nicole said the highlights of the
football
pitch, the park and the live entertainment in the evenings - along with
the games
room.
And if this wasn't enough, she shared how you can explore many exciting options nearby, including Windermere, seeing caves and going on walks.
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The holiday park as a soft play in the restaurant to keep kids entertained
Credit: supplied
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Nicole claimed the location felt like she was 'abroad'
Credit: supplied
She said she would '100 per cent' recommend the holiday park as a 'perfect break away in the UK.'
Many people were quick to comment on the video and give their thoughts.
One person wrote: 'We've been as it's amazing! One of the best around!'
Another added: 'Looks ace !!!'
However, one wrote: 'Love to see my kids face when he sees that
pool
and I have to explain to him there's no way machine no rapids no cyclone.
'But you can have a little paddle if you like.'
A weekend break at Center Parcs can vary significantly in price, but typically ranges from £499 to £949 or more, depending on the time of year.
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM:
Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.'
SCREEN OVERLOAD:
It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules.
'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.'
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS:
You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.'
SCHEDULING CONFLICT:
Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.'
EXCESS ENERGY:
Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'