Mum shares perfect 'Center Parcs alternative' that's cheaper and inspired by Robin Hood

Daily Record

14-05-2025

If you're looking for the perfect place to take the kids this summer without breaking the bank, look no further than this Center Parcs 'alternative' that boasts lots of activities but is more affordable
The summer holidays are fast approaching, and parents may be looking ahead already in search of the perfect getaway for their families. While getting everyone together to travel abroad is not only a daunting task but also expensive, more and more people are opting for UK staycations instead.
Center Parcs is a popular choice as it has activities for grown-ups and kids alike. It has destinations across the country and boasts an array of amenities. However, it can take a toll on your wallet if you're looking for a longer getaway. To help, mum Louise - who has two kids, aged nine and six - has shared a different holiday location that she claimed delivers a similar experience but is easier on the wallet.
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"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," she said at the start of the TikTok video.
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The place in question is Sherwood Castle Retreat, located in Newark, in between Sheffield and Nottingham. While showing snippets of the park in her video, Louise explained: "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."
As for the accommodation, the mum shared clips of their lodge that they've been staying in, which included a kitchen with a dining table that was linked to a living room with a TV.
It also included bunk beds for the kids as well as a log burner.
"The woodland lodges have hot tubs, and are pretty similar to the Centre Parcs ones with the layout," she explained. "We even had a log burner here, which was lovely at night."
She went on to say: "Plus you have tennis, bowling, and swimming available before five pm. You can actually book out the whole pool for yourselves if you wanted.
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"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."
She did warn the resort did not have Wi-Fi and said the play park and mini golf courses were not quite as she expected.
"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 said at the end of the video.
In response, several people took to the comment section of the video, with many sharing their own experiences of staying at the Sherwood Castle Retreat. One person wrote: "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."
Several people were also grateful that Louise had shared her hidden gem, as one viewer said: "This place looks great and brilliant price."