Mum discovers 'cheap Center Parcs' with pool, hot tub and no pre-booking
With summer on the horizon, many families are looking for affordable UK staycations. One mum has shared her 'cheap Center Parcs' alternative that's perfect for a last-minute getaway.
As the summer season approaches and school holidays beckon, families are scouting for their annual retreats. With an eye on simplicity and budget, UK staycations are becoming increasingly popular over foreign jaunts.
Center Parcs, beloved by adults and children alike with its numerous UK locations, is renowned for its wide range of activities. However, those planning extended stays or travelling with larger groups are on the lookout for more cost-effective alternatives.
Louise, a mother of two children aged nine and six, has suggested a thrifty substitute that she claims offers a similar experience without the hefty price tag, reports Nottinghamshire Live.
"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 explained in her 'Bored with Kids' TikTok video.
She's referring to Sherwood Castle Retreat in Newark, Nottinghamshire. In clips from her video, Louise noted: "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 offered viewers a virtual tour of their woodland lodge, highlighting the kitchen and dining area, a snug living room complete with TV and children's bunk beds, not to mention a quaint log burner.
She excitedly shared, "The woodland lodges have hot tubs, and are pretty similar to the Center Parcs ones with the layout," and included, "We even had a log burner here, which was lovely at night."
She continued, detailing the resort's amenities: "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."
Despite many highlights, she indicated drawbacks such as the absence of Wi-Fi and underwhelming play park and mini golf options. Louise concluded her video by saying, "However, it is less than half the price of the cheapest Center Parcs lodge, it's in a beautiful location, and there are loads of lovely places to visit nearby".
Her video has stirred discussions among viewers, with one reminiscing warmly, "We stayed there, it was amazing."
The reviews were positive, with several viewers expressing gratitude to Louise for uncovering the gem, echoing sentiments like, "This place looks great and brilliant price."
Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest is a stunning retreat set within 40 acres of enchanting woodland in the legendary Robin Hood Country, positioned near Rufford, Nottinghamshire.
It's just two miles south of Ollerton and around 20 miles north of Nottingham.
The forest resort offers guests a selection of seven types of spacious, self-catering pine lodges, which can accommodate from two to eight visitors.
Some lodges even boast the luxury of hot tub baths for the ultimate relaxation amongst the trees.
These traditional wooden lodges sit quietly in the dense, green woodland, allowing visitors to rise each morning to the tranquil sounds of nature.
Every lodge provides guests with cosy fireplaces, TV entertainment, well-stocked kitchens, and private bathrooms complete with complimentary toiletries.
The accommodation options include various layouts, with some featuring both double and bunk bedrooms, making them ideal for family stays.
Facilities and Things to Do
An array of amenities awaits visitors on-site, including:
A bowling alley, minimarket, and children's playground
Swimming pool and leisure hall
Woodland trails, outdoor activities, an animal corner, bug hotel and bird feeding viewing wall
Archery center
Games room and family rooms
For enthusiasts of the "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" film, the park holds an added allure with original movie props displayed for an authentic touch. Leveraging its famed connection to the tales of Robin Hood, the holiday park ensures a captivating and unique stay amid this ancient and storied forest setting.
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'I stayed in a UK Center Parcs dupe and the location was simply unreal'
Louise, a mum-of-two, spent three nights at the retreat with her family and was very impressed with the facilities - as well as the price tag Center Parcs is a renowned UK staycation staple for many Brits, with vast parks in some of the most beautiful, rural settings. With sites in Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Wiltshire and Newark to name a few, getting to one of these locations couldn't be easier for many holidaymakers who don't want the fuss of flying. But, with many activities costing extra once there, the parks are often touted as expensive, and can rack up quite the bill. But one mum has revealed a budget-friendly option. Louise, a mum of two children aged nine and six, has come up with a cost-effective alternative that she claims offers a comparable experience without breaking the bank. "If you're looking for a cheap Center Parcs alternative, then this could be right up your street," she said on her Bored with Kids TikTok video. "We spent three nights here for just under 500 quid, or £40 per person per night." READ MORE: 'I'm a former check-in agent and the worst time to travel is not during summer' She's talking about Sherwood Castle Retreat in Newark, Nottinghamshire, a holiday site around 14-miles from its Center Parcs competitor. In snippets from her video, Louise remarked: "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.", reports Nottinghamshire Live. The mum took to sharing a video of their delightful woodland lodge, replete with kitchen and dining area, a snug living room complete with TV and children's bunk beds, not forgetting the alluring log burner. She explained: "The woodland lodges have hot tubs, and are pretty similar to the Centre Parcs ones with the layout," further revealing, "We even had a log burner here, which was lovely at night." She expressed additional perks: "Plus you have tennis, bowling, and swimming available before 5 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 5am everyday." However, the lack of Wi-Fi and underwhelming play park and mini golf offerings were downsides she didn't shy away from noting. Wrapping up her review, Louise added: "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's video has since stirred up chatter online, with viewers chiming in with their thoughts, including one who recalled, "We stayed there, it was amazing." Several followers expressed gratitude to Louise for highlighting such a gem, with comments pouring in like, "This place looks great and brilliant price." Nestled in a 40-acre woodland in the legendary Sherwood Forest, the Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest is a serene getaway situated near Rufford, Nottinghamshire, just two miles south of Ollerton and a mere stone's throw, 20 miles north, from Nottingham. Offering an enchanting escape, the retreat boasts seven different styles of cosy detached pine lodges that can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 8 people, with some boasting their own private jacuzzis. Set amongst the rustling trees of this storied forest, guests are greeted every morning by the tranquil sounds of nature. The lodges come complete with modern comforts like en-suites stocked with complimentary toiletries, fitted kitchens for self-catering stays, toasty fireplaces, and televisions. Several units also offer a mix of double and bunk bedrooms, catering perfectly to family holidays. 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By Car from London: Head north on the M25 to A1(M), continue on the A1 past Peterborough, take the A614 exit towards Ollerton/Rufford, then follow Rufford Lane from the Wellow end - total journey approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, covering 120-130 miles from London. Where to book The retreat can be booked on various sites, including their own website, where a stay begins at £92 per day at the time of writing. You can also secure your spot at the retreat on and TripAdvisor.
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