PARK UP
The UK holiday parks ‘like Center Parcs without the crowds’ – and breaks are half the price
Plus, a holiday park expert reveals the seven items he always packs for family breaks
EVERY family dreams of a Center Parcs trip, but if you;'re looking for a more wallet-friendly version, there's a lesser-known holiday park chain where breaks cost a fraction of the price.
Landal GreenParks has hundreds of holiday villages across Europe, with sites in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Austria and the Czech Republic.
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After opening its first UK-based holiday park in 2017, there are now 22 in the country.
Scotland is home to four sites, including Whitekirk Hill in East Lothian and Brunston in Dumfries and Galloway, and there's one in South Wales called Dylan Coastal Resort.
The remaining 17 resorts are spread across English counties like Cornwall, the Lake District, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire and Northumberland.
From lakeside lodges and forest escapes to seaside sites and wellness retreats, it looks like there might be a Landal GreenParks to suit every Brit.
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Several holidaymakers have raved about Landal GreenParks' sites in their online reviews, preferring the facilities to breaks at Center Parcs.
One holidaymaker wrote on TripAdvisor: "If you like the quality, convenience and activities of Center Parcs but don't like the crowds, this is a great alternative".
Writing about the Gwel an Mor site, another added: "We booked here because we couldn't get two dog lodges at Center Parcs for the same time.
"However, have zero regrets and will probably not bother going back to Center Parcs now we know about this little gem".
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Another holidaymaker raved about its Rockingham Forest site, adding: "This place is the best lodge we’ve ever stayed in and we’ve stayed in lodges UK wide - it even beats Centre Parcs hands down".
Gwel an Mor, Portreath, Cornwall
Located just a four-minute drive from Portreath in Redruth, Cornwall, Gwel an Mor is home to a range of family-friendly activities like an archery range and tennis court.
There's also an indoor soft play that's spread across three floors as well as climbing walls at Base Camp.
Sensory playpark with wheelchair access
Huge UK holiday park Tattershall Lakes has indoor swimming pool and endless activities
Despite being less than a 10-minute drive from Portreath Beach, there's also an indoor heated swimming pool with water walkers and a hot tub.
For something a little more relaxing, there's also a well-being spa and a two-acre fishing lake.
Gwel an Mor also has a Terrace Bar and Restaurant as well as the Tipsy Turtle Bar that overlooks the Portreath coastline.
Alternatively, there's the site's Wild Kitchen where guests can dine al fresco with their own private chef.
There are a range of on-site accommodation options like holiday lodges that are capable of sleeping up to six people.
Sun Online Travel have found week-long breaks in the Easter Holidays from £1,109 for a six-person lodge.
Meanwhile, seven-night breaks at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest start from £2,498 in the Easter Holidays.
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Rockingham Forest, Northamptonshire
Set within 200 square miles of ancient woodland, Landal GreenPark's Rockingham Forest site has woodland trails.
There's also a children's play area with swings, a climbing frame, a tunnel and a zip line.
Other family-friendly attractions include a giant outdoor chess set, French boules, a fairy trail and hopscotch.
An on-site shop sells everyday essentials as well as fresh bread and pastries, while a covered BBQ area gives holidaymakers the space to get a barbeque going even when it's raining.
Sun Online Travel have found week-long breaks in a four-person lodge starting from £689.
This is £1,809 cheaper than a seven-night break at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest.
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Dylan Coastal Resort, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Located within the 'cosy capital' of the UK, the Dylan Coastal Resort offers a slightly more relaxing stay thanks to its on-site spa.
Milk Wood House offers a range of treatments like a herbal steam sauna, a Roman bath and an indoor infinity pool.
For families with kids, there are also Children's activity packs, a tennis court and beginner-friendly yoga sessions.
There's also the Milk Wood Bar & Kitchen that's home to three outdoor terraces overlooking the Taf Estuary an a wood-fired pizza oven.
The sandy beach, which has yet more views overlooking the Taf Estuary, has fire pits where holidaymakers can roast marshmallows.
Week-long breaks in a four-person lodge during the Easter Holidays cost £1,359.
Despite being pricier than the other two sites, it's still over £1,000 cheaper compared to a stay at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest.
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Piperdam, Dundee, Scotland
Set within 650 acres of Scottish countryside, Landal's Piperdam site in Dundee is ideal for families who love the great outdoors.
On-site activities include tennis, archery, golf, crazy carts, an Indoor segway, a Nerf Challenge and axe-throwing.
For younger guests, there's an indoor soft play, bug hunting, pottery painting and a superhero/fairy academy.
There's also an indoor swimming pool with water walks, and the site is just a stone's throw from Piperdam Loch and Piperdam Forest.
Guests can dine at the Room with a View restaurant and Little Piper's Cafe before stopping for a drink at Howie's Bar.
Sun Online Travel have found four-person lodges starting from £1,059 in the Easter Holidays.
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Holiday Park Essentials Families Should Pack
LAST year, holiday park expert Robbie Lane revealed the seven items he always packs before heading on a holiday park break with his family.
Here's what he takes...
- Swimming trunks - an essential for days at the beach.
- A bottle of wine because on-site shops often have inflated prices, meaning the cost of food and drink will be higher.
- Bikes/scooters, which come in particularly useful when staying at larger sites.
- Blackout blinds for kids' rooms to keep out any unwanted sunlight ensuring a good night's kip.
- A multi-socket extension because some caravans or lodges simply don't have enough sockets.
- A fan to help keep places cool, especially in the hot weather.
- And a can of WD40 to get rid of any annoying squeaks in door frames.
Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse has tried several Center Parcs-alternative holiday parks in the UK, here's what she thought.
And here are the other lesser-known holiday parks named among the best in the UK.
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