Best alternatives to Center Parcs UK

Looking for a Center Parcs alternative in the UK? Away Resorts offers a different kind of lodge break, with parks that combine outdoor space, activities, hot tubs, pools, and plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained.

Whether you want a forest holiday, a lakeside adventure, or a relaxed countryside stay, there’s an Away Resorts park to suit your trip – often at a more budget-friendly price than Center Parcs.

Here are five holiday parks worth considering if you like the Center Parcs idea but want more choice over location, style, and what you pay.

What to look for in a Center Parcs alternative

When searching for Center Parcs alternatives, Away Resorts offers the following:

Value for money
Accommodation that feels special (hot tubs, space, comfort)
Plenty of activities to keep kids entertained, whatever the weather
Swimming pools or water-based fun
Outdoor space for proper bonding time
Dog-friendly park options if you’re travelling with pets

Away Resorts parks deliver on these essentials while offering different personalities – woodland retreats, lakeside action, coastal adventures, and countryside calm.

You’re not choosing one rigid experience; you’re picking the park that matches your holiday mood and budget.

Best Away Resorts parks to consider

Each of these five Away Resorts holiday parks brings something different to the table, making them great Center Parcs alternatives depending on what matters most to you.

Sandy Balls – woodland breaks with hot tubs and pools

Best for: Those wanting a classic forest escape with New Forest surroundings, indoor pools, hot tub accommodation, and activities for all ages – plus it’s especially popular for dog-friendly stays thanks to its tree-lined walks and open spaces.

An alpaca with their trainer on a summers day at Sandy Balls.

Why it works as an alternative: Sandy Balls sits in the heart of the New Forest, offering that woodland holiday atmosphere Center Parcs is known for. Hot tub lodges and caravans, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and seasonal entertainment create a resort feel without the resort price tag.

Top features:

Alpaca walks
Archery
Craft activities
Bushcraft sessions
Adventure playground
Forest walks straight from your door
New Forest ponies wandering freely nearby
Miles of dog-friendly walking routes in the surrounding forest

Families in particular love the balance of Sandy Balls’ on-site facilities and easy access to New Forest attractions like Paultons Park (home of Peppa Pig World), Beaulieu Motor Museum, and coastal beaches.

Tattershall Lakes – activities and watersports

Best for: Families and groups who want lakeside energy, water-based activities, and a packed schedule of things to do.

A man enjoying the zip wire activity at Tattershall Lakes.

Why it works as an alternative: Tattershall Lakes brings the most Center Parcs-style activity setup of all Away Resorts parks. Lakeside lodges with hot tubs, indoor and outdoor pools, splash pads, and non-stop watersports create that busy, energetic holiday feel. If you want everyone occupied from breakfast to bedtime, this is where to go.

Top features:

Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Canoes
Jet skis
Inflatable Aqua Park on the lake
High ropes
Archery
Fencing
Indoor pool complex
Entertainment (live music and family shows)
Bars and restaurants

The Lincolnshire location means it’s also easy to access Lincoln's historic sites and coastal towns.

Retallack Resort – adventure-seekers in Cornwall

Best for: Holiday-goers seeking adventure-led breaks with water activities, thrill experiences, and access to the Cornish coast.

Why it works as an alternative: Retallack Resort feels like the most premium, adventure-focused option. Luxury hot tub lodges, Aqua Park sessions, FlowRider surf simulator, wakeboarding, spa facilities, and Cornwall's stunning beaches nearby create a holiday that balances resort comfort with outdoor adventure.

Top features:

On-site Aqua Park with inflatable obstacles
Wakeboarding and water skiing
FlowRider surf sessions
Paddleboarding
Spa treatments
Indoor pool
Restaurants and bars
Entertainment
20-minute drive to Newquay’s surf beaches and coastal walks

Works brilliantly for families with older kids or teens wanting more adrenaline.

Clumber Park – peaceful countryside breaks

Best for: Those who want fresh air, outdoor space, and a calmer pace over packed activity schedules – ideal if you’re also looking for a relaxed, dog-friendly countryside escape.

Why it works as an alternative: Clumber Park offers the quieter Center Parcs alternative – perfect for those who love the accommodation and outdoor space concept but prefer countryside calm to constant entertainment. The Nottinghamshire location sits within the Sherwood Forest area, with cycling, walking, and National Trust Clumber Park on the doorstep.

Top features:

Golf course and facilities (great for golf-loving groups)
Forest walks and cycling trails
Adventure playground
Restaurant and bar
Proximity to National Trust Clumber Park (lake, woodland trails, and walled kitchen garden)
Excellent walking routes for dogs in the surrounding parkland

Choose this if your idea of a perfect break involves morning bike rides, afternoon exploring, and evenings relaxing without needing a packed entertainment schedule.

Appletree – laid-back stays

Best for: A relaxed break with tons of amenities, optional activities, and good value.

Why it works as an alternative: Appletree provides that sweet spot between facilities and simplicity – there's plenty to do, but the pace stays manageable. It suits families who want adventure playground access, splash pad fun, and restaurant convenience without the pressure of a minute-by-minute activity schedule.

Top features:

Disc golf course
Target archery
Golf course with Toptracer driving range
Restaurant and bar
Adventure playground
Splash pad
Children’s play areas
Peaceful Lincolnshire countryside setting

The golf extras make it particularly good for families where adults want their own activities while the kids stay entertained.

Which Away Resorts park is best for you?

Still deciding? Here's a quick guide:

Choose Sandy Balls if: You want woodland walks, New Forest surroundings, that classic forest holiday feel with hot tubs and pools, and a dog-friendly break in nature.

Choose Tattershall Lakes if: You're after watersports, lakeside fun, and the most activity-packed days possible.

Choose Retallack Resort if: Adventure, water-based thrills, and Cornish coastal access sound perfect for your group.

Choose Clumber Park if: You prefer peaceful countryside, cycling, golf, a slower holiday pace, and a relaxed dog-friendly escape.

Choose Appletree if: You want a relaxed Lincolnshire break with great facilities and golf-led extras without overwhelming activity schedules.

Ready to book your next UK break? Explore Away Resorts' lodge holidays and find the park that fits your perfect getaway.

An interior view of inside a living room of a barn. The windows meets the celing with light grey curtains, there is a wooden table and fabric covered dark grey chairs on a wooden patio with the sun shining on them.

FAQs about Center Parcs alternatives

Is Away Resorts cheaper than Center Parcs?

Yes, generally. Away Resorts can be a cheaper alternative to Center Parcs. Pricing tends to be more budget-friendly than Center Parcs, particularly for similar accommodation types like hot tub lodges. You'll find good value especially during off-peak periods, midweek breaks, and by booking in advance.

Which Away Resorts park is most like Center Parcs?

Tattershall Lakes offers the closest comparison with its lakeside setting, extensive watersports, pools, activities, and entertainment, creating that busy, activity-led family break atmosphere Center Parcs is known for.

Are Away Resorts dog-friendly?

Yes, Away Resorts parks offer dog-friendly accommodation, making it easy to bring your pet along for the holiday. Options vary by accommodation type, so it’s best to check when booking.

Which Center Parcs alternative is best for toddlers?

Sandy Balls works brilliantly for toddlers with its indoor pool complex (including shallow splash areas), adventure playground, gentle forest walks, and entertainment suitable for younger children. The New Forest ponies wandering nearby add extra magic.

Which holiday park is best for active families?

Tattershall Lakes and Retallack Resort both excel for active families. Tattershall brings watersports, high ropes, and lakeside activities, while Retallack adds surf simulators, Aqua Park sessions, and wakeboarding for older kids and teens.

Which Away Resorts park is best for a hot tub break?

All five parks offer hot tub accommodation, but Sandy Balls, Tattershall Lakes, and Retallack Resort have the widest selection of hot tub lodges and caravans. Sandy Balls pairs hot tubs with New Forest woodland settings, Tattershall with lakeside views, and Retallack with Cornwall luxury.

Which Center Parcs alternative is best for dog-friendly breaks?

Sandy Balls and Clumber Park are particularly well-suited for dog-friendly holidays, thanks to their woodland and countryside walking routes.