UK Center Parcs up to 3 times the cost of EU rivals
‘Makes sense to travel further afield’
FAmily holidays in the UK can cost up to three times more than those in Europe, a report reveals.
Research shows how Britons are better off heading to the Netherlands, France, Germany and Belgium rather than opting for a ‘staycation’ during the may half-term.
Holidaymakers can fork out up to £1,412 more for a week’s stay in a UK Center Parc compared to an equivalent complex abroad. A seven-night stay at Woburn Forest Centre Parc would cost £2,128 – almost 200 per cent more than the £715.25 for a week-long stay in the Het Heijdernames, bos Centre Parc in Heijen, Holland. Even the cheapest UK Centre Parc – Sherwood Forest, at £1,698 – is still almost £1,000 more than a stay at holiday complexes in the Netherlands and France. Figures are based on two adults and two children.
The revelations that British families are penalised for holidaying closer to home is revealed in analysis by travel money and currency expert FairFX.
Although they share the same brand Center Parcs UK stresses that it is a separate company to Center Parcs Europe.
But the huge difference in price will shock families who had hoped to save money by holidaying in Britain. Even factoring in flights, it is cheaper to head overseas.
The report also reveals that a visit to a UK zoo costs more than in Europe. longleat Zoo proved to be the most expensive, costing £103.94 for a family of four – almost two and half times more than a trip to Berlin Zoo at £41.28.
A trip to Barcelona zoo for a family of four costs £48.22, while the Bioparco Roma zoo in italy is £56.21. Theme parks buck the trend and cost less in the UK than those in Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and italy.
Chessington World of Adventures charges £116 for a family of four – more than £90 cheaper than a day pass for PortAventura World in Spain. A day pass at Alton Towers costs £121 for a family of four.
With the pound rising slightly in value against the euro since the start of the year, families will at least see their holiday money stretch a bit further when they travel abroad.
ian Stafford-Taylor, chief executive of FairFX, said: ‘Parents often assume it’s cheaper to stay closer to home during the school holidays, without realising the savings they could make by going abroad. you can have a similar family holiday abroad as you would in the UK, with holiday parks and days out at a much lower cost.’
He added: ‘Even factoring in the cost of flights, families could still get a better deal by going abroad and kids get to enjoy a valuable travel experience at the same time. With the pound gradually strengthening against the euro too it makes sense for families to consider travelling further afield.’
Center Parcs UK said its short breaks differed from those in Europe. A spokesman said: ‘We heavily reinvest in our accommodation, activities and restaurants each year and our pricing is based purely on demand for the short break experience we offer in the UK.’