Planning a getaway during the May half-term can be a fantastic idea for a family staycation. This time of year offers pleasant weather without the scorching heat of summer, and popular tourist spots tend to be less crowded compared to peak months like July and August.
While Center Parcs is a popular choice for families, it can be quite pricey during the May half-term period. For instance, a four-night stay for two adults and two children at its Whinfell Forest location in Sherwood Forest costs £1,349. However, booking a week earlier for the same break reduces the cost to £599.
Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives to Center Parcs in the UK that provide similar accommodations and activities at more affordable prices. Here are some budget-friendly options to consider for your May half-term break, all based on a four-night midweek stay starting May 25.
Located in the serene Lincolnshire countryside, Tattershall Lakes is a 300-acre resort surrounding tranquil lakes. The resort offers a wide range of activities both on water and land, including high ropes, zip wires, an inflatable aqua course, indoor and outdoor swimming options, and bike rentals for exploring the picturesque country trails.
Accommodation at Tattershall Lakes includes caravans and lodges, with the cheapest option for the half-term period being a four-night stay in a caravan for £542. Upgrading to a Comfort Lodge costs £737, while a Luxury Alpine Lakeside Lodge is priced at £948. Some accommodations also feature private hot tubs for a cozy evening retreat.
For a nature-centric retreat, Keldy offers forest lodges nestled amidst lush greenery, providing a peaceful escape. The most affordable option for half-term is the Silver Birch cabin, priced at £895 for four nights. This cabin features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a private hot tub on the deck for a relaxing stay.
Set within the scenic North Moors National Park near Pickering, Keldy offers a tranquil environment for guests to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings. The park provides limited amenities, allowing visitors to savor the forest’s tranquility, whether by relaxing on the deck, strolling through the woods, or engaging in activities like archery and zip-lining.
Plassey Holiday Park in the Dee Valley spans 250 acres of park and woodland, offering luxurious accommodation and a wide array of indoor and outdoor activities. Prices for half-term breaks start at £945 for a two-bedroom studio lodge, featuring modern open-plan living and an outdoor hot tub.
Guests at Plassey can enjoy various amenities, including a large indoor pool, a retail village with unique shops, a golf course, fishing ponds, and scenic walking trails through the surrounding farmland. The park also offers entertainment options like badminton, table tennis, and access to the historic National Trust – Erddig manor house.
Billing Aquadrome is ideal for families seeking an action-packed half-term holiday with a plethora of activities included in the package. Guests can participate in fitness classes, immersive adventures for kids, live stage shows, and family games. The park features an indoor swimming pool, outdoor splash park, soft play areas, and fishing lakes for added entertainment.
Accommodation at Billing Aquadrome starts at £559 for a midweek half-term stay in a three-bedroom Bronze caravan. Alternatively, guests can opt for other lodging options such as the riverfront Brook glamping pod or Platinum caravans with decking and hot tub facilities.
For a nature-focused family break, Landal Kenwick Woods offers wooden six-person lodges for a four-night stay during May half-term at £579. The lodges feature three bedrooms and a cozy cabin interior, providing a comfortable retreat amidst the natural beauty of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Guests at Kenwick Woods can enjoy amenities like a heated indoor pool with hydrotherapy section, spa and thermal suite, 18-hole golf course, and a gym. The park’s location is ideal for exploring the picturesque Lincolnshire Wolds, renowned for its chalk hills, valleys, and unspoiled landscapes.
