When we booked our family holiday to Centre Parcs Erperheide in Belgium, I wasn’t thinking about comparing prices. We simply wanted to experience another European Centre Parcs village after previously enjoying a stay at Villages Nature Paris in France. It was also last minute as our Dubai trip was cancelled. I couldn’t believe the difference in price for Centre Parcs Europe vs UK, but how the quality was excellent in both!
What surprised me most wasn’t the snorkelling pool, the rapids, the beautiful forest setting or even the glorious weather we enjoyed during May half term. It was something I discovered after we got home.
A wonderful week at Centre Parcs Erperheide
We spent our days exploring the forest trails, relaxing by the lake and making the most of the Aqua Mundo. One of the highlights for us was the snorkelling pool, where we could swim alongside tropical fish. It felt completely different to anything we had experienced at a UK Centre Parcs before.
The rapids were a huge hit with the children, and we loved spending time together in the wave pool and outdoor swimming areas. Like every Centre Parcs holiday, it wasn’t really about rushing from one activity to another. It was about slowing down and enjoying quality family time together.
That familiar Centre Parcs feeling was there from the moment we arrived.
Is Centre Parcs Europe different to the UK?
Before visiting our first European Centre Parcs, I wondered how different the experience would be.
The truth is that the overall concept feels remarkably familiar.
You’ll still find:
- Forest surroundings
- Family-friendly accommodation
- A huge swimming complex
- Activities for all ages
- Restaurants and cafés
- A village centre atmosphere
- Plenty of opportunities to switch off from everyday life
Whilst every park has its own personality and unique attractions, the overall experience feels very similar to what many families already know and love about Centre Parcs in the UK.
The price comparison that surprised me
After returning home, I started looking at future holiday options for May half term 2027.
Out of curiosity, I compared two seven-night stays during the same school holiday period:
- Centre Parcs Sherwood Forest (UK): £2,528
- Centre Parcs Erperheide (Belgium): €801
I genuinely had to double-check the figures.
Of course, prices change regularly depending on availability, accommodation type, promotions and booking dates, so these prices simply reflect the searches I carried out at the time.
However, the difference was much larger than I expected.
Why was Centre Parcs Europe cheaper in our search?
I don’t know all the reasons behind the pricing differences, but it certainly made me look more closely at European Centre Parcs villages when considering future family holidays.
Travelling to Belgium does involve additional travel costs, such as a ferry or Eurotunnel crossing, and for some families the convenience of staying in the UK may outweigh any savings. For this trip the ferry cost £300, from Dover to Calais (and return).
However, even after factoring in travel, I was still surprised by the overall difference.
For families who don’t mind travelling a little further, it may be worth comparing prices across both UK and European villages before booking.
Would we choose Centre Parcs Europe again?
Absolutely.
Our week at Erperheide reminded us why we enjoy Centre Parcs holidays so much. The combination of nature, activities and family time works incredibly well for us, especially now the children are older.
The snorkelling pool, tropical fish, rapids and beautiful forest setting created memories we’ll all remember for a long time.
The price comparison was simply an unexpected discovery that has encouraged us to look more closely at European villages for future holidays.
Have you visited a Centre Parcs in Europe? I’d love to know which village you would recommend next and whether you’ve noticed similar price differences when comparing Centre Parcs Europe vs UK holidays.
For more family lifestyle inspiration, check out the other articles in my Lifestyle section, including my post about the Aqua Mundo at Erperheide Centre Parcs. Let me know in the comments which Centre Parcs village is your favourite.
Prices were checked in June 2026 for a 7-night stay during May half term 2027. Prices may vary depending on accommodation type, availability, promotions and booking date.
