In 2019 we travelled to the Netherlands over May Half Term. We travelled via DFDS ferry from Newcastle-Amsterdam with our own car for the first time.
The crossing cost around £500 return for the 5 of us including our car and I loved it so much that I think we will probably make the same kind of trip every May and make it a bit of a tradition.
I love taking our own car abroad as it really keeps the cost down - you don't need to worry about luggage allowance and can take a lot more with you in terms of food/drinks/scooters/toys/bedding etc...I found driving abroad to be ok too and nowhere near as bad as I expected.
You can currently book a DFDS ferry crossing between Newcastle and Amsterdam from £49pp each way (based on 4 sharing a cabin and one car).
Check current prices here: (ad) DFDS Ferry Crossing Deals
Last year we stayed at Duinrell and Efteling which were both incredible and I would highly recommend. This year, I am looking for something a little more chilled out.
Originally, I wanted to drive across to Germany and camp in the Black Forest area (it takes around 4.5 hours to drive there from Amsterdam) but the site we wanted has now sold out so we will save that trip for a future year.
After a bit of research, I am pretty sure we are going to book a Center Parcs site. Center Parcs originated in the Netherlands and as their school holidays usually fall on different dates to the UK, prices are super reasonable for half term. A family of 5 can stay for as little as £150 Monday-Friday.
We really enjoyed our break at Center Parcs a few years ago and have been dying to go back but it is so expensive in the UK during school holidays. I really think the Center Parcs sites in the Netherlands offer a good alternative plus you get the bonus of travelling abroad and seeing a new country too.
There are 9 Center Parcs sites in the Netherlands and we have yet to choose the one we are going to book so let me know if you have any personal recommendations.
It is worth noting that Center Parcs holidays include access to the swimming pool/aquadome and a few other activities/facilities but most activities are available at an extra charge and not included with the price of your holiday.
You can budget for these and pre-book in advance via the Center Parcs app. Find out more about what is included with a Center Parcs break here.
Prices quoted were checked on 1/1/20 and are based on a family of 4 Monday-Friday break during May Half Term 2020 and have been price checked in May 2024 with the new prices added. Here is a quick run-down......
I like that with these Center Parcs, you can book for just 2 nights rather than the standard 3.
De Heuttenheugte
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| Credit - Center Parcs |
- From 176 euros per family (price checked at from 199 euro per family in 2024)
- Drive time from Amsterdam Port = 2 hours 10 minutes
- Find out more here
De Heuttenheugte is a 4 star parc situated in a tranquil woodland setting and surrounded by countryside. The parc is perfect for families with young children and facilities include an indoor action-factory with mini cars and bowling, the indoor aqua dome with water slides and rapids, climbing walls, laser battle and the raccoon centre on adventure island.
You can currently book a DFDS ferry crossing between Newcastle and Amsterdam from £49pp each way (based on 4 sharing a cabin and one car).
Check current prices here: (ad) DFDS Ferry Crossing Deals
I love the look of this parc and it is such a good price considering it is 4*. It looks perfect for families with children of all ages who are looking for a bargain and do not mind a bit of a drive .
Parc Sandur
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| Credit - Center Parcs |
- From 178 euros per family (price checked in May 2024 and available from 289 euro per family)
- Drive time from Amsterdam Port = 2 hours 10 minutes
- Find out more here
Parc Sandur is a 3 star parc in a woodland setting around a huge lake with lots of watersports on offer. The site is perfect for couples of families with young children and facilities include cycling, fishing, golf, a swimming pool, climbing wall, soft play, bowling and more.
You can currently book a DFDS ferry crossing between Newcastle and Amsterdam from £49pp each way (based on 4 sharing a cabin and one car).
Check current prices here: (ad) DFDS Ferry Crossing Deals
This parc looks ideal for families who are looking for a budget option and prefer lots of activities over a luxury setting. It looks ideal for adventurous families who love the great outdoors and watersports and do not mind a bit of a drive from port.
Het Meerdal
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| Credit - Center Parcs |
- From 296 euros per family (price checked in May 2024 and this is now available from 269 euro per family)
- Drive time from Amsterdam Port = 2 hours
- Find out more here
Het Meerdal is a 4 star parc perfect for families with young children. Facilities include an aquadome with slides, an indoor play paradise, pony rides, a climbing trail and bumper cars. Toverland Theme Park is just along the road too.
You can currently book a DFDS ferry crossing between Newcastle and Amsterdam from £49pp each way (based on 4 sharing a cabin and one car).
Check current prices here: (ad) DFDS Ferry Crossing Deals
This parc has its own pony park and you can even book pony themed lodges where you can look after your own pony. This parc looks ideal for families with younger children who are looking for lots of activities/would like a trip to Toverland.
Limburgse Peel
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| Credit - Center Parcs |
- From 382 euros per family (price checked in May 2024 and they have deals available from 199 euros per family)
- Drive time from Amsterdam Port = 2 hours and 5 minutes
- Find out more here
Limburgse Peel is a 3 star parc perfect for families with young children and couples. There is a lot of opportunity for hiking and cycling in the area and facilities include an aqua dome with waterslide, kids disco, bowling. petting zoo, and game town. Toverland Theme Park is nearby.
You can currently book a DFDS ferry crossing between Newcastle and Amsterdam from £49pp each way (based on 4 sharing a cabin and one car).
Another parc which is perfect for visiting Towverland. This parc looks like more of a base to explore the area on bike/foot. Personally, I would prefer Het Meerdal I think as it is a higher grade of parc and cheaper.
Het Heijerbos is a 4 star parc perfect for families with children and teenagers. Facilities include an indoor jungle paradise, indoor play paradise, action factory, aqua dome with three slides and super fast rapids, an escape room, paintballing and more.
Check current prices here: (ad) DFDS Ferry Crossing Deals
Another parc which is perfect for visiting Towverland. This parc looks like more of a base to explore the area on bike/foot. Personally, I would prefer Het Meerdal I think as it is a higher grade of parc and cheaper.
Het Heijderbos
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| Credit - Center Parcs |
- From 408 euros per family (price checked in May 2024 and prices are available from 289 euro per family)
- Drive time from Amsterdam Port = 1 hour 50 minutes
- Find out more here
Het Heijerbos is a 4 star parc perfect for families with children and teenagers. Facilities include an indoor jungle paradise, indoor play paradise, action factory, aqua dome with three slides and super fast rapids, an escape room, paintballing and more.
You can currently book a DFDS ferry crossing between Newcastle and Amsterdam from £49pp each way (based on 4 sharing a cabin and one car).
This parc looks gorgeous and is on our shortlist. I love the indoor jungle paradise and the fact that there is an action factory, escape room and brilliant facilities in the pool. This parc is ideal for families with children of mixed ages or teens.
Parc Zandvoort is a 3 star parc set next to a wide sandy beach and close to Amsterdam. This parc is perfect for couples and families with children or teenagers who are looking for a short drive time. Facilities include an indoor trampoline park, beach factory, aquadome, bowling & surfing.
Check current prices here: (ad) DFDS Ferry Crossing Deals
This parc looks gorgeous and is on our shortlist. I love the indoor jungle paradise and the fact that there is an action factory, escape room and brilliant facilities in the pool. This parc is ideal for families with children of mixed ages or teens.
Parc Zandvoort
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| Credit - Center Parcs |
- From 425 euros per family (price checked in May 2024 and prices are available from 409 per family)
- Drive time from Amsterdam Port = 30 minutes
- Find out more here
Parc Zandvoort is a 3 star parc set next to a wide sandy beach and close to Amsterdam. This parc is perfect for couples and families with children or teenagers who are looking for a short drive time. Facilities include an indoor trampoline park, beach factory, aquadome, bowling & surfing.
You can currently book a DFDS ferry crossing between Newcastle and Amsterdam from £49pp each way (based on 4 sharing a cabin and one car).
If you are looking for a short drive time, this could be the parc for you. It may only be 3* but there are plenty of facilities for children of all ages. I love that Amsterdam is within easy reach so this is a good parc to visit if you would like to visit the city.
Port Zelande is a 4 Star Parc is just a short walk from the North Sea beaches and perfect for families with children and teenagers. Activities include kite surfing, high adventures course, aquadome, mini golf, boat rental, diving, beach surfing and more.
Check current prices here: (ad) DFDS Ferry Crossing Deals
If you are looking for a short drive time, this could be the parc for you. It may only be 3* but there are plenty of facilities for children of all ages. I love that Amsterdam is within easy reach so this is a good parc to visit if you would like to visit the city.
Port Zelande
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| Credit - Center Parcs |
- From 448 euros per family (price checked in May 2024 to be available from 299 euro per family)
- Drive time from Amsterdam Port = 1 hour 30 minutes
- Find out more here
Port Zelande is a 4 Star Parc is just a short walk from the North Sea beaches and perfect for families with children and teenagers. Activities include kite surfing, high adventures course, aquadome, mini golf, boat rental, diving, beach surfing and more.
You can currently book a DFDS ferry crossing between Newcastle and Amsterdam from £49pp each way (based on 4 sharing a cabin and one car).
If the beach life is for you , I think you will love it here. This parc is right on the beach and features lots of beach activities alongside everything you would expect for Center Parcs.
De Eemhof is a 5 Star Parc close to Amsterdam and Utrecht, perfect for families with teenagers. Activities include wakeboarding, an action factory, Aquadome with waterslides, rapids and surf simulator, escape room, laser battle and more.
Check current prices here: (ad) DFDS Ferry Crossing Deals
If the beach life is for you , I think you will love it here. This parc is right on the beach and features lots of beach activities alongside everything you would expect for Center Parcs.
De Eemhof
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| Credit - Center Parcs |
- From 464 euros per family (price checked in May 2024 to be available from 179 euro per family)
- Drive time from Amsterdam Port = 1 hour
- Find out more here
De Eemhof is a 5 Star Parc close to Amsterdam and Utrecht, perfect for families with teenagers. Activities include wakeboarding, an action factory, Aquadome with waterslides, rapids and surf simulator, escape room, laser battle and more.
You can currently book a DFDS ferry crossing between Newcastle and Amsterdam from £49pp each way (based on 4 sharing a cabin and one car).
Another one for our shortlist. This 5* parc is only a one hour drive from Amsterdam port yet is packed with facilities and comes highly recommended. I love that it is ideally located for Utrecht and Amsterdam too. This parc seems to have it all and is a brilliant all-rounder at the top end of parc specifications.
De Kempervennen is a 5 Star Parc near Eindhoven, perfect for families with teenagers. Facilities include a long zipwire, aquadome with waterslides and snorkel pool, climbing paradise, indoor ski slope, escape room and VR gaming.
After weighing up all of the options, I think we will probably go with De Kempervennen. I like that it is a 5* parc and has lots to do for over 9s and teens and the drive isn't too bad at under 2 hours.
Check current prices here: (ad) DFDS Ferry Crossing Deals
Another one for our shortlist. This 5* parc is only a one hour drive from Amsterdam port yet is packed with facilities and comes highly recommended. I love that it is ideally located for Utrecht and Amsterdam too. This parc seems to have it all and is a brilliant all-rounder at the top end of parc specifications.
De Kempervennen
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| Credit - Center Parcs |
- From 493 euros per family (price checked in May 2024 to be available from 269 euro per family)
- Drive time from Amsterdam Port = 1 hour 50 minutes
- Find out more here
De Kempervennen is a 5 Star Parc near Eindhoven, perfect for families with teenagers. Facilities include a long zipwire, aquadome with waterslides and snorkel pool, climbing paradise, indoor ski slope, escape room and VR gaming.
After weighing up all of the options, I think we will probably go with De Kempervennen. I like that it is a 5* parc and has lots to do for over 9s and teens and the drive isn't too bad at under 2 hours.
You can currently book a DFDS ferry crossing between Newcastle and Amsterdam from £49pp each way (based on 4 sharing a cabin and one car).
Check current prices here: (ad) DFDS Ferry Crossing Deals
I think this may be the park we end up booking. The facilities look impressive and I know my three would love snorkeling, VR gaming, skiing and the escape room. I am guessing we would spend a fortune on activities but I know H, H and J would really enjoy what's on offer here. Might even squeeze in a day trip to Eindhoven. The price is really good for a 5* parc too.
Accommodation Types at Center Parcs in the Netherlands
Cottages
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| Typical VIP Cottage - Credit : Center Parcs |
Fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, living room and private terrace. The cheapest option is a comfort cottage which offers comfortable/basic accommodation up to an exclusive cottage with state-of-the-art facilities including whirlpool baths, coffee machines, sound system and superfast WiFi.
Special Accommodation
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| Treehouse Accommodation - Credit : Center Parcs |
Center Parcs offers a selection of unique and special accommodation across their sites including:
- A Boathouse with private decking overlooking the lake
- A New Generation Kids Cottage with private fenced-in playground
- Treehouses
- A Pony Cottage with your own personal pony and activities to enjoy during your stay
- Fairytale-themed accommodation
- Adventurer cottage
- Animals of the forest cottage
- Wellness cottage
- Lodge tent
- Jungle cabana
- Beach chilla
Find out more about themed accommodation here.
Apartments / Hotel Rooms
Apartments and Hotel Rooms at Center Parcs offer the advantages of a cottage with the services of a hotel. Expect room service, bed making service, breakfast buffets and more.
Let me know if you fancy trying a Center Parcs holiday in the Netherlands or if you have any recommendations for the best parcs to visit.
Other posts you may enjoy:
- Top tips for driving in the Netherlands
- 11 Top tips for taking the Newcastle-Amsterdam Ferry with Kids
- A Short Break at Efteling Theme Park in the Netherlands - A Review & Tips
- A Week at Duinrell Theme Park in the Netherlands - A Review & Tips
- Spending May Half Term in Holland on a budget
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Thank you Sam, this post was really helpful. (I had no idea that the Netherlands was where Centre Parcs originated from!) Love the look of the tree house accommodation complete with slide. Certainly a wide choice and plenty on offer.
ReplyDeleteIt's like you're reading my mind at the moment as we are looking to go in feb half term as prices still look good. However was getting a bit confused by it all on their website so this is v useful!!
ReplyDeleteWhich sites are best to go to if you want to fly?
ReplyDelete