Nordic Center Parcs Delivers Major Savings for British Holidaymakers
Center Parcs has long been a favourite among British families, celebrated for its thrilling rapids and enchanting treehouse accommodations. However, the expense of visiting these UK holiday villages can be substantial, particularly during school breaks. A four-day stay at locations such as Longleat Forest, Woburn, Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, or Whinfell typically costs around £1,400 during half-term. In a welcome development for budget-conscious travellers, a new Center Parcs has opened in Scandinavia, offering comparable experiences at more than 50% lower prices than its British equivalents.
Substantial Cost Differences Highlighted
The Nordborg village, situated on the island of Als in southern Denmark approximately three hours west of Copenhagen, represents the first Center Parcs in Scandinavia. During the February half-term from February 16 to 20, a two-bedroom lodge at Nordborg costs just £690 for four nights. This stands in stark contrast to Sherwood Forest in the UK, where the same accommodation and dates would set you back £1,629.
Outside of term-time, the savings remain significant. A three-bedroom lodge at Nordborg from September 21 to 25 is priced at £980 for four nights, compared to £1,159 at Woburn Forest – a saving of £179 by choosing the Danish destination.
Expanding Beyond English Borders
While this marks Center Parcs' debut in Scandinavia, the brand has established a strong presence across continental Europe for some time. There are currently nine villages in the Netherlands, seven in France, and six in Germany. Looking ahead, a brand new Center Parcs is scheduled to open in the Scottish Borders in 2029, further expanding the brand's footprint.
What to Expect at the Scandinavian Center Parcs
The Nordborg holiday park was a decade in the planning and took three years to construct. It features 440 lodges, ranging from one-bedroom wood and pine cottages – each equipped with a private sauna – to four-bedroom cottages of similar design. This emphasis on saunas taps directly into the booming wellness culture that has become a Nordic trademark, increasingly popular in cities like London.
Unlike the traditional forest settings of UK villages, Nordborg is located on an island. This means there are no treehouses available, which may disappoint those seeking that particular magical element. Instead, the lodges are set within a 'no-mow' wildflower meadow teeming with local wildlife.
Facilities and Activities
The 470-acre park, roughly equivalent in size to Elveden and Longleat, encompasses coastline, a beach with a stylish Scandinavian pier, and some woodland areas. At its heart lies the Market Dome, serving as the central hub similar to the UK's Plaza, containing a supermarket and three restaurants.
The Aqua Mundo complex offers the equivalent of the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, complete with a lazy river, wave machine, and water slides. Notably, the pools use 90% less chlorine than standard systems, reflecting a commitment to more eco-friendly operations.
While the range of activities isn't quite as extensive as at UK villages, guests can still enjoy:
- An arcade and indoor/outdoor mini-golf
- A Ragnarok-themed escape room
- Mountain biking and archery
- Cooking classes and silent discos
- Pedalos and a petting farm with donkeys, guinea pigs, rabbits, sheep, and goats
Access to the petting farm is included in the stay.
Exploring Beyond the Resort
While UK Center Parcs villages typically keep visitors occupied within their boundaries, Nordborg's location encourages exploration of its surroundings. The cosy town of Nordborg itself features picturesque streets, while Nordborg Castle – one of Denmark's oldest, dating to the mid-12th century – offers historical interest. Although the castle now functions as a boarding school and isn't open to the public, visitors can explore the adjacent Augustiana Art Park & Art Gallery with its beautiful gardens.
The Instagram-worthy city of Sønderborg, the island's largest urban area, boasts Dybbøl Mill on the 1864 war battlefield, numerous museums, and a charming harbour.
Travel Considerations
The nearest airport to the resort is Sønderborg, accessible via connecting flights from Copenhagen. There are no direct flights from the UK to Sønderborg, requiring at least one stopover. During February half-term, flights from London Gatwick to Copenhagen with Easyjet cost around £190, though other February dates offer much cheaper options, with some one-way fares as low as £16.
From Copenhagen Airport, it's approximately a three-and-a-half-hour drive to Center Parcs. Alternatively, travellers can take an onward flight to Sønderborg Airport, about 15 miles from the resort, though this isn't necessarily quicker. A bus service from Sønderborg Airport takes about 54 minutes to reach the holiday park.
When planning a trip, it's essential to weigh these additional travel costs against the substantial accommodation savings offered by the Danish Center Parcs.
