The European alternative to CenterParcs that’s up to £1,000 cheaper – and it’s next to a sandy beach and theme park

A FAMILY holiday can quickly spiral out of control when it comes to cost, with some staycations costing thousands of pounds.

But one European holiday park offers a budget-friendly alternative that’s £1,000 cheaper than Center Parcs.

Sunparks OostduinkerkeSunparks Oostduinkerke Aan Zee is often hailed as the European alternative to Center Parcs[/caption]

Sunparks OostduinkerkeOther facilities at the pet-friendly holiday park include an outdoor mini golf course, squash facilities and a tennis court[/caption]

Sunparks OostduinkerkeEvery cottage has its own living area, kitchen and bathroom, as well as a private terrace[/caption]

Located on the Belgium coast, Sunparks Oostduinkerke Aan Zee is often hailed as the European alternative to Center Parcs.

Despite being a 5-minute drive from Groenendijk Strand (the local beach), the European holiday park has its own tropical swimming zone with water slides, swimming pools, a wellness area and a sauna.

Other facilities at the pet-friendly holiday park include an outdoor mini golf course, squash facilities, a tennis court, a bowling alley and a bicycle rental.

Every cottage has its own living area, kitchen and bathroom, as well as a private terrace.

Other nearby attractions include Plopsaland de Panne – a family-friendly theme park with more than 55 attractions.

Several popular rides at the theme park include Bumba’s World Trip, Anubis the Ride, the Big Wave and Plop’s Woods.

Entry tickets to the theme park start from €48.50 (£41.50) for a full-paying adult, and €18 (£15.38) for children between 85cm and 99cm.

Sunparks Oostduinkerke aan zee has a 3.5/5 star rating on TripAdvisor from 1,600 reviews.

One person wrote: “There’s so much to do here, including swimming, bowling and one buffet restaurant – you can never get bored here. A lovely place that’s good value for money.”

A second person wrote: “The park has a lot for families to do, and it’s probably a cheaper option than Center Parcs. There’s a good supermarket on site too.”

Someone else said: “We had a fantastic time at Oostduinkerke – such a lovely part of the world.”

But other holidaymakers weren’t as impressed with the facilities and described the park’s decor as “dated”.

One person wrote: “We’ve been visiting this Sunparks for many years – probably since the early 90s. Unfortunately, it has become tired and is awaiting a refurb.”

Despite the mixed comments, nearly 1,000 holidaymakers gave the Belgium holiday park either four or five stars.

This was often because of the park’s budget-friendly prices.

Sun Online Travel found a seven-night break at a holiday house in Sunparks Oostduinkerke Aan Zee costing £1,074 for a family of four during the Easter holidays.

Meanwhile, a lodge at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest would cost £2,198 – more than £1,000 extra.

The easiest way to reach the European holiday parks is by taking a ferry, with several routes to choose from.

According to Discover Ferries, Brit holidaymakers can travel from Dover to France from £79 per car for up to four people with DFDS.

Families can also book a three-day return break from £99 with P&O Ferries.

From Calais it’s a 50-minute drive to Sunparks Oostduinkerke Aan Zee.

Those Brits travelling from Scotland and the North of England can take a DFDS ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam from £49 per person.

From Amsterdam, the site is a three and a half hour drive away.

There are plenty of other holiday parks in Europe that Brits can visit too, and Eurocamp has added plenty to its network this year.

New holiday resorts at Eurocamp

One of the biggest European holiday resorts has added an additional 250 new holiday parks to its network.

Eurocamp, the popular campsite operator, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has more than doubled its offering.

From giant waterparks to wild swimming spots and private beaches, the newly acquired parks have a bit of something for everyone.

Eurocamp will soon have 400 parks across its network, with resorts mainly in France but also in Spain, Italy, Germany, Croatia, The Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg.

Last summer, Sun Online Travel visited Sun Online Travel visited Sunparks describing it as a Center Parcs style holiday without the price tag.

Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse has revealed the UK holiday parks that she thinks are better than Center Parcs.

Sunparks OostduinkerkeThe holiday park is a five-minute drive away from the beach[/caption]

Sunparks OostduinkerkeThere’s an on-site buffet restaurant[/caption]

Sunparks OostduinkerkeSun Online Travel found a seven-night break at a holiday house in Kempense Meren costing £1,074 for a family of four during the Easter holidays[/caption]