Center Parcs Park de Haan

We found the park easy to reach from the UK, about an hour’s straightforward drive from the Dunkirk ferry. This was my first Centre Parcs in Europe; I’d only visited the one in Brandon, Suffolk, before, and had assumed I wouldn’t go back because UK parks felt overpriced and overrated, with people getting drunk and shouting at football in the bars. This park was cheaper, cleaner, and friendlier, and it was a nice change not to have Premier League on the TV with drunken English fans. The accommodation was clean, good, and better than in the UK, and activities cost less. The park is quieter, more spacious, and has much less traffic on its internal roads. Most accommodation is an easy walk from the main parking area. In the UK I wouldn’t let kids cycle on their own because the roads are busy all the time. People there often claim a disability to park permanently outside their lodges, then drive to the main center every day, which I think is a common scam. This park is more of a summer destination, so there aren’t many activities in winter. One big problem in wet weather is that the paths beside the lodges flood badly, so expect wet feet. The entrance to the aqua and swimming area is cramped and congested, and needs more coat storage and space for changing shoes. We tried to eat at the Grand cafe a few times, but between 4 and 6 the children’s show on the nearby stage meant parents took up the tables and chairs while watching. You couldn’t really eat or drink there then. I don’t know why they hold the entertainment there when there’s a perfectly good empty stage and seating area in the soft play space. The kids’ soft play is free, and it’s handy to sit with a drink, though the room feels unpleasant without windows or natural light. The burger and food at frites disappointed us. The burger meat was horrible, while the chips and nuggets were okay. The buffet dinner was nice, and you can have wine and beer in the evening, but it works out expensive for an adult who doesn’t eat much or drink alcohol. We took an easy day trip to Brugge. The tram stop for the railway station is only 800 m away, through the forest at the front of the park. Overall, we had a positive experience at the De Hann park. I won’t go to a UK park again, and I’ll return to a European one in the coming years.

The park felt quiet and spacious, and was much better value than the UK. Getting there from London was easy. I was surprised that we had company for clean bedding and towels, but apart from that the accommodation was clean and had what we needed, if a bit basic. Each plot had a good-sized garden. We loved the pool and the farm, and it was great being able to drive to Bruges and the endless beautiful nearby beaches, which is much easier than in the UK. The restaurants were fine, though a little overpriced, and the staff were super friendly. A fantastic holiday.

The rapids were probably the best part of our four nights at Centre Parcs De Haan. I was there with my husband, our 3.5-year-old boy, and our two dogs. He had a fantastic time, and it’s a great winter break with little kids because there are so many indoor activities. The pool was fun, with two bigger slides for adults, plus a wave pool and kids’ pool. The indoor play area was great for everyone, especially since you can order drinks there. Dogs were welcome almost everywhere, including the main cafe, play area, bowling alley, and sports bar, though they can’t go inside the restaurants or pool area, which is fair enough. We also tried footgolf and the safari car for our little boy, and both were great. The shop is well stocked but a bit pricey; there’s an Aldi five minutes away by car. We had premium cottage 441 in a good, quiet spot. The accommodation was very basic, which is why I gave four stars instead of five, though it was pretty much what we expected. It could use a few homey touches, but it was clean, the beds were comfortable, and the kitchen was quite new and well stocked. I’d recommend it and would like to try another Centre Parcs in Europe, as they’re much better value than the UK ones.

A lovely spot near the beach, with really nice staff. The kids’ club, soft play, and pool were all good. The accommodation was a little dated but perfectly fine, and I’d stay again. An on-site local coffee shop would be a nice addition.