10 ways to MEAL PLAN for Center Parcs [Price vs Effort!]

Looking for some meal planning inspo before your trip to Center Parcs? Here are 10 different ways to plan, shop and eat at Center Parcs, and for a bit of fun, we’ve given each a score based on the budget (£-£££) and effort (_/5) required…

1. Shop and pack food before you go

Definitely takes a bit of planning and prep (and space in the car!) but it’s great if you’re on a budget. Effort? 5/5. Budget? £.

2. Click and collect from a local supermarket

Once you’ve emptied your car at the lodge, you can drive back out and pick up your order. Great for saving space in the car, but needs a bit of planning to order beforehand. Effort? 5/5. Budget? £.

3. Order a meal delivery box and take it with you

Hello Fresh and Gousto often do free or cheap trials, and you can cancel your subscription after your trip! Effort? 3/5. Budget? £-££.

4. Shop-as-you-go from the onsite shop

Don’t be put off using the Parc Market for a top-up shop here and there. Yes, it might be slightly pricier than your local big supermarket, but for the odd meal or two, it has everything you need. Effort? 4/5. Budget? ££.

5. Book on-site restaurants

These can be popular, so make sure you book in advance! Effort? 2/5. Budget? £££.

6. Get a Center Parcs take-away

Ordered to your lodge, so super convenient. These also book up really quickly, so book a slot as early as you can! Effort? 1/5. Budget? £££.

7. Drop into the Sports Bar

For easy pub grub, with no reservation needed. Effort? 1/5. Budget? ££.

8. BBQ at the lodge

Bring a disposable BBQ or buy one from the Parc Market, and then keep your fingers crossed it won’t rain…! Effort? 3/5. Budget? ££.

9. Slow-cook a meal in the oven

Or take a slow cooker if your site allows it. Low effort for great reward… just for that feeling of coming back to a warm meal or jacket potato after a long walk back to the lodge. Effort? 2/5. Budget? £.

10. Frozen pre-made meals from the Parc Market

A surprise favourite from our last trip. They’re pricier than cooking from scratch, but way easier. Much cheaper than eating out, and they taste great too! Effort? 2/5. Budget? ££.

Conclusion?

For the least effort, it will always be easier to order in takeaway from the Center Parcs delivery service, or pop over to the Sports Bar without a reservation. Restaurant meals are always nice too, but can be pricey (and if it’s busy, you’ll need a reservation!)

For more budget-friendly dining (that takes a bit more effort), your cheapest option will usually be to meal-plan before you go, cook from scratch in the lodge, and take your ingredients with you.

We like to mix it up a bit for our trips – take some basic ingredients for a few meals in the lodge, but have some relaxing meals out too… after all, it’s a holiday and you want some time to chill, too!