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, each scored based on the budget and effort 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!
Read more: 5 Tips for a stress-free arrival day at Center Parcs
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