Discover the Ideal Woodland Getaway for Center Parcs Vibes—Without the Hefty Price!

IF you love wandering through woodland, spotting wildlife round every corner and then heading back to base to cosy up in a log cabin – this staycay is for you.

There is a hidden network of locations across the country that give vibes but without the price tag.

I’ve found a forest staycation with cosy log cabins – without the hefty price tagCredit: Catherine Lofthouse Kids can go climbing at the Rosliston Forestry Centre in DerbyshireCredit: Catherine Lofthouse

It’s easy to overlook the amazing forestry centres we have across the UK as only good for a woodland walk and to while away a few hours beneath the trees.

But some offer accommodation options as well, so you can enjoy the forest fun for even longer.

I was wowed by how much there was to do when I went to visit Rosliston Forestry Centre in the heart of the National Forest on the border of Staffordshire and .

Within moments of setting off down the tree-lined path, I had spotted six different species of and a huge cheeky squirrel hanging upside down from a feeder right in front of a hide where you can get up close to nature without the animals being scared off by your presence.

On site, there are loads of facilities that wouldn’t be out of place on an upmarket holiday park, like bike hire, a small soft play for under sevens opposite the cafe and lots of fun play equipment, including a striking sparrowhawk play frame installed last year to replace a much-loved earlier version that was known to all as the Owl.

You’ll also find the real thing here as there’s a birds of prey centre on site which is often open to the public. Over Easter, visitors will be able to hold a bird for £5.

You can visit for the day or for a stay, as lodges for up to 12 guests are tucked away down a little lane, so it’s perfect for a secluded staycation.

And a half-term break for a family of four is only £479 for the week, compared to £2500 for the same seven nights at the nearest Center Parcs at Forest.

Every school , there are themed trails and extra activities on offer, so for February half-term, kids can take on a space trail to find all the planets hidden in the trees for £3.

One thing you won’t find here is a dome, but if you want to recreate that element of a Center Parcs break, you’re spoilt for choice in this part of the world as you’ve got four of the UK’s best waterparks less than an hour’s drive away.

The closest and cheapest is in Derby, where 90 minutes in the waterpark costs £10.25 per person or just £2.10 for three to five-year-olds.

As well as flumes, slides and a wave pool, there’s often an aqua inflatable obstacle course at no extra cost in the school holidays and it’s only half an hour from Rosliston.

Moorways Sports Village has a swimming pool with an inflatable courseCredit: Unknown Rosliston Forestry Centre has woodland walks and cosy cabinsCredit: Alamy

Further afield, entry to the waterpark at starts at £18 a person, the Wave in Coventry costs £56 for two adults and two children during school holidays or a family ticket for four at Waterworld in Stoke is £92. They are all about an hour away.

Even if you splash out on a waterpark trip or two, you’ll still be quids in if you choose this Center Parcs alternative for your half-term break.

And Rosliston isn’t the only Forestry site where you can stay overnight as well as visit for the day.

Forest Holidays offer hot tub lodges on 13 sites leased from Forestry , Forestry and Land and Natural Resources .

You can get a midweek stay for a family of four from £860 over February half-term.

Some sites are near the coast and others have outdoor adventures like archery or zipwires.

Don’t forget to check cashback sites and membership schemes before you book as you may get an upfront discount code or back after your stay.

members can get up to £70 off Forest Holidays.

So why not head to the forest this February and be wowed by the wonders of the woodland all around us?

Plus, check out the.

And travel expert reveal best cheap .

These wooden lodges are much cheaper than the ones at Center ParcsCredit: Unknown