Center Parcs Europe, Park De Haan trip report

I recently travelled to Center Parcs Europe, Park De Haan in Belgium. I travelled via Eurostar from London St Pancras with a through ticket covering all Belgium stations via local train. Although this service is an excellent way to travel to Belgium especially if visiting Bruges for the Christmas markets I would suggest travelling by car as the drive is a short 1 hour and 30 minutes from Calais. 

Day 1

On arrival to Park De Haan we were welcomed at the gate in the taxi from the station (Blankenberge) and handed our wrist bands. The wristbands gave us access to our accommodation, we also loaded activities to them and they access the lockers in the pool changing rooms in the Aqua Mundo. We arrived late afternoon and headed to Frites for a quick service meal and booked in our activities. This can be done online by logging in via or at the booths near reception. Last stop for the evening was the supermarket to stock up on essentials for our VIP Cottage.

The VIP Cottage came with a welcome pack with kitchen amenities, tea towels and bath towel package which is great to avoid bringing too much from home. Our VIP cottage was private with outdoor decking, BBQ, pizza oven, indoor full kitchen facilities and 2 bedrooms. One highlight is the infrared sauna after a long day of exploring. We were a short walk away from the Market Dome, however for those further away you can hire bikes and golf carts. 

Day 2

The next morning we took full advantage of the facilities starting with the Aqua Mundo, a beautiful lagoon style pool setting with 2 water slides, an outside body water rapids (this was brilliant fun), jacuzzi and lazy river, plus an area for little ones to splash around. After lunch we had our 1st activity 16 euros for 1 hour hire of the badminton court which can accommodate up to 4 people. We also had a game of bowling for 35 euros, this can be for up to 8 people and and as many games you can fit within the hour. For the 2 of us this meant 3 games of bowling. We finished the day with an Italian Il Giardino restaurant which is best to be booked in advance as it is very popular, this can be done online or at the restaurant. There is also a buffet restaurant serving breakfast and dinner available.

Day 3

The next day we hopped on the tram approximately 10 minutes walk from the park entrance with a further 10 minutes on the tram into Blankenberge. From Blankenberge you can catch the train to Bruges again within 10 minutes, overall a short journey if wishing to avoid taking the car to Bruges. Park De Haan is on the coast with the beach less than 800m away, excellent for a summer stay. During our time in Bruges we hopped on a boat trip for 15 euros per person to see some of the local historical sites. We also sampled Belgian hot chocolate and of course Belgian waffles with more Belgian chocolate sauce! We we a little early for the Christmas markets but they were setting up ready to open on 22nd November. They do however have a few Christmas shops open close to the main square. After a long day in Bruges we headed back to Park De Haan, exploring the outside area with the farm, park and Autumn colours on the lakeside beach. Finally we took another dip in the Aqua Mundo which was now magical with the outside being dark. The body rapids (Wild Water Rapids) was so much fun lit up under the dark sky and the steaming warm outdoor pool twinkling under the evening sky. It was quieter in the evening and more relaxing, I would definitely recommend an evening dip.

Day 4

Our final day was to head home, this is when the car would have been easier to hop in and head to Calais. We did have the pleasure of travelling 1st class from Blankenberge back to Brussels for our Eurostar journey due to having Standard Plus on the Eurostar. Standard Plus on the Eurostar includes extra space and a light meal and drinks for the journey home (previously called Standard Premier). 

I cannot wait to explore more of the Center Parcs Europe collection. This is my second park after visiting Villages Nature Paris a few times previously. If you like a mix of adventure, relaxation and exploring new destinations then Center Parcs Europe bookable with us at MagicBreaks is definitely for you. My son who travelled with me and theme park mad loved Villages Nature for being close to Disney, he also informed me we have to go back to Belgium for Plopsaland and De Kempervennan to explore Efteling resort. https://magicbreaks.co.uk/center-parcs-europe/