The MagicBreaks Blog

MagicBreaks Welcomes Center Parcs Europe to its Portfolio of Magical Holidays

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 Z

Close your eyes and imagine waking up in your very own cosy cottage, surrounded by the beautiful countryside of some of Europe’s best countries. Open your curtains and be greeted by a stunning panorama of tall swaying trees, chirping birds and tranquil lakes covered in fresh morning mist.

Well, get ready to turn this dream into a reality because MagicBreaks are thrilled to announce our latest offering: unforgettable getaways deep into the heart of nature at several fantastic European resorts, all thanks to our friends over at Center Parcs Europe! We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring you these stunning resorts, making sure that your escape to nature is not only unforgettable but also affordable.

We’ve handpicked some of our favourite resorts below, each offering their own unique charm and appeal. Plus, we’ve also detailed the easiest way to reach them by car, train or air!

Driving

If you’re all about the freedom of the open road, then Le Lac d’Ailette is perfect for road-trippers. Located in the picturesque Champagne-Ardenne region of north eastern France, this tucked away gem of a resort is just a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from the Port of Calais. It’s incredibly easy to get to as you simply cruise along the A26 motorway practically the entire way. Choose from a range of beautiful, newly-renovated cottages in the woods or by the lake, and experience the famous Aqua Mundo waterpark with 13 slides, water activities or the thrilling adventure playground. For the adults, you’ll also be nearby to several quaint French villages ready for you to discover and the great Champagne houses of the region. It’s no wonder this spot is a firm family favourite!

If you fancy visiting Belgium, Park De Haan is also an excellent choice, just an hour and 15 minutes’ drive away from Calais. You’ll be located right along the stunning Belgian coastline, offering guests a magical blend of seaside fun and natural beauty with endless kilometres of sand dunes and charming coastal villages. Guests can choose between snug cottages complete with your own terrace and garden by the beach, or even a private sauna ensuring the ultimate in holiday relaxation. Famous for its historical architecture, canals, and of course, delicious Belgian chocolate, the gorgeous city of Bruges is also just a 25-minute drive away, making for the perfect day trip.

For a nearby option to the Port of Dieppe, the lovely Les Bois-Francs resort is just 2-hours’ drive away into the spotless Normandy countryside. You’ll have the luxury of modern, contemporary and spacious cottages with bay windows letting in all of the light, looking out onto gorgeous surroundings of a lake and forest. You can even stay in a Pony Cottage and have your very own four-legged friend to trot around with – talk about a magical experience!

Train

Travelling from the UK and fancy the ease and simplicity of going by train? Simply jump on a Eurostar from London St. Pancras, whizz through the scenic French countryside at break-neck speeds, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the incredible facilities of Les Villages Nature Paris resort.

Here, you’ll have an unforgettable holiday experience within nature, making the most of Center Parcs’ Aqua Mundo water park to indulging in delicious meals at several on-site restaurants and even a huge range of fun activities to take part in like archery, bowling, and laser battle. If you want to explore the busy streets of Paris, that’s just a short train-ride away too and if that wasn’t enough fun and excitement, the magic of Disneyland® Paris is just a 10-minute shuttle bus away. It’s the ultimate all-in-one holiday.

Flight

Choosing to fly to one of the wonderful Center Parcs Europe resorts naturally opens up a whole new world of options, including magnificent resorts in the Netherlands. Located just a 25-minute drive away from Eindhoven Airport, the southern Dutch resort of De Kempervennen is ideal if you want to be surrounded by thriving forests, several picturesque lakes, and miles of wide-open, wonderful countryside.

The accommodation options at De Kempervennen are some of the best that Center Parcs has to offer, with elegantly furnished Wellness Cottages providing a relaxing stay with your very own outdoor Jacuzzi, a series of Adventure Cottages for those that like things a little more exciting, and even several Boathouses enabling you to actually stay directly on the lake.

Park Zandvoort is another excellent option if you’ll be flying as its located just 24km away from Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport. With the resort being just over half an hour away from the airport, you can head through passport control and be unpacking your bags in your beachside cottage in a little over an hour. After you’ve soaked up the sun and splashed around in the sea, why not hop in the car and soak up the atmosphere along the famous canals of Amsterdam? Just a 40-minute drive away, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience a taste of city life before retreating back to your coastal hideaway.

From family-friendly getaways on the beaches of the Netherlands to having Disneyland® Paris on your doorstep, there’s a perfect resort in the very heart of nature for everyone. It’s the sheer diversity on offer that really makes a Center Parcs Europe holiday special. So, what are you waiting for, let the magic of the great outdoors ignite your spirit of adventure and embark on your Center Parcs Europe holiday with MagicBreaks today!

Your Ultimate Guide to Experiencing the Magic of Efteling

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:00:00 Z

As you might have noticed, we have an unbelievable affinity with Disneyland Paris, a place filled with happiness, magic, countless enjoyable activities and things to see and do. If you're yearning for a new adventure that still holds some of that special magic but offers a different unique experience, then look no further than Efteling, the largest theme park in the Netherlands!

Efteling is not just your average theme park though; it's a huge land of magic and imagination waiting to be explored. With over 30 attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy from thrilling rollercoasters to family-friendly rides and even immersive adventures to experience.

If that wasn't enough, step into a world of magical fairy tales as you explore Efteling's captivating stories. Meet much-loved characters like Cinderella, Pinocchio, Hansel and Gretel, and Sleeping Beauty as you weave your way around the park.

Efteling also boasts a wonderful lineup of stunning shows and entertainment that will dazzle and delight the whole family. Whether you're watching a captivating performance of Cinderella or joining in the adventure with Hansel and Gretel, you're sure to be entertained from start to finish.

There's so much to see and do at Efteling, that one day in the park is probably not going to be enough time. For those looking to extend their stay at the theme park, there are several hotels and holiday villages for you to retreat to once you're finished for the day. Enjoy a luxury stay at The Efteling Hotel, located just steps away from the park entrance and offers amazing luxurious rooms and suites all inspired by the unique fairy tales of the park.

For a stay in the heart of nature, why not stay in one of the cosy holiday houses of Holiday Village Efteling Loonsche Land, or if you'd prefer staying next to the tranquility of a lake, Holiday Villahe Efteling Bosrijk is calling.

Getting to Efteling:

Now that you're ready to experience the magic of Efteling, let's talk about how to get there. Whether you're travelling from Manchester, London, or Amsterdam, there are several options to consider.

The closest airport to Efteling is Eindhoven Airport which is served by direct Ryanair flights from various UK cities including Dublin, Edinburgh, London, and Manchester.

Once you have arrived in Eindhoven, you can take a taxi from the airport straight to Efteling park itself which is a 30-minute drive, or alternatively, use public transport.

Alternatively, you can fly direct to Amsterdam Schiphol with easyJet from various UK cities including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, and London.

Upon arrival at Amsterdam Schiphol, you can utilise the efficient train network to reach the park. Simply jump on the train heading to Den Bosch, where the bus lines 300, 301, 136, and 800 take you to the park.

If you will be self-driving, the relatively simple drive from the Port of Calais will take around 3 hours. Upon leaving the port, head north along the A16 passing Dunkirk and into Belgium. Keep following what is now the E40 motorway to Ghent where you will turn off onto the E17 towards Antwerp. From Antwerp, you follow the E19 into the Netherlands where Efteling is located just 25 minutes from Breda.

So there we have it. Your complete guide to Efteling and how to get there. With its diverse range of attractions, mesmerising shows, and several convenient travel options, Efteling promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Book your trip to Efteling today with MagicBreaks and embark on a unique adventure you'll never forget!