Holiday makers could save "hundreds of pounds" if they swap their UK break to Center Parcs to a trip overseas, new analysis has shown. 

Consumer group Which? compared the cost of a four-night stay at 16 sites across England, France and Belgium during August, October half-term, next year's February half-term and Easter 2024.

The figures, based on holidays for a family of four, show those in the UK cost £1,274 on average, compared with £701 in Belgium and £833 in France.

Center Parcs UK, which has a site in Elveden on the Suffolk-Norfolk border, said there is "huge demand for our short breaks in the UK".

Which? found the biggest savings can be made over October half-term and Easter 2024, partly due to differences between school calendars in the countries analysed.

While an Easter holiday in the UK costs £1,259 on average, the same break can be booked for £392 in France and £800 in Belgium.

Jo Rhodes, deputy editor of consumer magazine Which? Travel, said: "While a holiday park may feel like a quintessentially British holiday, our research found that it's well worth casting your eye beyond the Channel to snap up some significant savings.

"A family of four could save hundreds of pounds by choosing a Center Parcs resort in France or Belgium rather than in the UK, with the biggest savings over the October and Easter half-terms.

"Just do your research before you go, to make sure your chosen park has the facilities and activities you're looking for."

A Center Parcs UK spokesman said: "Center Parcs UK and Center Parcs Europe are entirely separate companies that share the same brand but operate under very different market conditions.

"This makes comparisons between the two difficult.

"There is huge demand for our short breaks in the UK which means we are almost full all year round.

"Sixty per cent of guests will go on to make another booking with us, which reflects the quality of the experience we offer."