Center Parcs has swiftly rowed back on plans to boot out holidaymakers in its UK sites on the day of the Queen’s funeral.
The company was floodedwith complaints after it said that its five parks will close for 24 hours from 10am on Monday.
Guests partway through seven-day holidays – which generally cost more than £1,000 for a family-of-four at this time of year – would have been forced to spend the night elsewhere or go home early.
Following the announcement of the date of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, we have made the decision to close all our UK villages on Monday 19 September at 10am as a mark of respect and to allow as many of our colleagues as possible to be part of this historic moment. 1/2
— Center Parcs UK (@CenterParcsUK) September 13, 2022
Late on Tuesday evening, however, Center Parcs indicated they had had a change of heart
They said they “have reviewed our position regarding the very small number of guests who are not due to depart on Monday and we will be allowing them to stay on our villages rather than having to leave and return on Tuesday.”
Those due to arrive on Monday for shorter stays arebeing given the opportunity to begin their breaks a day later.
Earlier on Tuesdat Center Parcs said in a statement that it made the decision “as a mark of respect and to allow as many of our colleagues as possible to be part of this historic moment”.
It added: “We hope our guests will understand our decision to support our Queen on her final journey.
“All guests impacted by the closure will receive an email today explaining the options available.”
Customers who want to cancel their holidays are being offered a full refund, with partial refunds for those whose breaks will be shorter than booked.
Guests who were due to arrive on Monday 19 September should not travel, we will reopen on Tuesday 20 September to welcome guests. All impacted guests will receive an email from us today. Please visit our website for additional information https://t.co/ChXUSDsny8 2/2
— Center Parcs UK (@CenterParcsUK) September 13, 2022
Many affected people expressed their anger on Center Parcs’ Facebook page.
One wrote: “We were five related families getting together for our annual family holiday – with two small children and two dogs, three hours from home!
“Where the hell are we supposed to go for one night?! It’s that or cancel some or all of the much-anticipated holiday!
“Sorry, but this is an awful, awful decision that has left us devastated.
“By all means close the restaurants and activities, but let us stay on the park!!”
Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the state funeral, however this is at the discretion of individual businesses
Another wrote: “Center Parcs have left us in a right mess.
“Party of six – including one toddler and one adult with special needs. Driving four hours for a Friday to Friday break in (a) four-bedroomed cabin.
“Get kicked out of our accommodation at 10am Monday and can’t return until the same time on Tuesday. What the hell are we supposed to do???!!!”
Mourning guidance from the Cabinet Office states: “Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the state funeral, however this is at the discretion of individual businesses.”
Center Parcs’ five UK sites are: Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Longleat Forest, Wiltshire; Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire; Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire; and Whinfell Forest, Cumbria.
Holidays at the villages start on Fridays or Mondays and last three, four or seven nights.
