Center Parcs backtracks on Queen’s funeral closure planson September 13, 2022 at 9:32 pm

Center Parcs has said guests must leave its sites for the Queen’s funeral, prompting complaints from angry holidaymakers.

The holiday firm said it had made the decision “as a mark of respect” and to allow employees to “be part of this historic moment”.

But one holidaymaker the BBC spoke to described the plans as “ridiculous”.

Others took to Center Parcs’ Facebook page to express their anger, with one saying it showed no respect to guests.

Center Parcs said that guests would have to leave its five UK sites for 24 hours from 10:00 BST on Monday 19 September.

Its five locations include: Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Longleat Forest, Wiltshire; Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire; Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire; and Whinfell Forest, Cumbria.

Guests who want to cancel holidays can request a full refund, and customers whose holidays are shorter than the booked period will be offered partial refunds.

The BBC understands that long-stay guests will be allowed to stay on-site without access to facilities, including restaurants.

This includes about 800 guests currently staying at the resorts, who will receive some compensation for the inconvenience.

The holiday firm said: “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.”

David Tomlinson from Solihull, is two days into a two-week break with his wife at the Sherwood Forest site.

He said the company had the opportunity to inform guests of the decision before they checked in on Monday.

“Instead they waited for everybody to book in” before informing guests of the closure, he said, giving them no opportunity to cancel.

Guests also took to Center Parcs’ Facebook page to vent their frustration.

“You’re closing your sites at very short notice as a mark of respect, while showing very little respect for your customers,” one wrote.

Another said: “We were five related families getting together for our annual family holiday – with two small children and two dogs, three hours from home!

“Sorry, but this is an awful decision that has left us devastated.

They pleaded: “By all means close the restaurants and activities, but let us stay on the park!”

Center Parcs sources said the company is looking at various options to accommodate the “small number of guests” who are on longer breaks and due to be in their “villages” on Monday.

This could include finding them alternative accommodation, or allowing them to remain on-site, but without access to the usual facilities.

The move will affect those customers who are currently on breaks at the holiday parks, or due to arrive on Friday for a week-long holiday. The company says most of its customers are on short breaks.

The BBC understands the situation is under review, and the firm may reverse its decision.

Rival holiday company Butlin’s has said that its resorts will be staying open on Monday, with some changes to arrival times.

According to government guidance, businesses are under no obligation to close during the period of national mourning, which includes the Queen’s funeral on Monday 19 September.

However, a number of firms have said they will close all or some of their stores on Monday, including supermarket chains Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda and retailers such as Primark and John Lewis.

If you planned to visit Center Parcs how will you be affected by its closure on Monday? What do you think of the decision? Email: yourqueen@bbc.co.uk.

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