Center Parcs U-turns on plan to turf out guests on day of Queen's funeral

Center Parcs has reversed a decision to kick out guests on the day of the Queen’s funeral.

The holiday firm earlier announced that customers would be turfed out at 10am on Monday, September 19, for 24 hours.

However, after receiving complaints, the company said that it would allow guests on “longer duration breaks” to remain on site on Monday.

The villages will still close at 10am on Monday, meaning a reduction in facilities available.

A 17% refund of the lodge cost has been offered by Center Parcs to customers affected.

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

In a statement, Center Parcs explained that it had “reviewed our position” regarding guests that are not due to depart on Monday.

“Like many businesses we have taken the decision to close all our UK villages on Monday, September 19,” they said.

“This decision was taken as a mark of respect and to allow as many of our colleagues as possible to be part of this historic moment.

“We have contacted all the guests due to arrive on Monday, September 19, and offered them a number of different options.

“Our villages will be open to welcome guests on Tuesday, September 20”.

They continued: “The vast majority of our guests are either due to arrive or depart on Monday, September 19.

“We have however 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.

“The villages will still remain closed on Monday and we will be offering a discount for the lack of facilities available on that day.”

Mourning guidance from the Cabinet Office says: “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.