Center Parcs is facing a backlash from customers after it revealed plans to close its five UK holiday sites on the day of the Queen’s funeral, turfing holidaymakers out for 24 hours.
Complaints started to flood in via its social media pages after the company said it would shut sites from 10am on the day to allow staff “to support our Queen on her final journey”.
It said that all holidaymakers who would be affected would receive an email later on Tuesday to explain their options.
They include a full refund if guests want to cancel.
Those part-way through seven-day holidays – which generally cost more than £1,000 for a family-of-four at this time of year – will be forced to spend the night elsewhere or go home early.
They would be refunded for the loss, the company said, saying details would be in the email they received.
Those due to arrive on Monday for shorter stays are being given the opportunity to begin their breaks a day later – also at a discounted rate.
But anger quickly set in, with customers accusing the company of leaving them out in the cold. Some complained of long phone queues while others said emails were bouncing back.
One post on the Center Parcs’ Facebook page read: “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!!”
The company’s Twitter account contained similar messages.
Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this. Open Privacy OptionsThe company has five UK sites: Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Longleat Forest, Wiltshire; Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire; Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire; and Whinfell Forest, Cumbria.
Center Parcs said: “We have made the decision to close all our UK villages on Monday 19 September as a mark of respect and to allow as many of our colleagues as possible to be part of this historic moment.
“Guests who were due to arrive on Monday 19 September should not travel on this day, though we will reopen on Tuesday 20 September and be ready to welcome our guests then.
“We hope our guests will understand our decision to support our Queen on her final journey”.
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Rival Butlin’s said its holiday resorts would remain open on Monday, but new arrivals would be asked to arrive two hours later than normal, from 3pm.
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.”
