Center Parcs holidays kicks out guests for Queens funeral, but forced to quickly reverse decision

Holiday-makers were left fuming after a popular location said all tourists would be booted out on the day of the Queen’s funeral — but now, things have abruptly changed.

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

A holiday park in the UK has been forced to backflip on a controversial announcement of kicking out guests on the day of the Queen’s state funeral.

Center Parcs, a holiday park offering in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire countryside, announced to customers who were booked to stay on September 19, that they would be turfed out at 10am for 24 hours, and would need to find alternate accommodation before checking back in to their accommodation on the Tuesday.

Stream the news you want, when you want with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >

There was fury at the suggestion of the holiday park closing.

However, after significant pushback from guests already checked in, management was forced to revoke the ruling — with guests now able to stay throughout the day and overnight.

“Where the hell are we supposed to go for one night?! It’s that or cancel some or all of the much-anticipated holiday!,” one person wrote on Facebook.

“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!!”

Those who remain on site have been warned that villages will be closed from 10am, and all facilities will not be functioning that day. As compensation for the disruption, a 17 per cent refund will be offered to guests who won’t have access to regular facilities throughout the day.

“The vast majority of our guests are either due to arrive or depart on Monday 19th September,” the Center Parcs statement read.

Guests were furious at the suggestion they'd be kicked out for the Queen's funeral from Center Parcs.

“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.”

It is understood a standard stay generally costs more than AU$1700, for a family of four at this time of year. The spokesperson said the original idea of asking guests to leave for the night didn’t mean they would have to pack up entirely. Instead, guests could’ve left belongings in their living accommodation if they wished before returning again on the Tuesday after the state funeral.

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

According to Sky News, the company has five UK sites: Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Longleat Forest, Wiltshire; Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire; Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire; and Whinfell Forest, Cumbria.

A rival holiday park, known as Rival Butlin’s, announced their holiday resorts would remain open on the day of the Queen’s funeral, but new arrivals would be asked to arrive from 3pm rather than 1pm.

Following the death of the Queen, events across the UK were cancelled as a show of respect. A 10-day period of national mourning has followed, with the funeral to take place on Monday 19 September. Schools, most businesses and shops are expected to close next Monday.

While there is no obligation for organisers to cancel events or close businesses during this national mourning period or on the bank holiday, many have done so anyway.