Center Parcs tells guests to ‘stay somewhere else’ for Queen’s funeral

Centre Parcs has told guests to stay somewhere else for the Queen's funeral.

Her Majesty is to be laid to rest next Monday (19 September), with her son King Charles III declaring the day a bank holiday.

As a mark of respect for the late Queen Elizabeth II, the resort's bosses have announced that its parks will be closed for the entire day so that staff can pay their respects.

Guests have been informed that they must be off the premises by 10am on Monday and will not be allowed to return until the following morning (20 September).

Center Parcs' website says: "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 as a mark of respect and to allow as many of our colleagues as possible to be part of this historic moment.

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

"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."

The chain also states that those who arrive on Friday (16 September), ahead of a seven-day stay, for example, must leave the park in the middle of their trip before returning to finish their holiday.

Responding to the question of whether guests can stay at the park to watch the funeral, the site says: "No, our villages will close at 10am on Monday 19 September and we’re asking all guests to depart by this time."

The company's website also states that it will be offering compensation and refunds for those affected.

Since the news was announced, guests have taken to social media to get answers.

One customer asked: "We are due to stay with you and have just heard of the bank holiday closure. Are we able to leave our belongings in the lodge during the closure?!"

To which Center Parcs replied: "If you are staying with us for 7 nights starting Friday you are welcome to leave your belongings in your lodge and access your accommodation again from 10:00am Tuesday."

The last minute changes have ruined many people's holidays, leaving them absolutely devastated.

One such customer said: "Very angry about this - we are not travelling directly to you, so this has left us stranded half way up the country without accommodation for a night. 30 percent offered is nowhere near close enough to covering the extra costs."

Another user said: "This is a disgraceful way to treat your customers. Just who do you think you're trying to 'respect' here?

"I can just about see putting the funeral on in the bar or something but this is ludicrous. All those holidays ruined."

While someone else commented: "This is without a doubt the worst reaction I've seen from any organisation. Unreal."

LADbible has contacted Center Parcs for a comment.