Center Parcs is facing renewed criticism after deciding to close its UK villages on the day of the Queen's funeral, causing disruption for guests. The company initially told guests they would need to leave by 10:00 BST on Monday and not return until Tuesday, but later allowed those already on holiday to stay. However, people due to arrive on Monday will not be able to start their holidays until the following day.
Ellie Walters, who is getting married on Thursday, was due to check in on Monday for her honeymoon at Center Parcs in Nottinghamshire. She described the situation as 'quite a disgrace' and said it had caused significant stress. She suggested that it would have been better for staff and guests to watch the funeral together on screens rather than closing the villages.
Emma Sherlock, 37, planned to arrive at Center Parcs in Nottinghamshire on Monday with her husband and three disabled children. She said they had saved £1,200 for the five-night trip but now face an extra £300 to stay in a hotel for the first night. She noted that their holiday had already been postponed twice due to the pandemic and expressed sympathy for staff dealing with frustrated customers.
David Tomlinson, a guest already staying at Center Parcs, was initially told he would need to leave for a day, which would have meant a two-and-a-half-hour drive home to Solihull and back. He criticised the company for responding to some people on Twitter but not to those with more serious issues. He argued that holiday plans should not be changed at short notice, especially for such expensive bookings.
Center Parcs has said it is closing its villages 'as a mark of respect and to allow as many of our colleagues as possible to be part of this historic moment'. However, the company has since clarified that guests will be able to walk around the villages, although facilities such as restaurants and swimming pools will remain closed.
