Bluestone National Park Resort, nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire, Wales, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern luxury. With 500 acres of wild Welsh countryside, the resort is designed to immerse guests in the surrounding landscape while providing a range of high-end facilities and activities. This remote corner of the UK, rich in history and stunning natural scenery, has become a favorite for families seeking an unforgettable holiday experience.

Accommodation: The Lodges

At the core of Bluestone’s appeal are its lodges, particularly the newly introduced Platinum Collection. These lodges are designed with luxury in mind, featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious open-plan living area. The lodges also include a ‘cwtch’ — a cozy room for relaxation and a sunroom with fully retractable glass walls, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic views of Pembrokeshire.

The Platinum Collection lodges are equipped with all necessary amenities, including an oven, microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher, and even an air fryer. The lodges also come with an electric buggy, which proved to be a highlight for the author’s five-year-old child. The buggy allows for easy navigation around the resort and even includes a charging point for convenience.

Check-In Experience

Check-in at Bluestone is designed to be smooth. For most guests, the process involves a drive-through check-in at the welcome lodge, followed by a one-way system to reach their lodges. Guests can then park their cars at the resort’s edge and forget about them until check-out. For Platinum Collection guests, the experience is even smoother, with an exclusive entrance, dedicated check-in lodge, and a dedicated car park and buggy pick-up point.

Guests can also enjoy the resort’s car-free environment outside check-in and check-out times, allowing for leisurely strolls or the use of electric buggies for convenience and safety.

Activities and Amenities

Bluestone offers a wide range of activities for all ages, both indoors and outdoors. The resort’s Blue Lagoon Water Park is a highlight, featuring four flumes, a wave machine, and a lazy river that takes guests outside for a quick loop before returning indoors. The water park, which is approaching its 20th anniversary, is in need of some maintenance but remains a popular attraction for families.

The Hive indoor activity center offers soft play, climbing walls, and a cafe-bar for parents to relax while the children enjoy the facilities. The Serendome, an indoor-outdoor adventure play area, features a multi-level aerial adventure course, an amphitheatre-style theatre, and a silent disco. The Well Spa provides adults with a tranquil escape, offering thermal experiences, hydrotherapy, saunas, and steam rooms.

Food and Drink

One of the joys of staying at Bluestone is the ability to enjoy meals in a beautiful open-plan dining room with views of the countryside. The author noted that the experience of having a family meal in the lodge, whether it’s a morning breakfast in the sunshine or an evening dinner with a glass of red wine, is a highlight of the stay.

For those who prefer to dine out, the resort offers a variety of options, including the Farmhouse Grill, which serves steaks, burgers, and fish, and the Oak Tree, which offers pizza and other Italian food. The Knigh pub provides traditional pub fare, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal or drink.

Why It Matters

The success of Bluestone National Park Resort highlights the growing demand for high-quality family-friendly holiday destinations. With its unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, Bluestone has become a preferred choice for many families, offering an experience that outperforms other well-known holiday parks such as Center Parcs.

The resort’s ability to provide a smooth blend of luxury, activity, and natural beauty makes it an attractive option for those seeking an unforgettable holiday. As more families look for destinations that offer both relaxation and entertainment, Bluestone’s approach to holiday accommodation is setting a new standard in the industry.

Future Developments

Bluestone continues to invest in its facilities, with the recent introduction of the Platinum Collection lodges and ongoing improvements to existing amenities. The resort is also planning to reopen some of its outdoor activities, such as Steep Ravine and Camp Smokey, which were affected by storm damage earlier in the year.

With the upcoming season, the resort is expected to see increased visitor numbers, and the focus will be on maintaining the high standards of service and facilities that have made it a favorite among holidaymakers. The resort’s management is also looking to expand its range of activities and amenities to cater to a wider audience.

As the demand for high-quality family holidays continues to grow, Bluestone’s success serves as a benchmark for other holiday parks looking to enhance their offerings. The resort’s commitment to providing an exceptional experience for guests is likely to continue, ensuring that it remains a top choice for those seeking a memorable holiday in the UK.