Situated within 500 acres of breathtaking National Park, Bluestone offers an idyllic escape. We sent Victoria Reddington along for a long weekend with her family to try it out. Here’s what she thought…
Arriving at Bluestone in Pembrokeshire, Wales is like entering an exclusive village. I visited with my husband and two sons (aged 7 and 10), and we stayed in a lodge in the newer Merlin’s Crest part of the resort. This meant we entered via a separate car park but access was very easy and well signposted. We had pre-registered our car, as prompted in advance by the handy Bluestone app, so entrance into the resort was quick and effortless.
Once parked, we headed to the welcome centre where the receptionist was incredibly helpful. This set the tone for the rest of the trip, as the staff throughout were unwaveringly polite, enthusiastic and happy to assist with any query. We picked up our lodge keys, passes, car tickets and were shown exactly where to go, via the resort map we were given, and told how to pick up our buggy. From initial arrival, it was clear Bluestone’s level of care and service would be a cut above the usual standard you’d typically expect at a holiday park.
Electric Buggy Collection
Our first task was to pick up our buggy from the collection point located directly next to the welcome centre. One not-to-be-underestimated benefit of staying in Merlin’s Crest, is that you get exclusive use of your own electric six-seater buggy throughout your stay. This lives directly outside your lodge and is fitted with its own charger, so your buggy can easily be charged up overnight. An undisputed highlight with my boys (and with my husband and me if I’m being honest!), as even the act of picking up the buggy was a mini adventure with excitement high right from the off. It’s worth noting that only 18+ can drive the buggies and you will need to take your driving licence with you – so don’t forget!
Tip: Take decoration for your buggy! You can spot Bluestoners by the lights, bunting and ribbons that adorn their buggies. Also take a towel to keep in the buggy to wipe the seats dry for when it rains.
You are allowed to take your car into the village on arrival days and leaving days only; so unpacking/packing can be done directly outside your lodge. The rest of the time, no cars are allowed to drive around on the site (they stay in the car park) so there’s a real sense of security when walking the complex – it’s lovely that there is no traffic to worry about (other than really quite slow buggies and bikes!). It also adds to the relaxed feel of Bluestone as instead, you have families either strolling along, riding bikes or happily trundling along in their buggies, waving to each other as they pass, in what feels like a genuine respite from the busy pace of modern life.
Accommodation in Merlin’s Crest
This is the newer part of the resort – Merlin’s Crest, home to Bluestone’s latest additions: a range of gorgeously modern, Platinum Lodges. We stayed in one of these spacious, two-storey lodges and its timber clad exterior, painted in a muted green, was chic with a pretty frontage which impressed us all from the off.
It’s inside however, that the accommodation really comes into its own. Upside-down in formation, the bedrooms and bathroom are on the ground floor, with the living spaces upstairs. Not only does this flood the living areas with airy and bright sunlight but there is a beautiful sun room on this first floor that really creates a ‘wow’ factor. It has doors you can fold back to reveal a (very high) glass balcony – which is extremely secure so absolutely fine and safe for children large or small – and absolutely perfect for feeling immersed in the glorious surroundings. Watching the sun set or rise from this spot within your very own luxury lodge is an absolute dream that really adds that extra layer to the break.
With a family such as mine, with two active boys (who don’t always agree), the open-plan layout was a dream. There was a large, well-equipped kitchen with all the crockery and cooking implements you could need. We were self-catering and cooking in this intuitive kitchen was a breeze. If you are also planning on making the most of self-catering, do remember to call into the supermarket on the way to the resort. There is an on-site grocery store in Bluestone’s village which is well stocked should you need top-ups too (this is acceptably priced; similar to any typical corner shop).
The main living space was very tastefully decorated, with a stylish faux wood burner and a large TV in front of a comfortable u-shaped sofa and two other cosy armchairs. There’s also a snug with another (smaller TV) and two further arm chairs – having two spaces to relax was great.
The style and comfort continued downstairs as the ground floor included a family bathroom and three generous bedrooms, as well as a handy shoe / boot / game / football cupboard by the front door. The master bedroom had a large en-suite with a strong shower, his and hers sinks and a free-standing bath which had sparkling ceiling lights directly above the tub! You actually feel as though you’re soaking beneath the stars… a real highlight!
Facilities and What’s There
The 500-acre site includes two lakes, a range of activity hubs, various nature walks and – in the centre – a quaint village, with buildings brightly decorated in delightful colours. The village has an outdoor play area, the convenient village store mentioned earlier, a café and even a spa within. Not that I had chance to try out the spa facilities – there was far too much adventure to be had elsewhere at Bluestone – however that is definitely one to be added to my priority list on a return visit.
Free Activities and Entertainment
A lot of the entertainment and activities are based in the Serendome, The Hive and The Blue Lagoon Pool – all of which are free to enter and use, and have more than enough to keep a family entertained for a short break with no need to add on extra activities, although we loved the variety of mixing up the two.
The Serendome is fantastic; a massive domed covered structure (so you are fully dry even if it’s raining – a must in Wales!), but open around the edges, as it aims to bring the outdoors in. Within the Serendome there are plenty of food and drink kiosks, a sand area with climbing apparatus, a small play area, a water play section and the highlight – the Cloud Theatre located in the centre of the Serendome. This is where the welcome meeting takes place to find out what’s on during your stay and the entertainment team get the kids dancing and the resort characters appear on stage. Whilst we were there we watched a very impressive performance by the Bluestone band which delighted kids and adults alike! They were really talented and there was plenty of room in the theatre in front of the stage for the kids to dance about, plus ample tiered block seating for the adults to sit, enjoy a drink, watch the show and keep an eye on the kids. Smoke machines, bubbles and great staging made the audience evening events a visual feast and were so much fun.
The Hive is the indoor activity centre which is full of free activities for the kids to do. Busier than the Serendome’s more relaxed pace, this area really is a hive of activity! There is a giant soft play area (it is genuinely massive), a couple of small football pitches, the Air Maze (a giant bouncy castle) and a zip wire around the top of it all. There’s also a cafe inside and sofas placed all around the play area, so it’s a great chance for adults to chill whilst watching the kids run wild!
Not forgetting finally, the Blue Lagoon water park. This sub-tropical dome had a baby pool, wave pool, flumes, a lazy river that winds from inside to out and back again and jets – so whilst it’s not the biggest water park we’ve been to, there is still plenty to do, plus you don’t have to book in advance which is a big help in a packed weekend such as this.
As well as the man-made entertainment, there is no denying that the beautiful nature that surrounds you has to be one of the best parts of Bluestone! We made the most of the stunning walks around the lake, hunted for hidden fairy houses in the woods and built dens in and amongst the trees.
Paid activities
If that’s not enough, there’s also lots of additional activities to choose from to elevate your stay even further – from water sports, climbing, sky walk, bushcraft, archery and more! Take a look at them all here.
Here’s our favourite activity, according to each family member;
Elijah’s (aged 7 years old) Favourite Activity – Off Road Rangers
This was great; each child had their own mini 4×4 and after a pretty thorough practice session learning to drive and how to reverse around corners (really!) they were off driving round a great muddy track. We were even left wishing they did this for adults as it looked so much fun!
- Ages: 6-10
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Location: Bike and Buggy Hire Area (on-site)
Isaac’s (aged 10 years old) Favourite Activity – Glow Zone Mini Bowling
Glow in the dark bowling that lasts half an hour for a game. It’s ‘mini’ but the bowls were surprisingly robust and you could properly throw them down the lanes! Great for when it’s raining too.
- Ages: All Ages
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Location: The Hive (on-site)
James’s (Dad) Favourite Activity – Double Kayaking
Double kayaks allow you to enjoy the resort’s lake as a duo. It’s a great way to include younger people, or anyone who can’t manage a single kayak by themselves. You get all the gear and really good instruction prior to taking to the water, too.
- Ages: 6+
- Duration: 1 hour
- Location: The Lake (on-site)
Vic’s (Mum) Favourite Activity – Archery
You are taught various techniques and then put them to the test in a friendly competition. This really does hit the bullseye for great family fun!
- Ages: 8+
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Location: Tournament Field (on-site)
Where to eat (off site)
On our second night we decided to take a break from self-catering and headed to a local restaurant, the beautiful Georgian Black Pool Mill. Built in 1813 to grind flour for Pembrokeshire and now restored with care and respect, their chefs now create seasonal menus that are inspired by Pembrokeshire’s warm microclimate, using locally sourced or foraged ingredients.
Our meal was delicious; expertly prepared and served with warmth and a smile in the Mill’s beautiful surroundings. Only a few minutes’ drive away from the resort, I would highly recommend Black Pool Mill if you are looking to eat off site one evening.
You can book a table here: https://www.blackpoolmill.com/
Surrounding Area
Whilst there is more than enough in the resort to fill your days, as Bluestone is set in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, you can also head out for a day at the beach. There’s over 50 beaches (10 of which have been granted Blue Flag status), to choose from.
Overview
Our break at Bluestone has been one of our favourite family trips. There is so much to do, whatever the weather, and the new Merlin’s Crest accommodation is beautifully done with the sun room really adding the cherry on the cake.
If we were to go again, my only change would be to extend our trip, as we certainly could have spent even longer exploring the lake, walks and woodlands and we would explore the beautiful local area too.
Overall it’s a fantastic family break that ticks all the boxes and has that added layer of luxury and level of service that really sets it above all others.
To find out more about the Bluestone Wales holiday resort in Pembrokeshire and book a stay, visit the Bluestone website.
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
