Bluestone National Park Resort: A Welsh Holiday Haven Outranking Center Parcs
Nestled within 500 acres of wild Welsh countryside in Pembrokeshire, Bluestone National Park Resort offers a magical holiday experience that has been consistently rated ahead of industry heavyweights like Center Parcs, Haven, Warner, Butlins, and Parkdean. According to holidaymakers and Which? readers, it has been named the best holiday park in Wales and the third best in the UK for three years running, making it a standout destination for families seeking luxury and adventure.
A Seamless Blend of Nature and Luxury
Bluestone is masterfully integrated into its surroundings, with 300 wooden lodges and stone cottages scattered across hills near the charming town of Narberth. Despite its size, the resort remains nearly invisible from a distance, preserving the pristine Pembrokeshire panorama. The centerpiece is a purpose-built village featuring colourful cottages, restaurants, shops selling Welsh goods, a spa, and a pub with a beer garden overlooking a playground.
Accommodation: The Platinum Collection Lodges
The new Platinum Collection lodges elevate the experience to unprecedented levels of luxury. For instance, the St Govan Lodge sleeps six and includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms with rain showers and standalone baths, and an open-plan living area with a sun room featuring fully retractable glass walls. These lodges come fully equipped with modern amenities like an oven, microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher, and even an air fryer, alongside a cosy electric fire and a large u-shaped sofa.
Each Platinum Lodge also includes an electric buggy for navigating the car-free resort, a highlight for children and families. Check-in is effortless, with an exclusive entrance and quick buggy pick-up, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the holiday within minutes of arrival.
Activities for All Weathers
Bluestone boasts a wide array of activities, both indoor and outdoor, ensuring entertainment regardless of the famously changeable Welsh weather. Outdoor options include stand-up paddleboarding on lakes, cycling, archery, zip-lining, and exploring woodland trails. The resort also provides easy access to Pembrokeshire's award-winning beaches and historic sites like 4,000-year-old stone burial chambers.
For rainy days, the Blue Lagoon Water Park offers an indoor pool heated with locally sourced biomass, complete with flumes, a wave machine, and a lazy river. The Hive indoor activity centre features soft play, climbing walls, and the Adrenaline circular zipline, while the Serendome houses an aerial adventure course and an amphitheatre for events like silent discos. The Well Spa offers adult-only tranquility with thermal experiences and luxury treatments.
Dining and Local Exploration
Guests can enjoy home-cooked meals in their lodges with stunning countryside views or dine out at options like the Farmhouse Grill for steaks and burgers, the Oak Tree for Italian cuisine, and the Knights Tafarn pub with a log fire. For more refined dining, Black Pool Mill, located off-site, provides a gourmet experience.
Beyond the resort, Bluestone's location within a national park offers endless exploration opportunities. Nearby attractions include Narberth with its independent shops, Tenby's beaches, Saundersfoot's charm, and unique spots like Porthgain harbour and St Govan's Head chapel.
Costs and Practical Information
Prices vary by season and accommodation type. For example, a weekend Easter break starts from £645 for a three-night stay for up to four guests, while midweek spring breaks can be as low as £300 for four nights. The Mini Adventurer Break, designed for families with children under five, includes free activities and entertainment.
All stays include unlimited access to the Blue Lagoon, The Hive, Serendome, and village play areas. Additional activities like the Sky Walk aerial course (£30), Adrenaline zipline (£18), and silent disco (£5) require booking. Dining costs are reasonable, with a meal for four at the Knights Tafarn averaging £73, and spa access starting from £20.
In summary, Bluestone National Park Resort combines natural beauty, modern luxury, and family-friendly activities to create a holiday experience that surpasses even Center Parcs, making it a destination worth returning to time and again.
