Parenting
A Family-Friendly Adventure At Bluestone National Park
Located in the picturesque Pembrokeshire region of Wales, Bluestone National Park Resort serves as a perfect getaway for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts who wish to escape the daily grind. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Bluestone harmoniously combines luxury with adventure amidst rolling hills, unspoiled woodlands, and serene lakes.
This distinctive family holiday park is committed to providing a tranquil environment while also offering an extensive range of activities for those looking for excitement. Whether your passion lies in discovering the rugged Welsh terrain, engaging in water sports, or simply treating yourself to a day at the spa, Bluestone caters to all. Its lodges and cottages prioritize eco-friendliness, ensuring guests can immerse themselves in nature without compromising on modern comforts.
For families, the resort is a true playground, featuring both indoor and outdoor activities designed for children of all ages—ranging from the Blue Lagoon waterpark to tree-top climbing adventures. Nature walks, cycling routes, and opportunities to encounter wildlife enhance the experience, ensuring that everyone remains entertained, regardless of the weather.
Features and Reviews Editor Emily recently visited the resort with her family and provides an in-depth review of the entire Bluestone experience, covering its accommodations, facilities, dining choices, and activities.
Whether you’re organizing a weekend getaway or a family excursion, Bluestone’s combination of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation could be the ideal destination.
Accommodation
Bluestone presents a wide range of accommodation options tailored to meet varying group sizes, preferences, and budgets, all set amidst the breathtaking Pembrokeshire landscape. The resort comprises eco-friendly lodges, cottages, and studio apartments, each equipped with modern amenities and comfortable living spaces.
For families and larger groups, Bluestone’s lodges come in multiple sizes, from snug two-bedroom units to roomy four-bedroom homes. These lodges are ideal for lengthy stays, featuring open-plan living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and outdoor spaces. The cottages, nestled within the village, cater to smaller groups or couples and offer a charming, traditional Welsh ambiance with convenient access to the resort’s amenities. Those looking for a more straightforward experience can opt for the studio apartments, which are compact yet comfortable, perfect for short getaways.
As part of the newer Platinum Lodges situated in Merlins Crest, my family resided in the Carningli Lodge, a spacious and adaptable accommodation choice ideal for families or groups looking for comfort and privacy. This two-story lodge features a thoughtful layout that optimizes both communal and private spaces, accommodating up to eight guests.
During our stay in the Carningli Lodge, we appreciated that the living spaces are situated upstairs, enabling ample natural light through large windows.
The lodge includes a generous, open-plan living area that encompasses a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and a cozy lounge. The modern kitchen features essential appliances, ensuring self-catering is both straightforward and convenient. While we were a group of six (plus an infant), we found that a double oven would have been preferable as we encountered some limitations with the single oven when preparing larger meals; I can only imagine this would be more challenging for a group of eight.
The living space boasts inviting furnishings and generous seating arrangements, particularly on the large, cozy sofa. It includes a 43″ TV and an AGA electric fire, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a day spent discovering the resort. We thought it would be a nice addition to have access to streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime on the televisions, or perhaps the ability to rent movies for those snug evenings or rainy days during the colder seasons.
The sunroom, which features a balcony, was a delightful space for my family to enjoy a few drinks. On sunny days, we especially loved folding back the bifold doors to take in the stunning views.
Although we didn’t take advantage of it during our visit, there’s an intimate ‘cwtch’ (Welsh for cuddle) room equipped with a sofa, TV, and desk, perfect for younger guests who might prefer watching their own shows.
On the lower level, the Carningli Lodge features four tastefully decorated bedrooms, offering a combination of double and twin configurations to accommodate various group needs. The two double rooms come with en-suite bathrooms, which interestingly lack doors—something our group found less than ideal for privacy. Nonetheless, the en-suites were spacious and well-designed, boasting dual sinks, expansive showers, and stunning roll-top baths, where we enjoyed many relaxing bubble baths during our stay. The two twin bedrooms share a modern bathroom and toilet, also located downstairs.
Each bedroom is thoughtfully appointed for comfort, with soft linens and elegant décor. While there was adequate space for hanging our clothes, having a set of drawers would have been a welcome addition.
Guests must park their cars in the designated parking area after unloading luggage at their lodgings, so Bluestone provides electric buggies and bicycles for navigating the expansive resort. Our lodge came with two four-seater buggies, and while their speed is modest, we thoroughly enjoyed cruising around the resort in them. There were always ample buggy parking areas where we could leave (and recharge) our buggy while participating in various activities or dining.
Bluestone offers an extensive array of attractions suitable for all age groups, merging adventure, relaxation, and entertaining activities for families.
The Blue Lagoon serves as the resort’s indoor water park, boasting exciting water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a designated section for younger children. With its year-round heating, the Blue Lagoon is ideal for both active play and unwinding, making it a central draw for families. We thoroughly enjoyed taking our son for his initial swim and floating around the lazy river. However, while the changing facilities are spacious and clean, they do show signs of wear, with several lockers being too small or in disrepair. On a positive note, Bluestone provides complimentary swim nappies, which I found quite thoughtful.
The Serendome is a versatile open-air playground designed for all weather, featuring a range of thrilling activities beneath a distinctive transparent roof. Guests can partake in high ropes courses, climbing walls, water play areas, and creatively designed spaces that encourage both children and adults to explore and engage. The Serendome also includes a bar and dining options such as a waffle hut, making it easy to refuel during your adventures.
The Hive is an engaging indoor entertainment center aimed particularly at younger visitors, featuring climbing walls, a play tower, a multi-sport arena for various ball games, and much more. You can also enjoy Glowzone Bowling, with lanes available for booking in increments of either 30 or 45 minutes. However, during our visit, we found that 30 minutes was not quite enough time for our group of six to complete our game, which was a bit disappointing.
At the core of the resort lies The Village, a quaint, pedestrian-friendly area where guests can explore…
Bluestone village offers a vibrant hub where visitors can discover shops, cafes, and restaurants, all while enjoying a laid-back, communal atmosphere. Guests can shop for local produce at the grocery store or savor meals at the coffee shop and various dining establishments. Additionally, the village features a well-equipped playground designed to help children expend their energy.
While Bluestone provides many opportunities for physical activity, our family felt that the resort could benefit from the addition of an on-site gym for those regular gym-goers wanting to maintain their workout routines.
Activities
No matter what your interests are, Bluestone presents a diverse array of activities, both on-site and in the surrounding area.
A few family members enjoyed kayaking (starting at £15) and stand-up paddleboarding (also from £15) on the peaceful Bluestone Lake. Both activities were led by instructor Ricky, whose enthusiasm for water adventures was evident. These beginner-friendly experiences allowed participants to navigate the serene waters while appreciating the stunning natural landscape.
Paddleboarding offers an engaging way to test your balance and coordination, while kayaking provides a more leisurely option for exploring the lake.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Bluestone features the thrilling Sky Walk and Sky Wires. The Sky Walk (from £30) is an outdoor high ropes course that challenges participants with various obstacles suspended at impressive heights. This is perfect for those looking for a blend of physical challenge and exhilarating fun.
The Sky Wires (starting at £32) deliver an exhilarating zip line experience, allowing guests to glide through the air and enjoy extraordinary views of the resort from above. I personally took part in this activity, accompanied by instructors Ross and Jess, and found it to be an exhilarating, heart-pounding ride.
As expected, there are numerous activities available for children at Bluestone, including archery, gold panning, wacky racers, nature art, and messy play.
My three-month-old son participated in Bubbles swimming lessons (£16) at the Blue Lagoon Water Park, an experience my husband and I were thrilled to join. The class included children of various ages, and every participant received tailored attention. The swim instructor offered valuable insights on how we could engage with our son in the water.
The Spa
The Well Spa, located on-site, serves as a peaceful retreat for those in search of relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa creates a serene ambiance, allowing guests to unwind and revitalize. My husband and I were fortunate to secure some time away from our baby, thanks to the help of our grandparents, which enabled us to enjoy this tranquil experience.
One of the standout features of our visit was the Thermal Suite, where our experience began. This area boasts a variety of thermal rooms, including saunas, steam rooms, and an ice room, each providing distinct advantages for detoxification, skin vitality, and relaxation. There’s also a serene hydrotherapy pool, equipped with water jets to alleviate tension and ease sore muscles.
The spa offers an array of opulent treatments, including massages, facials, and body therapies, all aimed at enhancing wellness and relaxation. My husband opted for a Gentle Tonic massage, while I enjoyed a signature massage with therapist Hollie, who began the session by presenting me with a selection of ESPA scents to choose from, personalizing the experience accordingly. What followed was a truly remarkable massage as Hollie skillfully alleviated the many knots I had acquired from my parenting posture. She also provided a helpful list of recommended ESPA products that I could consider purchasing from the spa’s shop.
Dining Options
If you’re seeking a break from cooking, Bluestone offers an impressive array of dining options that cater to a wide range of tastes, allowing you to enjoy everything from quick snacks to elaborate meals. The Oak Tree Restaurant represents the resort’s fine dining experience, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted from local ingredients.
For those in the mood for hearty, home-cooked meals, The Farmhouse Grill provides a menu filled with grilled meats and family-friendly dishes in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. During our first night, our group enjoyed loaded burgers, tender steak, and succulent pork. We rounded off our meal with generous servings of brownie, creamy cheesecake, and decadent sundaes. Each dish was delightful, and dietary needs, including that of a gluten-free member of our group, were expertly accommodated. Our attentive server, Johnathon, was exceptional throughout our meal and offered helpful recommendations for attractions beyond the resort.
If you’re in search of a more casual dining experience, The Knights Tafarn is a traditional Welsh pub that offers a menu full of comforting classics, making it ideal for a relaxed meal or just a pint. The pub also hosts live music and quiz nights, which we joined on our last evening. Those looking for alcoholic beverages will find the bars at Bluestone well-stocked.
For a quick snack, Ty Coffi is available, serving coffee, light meals, and breakfast, making it a perfect stop to refuel during a busy day of activities.
Additionally, for guests who prefer to self-cater, Newton Stores provides local produce and essential items.
Final Reflections
Bluestone Resort proved to be an ideal multi-generational getaway for my family, accommodating various ages and preferences. The selection of accommodations is extensive, and the range of activities guarantees that no one will be bored, all overseen by friendly and knowledgeable instructors. While Pembrokeshire is known for its numerous attractions, we discovered that there was plenty to enjoy without leaving the resort, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the Bluestone experience during our stay.
As a family that loves dogs, we would have appreciated the option to bring our furry companions, but we understand the resort’s choice to remain dog-free. The absence of cars, along with the option to rent buggies and bikes, contributes to a pleasant atmosphere at the resort.
Our first visit to Bluestone was exceptional, and we have happily recommended it to family, friends, and couples. I look forward to the possibility of more Bluestone resorts emerging across the UK in the future.
