Last month, we enjoyed a wonderful weekend getaway at Bluestone Resort in Wales—and it was every bit as lovely as we remembered. This was actually our second visit to Bluestone, with our first trip taking place back in May 2017. It’s a fantastic family-friendly destination with so much to do, and I’m excited to share more about our recent stay.
Bluestone National Park Resort
If you’re unfamiliar with Bluestone, it’s a holiday resort located in the beautiful Pembrokeshire region of Wales. It’s perfect for families, offering a wide variety of activities both within the park and in the surrounding area. From nature trails and beaches to action-packed adventures, there’s something for everyone.
Bluestone describes itself as “a place for anyone who needs a little more freedom from their break; for kids who want their imagination sparked; for families who want a real escape.” And it truly lives up to that promise.
Accommodation: Gateholm Lodge
During our previous visit, we stayed in a Tenby lodge. This time, we opted for a Gateholm lodge, which has a completely different layout. The Gateholm is a detached, two-storey lodge designed with upside-down living—meaning the bedrooms and main bathroom are located downstairs, and the open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge area are upstairs.
Our lodge had three bedrooms: one double with an en suite and two twin rooms. The space was modern, clean, and well-equipped with everything we needed. If you’re travelling with young children, the lodge includes essentials like a cot, high chair, and stair gate, which is a huge plus for families.
Activities at Bluestone
There’s no shortage of things to do at Bluestone. You can book extra activities like zip-lining, kayaking, tree climbing, rock climbing, and the Sky Trail. And there are also plenty of free activities—including access to the fantastic Blue Lagoon Waterpark.
The waterpark was a highlight for my kids, who loved the lazy river, wave pool, and waterslides. There’s even a separate play area designed for children under five, which I think is a brilliant touch.
We also took advantage of the scenic woodland walks and nature trails around the resort. There’s a lovely playground in the village area that kept our kids entertained for ages. You can also rent bikes to explore more of the park, which is both fun and practical.
This time around, we hired a golf buggy to get around—something we didn’t do on our first visit. Given the size of the resort and our lodge’s location, it made a big difference. It cost £95 for the weekend, which isn’t cheap, but it was definitely worth it for the convenience.
Exploring the Area
If you want to explore beyond the resort, there are some stunning beaches and towns nearby. On our previous trip, we visited St David’s, which is absolutely beautiful and well worth a stop. Tenby is another favourite, with its gorgeous sandy beach and charming pastel-coloured buildings.
Where to Eat
Bluestone lodges come with fully equipped kitchens, so cooking in is always an option. You can also enjoy a BBQ, grab takeaway pizza from The Oak Tree, or pick up fish and chips for a more casual meal.
If you prefer dining out, Bluestone has a variety of on-site restaurants:
-
The Farmhouse Grill – for fresh local meat and fish
-
The Knights Tafarn – a cosy traditional pub
-
The Oak Tree – serving Italian-inspired dishes
-
Ty Coffi – for coffee and sweet treats
-
The Wildwood Café – located in the Adventure Centre, great for light bites
We had planned to attend Smokey Joe’s Shindig at Camp Smokey, but found it a bit too loud for Max, so we opted to dine elsewhere that evening. It’s worth noting this event requires advance booking.
Final Thoughts
We had such a great time at Bluestone and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for a UK-based family holiday. The resort is set in a breathtaking location, offers comfortable and well-thought-out accommodation, and provides plenty of options for both relaxation and adventure.
The only downside for us is the distance—it’s a five-and-a-half-hour drive. To make the journey easier, we broke it up with an overnight stop in Cardiff on the way down, which worked really well.
