Family Breaks: Bluestone 10 months in

The team behind the new Bluestone resort in Wales must have taken comfort from the consistently high occupancy rates at the four Center Parcs resorts when they chose to build a competing village in the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside. They also gambled that the relatively remote location would be a further attractive feature. Just a few months since opening, and despite a four hour journey from London, Bluestone is now in its second year of operation and in demand with good reason.

Like at Center Parcs, the highlight for many kids, and certainly our three boys, is not the surrounding countryside but the wave pool and slide complex. We’d still be in it now if they had the option of staying. We were also really impressed with the high standard of accommodation – around 200 cottages and lodges – sufficiently spread out around the ‘village’ to ensure Bluestone does not appear overly busy even when full. And mum loved the spa describing it as “extensive, luxurious, just wonderful”.

The location is the other big bonus – if you live in Wales, the Midlands or quickly forget the travel to and from London. We travelled for three hours by train to Swansea and rented a car for the final hour and a half. The trade-off is beautiful scenery and lovely beaches. Indeed, while visitors to Center Parcs resorts may commonly just park up for the duration of their stay, a visit to Bluestone really ought to take in the  Gower Peninsula or Tenby beach and include a trip to the National Park. This part of Wales is beautiful and definitely adds to the overall experience.

Getting around within hilly Bluestone, especially with young kids in tow, is as challenging as the journey there. Cars are banned but for loading and unloading. Golf buggies are available for hire. We were let down by our chosen transport option of bike rental - the bikes have been shockingly poorly maintained despite being nearly new. Do bring your own if your means of transport to Wales allows.

Besides the pool complex there are numerous activity options for kids of all ages and babysitting is also on offer. The kids loved this, but we struggled a little with the prospect of having to make it to various locations at scheduled times. All in all though Bluestone will be a permanently successful addition to UK family and holiday options.