Blue Stone park, Wales

[KanyesVest]

Thinking of going to Blue Stone in Wales for a week in July. Does anyone know if it lives up to the great looking website?

[Luciferbox]

I've been 3 times and have booked to go back in August. We love it. It can be pricey but we've got a nice cheapish routine and it's great for kids. I haven't been to CP so I can't compare but I'm really looking forward to my little summer holiday. Lots to do, nice places nearby to visit and there's a nice feel to the place imo.

[WhoKnowsWhereTheChocolateGoes]

I would say it depends on the ages of your DCs and what you want out of it, mine were 9 and 11 when we went and most of the activities/facilities were aimed at younger age groups. They loved having bikes and cycling down to the shop for bread in the morning without us and loved the water park, but we didn't do anything else on site. Lots of nice places nearby though.

[TheColdDoesBotherMeAnyway]

We've been a few times (and going back at Christmas for the Elves) and yes it's lovely! Far superior to centerparcs in my opinion, it's far less crowded and the pool is smaller but actually warm. It's also far easier to get out and about in the local area. There's plenty to do off site as well as on. The new Italian restaurant is fantastic, the pub also does nice food. The indoor play area has plenty for wet days and if you get nice weather there's lots outside too. The accommodation is of a good standard, we prefer the cottages over the lodges. The grocery store isn't great but there are plenty of supermarkets on the way if you're coming off the M4. Enjoy!

[KanyesVest]

Looks like a go so, thanks. Kids will be 4&6 and seems like there's plenty to keep us occupied.

[Wolfiefan]

We love it there. Accommodation always clean and lovely. Well appointed.
Lots to do. We love the pool and younger kids love the soft play stuff.
Some advice. The nearest big supermarket is a good drive away. The shop on site is quite small. We take some food and try not to have to shop at the supermarket if doing a shorter break. It's also very hilly on site and no cars allowed (apart from dropping off luggage). We always get a golf buggy. Saves little legs!
Book activities in advance to avoid disappointment.

[KanyesVest]

Thanks for the buggy tip. We will be getting the ferry from Ireland, so I might bring some shopping basics...at least there's no ferry weight limit! Trying to convince dh that 10 days will make more sense

[KanyesVest]

Oh, is there any baby sitting service there?

[Luciferbox]

Yes they have a baby sitting service and a nursery for the day. Plus they have 2-3hr adventures you can book the darlings on too.

[Luciferbox]

We also book a 'click and collect' shop from Tesco and pick them up on our drive to Bluestone. There's one in Pembroke Dock.
Another tip- the swimming pool is only open to residents in the mornings, I think it's 9-11am and it's fairly quite then. Once it's open to the public it can get quite busy, especially if it's raining.

[KanyesVest]

Thanks, Lucifer, good to know about the tesco at the port.

[Temporaryanonymity]

Bluestone is great, I love it and go fairly often. Never bothered with a buggy though. I'm Welsh and used to hills. If you are from a flat area then it will be a shock! There is a minibus now around the site so if you really can't face walking from the village to the pool the bus is every half hour or so. The buggy hire is quite pricy but does look fun.

They've added a great play area in the village. Much better than previous years. We had a blast in November and had the pool to ourselves at 9.30am.

[mouldycheesefan]

I disagree. Many of the fab photos on website are taken on nearby beaches etc not in the actual resort. There is not that much to do on site, the pool is disappointing and it's like a housing estate. Sorry! But some people do like it.

[ZenasSuitcases]

I've just been and was really impressed. The accommodation is great. Surrounding area is beautiful and a nice family break. We would go back. This is what I wrote about our trip zenas-suitcase.co.uk/2016/04/22/bluestone-wales/

[MiniMover]

I hated it. There are beautiful beaches nearby but really there was very little to do for my older boys who were 11&9 at the time. In that respect CP wins hands down.