Set within 500 acres of rolling Pembrokeshire countryside is Wales’ answer to Center Parcs.

Bluestone National Park Resort has been quietly building a reputation as the Welsh alternative to the arguably the UK’s best-known forest holiday brand and a go-to for middle-class family breaks.

And after a three-night stay away with my family, it is not difficult to see why.

Tucked inside the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Bluestone feels a world away from ordinary British staycations and has more activities than anyone could possibly wish to do. Mermaid classes, zip-lines, cycling, woodland adventures and much more. The challenge is deciding what you can realistically pack into 72 hours.

But it was a challenge we were more than happy to take up when we visited for the first Bank Holiday in May. We arrived late on the Friday after a long but manageable drive broken up by a stop at a play café near Bristol. Check-in was straightforward - we drove straight to our accommodation in the newly-updated Merlin’s Crest, unpacked, and quickly swapped the car for a golf buggy - an immediate highlight for our four-year-old.

Eager to explore, we headed down to the resort’s picturesque village, where rows of brightly coloured houses circle a large, well-equipped play park. The first evening we made the most of the lodge - watching a family film on the impressively large sofa before enjoying a quiet drink out on the balcony overlooking uninterrupted greenery.

The first morning we headed to the Blue Lagoon water park for a swimming session. There is a play area for toddlers, a wave machine for bigger children to enjoy and a fun lazy river - in essence, everything you need to keep everyone happy. The changing rooms are perhaps in need of some modernisation, but on the whole the place has everything you need, with plenty of space to spread out.

We weren’t quite as lucky with the weather as those visiting later in May, but fortunately Bluestone is well set up for all eventualities. There is an impressive area known as the Serendome — a vast all-weather indoor-outdoor hub - offering a mix of play areas, activities and entertainment under one roof. We signed up for a messy play class, which both little ones fully embraced, before heading down to the forest for a woodland storytelling adventure.

As a parent constantly “looking for things to do”, Bluestone offers a packed roster and genuinely something for even the hardest to please. From mermaid lessons to cycling and indoor zip wires, the options feel endless. And there was one thing I very much fancied myself - a trip to the spa. I treated myself to a facial, which proved a welcome moment of calm, and one I would wholeheartedly recommend to any parent in need of a break.

That evening brought one of the highlights of the trip: the NRG Lab dinner show. As the story unfolded on stage, we tucked into a shared meal, while younger guests were drawn into the action with plenty of opportunities to get involved. It is a brilliantly simple idea, but one that feels surprisingly rare - and one many parents closer to home would no doubt welcome if any Berkshire venues fancy trying something different.

We stayed in one of the lodges in Merlin’s Crest, the resort’s newest accommodation area, and it struck an impressive balance between practicality and indulgence. Downstairs bedrooms made evenings with young children far easier, while upstairs a light-filled living space opened onto a terrace with uninterrupted countryside views.

Inside, thoughtful touches made a real difference: a roll-top bath beneath twinkly ‘star’ lights, a spacious walk-in shower and a well-equipped kitchen. For families, the thoughtful inclusion of essentials such as cots, high chairs, step stools and even potties removes much of the usual friction that comes with travelling with young children.The resort itself is expansive, home not only to the Blue Lagoon but also to The Hive - a large indoor play area featuring climbing frames, soft play and bouncy castles - as well as a wide range of bookable activities. There was so much to do it was unsurprising when my eldest asked when we could go back.

Bluestone is also increasingly positioning itself as a sustainability leader. In 2025 it became the UK’s first fossil fuel-free holiday resort, powered largely by renewable energy including a solar farm and biomass heating system. It is an impressive achievement, and one that adds a layer of purpose without detracting from the overall experience.

It is little surprise, then, that the resort has received consistent industry recognition, including being named the number one holiday park in Wales by Which? for four consecutive years - an accolade that feels well deserved.

  • Prices for breaks at Bluestone start from around £400 for a four-night midweek stay, rising to £540 for a summer weekend and closer to £780 for premium lodges. Activities -from children’s sessions to the NRG Lab dinner show - are priced individually, typically from £15 to £24.95. Visit https://www.bluestonewales.com/ to find out more.