Bluestone – No such thing as bad weather

It rained and rained then rained some more. From the second we arrived till the second we left it rained but as my husband always tells me “there is no such thing as bad weather just inappropriate clothing”. Well the wellies and waterproofs got put very much to the test at Bluestone but do you know what? It did not spoil a single second. With so much to do and see it really did not bother us.

Bluestone very kindly invited us to stay. Unfortunately as it was in school time Dylan had to miss out. So I had to sadly leave the boys at work and school whilst myself, Matilda and my parents took Bluestone up on a wonderful offer to stay.

Bluestone National Park offers something for families with kids of all ages (and grown up kids like my mother) – so whatever stage your family is at, there’s loads to do. For younger kids there’s the outdoor play area, soft play zones in the Adventure Centre and activities like messy play and puppet making. For older kids, there is archery, climbing walls, a tree-top obstacle course and a 40ft zip wire and kayaking. For all ages, there’s the swimming pool with flumes and a fun toddler area. It’s beautiful to walk around, with lake walks and forest paths and there’s a big selection of eating places.
The accommodation was totally spot on. Clean, warm and very well equipped. A travel cot was available so no need to bring mine. Some instructions on how to use some of the equipment may of been helpful. Between us we just about worked out how to use the cooker and the dishwasher but sure we had it on the incorrect settings. The option for subtitles to be turned on the television seemed to be turned off but apart from these tiny issues it was perfect. A upside down lodge, all the bedrooms downstairs and the lounge and kitchen upstairs it worked well and even with his very dodgy heart my dad managed the stairs.

Bluestone is huge, the majority of people seemed to hire golf buggies. We had Dad’s blue badge so could get about with the car as long as the badge was displayed but other than us and a few other blue badge holders cars no cars could come on site. So bring some good walking shoes or get yourself a golf buggy hired.

Without a doubt one of my favourite bits of Bluestone was the light show or light thingie as bluestone call it. The light show is on until the end of March and not to be missed. I wish Dylan could of seen it, he would of loved the fairy houses all lit up. Incredible detail and a lot of love and time has been put into this and it’s a absolute must to see.

The Blue Lagoon swimming pool is brilliant – as well as the flumes for older kids (and grown ups) they have a dedicated shallow toddler pool which Matilda would of happily played in all day, an area with water jets and water pouring from what looks like boat ruins plus a lazy river that takes you outside and then back in again. From the lazy river, you can get out into an outdoor decking area with sun loungers – not really suitable for January but I’m sure it’s lovely in the Summer. They also have a coffee shop around the edge of the pool so if you don’t fancy getting wet you can grab a coffee and watch from the side.

Even though the rain was relentless we still walked the park. Dad couldn’t manage the hills but was more than comfortable in the lodge whilst myself, mum and Matilda went for a walk. The lake was lovely and in better weather I’m sure the trail around the lake would be lovely walk to do. We all love the wicker creations on site. The dragon is stunning and Matilda loved running inside and out of the weaves that made up the dragons body.

A brilliant play area could be found in the village nicely located near the pub and I’m sure in the summer it’s popular with children as is the pub next to it with adults. If the rain becomes to much you can always hide away in the Adventure Centre. With the restaurant and bar upstairs and a separate space for babies and toddlers to play in or the full on adventure centre downstairs, you can easily spend a day in the Adventure Centre if you wanted to. 

If you want to get off site and get some sea fresh air then Tenby is a short car journey and has some beautiful beaches and lovely shops and restaurants. Gorgeous sands, rock pools and of course the sea to paddle in. I would love to visit again in warmer weather. 

Bluestone has everything you really need out of a holiday and is not just for young families. The beach on the door step, amazing swimming pools, play areas, lovely walks, excellent restaurants and some of the best accommodation I have stayed in for a long time. I would definitely recommend it and hope we get to go back sometime in the near future.