Our honest Bluestone review – is it worth the money?
We’ve just got back from a 4-night midweek stay at Bluestone in Wales. For transparency, we paid £680 in December 2025. Here’s my honest take on whether it’s worth it, especially if you’re comparing it to somewhere like Center Parcs.
What’s included?
First up, there’s actually a lot included in the price, which I think is one of Bluestone’s biggest selling points. It really stood out to us as you don’t feel pressured to constantly book paid activities because there is already so much included.
You get access to The Hive, which has a huge soft play area and a bouncy castle zone which is perfect for burning off energy no matter the weather.
There’s also unlimited swimming, with proper slides and a lazy river. I will say the pool itself is a little dated, but honestly it didn’t affect the experience at all and the kids loved it.
Then there’s the Serendome, which is basically an outdoor play village under one massive dome. There’s sand play, water play and lots of space for kids to explore, all protected from the weather. There is loads of free stuff to do, and I genuinely think you could keep the kids entertained all week without spending loads on extras.
Getting around
We hired a buggy, which cost £125 for the stay (although prices can vary slightly). But Bluestone is a big site and quite hilly, so for us it made getting around so much easier, especially with tired kids. It’s not essential, but definitely something I’d recommend if your budget allows.
The vibe
Vibe-wise, Bluestone feels quite different to Center Parcs. It’s not wooden lodges in the woods, it feels more like a modern little village. They’re hard to compare directly, but if I’m being honest, I actually preferred the vibe of Bluestone. It felt relaxed and family-friendly without feeling overwhelming.
Christmas activities
We went at Christmas, which definitely added something special to the trip. The kids did Elf School, which was £15 per person (including adults), and it was absolutely brilliant. Such a lovely experience and one of the highlights of the holiday.
We also booked the Christmas show, which cost £16 per person, and it was genuinely so good - much better than I expected.
Other Christmas-themed activities available included:
Santa experience - £60 per family
Bowling - £36 per family
These are optional extras, but it’s good to factor them into your budget if you’re visiting during peak seasons. We did the bowling but not the Santa experience.
Price comparison: Bluestone vs Center Parcs
Price-wise, this is where Bluestone really shines. For February half term, Bluestone comes in at around £1,020, whereas Center Parcs for the same period is about £1,549. That’s nearly £500 cheaper, almost a third of the cost saved!
To save that much and still have access to loads of included activities, great facilities and a really enjoyable atmosphere, I think Bluestone is a really solid alternative to Center Parcs.
A few handy tips…
Book swimming slots and shows early, especially in school holidays
Make the most of the free play areas before booking paid activities
Buggy hire is pricey but very useful if you have younger kids
Seasonal activities (like Elf School) are worth booking in advance
Final thoughts
Overall, we had a brilliant stay and I’d happily go back. Bluestone feels like great value for money, especially if you’re travelling as a family and want plenty to do without constantly spending extra.
So if you’re looking for a Center Parcs-style holiday but for less money, Bluestone is definitely worth considering.
Comment below if you’ve got any questions!
