Bluestone National Park Resort - Wales with Oli & Rachel

 Bluestone National Park Resort - Wales 

Sometimes a holiday is about much more than simply getting away. It's about great company, shared experiences, plenty of laughter and making memories that will stay with you long after you've unpacked your suitcase. Our JollyDays trip to Bluestone National Park Resort in beautiful Pembrokeshire certainly delivered all of that and more! Nestled amongst 500 acres of stunning Welsh countryside, woodland and lakes, Bluestone provided the perfect setting for a fantastic week away with friends.

One of the first highlights was collecting our very own golf buggies! These quickly became an essential part of the holiday, making exploring the resort's winding woodland paths and lakeside surroundings even more enjoyable.

There was plenty to keep us entertained, too. A competitive afternoon of bowling at The Hive brought out everyone's competitive streak, while the FA Cup Final provided some afternoon entertainment back at the cottages.

Evenings were just as enjoyable, particularly at The Knights Tafarn, which soon became our favourite gathering place. Live music, dancing, a memorable Frank Sinatra performance from David and even a Eurovision evening back at the cottage made for some brilliant entertainment.

Archery brought out everyone's competitive side, with some surprising shooting talents emerging along the way. 

There was more friendly competition at Heatherton World of Activities, where we tackled the pirate-themed adventure golf course. Some impressive shots were mixed with a few spectacular disasters, keeping everyone entertained!

 

A visit to Manor Wildlife Park was another memorable experience. Feeding the wallabies, spotting the beautiful red pandas and watching the tigers playing together were particular highlights. The enormous camels and mischievous goats also kept us amused, but the biggest surprise came when a friendly lemur decided to jump onto Kerry's shoulder!

Our final full day included a beautiful woodland walk along the Yellow Trail towards Black Pool Mill. With streams, towering trees and birdsong all around us, it was a lovely opportunity to enjoy the peaceful Welsh countryside

Meanwhile, there was still time for another visit to the Blue Lagoon and an adventurous trip to the Serendome, where Jane bravely tackled the Sky Walk high above the ground, while the rest of us happily cheered her on from below!

Of course, no visit to this part of Wales would be complete without exploring its spectacular coastline, charming towns and fascinating history. We enjoyed some wonderful days out discovering the best of Pembrokeshire. Our first excursion took us to Carew Castle, where we explored the impressive medieval ruins overlooking the beautiful tidal mill pond. The views and peaceful riverside walk made it a fantastic start to our sightseeing adventures.

Next came Manorbier Beach, with its golden sands, rugged cliffs and beautiful castle overlooking the coastline. We also discovered the spectacular Church Doors Cove, where dramatic limestone rock formations create one of the most unusual and picturesque coastal landscapes in Wales.We then headed into Tenby, one of Pembrokeshire's prettiest seaside towns. Its colourful buildings, independent shops and lovely cafés made it a real pleasure to explore. We enjoyed a stroll along Castle Beach, admiring the views towards St Catherine's Island and Caldey Island, before stopping for coffee and cake overlooking the sea.

Another memorable day took us further west to Solva and St Davids. Solva's picturesque harbour and colourful boats made it feel like a postcard come to life, while St David's, Britain's smallest city, was full of charm. The magnificent St David's Cathedral was undoubtedly one of the highlights. Set in a peaceful valley below the city, this beautiful historic building was a wonderful place to explore and reflect.