My most controversial post ever, Bluestone Wales Vs Center Parcs. Let’s have a good ol’ chinwag about two of the heavyweights in the UK family getaway scene – Bluestone Holiday Park and Center Parcs. If you’re like me, you love nothing more than escaping the everyday carousel of laundry and life admin for some quality time with the fam. Both these spots promise just that, but they’ve each got their own pros and cons.
Bluestone Holiday Park vs Center Parcs
So, let’s dive into what makes each one special, shall we? Like anything, this is purely my experience and opinion. Things got a little heated over on Instagram and TikTok when I posted this, I think people can be VERY loyal to either.
Bluestone Holiday Park the lowdown
Bluestone Wales
First up, Bluestone Holiday Park, nestled in the rolling hills of Pembrokeshire Wales. With its free-range ethos, is like a big, inviting Welsh cwtch (that’s a hug for the non-Welsh speaking amongst us). It’s smaller than Center Parcs, which gives it a more intimate quieter vibe. You’ll feel like a local the moment you arrive, with staff who sing ‘the wheels on the bus’ to your kids as you ride the minibus that runs around the park or remembers your ice cream order!
That being said it still offers a wide variety of activities such as water sports, archery, zip wires, and clip and climbing. There is also lots of free entertainment in the form of children’s shows, walks in the woods (the fairy trail is our fave), and depending on the season different setups like the winter light trail.
Bluestone Accomodation
Accommodation-wise, you’ve got a variety of different types of holiday lodges and cottages to choose from. Think exposed wooden beams and all the modern comforts nestled in a wooden cabin. It’s much quieter than Center Parcs, which can feel like a more relaxed experience. You can also breathe in that fresh Welsh air and feel a bit more disconnected from life back home.
We usually book a Cadley lodge although in previous years we’ve also booked Dinas lodges to share with friends. For the past two years we have stayed at the end of February which has cost £380 for two adults and two children on a Monday – Friday stay. However this year we were able to also add an ‘early bird discount’ bringing the cost down to £320 (a good £480 cheaper than the equivalent at Center Parcs for the same date). It’s worth noting you will need to pay and extra £50 to allocate your lodge if you want to be in a specific area or by a friend’s lodge.
We have hired bicycles when visiting with smaller children (that fit in a trailer on the back) but have found that choosing a lodge near the village means we could walk around everywhere instead. Friends have hired buggies for smaller children also (and just because they are fun!).
If you love cycling then Bluestone and Center Parcs are both great places for family bike rides. Shop for kids and adult bikes with Halfords voucher codes and save on bicycles for all ages.
Activity-wise, Bluestone is like a merry jig – there’s enough to keep you dancing, but you won’t be stepping on anyone’s toes. The Blue Lagoon swimming pool at Bluestone Holiday Park is a firm favorite with our children. It’s the perfect size for keeping an eye on the kiddos without feeling like you need a map and compass. With splash pools for tiny tots, a lazy river, and several water slides. It is a little chillier than Center Parcs though (think leisure center temp).
Center Parcs Longleat
Now, Center Parcs – We’ve only ever stayed at Center Parcs Longleat so can only compare with that particular branch. However, one of the plus points of this holiday company is that there are plenty of Center Parcs locations to choose from across the UK. Each Parc is encapsulated in woodland and has lakes for watersports too. The lodges are tucked away in incredible forest settings – we almost always make friends with the squirrels that come to the french doors when we visit!
The Subtropical Swimming Paradise – OK this is where Center Parcs bring out the big guns, wave pools, water slides, rapids, and the lazy river for when you want to wind down (or try to). But remember, it’s bigger and busier – the place is abuzz from dawn till dusk. It’s an absolute paradise for kids who crave non-stop excitement and perhaps better suited for older kids and teens, although they also have smaller child areas there also.
Center Parcs doesn’t hold back with activities. Center Parcs activities range from archery to zip-lining, there’s an exhaustive list. There are also more chain brands on offer in terms of food, when we visited a few years ago we had one of the best meals ever at their branch of Las Iguanas. That being said the chains come with a slightly higher price point and are often very busy.
Cost Comparison
Let’s talk cost, because, let’s face it, when you’ve got a family to ferry around, every penny’s holding its breath. Bluestone can be gentler on the wallet, not only in terms of the lodges but also in the activities on offer. It’s inclusive, meaning you can easily get by just taking part in the free activities. Meanwhile, Center Parcs feels like it has a lot on offer but will perhaps have you reaching for your purse more often than you might like.
Accessibility is another factor – Bluestone, although great for myself in Cardiff is a bit of a trek for others, tucked away in West Wales. Personally, I think the tranquil beauty makes the journey worthwhile. In contrast, Center Parcs has locations that are a bit easier to reach, making it perfect for a last-minute dash to escape reality and accessible for more of the UK.
What about the little touches? Bluestone’s got this adorable village-like feel with its shops and bakery (their pastries might just become your new holiday love affair), and it’s all about sustainability and preserving the picturesque nature around. Center Parcs, meanwhile, feels a bit more commercial, with well-known brands they’ve partnered with that bring a sense of familiarity.
Both companies have spas although I cannot do a fair comparison as I’ve only had a treatment at the spa at Center Parcs so far. Perhaps I should take one for the team and book myself into the spa at Bluestone this time round..
So which is better? Bluestone Holiday Park or Center Parcs?
In closing this cosy chat, whether Bluestone, with its homely Welsh embrace, calls to you, or Center Parcs, with its big, exciting bear hug of activities, wins your heart.
Remember, at the end of the day, it’s about the memories, the splashes in the pool, the stories of the day shared over a meal, and those precious family selfies that will fill up your memory boxes (and your Facebook feeds!). So whether it’s Bluestone’s cwtch or Center Parcs’ adventure you seek, both these places are about creating those special moments.
And there we have it, a natter about two fabulous holiday havens each with their pros and cons. If you are looking for an alternative to Center Parcs or just places like Center Parcs then I think Bluestone Holiday Park is a firm contender.
Side note, since writing this post I’ve been recommend trying Center Parcs Europe over Center Parcs UK so if we go I will do a comparison there too!
Book your stay at Bluestone here
If you enjoyed this post you may also like:
Center Parcs Review
Bluestone Wales Review
Forest Holidays Review
Alternatives to Center Parcs