Bluestone, Wales. All-inclusive or not?

[horseyhorseydonotstop]

Hi, hoping to book midweek break in Bluestone in October. Will be first time there. Just wondering if anyone can advise is it worth booking all-inclusive or is it better to go self-catering. We have three under four. Thank you.

[FlipFlopWaddle]

We've been there a few times but never done all inclusive, I will say though that the food there is excellent, although fairly expensive (still better value than centerparcs though ). I would say it depends on how much extra it is, we've done the Sunday carvery a few times (it is very, very nice ) and I think it was around £15 for adults and £10 for children if that gives you an idea of eating out prices? Y Tafarn and the cafe in the adventure centre are cheaper and still nice. We were in the cafe at breakfast time once and the breakfast looked ok, like standard hotel buffet fare really.

The onsite shop is fairly small so if you decide to self cater I would do a supermarket run on the way or beforehand. The kitchens in the accommodation are fine for cooking in - clean and functional.

Enjoy it, I love Bluestone

[NormHonal]

I wouldn't go all-inclusive. There are lots of places nearby to explore, we eat lunch out every day when we're there and self-cater breakfast and most dinners.

[FlipFlopWaddle]

Also depending on where your accommodation is you may have a fair trek for breakfast - personally I'd rather lounge around in my pjs and eat croissants or something from the bakery in the village (they sell fresh ones) than get us all dressed and walk up to the adventure centre

[SunnyRandall]

I would personally as it takes the pressure off completely. We had breakfasts included once when we went and it was nice to get up and out in the morning (our dc are early risers anyway) with no food to prepare. Yes there are lovely places to eat in the area but with three tinies like you have, I would really love not to have to even think about the majority of our meals.

And the food there is very good imo.

[JimBobplusasprog]

We stocked up at the supermarket in the nearest town which was much cheaper and had a bigger selection than the onsite shop. The cooking facilities in the accommodation are very good.

[horseyhorseydonotstop]

Thank you - 3 early risers here so like the idea of getting up and out. Apparently you get two activities each - are they worn it or is there any point with three younger ones?

[Llareggub]

Look - bluestone is great and you'll enjoy it whatever you do. Personally I wouldn't want to trek around the place for meals - it is hilly and some lodges are far from the village and the adventure centre. As a PP said, who wants a trek in the morning for breakfast?

The area around Bluestone is beautiful and it's worth getting out and about. Wales is not expensive and you'll be able to eat out cheaply. The kitchens at the lodges are well equipped and there supermarkets en route. Do what will make your life easier!

I've never bothered with the activities there. My DCs went in the adventure centre and the pool and that was enough for them. The rest of the time we tramped through the woods and headed for the beach. We usually go to Tenby for the day.

[horseyhorseydonotstop]

Thank you all. Haven't been on a holiday in three years so ridiculously looking forward to it.

[Buttercup27]

We've been there lots starting when ds was 1 and I was pregnant. The latest when ds was 2 and Ds2 was 3 months. We've never gone all inclusive bit have eaten at camp smokey - amazing especially in October when whether may not be great. Also the restaurant at the soft play is good.
We found it easier and so much more flexible to cook in the cottage we had.
Best bit of advice - hire a golf buggy.

[horseyhorseydonotstop]

Thank you think the buggy will be handy :)

[FlipFlopWaddle]

The activities are good for older dcs - dd1 did a fairy walk this year which she enjoyed. The bug safari is also worth doing. There is plenty to do for free too though - the adventure centre, circus room, swimming and nature trail are all included in the price.

In the local area Folly Farm is a good day out and reasonably priced. There are lovely beaches all over Pembrokeshire, as well as castles.

[TwelveLeggedWalk]

Not if you paid me. THe self catering kitchens were really well equippped, hte local pubs and cafes great. The food on site was unremittingly dire as far as I could see.