The UK holiday park that’s ‘better’ and cheaper than Center Parcs with huge new chalets and secret Santa doors

SANTA is real, and he rides a tractor!

If you don’t believe me then book a trip to Bluestone — the five-star National Park resort dubbed “better than Center Parcs” by fans.

3

3

In the middle of beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside lies a secret winter wonderland where the spirit of Christmas truly comes alive.

Not only are there lovely touches — decorations, snow and sparkly lights — but the guests get into it too.

The best way to get around is on one of the golf buggies which are very popular with children.

And those in the know come prepared with tinsel, lights and candy canes which they use to “pimp their rides” into mini Christmas floats.

Buggies zoom around the resort with guests beeping and wishing Merry Christmas to each other.

And people don’t stop there, with many decking the halls of their chalets with boughs of holly, trees and blow-up reindeer and snowmen.

We stayed in one of the park’s new three-bed Merlin’s Crest chalets.

With an upside down layout to make the most of the lake views, there’s a spacious kitchen diner, sitting room, sunroom and cosy TV room.

Once settled in, there is lots to do. The Blue Lagoon swimming pool is large enough to not feel too crowded, with a lazy river and four water slides.

There is also a wave machine and a baby pool.

It’s the little touches that make the difference — they provide free swim nappies for the toddlers and babies.

For adults, there is a wellness spa too if you’re lucky enough to get away from the kids for an hour.

The eco-friendly resort set in 500 acres near Narberth was voted number three for Best Holiday Park in Which? two years in a row.

It’s easy to see why. The resort feels very personal, family run and friendly. The staff are charming.

Just a short walk from where we were staying was The Hive — a giant indoor soft play with a zipline, mini football pitch, climbing tower and giant bouncy castle.

As with everything at Bluestone, making life easy for the parents is given as much thought as entertaining the kids.

There is a bar overlooking nearly every play area so you can sit and relax while the little ones burn off the energy.

And they will have plenty to burn if you treat them to a hot chocolate, piled high with cream, sprinkled with marshmallows and finished with a flake.

A secret door inside The Hive leads to Santa’s Workshop — an experience worth booking — where the children first help to decorate Mrs Claus’s cookies, before the arrival of the big man himself (who flumps down a chimney to gasps from the kids).

Magical snow globe

Santa then reads them a story and gifts everyone a fluffy toy.

Nearby is the Serendome — a vast covered area which had been transformed into a truly magical snow globe.

3

Snow lies on the floor and in the trees which sparkle with lights while Christmas songs fill the air.

The centrepiece is the Cloud Theatre, where the brilliant Claus Christmas Show runs throughout the festive season.

The panto-style performance even had our two-year-old engrossed for 90 minutes, with songs and dance, including a very funny Snowman and even a flying Santa.

In the evening we drove our buggy down the hill into the “village” with its pub and restaurant.

As you draw near, twinkly lights guide your way, and in the middle of the square a reindeer DJ plays Christmas tunes.

We had a meal in the Farmhouse Grill, where the service was quick and friendly and food good value.

The village shop is well stocked and priced like a local Co-op. On another evening we ordered pizzas to the chalet.

For Sunday lunch, we took a trip to the stunning Grade II-listed Blackpool Mill, just a few miles walk away through lush forest.

The beautifully restored Georgian mill has two dining floors and a three-course, top-notch Sunday roast for a very reasonable £30.

That evening back in the village suddenly a stream of kids came running past screaming “Santa”.

Father Christmas was coming past on the back of a tractor with a fleet of buggies following behind.

The sheer joy it brought to all the children would have even the biggest of cynics loving Santa again.

And the fun doesn’t end at Christmas.

Bluestone’s Winter Lights Festival continues on until March, with more magical entertainment and fun to brighten the dark days of winter.