News
Bluestone breaks January booking records – signals staycation boom in 2025
PEMBROKESHIRE’S Bluestone National Park Resort has kicked off the year with record-breaking bookings, marking a surge in demand for UK staycations in 2025.
Bookings for the resort in January have hit an all-time high, with a 15% year-on-year increase since Christmas Day. Guests are opting for longer stays, with many travelling from further afield.
The demand within Wales has grown significantly, with nights booked up 35%, while data from Bluestone suggests that Pembrokeshire is emerging as a quieter alternative to the UK’s more crowded tourist destinations.
The trend aligns with a 2024 Mintel report, which found that 86% of UK staycationers in 2025 are seeking more peaceful holiday locations.
Visitors from England and Ireland on the rise
Bluestone has seen notable growth in bookings from outside Wales, particularly from visitors in England. Bookings from Bristol and Bath have risen by 10%, with guests from these areas opting for longer stays.
Meanwhile, bookings from Ireland have also increased by 10% year-on-year, with particularly strong interest from Wexford, Dublin, and Cork.
Pembrokeshire’s growing appeal
Nestled in the Pembrokeshire countryside, Bluestone has gained recognition as one of the UK’s top holiday destinations. Ranked the third-best holiday park in the UK and Wales’ top resort by Which?, it offers a blend of outdoor adventures, luxury lodges, and easy access to award-winning towns and beaches.
William McNamara, CEO of Bluestone, said: “These strong bookings show that more families than ever are choosing Bluestone and west Wales for their UK holiday, and it’s fantastic to see such strong demand at what is traditionally a quieter time of year.
“Pembrokeshire is becoming a real alternative to busier UK holiday hotspots like Devon and Cornwall, offering some of the country’s best beaches, fantastic food and drink, and a wealth of activities for all ages. It’s great to see more visitors travelling from further afield and staying longer to enjoy everything the region has to offer. At the same time, we’re proud that so many of our Welsh guests continue to return year after year, with demand in Wales rising significantly, including a 35% increase in nights booked.”*
High repeat bookings and early reservations encouraged
In 2024, Bluestone’s repeat guest booking rate remained strong at 39%, reinforcing its status as one of the UK’s most sought-after family holiday destinations.
With demand at an all-time high, guests are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Bluestone also offers Mini Adventurer Breaks for families with young children, featuring a range of complimentary activities for those taking advantage of midweek off-peak stays.
Community
Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker
Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance
FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.
Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.






On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.
Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.
(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)









Community
Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation
SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.
Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.
In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.
Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.
Community
Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven
ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.
The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.
Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.
The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.

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