The Celtic Manor is one of those places you’ve either heard of or driven past along the M4 in Newport. It’s hard to miss. In recent years, it’s gone from being known as a hotel to a full-blown destination in its own right, offering a bit of everything – luxury, dining, leisure, and plenty to do for all ages.
Many will know it for hosting big events or visiting the ICC Wales next door, but what about those of us who live nearby? Is it worth booking a stay when it’s practically on your doorstep? Absolutely.
For us, it’s always felt like stepping into a “Mini America”, which probably has something to do with its Welsh-born Canadian owner, Sir Terry Matthews. From the sweeping entrance and thick carpets to the grand hallways and elegant decor, it’s got that big, bold resort feel, but with a distinctly Welsh twist around every corner.
I should point out that I’ve been to the Celtic Manor plenty of times over the years for work events, conferences and the odd awards night, but never as a guest with the family. It’s always felt like one of those places you associate with business suits and name badges rather than pushchairs and pool bags. So, heading there for a proper family stay felt completely different. I was curious to see whether the resort’s reputation for luxury and leisure would actually work for a family break, and whether it could keep both the grown-ups and the kids happy at the same time.
Our room
We stayed in a Deluxe King Room with a sofa bed and it was perfect for two adults, an 11-year-old, and our 10-month-old baby. At first I did wonder how we’d all fit, but the sofa bed was surprisingly comfortable, and housekeeping kindly set it all up for us. They mentioned all the sofa bed mattresses had been replaced recently, which probably explains why it didn’t feel like one of those lumpy fold-outs you dread.
The room was spacious, with a king-size bed, bath and shower (always a win with little ones), and a cot provided for our baby. There was even a mini fridge and a bottle of bubbly waiting, ideal when you know you won’t be driving anywhere.
I’m a fan of Elemis products, so the complimentary toiletries were a lovely touch. Wi-Fi was free, which kept our daughter happy streaming and gaming in between activities. For a one-night stay, it was perfect, but for longer visits, I’d suggest a larger family room so everyone can have their own space.
Dining
One of the best things about Celtic Manor is the sheer choice of places to eat. From Steak on Six and PAD’s contemporary Asian-inspired dishes to the casual Grill and elegant afternoon teas, there’s something for every taste and occasion.
With two kids in tow, we opted for The Olive Tree & Garden Room. It’s a lively buffet restaurant with a mix of hot and cold dishes, including a carvery, curries, and a great selection of desserts. There’s even a dedicated kids’ section, which makes life easier for parents. They had tomato pasta and anyone with kids will know that’s a winner.
The only small downside was that our drinks took quite a while to arrive. We were well into our mains before they finally reached the table. The staff were very apologetic though and made up for it with their friendliness, especially towards the kids, making them feel welcome and part of the experience.
Breakfast the next morning was also served here and honestly, it’s one of the best buffet breakfasts around. Fresh fruit, pastries, a full cooked breakfast, pancakes – you name it, they’ve got it.
Leisure & activities
The biggest draw for us was the activities. We started with a swim in the pool, which has that Roman spa look about it. You do have to book a slot in advance, but it’s easy to do online. Towels are provided, and there’s also a sauna and other spa facilities if you fancy something more relaxing.
It would be great to see some unisex or family changing facilities in the spa area. The kids were a bit of a handful, which isn’t the hotel’s fault, but a shared space would have made getting everyone ready a lot easier. That said, the locker system was simple to use, and the towel drop worked well. Having underground parking on the same level also made loading and unloading our luggage and swim gear nice and easy.
We also tried two activities: axe throwing and adventure golf. Axe throwing was a first for us, and surprisingly addictive once you get the hang of it. The instructor was brilliant, patient, funny, and gave us a proper one-to-one session since we were the only ones booked in. It costs £20 per person for 30 minutes and is great fun for adults or older kids.
Adventure Golf, on the other hand, was perfect family entertainment. The course is themed around famous golf holes from St Andrews, Pebble Beach, and even the Twenty Ten Ryder Cup course. There are mini bridges, small lakes, and a dragon’s lair to tackle – a great mix of fun and challenge for all ages. A family of four can play for £32, which felt fair considering the quality.
If you fancy more adventure, there’s plenty else on offer with high and low ropes, forest nets, archery, laser combat, and even a giant inflatable obstacle course. We didn’t get around to those this time, but they’re high on our list for next time.
Seasonal fun
Our visit happened to fall during half term, and the resort had set up its new Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch on the rooftop terrace. It had everything from pumpkin carving, with themed drinks, and autumnal décor that made it feel properly festive. It’s just another example of how the Celtic Manor keeps things fresh and fun for returning families.
There are costs for all of these of course and with plenty to do, pick and choose what you’d like to do ahead of time. It was suprising how quick time went, so less is definitely more, and saves you busting your budget needlessley by trying to cram in too many things.
Would we stay again?
For a place that’s only a short drive from home, it felt like we’d gone on a proper holiday. The Celtic Manor manages to blend luxury with genuine family fun, which isn’t easy to do. There’s something for every age and interest, and the staff go out of their way to make you feel looked after.
It’s not just for visitors to Wales, it’s a fantastic local escape too. And with seasonal events, package deals, and offers (especially around Black Friday), it’s worth keeping an eye on their website for the latest family packages.
Our stay reminded us why the Celtic Manor continues to stand out, it’s not just a hotel, it’s a complete experience. And sometimes, the best getaways are the ones closest to home.
