'Fairytale' Eryri campsite where you can sleep near a waterfall named UK's best

A breathtaking campsite near an Eryri waterfall has shot to the top of the UK rankings. Described as “like from the pages of a fairytale”, Nantcol Waterfalls campsite is surrounded by the stunning Rhinog mountains yet is just two miles from Shell Island and its golden sandy beaches.

Running through the site is Afon Nantcol – handy for a swim or an evening campfire with a glass of wine. The waterfall after which it gets its name is 100 metres away. As well as tent pitches, the site has cosy glamping pods with TV, WiFi, firepits and underfloor heating.

Nantcol Waterfalls has been winning top 10 accolades for almost 20 years and word is spreading about its appeal. Now the campsite has reached the top of the pile after being named the UK’s best. It was one of several North Wales sites that won big in the 2024 Camping and Glamping Awards run by Campsites.co.uk, showing the growing quality of the region’s staycation offer.

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Other winners included Bwch yn Uchaf, a riverside site near Bala, which took home the UK’s Best Budget Campsite award. Best UK Greener Site winner was Nyth Robin, a quirk woodland glamping site overlooking the Dyfi estuary. And the UK’s Best Newcomer was named as Trwyn yr Wylfa, a hillside campsite at Penmaenmawr, Conwy.

Nine other North Wales campsites collected awards from a list that ran to more than 3,200 locations. The accolades came on the heels of an Anglesey campsite being named the UK's best by the AA . Martin Smith, founder of Campsites.co.uk, said “This year’s standards feel higher than ever. Congratulations to all of the winners for adding some much-needed adventure to everyday life!”

Nantcol Waterfalls is home to 85 grass pitches, each allowing up to 10 guests. As well as glamping pods, there are a pair of heated bell tents. On-site facilities include a shop and a pizza van, while the village of Llanbedr is a five-minute drive away.

Some 94% of guests say they would recommend the site, lavishng it with praise. One camper said: “This is our third time at Nantcol and it didn’t disappoint. The site is absolutely beautiful and spotless and the location is out of this world.” Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone

Bwch-yn-Uchaf caravan and camping site - UK’s Best Budget Campsite

Another Eryri site that’s situated beneath the Aran and Arenig mountains a mile from Llyn Tegid, Wales’ biggest natural lake. Afon Twrch runs alongside the site, on the edge of Llanuwchllyn village, making it ideal for outdoor adventurers.

A narrow gauge railway runs nearby, giving open-carriage views of the lake. The site its own B&B and a small play area for children, along with a gated dog run for energetic canines.

Its owners say there is virtually no light pollution, adding: “You can camp underneath the stars and with the sounds of the river, sheep, and the steam train chugging past!”

One guest labelled it a “lovely little site”, noting that Bala has a good butcher and bakery, and a “fabulous” shop selling Welsh gins, whiskies and beers.

Nyth Robin glampsite - Best UK Greener Site

Set in woodlands alongside the Dyfi estuary near Aberdyfi, Nyth Robin prides itself on being a small and “quirky” site offering unique glamping facilities. Its accomodation includes a bell tent, a yurt, woodland cabin, vintage caravan and a glamping horsebox.

There are also nine touring pitches for caravans, motorhomes and campervans. The site is secluded, peaceful and dog friendly.

Guests could not be more enthusiastic. One woman said: “This is literally the best camp site I have stayed in in the UK. It’s a gem of a find. Everything has been thoughtfully landscaped and carefully integrated. It’s clean, tidy, peaceful, great value and well located for easy access to coastal towns and mountain hikes.”

Trwyn yr Wylfa Camping Site - UK’s Best Newcomer

Actually this site near Penmaenmawr, Conwy, has been welcoming guests since the 1940s. But it’s been taken over by the Jones family in recent years and under their stewardship the campsite is blossoming.

Set on 10 acres on a hillside, within Eryri National Park, it’s surrounded by glorious sea and mountain views. As well as being an ideal launchpad for hikes, it’s just a 15-minute walk from nearby beaches.

There’s plenty of room, with 30 grass pitches and a further 40 with electric hook-ups. Larger caravans and motorhomes can also be accommodated on 10 firmer pitches.

A woman camper enthused: “We had a lovely stay here - the views are to die for. We only stayed the weekend but wish we were there longer.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

Other North Wales winners

Best North Wales Campsite

• Winner: Nantcol Waterfalls ( Gwynedd )

• Runner-up: Trwyn yr Wylfa Camping Site, Conwy; and Tros Y Waen Holiday Park;Gwynedd)

Best North Wales Glamping Site

• Winner: Three Streams Glamping, Conwy

• Runner-up: Pods Pwll Coch, Anglesey; and Brook Cottage Shepherd Huts, Gwynedd

Best North Wales Caravan Park

• Winner: Abbey Farm Caravan and Camping, Denbighshire

• Runner-up: Plassey Holiday Park, Wrexham; and Ael y Garnedd, Anglesey

Best North Wales Family Campsite

• Winner: Plassey Holiday Park, Wrexham

• Runner-up: Bwch yn Uchaf, Gwynedd; and Cae Lal, Gwynedd

Best adult-only campsite (Wales)

• Winner: Cosmos Camping, Gwynfe, Brecon Beacons

• Runner-up: Spring Rock Fishery and Caravan Park, Powys; and Bryn Ednyfed Caravan Site, Anglesey

UK winners

• Best campsite: Nantcol Waterfalls, Gwynedd

• Best caravan park: Tregarton Park, Cornwall

• Best glamping site: East Thorne, Cornwall

• Best family campsite: Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Cornwall

• Best adult only site: Longnor Wood Holiday Park, Derbyshire

• Most unique site: Woodfire Camping, Petworth, Sussex

• Best budget-friendly campsite: Bwch yn Uchaf, Bala, Gwynedd

• Top dog award: St Helens in the Park, Scarborough, Yorkshire

• Best newcomer award: Ty Cochyn Caravan and Campsite, Anglesey

• Greener Site Award: Nyth Robin, Gwynedd

• Best holiday park: Highlands End Holiday Park, Dorset

• Best coastal campsite: Ocean Pitch, Devon

• Best small campsite: Parkgate Farm Holidays, Cumbria & Lake District

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