Stunning £12-a-night beachside campsite just 100 miles from Stoke-on-Trent

People travel from across the UK to visit Shell Island
-Credit: (Image: No credit)


As the weather warms up, families across the UK are likely to be seeking a getaway. For those on a budget, camping might be an appealing option. If you've got all the gear but no idea where to go, consider Shell Island in North Wales.

This popular campsite spans 300 acres of a 450-acre site in Gwynedd, making it one of the largest campsites in the UK with 800 pitches. Its unique location on North Cardigan Bay, within Snowdonia National Park, draws families from far and wide.

While some visitors come for day trips to enjoy activities like fishing, crabbing, and boating, many choose to stay longer, particularly during the summer months. It's recommended to book online in advance due to high demand.

Pitches aren't pre-assigned, allowing you to explore and set up camp wherever you prefer. You can choose to camp next to the beach, nestled among the trees, or closer to the facilities, reports the MEN.

Most amenities are conveniently located in the centre of the island behind the leisure complex.

Camping is the most affordable option, with peak prices (July to September) at £12 per night for adults and £6.25 per night for children aged three to 15. During busier periods such as bank holidays, a minimum stay of two or three nights may apply.

There is no need to resort to tents, with beach chalets and flats available for bookings of up to six people. Those who've experienced an stay at the site have generally put in rave reviews.

Early this year one visitor posted on Facebook: "Thank you, we have had a fantastic first camping weekend of the year. Easter has been great fun. Lovely to be back on the island and the new snack bar is looking fantastic."

Another shared: "When the weather's good this place is unreal, you could be abroad with Snowdonia overlooking the sea. Always a favourite to return to."

Moreover, the place boasts an overall 4 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor, where one ecstatic visitor declared: "Stayed in Shell Island for the first time this weekend, and I've got to say I can't believe I had never been to this little hidden gem before! Beautiful and breathtaking views, plenty of space for everyone to pitch up without being cramped, such good value for money, absolutely everything on site that you could possibly ask for or need."

In addition to the beach itself, there are also sand dunes to frolic in, a harbour, a restaurant, a snack bar and the Tavern Bar which conveniently sits right beside the children's playground and also has an outdoors area.

The shells, which give their name to the place, are plentiful and ready to be gathered - an astonishing 200 different varieties of shells could potentially wash up at your feet on the shorelines. The most opportune time to spot them tends to be between January and June.

Shell Island proves to be a hospitable retreat for dogs as well, albeit with restrictions in specific zones such as the snack bar or the bar area.

The facilities include a family-friendly toilet block, complete with baby baths and changing units, as well as showers equipped with changing areas and seats.

For the ladies, there's a spacious makeup and hair room with individual mirrors and plugs, and both the men's and women's showers offer complimentary hairdryers.

Youngsters can enjoy the Children's Play Park located near the bar and snack bar area, which also houses a Games Room filled with pool tables and other fun activities.

While caravans are not permitted, motorhomes and campervans are welcome. The closest train station is Llanbedr, a 30-minute stroll away.

For more information or to make a booking, visit the Shell Island website or check out their Facebook page.

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