campsite

WITH all this warm and sunny weather, has there ever been a better summer for a camping staycation?

Known locally as Mochras, Shell Island in North Cardigan Bay, Wales, sits in the Snowdonia National Park and is the biggest campsite in the UK – and even one of the biggest in Europe.

To get to the campsite, you’ll need to check tide times, as it is accessed via a Tidal Causeway – a raised road that can only be driven on at low tide.

With 800 pitches, there is plenty of space for campers across the 450-acre site, or if you don’t fancy sleeping under canvas, you could opt for one of the chalets on site.

Guests have access to three large, golden sand beaches that look out across Cardigan Bay where you can even have a campfire on.

And what makes the spot even better is that the sunsets are some of the best in the country, painting oranges and pinks in the sky above the peaks of Llŷn Peninsula and Snowdonia.

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At the park there are loads of things to do for guests including heading to the Tavern Bar for a tipple.

And for forgotten items, there is a useful supermarket on site as well as a gift shop, camping shop and off licence.

Kids can let off steam in the playground and football pitch or watch boats bob in the Mini Boat Pool before heading to the strawberry picking site.

There’s a large games room as well, next to the bar, where you can play pool, have a go on multiple arcade games and try and win on the penny machines.

Or head to the sports room, next to the games room, where you will find three TVs showing different sports.

The beach is just a few minutes’ walk away as well, which is a great spot to head kite-surfing, fishing and sailing.

The beach is known for having a large variety of shells, with up to 200 different species.

Little ones can also enjoy exploring rock pools.

Along the beaches, there are a number of paths for walks as well as recommended swimming spots.

During the peak season, camping costs from £14 per adult per night and children cost £7 per night.

Dogs are welcome too, costing £2.75 per night.

And one of the most unique things about the park, is that you get to pick your pitch as there is no pitch allocation.

This means you could opt for an area hidden in the sand dunes that overlooks the sea, to camp at.

One recent visitor said: “Shell Island is a fantastic campsite in an unbeatable location with a great mix of campers, mostly experienced old‑school types who know what North Wales coastal camping is really like.

“It’s great value for money; they keep pitch prices cheap.

“Loved the whole experience, can’t wait to go again, and the pub on site has great options on tap.”

Around Shell Island you’ll also find 13 species of wild orchid, amongst other wildflowers and crabbing spots.

Slightly further afield, there are a number of other to explore too, including Harlech Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage medieval fortress that’s just 10 minutes away.

And keen hikers can also head to Snowdon, Wales’ highest mountain.

The seaside town of Barmouth is nearby too, where you can explore cosy cafes and independent shops, as well as a large shingle beach.

NAME a better spot to camp than right by the beach?

Well, at an award-winning holiday park, you can now pitch up your tent just a few metres from the sand, this summer.

Aber Bay Holiday Park near Aberystwyth in Wales will be launching beachside pitches from August 1, costing just £30 per night – which works out at £7.50 per person, per night.

You’d be right by Clarach Bay Beach, which is a sheltered, sand and shingle cove that stretches a mile long.

The beach is a great spot for kids with rock pools to explore and there is also a walking trail that heads over the cliffs.

One recent visitor said: “The beach is located right at the front of the park, it’s a sandy/stone beach with a stream running through the middle ideal for the younger children to explore/build dams etc! Beach is beautiful and always very clean.”

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Another person added: “The bay itself has a beautiful gorgeous beach and facilities for children, the dogs loved it!”

A third person commented: “A lovely little beach front which is safe for children. The beach front also has a nice cafe which serves a good breakfast and tasty fish and chips.”

Guests also get to use all the facilities at the holiday park including an indoor heated pool, a games room, outdoor play area, restaurant, bar, shop and entertainment.

The park also recently opened a rooftop terrace which overlooks the coastline.

The holiday park was named the best in Wales last year by the Welsh Hospitality Awards, making it one of the best holiday parks in the UK.

If you didn’t fancy camping, you could stay in one of the park’s caravans, lodges or glamping pods with their own hot tubs, instead.

A four-night break in September costs as little as £215 in a caravan sleeping up to eight people – that’s £6.72 per person, per night.

One recent visitor said: “Absolutely lovely location,right on the beach and so peaceful, loved waking up to the noise of the sea and will definitely be coming back for another stay.”

CAMPING may conjure images of sagging tents, damp sleeping bags and a dreaded midnight trek to the communal toilet block. But that’s not the case at Lee Wick Farm.

Buried in St Osyth, Essex, this glampsite offers a compromise to satisfy my husband’s need for hot showers, a proper toilet and real mattress, while allowing the rest of our family and friends to embrace the wild.

Home to 20 glamping pods and cabins as well as a secret garden area, this is far from your average camping experience.

We opted for a sleek Lushna cabin, which comfortably slept our family of four and offered uninterrupted views across tranquil fields.

My husband Mark was relieved we had our own private bathroom, along with a compact but well-equipped kitchenette.

Guests can bring their own bedding, or those who like to travel light can add linen to their booking so their beds are ready for a snooze on arrival.

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Outside, the cabin boasts a private hot tub in an enclosed garden, providing plenty of open space for the kids to run around safely during the day – so the adults had a rare chance to sit down and actually relax.

Local attractions are just a short distance away, too.

On our first afternoon we took a walk down the lane and across the marshes toward the rugged Colne Point Nature Reserve, which felt like a proper expedition.

Wildlife is abundant along this shoreline, including local adders which bask in the grass.

It was a brilliant, old-school adventure that kept children and adults amused, but make sure you bring sturdy footwear just in case you lose a shoe in a bog (like one of our group!).

For a change of pace on a sunnier day, we headed to Curve Water Park. A few minutes from the farm by car, the park features an inflatable aqua assault course which resulted in plenty of competitive laughs and inevitable wipeouts.

For those wanting a more civilised pace, the park also offers paddleboarding and kayaking, allowing you to glide peacefully along the water before grabbing a drink at the dog-friendly lakeside cafe.

Lee Wick Farm is perfectly positioned for coastal and historic day trips too.

A short drive takes you to the sandy beaches of Holland-on-Sea where you can grab a bag of chips, or Clacton Pier where arcades and amusements offer entertainment as well as shelter when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Or head slightly inland to the picturesque village of Dedham. Located in the heart of Constable Country, it’s the perfect place for a stroll or boat ride along the River Stour.

And after an action-packed day, our cabin back at Lee Wick Farm allowed us to embrace the wilderness without sacrificing our home comforts.

We left with tired legs, bbq-filled stomachs and the realisation that the great outdoors is much more enjoyable when you have a warm cabin, private hot tub and a glass of cold prosecco in hand.

THE gorgeous Mediterranean village where I’ve camped for 50 years has just been dubbed ‘France’s Favourite Village’ and I am furious!

Bormes les Mimosas beat 13 other exceptionally pretty rural villages in a national TV competition watched – and voted on – by millions of French each summer.

It took the top spot because of its fabulous year-round colours – the hilltop medieval village is swathed in bright yellow mimosa flowers, bursting bougainvillaeas, majestic cypress trees and swaying palms.

The terracotta-roofed historic stone buildings tumble down the hillside,  a labyrinth of cobbled streets and tiny lanes filled with restaurants, boutiques and artist galleries.

And Bormes drew even greater praise for its wild, pristine coastline and immaculately maintained beaches.

Why am I so angry? The village that takes the top spot sees an immediate spike in visitors – often up to 40per cent more – and I’ll be having to fight for the spots at my favourite bars and restaurants when I visit this summer!

Bormes has been a part of my life since I was just seven years old when my family took a chance on an overnight stay at Camp du Domaine, a campsite right on the coast in the shadow of the hilltop village of Bormes.

For our family, it was love at first sight. Unlike the manicured lawns and strict rows of English campsites, Camp du Domaine was gloriously rustic.

Pitches were squeezed haphazardly between umbrella pines and plane trees, tumbling down to a gorgeous swathe of soft, golden sands.

Back then facilities were minimal – a shop, restaurant and shower blocks. But it was a paradise for us kids – we could roam on our bikes, head off on adventures, make friends and explore while my parents soaked up the Mediterranean sunshine.

And over the last 50 years, I’ve returned every year, bringing my own family on annual holidays and creating even more memories.

In my 26 years as The Sun’s Travel Editor, I’ve chatted to Virgin’s Richard Branson on the rooftop of his Caribbean island home, watched flamingos soar over the salt flats of Chile’s Atacama desert and ticked off every major European capital, Mediterranean hot spot and US city.

But nothing can beat the moment I step out of the shower block of my South of France campsite on my own family holidays.

This summer, we’ll pitch our two touring caravans right on the beach for two weeks. These days, my grown-up kids prefer their own space to the tents of their childhood!

The campsite has of course changed over the last 50 years – now there are three restaurants, a tennis club where the bar puts on nightly entertainment, and a gorgeous salon and spa with indoor and outdoor pampering treats.

The tent and caravan pitches at the top of the campsite near the original Chateau have been replaced with pretty – but pricey – bungalows with flower-filled terraces between them.

And some of the caravan pitches now come with their own little cabins containing your own private shower and toilet as well as a kitchen with fridge, microwave, hob, sink and even a dishwasher!

Our campsite sits right next to La Faviere – the port and marina of Bormes les Mimosas and within a five-minute stroll along the palm-tree lined boardwalk, we can enjoy the many restaurants and bars.

Over the last few years, the local authorities have spent huge amounts of time and money bringing back natural plants to recreate the sand dunes and flora and fauna I remember from my childhood.

Now the vast swathe of sandy beach hosts sports tournaments and festivals while the marina – with yet more great restaurants – hosts some stunning yachts and seriously swanky boats.

In summer, there’s a weekly food market in La Faviere every Saturday that is the perfect place to pick up local specialities from dried meats and olives to fresh baguettes and fougasse (a stuffed bread similar to a focaccia).

Twice a week – on Monday nights in La Faviere and Tuesday in the village of Bormes itself in the hills you will find markets selling everything from local pottery to raffia bags.

By day, we love enjoying a casual lunch on the beach at Plage Meynial right by the water’s edge and a two minute walk from the campsite.

By night, my go-to restaurants include Mimosa in La Faviere overlooking the port that has caught the eye of the Michelin guide for its modern Provencal cuisine. Cote Palmier is also great for pizzas and grills under the shade of mature plane trees.

In Bormes village itself, La Tonnelle is a quirky option, its interior decorated with traditional toys. Le Jardin is the stand-out for posh cuisine with set menus from £50pp. For great views, book a terrace table at Le Terrasse de l’Osteria for good value Mediterranean food from around £30pp.

But for the best pizza in the area, it has to be the little red vintage van that sits on Route de Benat, the road to our campsite. It’s been cooking up woodfired specialities for as long as I can remember.

Order in advance – and pick up yourself – and you’ll be rewarded with crispy, thin bases and sublime toppings. My favourite is L’Alsacienne with a creamy creme fraiche white sauce, thinly sliced onions and bacon.

You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying a glass of classic Provencal rose – the surrounding areas are home to a host of world-class vineyards, many of which offer tastings and tours.

And then of course there’s that glorious coastline. Scuba diving trips depart daily from the port at La Faviere while you can rent standup paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis and more to take to the waters.

Rent a boat and you can discover little coves along the coastline – although don’t stray too close to the impressive Fort de Bregancon, the ancient island fortress is the official summer residence of the French president.

Of course, it’s no wonder that French political royalty spend their summers in beautiful Bormes. I’ve always done the same.

I just hope its new title as the Favourite Village in France doesn’t mean too many others discover its captivating secrets!

GETTING THERE: Fly to Toulon-Hyeres – half an hour drive from Bormes – on Tuesdays and Saturdays this summer with British Airways Cityflyer from London City Airport. Fares from £300 return this August. See britishairways.com.

STAYING THERE: Four night stays at Camp du Domaine in July range from £126 for a non-electric pitch to £630 for a two bed bungalow. See campdudomaine.com.

CAMPSITES are getting cooler – letting you have a family holiday with all the frills but without the expensive costs.

One of the most fun ones on the block is Alannia Costa Blanca Resort in Spain, one of the largest of it’s kind in the country.

The five-star camping resort isn’t one where you’ll be pitching tents, but instead with holiday lodges instead.

But the main attraction is its huge tropical waterpark, with Indonesian Island stone heads overlooking it.

It has loads of pools (one of which is heated) as well as slides and splash zones.

Adults can head over to the spa centre or gyms, if they want a break, or take the kids to the many sports facilities including tennis and padel.

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You won’t have to leave the resort for anything – even with a hair salon and supermarket on-site.

Otherwise the main restaurant has both local and international dishes, or grab drinks and ice creams from the poolside bar.

When the sun goes down, there is lots to do as well with a vast programme of activities including discos, shows and bingo.

While the resort isn’t on the beach, the nearby Costa Blanca coastline is around 20 minutes away by car.

If you’re visiting in the peak summer season, expect prices to be around £1,719 for a week’s stay.

Visit outside of the peak summer season and you’ll pay just £554 for a week’s stay – and with lodges sleeping five, this works out to just £16 each a night.

Rooms range from premium two and three-bedroom holiday homes to larger lodges and chalets.

Families have raved about the campsite online, with one saying it was the “best camping site they had been to”.

Another said the pools “make you think you’re in Thailand“.

A third added: “The Tahiti pool is out of this world. Felt like we were in the Maldives.”

THE sun is making more of an appearance and the temperature is warming up, so there couldn’t be a more perfect time than now to book a camping holiday.

And what better place to go to than a campsite that is right by the UK’s best beach?

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Henry’s Campsite is family-run and can be found at the most southerly point of Cornwall and some visitors have even said it feels like being in the ‘Caribbean‘.

On the site, there are a variety of different pitches including ones with a sea view.

Each has an electrical hookup, with some also surrounded by exotic plants.

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As for facilities, the campsite has four showers, seven toilets, hot water, washing up facilities, a large washing machine and the showers cost 40p for three minutes.

For some quick essentials, there’s an onsite shop too that sells BBQ charcoal and even local cider.

Each pitch also comes with bricks, in case you want to create a firepit during the warm summer evenings.

To book, keen campers will need to email Henry’s Campsite directly with as many details as possible to secure a spot.

For those who would opt for glamping over camping, there’s the option to book the Bell Tent which comes with either a double bed and single beds, a lamp, rug, and a trunk.

The seaside campsite and its location is such a hit with travellers that it’s even been said to look like it belongs elsewhere.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “A campsite with a real difference – designed with thought, flair, and so many little touches that make you smile.

“We stayed on the 16th and 17th of September when the wind was howling and the rain pouring down, yet the ambience around the site (especially the main facilities) transported us to the Caribbean!”

Another called it an “outstanding site… such a gem I don’t want to share it!”

Adding to its beauty is the fact that it’s under half an hour away from Kynance Cove.

The beach was recently named the 26th best beach in Europe, according to Europe’s Best Beaches 2026 awards – and was the only one in England to make the list.

The beach is known for its soft white sand and bright blue waters – and it’s also one of the warmest stretches of coastline in the UK.

Aside from beaches, guests nearby can visit Lizard Village – it’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat whether that be the seaside staple fish and chips, to Cornish pasties or a cream tea.

The fishing village of Cadgwith Cove known for its pretty thatched cottages and shingle beach is just three miles away.

THE best family-friendly campsite in the country has been revealed, and it has a heated outdoor swimming pool and games room.

Trefach Holiday Park tucked away in Pembrokeshire topped the ranks when it came to the most family-friendly campsite in the UK – and it’s not hard to see why.

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Pitchup.com, the UK’s leading outdoor accommodation website, has found the best campsites for families across the country.

The rankings are based on ‘child-friendly’ ratings from nearly 200,000 customer reviews. 

Trefach Holiday Park is tucked away in the Pembrokeshire valley, but is well-worth a visit for any families this summer and scored 9.3 for ‘child-friendliness’.

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When it comes to entertainment during the summer, Trefach Holiday Park’s star of the show is definitely its swimming pool.

The outdoor that’s heated pool makes for a refreshing dip in the summer and is open between May 25 and September 4.

Adults can watch as their children splash about from the courtyard terrace.

One visitor said: “The pool was a big hit with the kids and kept them entertained for hours.”

Another described the campsite as a “little gem” which was great for their “family trip.”

On-site is its own restaurant and cafe which in the high season (July and August) is open every day from 10am until late for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It also has a play area, games room, TV room, laundrette as well as toilet blocks and showers.

Location-wise, the campsite is close to the hills of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park so it’s a great base for those who like to take scenic walks or want to explore seaside villages.

The nearest fishing villages are the likes of Tenby and Fishguard, it’s also close to the town of Cardigan.

Around Cardigan Bay, visitors can take boats out to do some dolphin-spotting.

Pitch types vary from electric grass tent and touring pitches to electric gravel motorhome pitches. Tent pitches can sleep up to six people for £46 per night – or £7.60pppn.