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.