This campsite is the largest in the UK, and its position on a peninsula within a national park means you can enjoy unspoilt natural coastline that stretches on for miles
With warmer weather on the way, and the kids to entertain over the summer, you might be tempted to dust off your tent and enjoy the great outdoors.
Luckily, the UK has some incredible campsites, and the largest one can be found in Wales, specifically on a peninsula within Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). Found on a tidal island in Gwynedd, visitors will need to check timings before they leave, as it can sometimes be cut off by the sea.
Shell Island has over 800 pitches covering over 380 acres of camping ground, and a variety of tents and motorhomes pitch-up here. The site also has two beachfront chalets, and three holiday flats for those who prefer not to sleep under canvas. On-site, you’ll also find a supermarket, bar, coffee shop, and games room.
But perhaps one of the main reasons people book Shell Beach is its proximity to some of the areas most beautiful stretches of sand. Shell Island was crowned the regional winner among The Times’ UK’s 50 best beaches for 2025, with the publication writing: “At the northern end, around the harbour, the shore is rocky — turning to flat, sugar-soft sand as you head south. The beachcombing is astonishing: perfect scallops, fragile tusks and razors, unblemished turitellas and, most prized by conchologists, tiny cowries.”
Many visitors come to enjoy fishing, crabbing, and rockpooling, while other activities on this unique peninsula include bird and wildlife watching among Shell Island’s stunning dunes and marshland.
Campers can enjoy access to three beaches. South beach is six miles in length, and is popular for swimming, coastal walks, or just relaxing on the soft sands. To the north there’s also the area known as Dinghy Beach, thanks to its popularity with small boat enthusiasts, and the secluded Central Beach hidden in a rocky cove for peace and privacy.
However, you don’t need to stay on the campsite to enjoy these stunning beaches. If you’re in the area, you can visit between 8am and 8pm, with a £10 per car charge for day visitors. In peak season, the island can sometimes close at 1pm, so its worth arriving early during the summer months.
Visit the nearby coastal village of Llandanwg, a charming spot with stone cottages, country lanes, and cosy cafés. A short drive away you’ll also find the Llanfair Slate Caverns, a set of vast caves that can be explored, with spectacular views across Cardigan Bay at the end.
The medieval fortress of Castell Harlech is also worth a visit for history buffs, as it was the site of the longest siege in British history during the Wars of the Roses. The castle is set on a steep, rocky crag, offering incredible views of Tremadog Bay and Eryri from its towers.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com



You must be logged in to post a comment Login