Thankyou to all those who gave us such encouraging comments about Shell Island when we were thinking of backing out and trying somewhere else. we did go and of course thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
We camped at the side of the estuary as it seemed more sheltered and it was quite breezy when we arrived. And what weather! We didn't get one beachy day (well there was one afternoon but unfortunately we chose that one to go to Betws-y-coed! We had drizzle while Shell Island had a grogeous afternoon). The storms and gales were an experience and it was very sad to see a lot of tents totally flattened, though a lot of people seemed to grab the opportunity to get a new one! Thankfully ours was fine.
Despite the weather we had a very relaxing holiday and was very impressed with the site. The beaches looked lovely and the views were tremendous. The kids enjoyed the crabbing as recommended. Bank holiday was busy as you'd expect but still lots of space and a nice friendly atmosphere. There was a group near us with the radio still on loud at 11:05pm, but after a very loud "WILL YOU TURN THE ING RADIO OFF, I'M TRYING TO GET SOME ING KIP?!" roaring out from one of the tents it was rapidly and apologetically turned off and gave the whole field a good laugh!
So thankyou to everyone who recommended it, we're definitely going back, and hoping for warmer weather!
Post last edited on 31/08/2005 23:14:28
------------- Julie
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
so glad that you went and enjoyed yourself, so many people are condemming of the place, mainly because they have become used to the "all singing all dancing"sites and forget that shell island is what campsites should be about,
so jealous, well not of the weather you had, but thats par for the course there, but know we have the caravan, we wont be allowed on shell island, we still have a dome tent so maybe in the future i might retreive the gear we need out of the van and go just for old times sake!
I can thoroughly recommend it. And to be fair if anyone wants to be close to the facilities with toilets, showers, laundry ,supermarket,pub,cafe and gift shops close to hand there seemed to be plenty of scope for them to do so.
I must say, I was dead impressed that they didn't even run out of toilet paper in the toilets during bank holiday ... now that's dedication !!!!
------------- Julie
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
I also went to Shell Island on weekend of 19/21 Aug, found it to be quite excellent given the mixed reviews. Not too noisy, just a few playful kiddies etc which adds to atmosphere. Nowhere was really far from the central area, I was expecting to be miles from it but just a nice 10 minute stroll. It was also very clean, even though it was quite busy (there was a small wait at reception with Site Full signs all weekend).
Facilities were very good too and not too expensive. Plus the allowance of campfires is great. An important part of camping I find. And the portaloos were kept well so no problem there.
Stayed near the dunes, very beautiful, but had nice walks all over.
Will hopefully be going back at end of sept, highly recommended.
We were there for the bank holiday and we loved every windy minute of it. Its a great place and were hoping to go back the end of the month for the weekend. If anyone else is going about the 24th let us know be nice to have a few beers. cheers
hi folks new to camping only started this summer and really enjoyed it. Have heard about shell island but dont now where it is so could anyone give directions for next time we going camping next year.Thanks alison
What a great place both myself and my parents have been camping there for years, My parents had thier tent totaled one year, but the owner came along and sorted them out, with a mixture of poles that they were able to stay on. Thumbs up to shell island
It can be found about halfway between Porthmadog and Barmouth, just south of Harlech.
From Chester you can follow A55 to Llandudno, A470 to Blaenau Ffestiniog and A496 to Llanbedr.
Or you could use the A494 all the way to Dolgellau then A470/A496 past Barmouth to Llanbedr.
When you get to Llanbedr follow the road to the station and keep going. Takes you straight to the gate.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
I have just had a call from my parents and they are off to Shell Island next week, 76 + 72 years old in a old frame tent you are never to old to go under canvas.
Thiet excuse the tides are just right for prawning.