So, you fancy a few nights away camping with the kids, but your expectations seem to surpass the reality of what’s on offer? Unfortunately, perfect campsites are a bit like mythical creatures…they don’t exist. Or do they? Aberafon, on the Llyn Peninsula, is pretty damn close!
Firstly, it must, of course, be family friendly. Maybe it has a small adventure play park and pitches located only around the edges of the fields to encourage kite flying, boules and games of catch. However, you also want a beach close by for some family paddling, kayaking or SUPing. Oh, and it definitely needs to allow camp fires – that’s an absolute must – how else will you toast those marshmallows?
Should you and your family wish to escape further though, there needs to be plenty on offer within a short distance to keep you all occupied. And lastly, you want truly jaw-dropping scenery and surroundings. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this campsite, like a minotaur, unicorn or rocking horse poo; is just a step too far…a thing of camping fantasy. You’d be wrong!
Aberafon, located on the Llyn Penisula in North Wales, about 10 miles south of Caernarfon, should be on everyone’s UK camping bucket list. Sandwiched between the sea, that it proudly looks across, and the mountains behind, that offer a spectacular backdrop, you will struggle to find a more aesthetically pleasing base for your family camping adventures anywhere.
Okay, Aberafon’s position does mean that, from time to time, the area suffers from windy conditions. But few coastal sites manage to escape this issue. Furthermore, to reach Aberafon, you have to descend down a steep, narrow lane. If you’re towing a trailer or in a campervan, extra caution needs to be taken as even the passing spots are pretty tight. But, sites of this beauty are rarely located, Travelodge style, at the side of a convenient dual carriageway.
There are also all manner of spiders, moths, beetles and the like, (yes, even in the toilets and shower block) for you to either embrace or avoid. But, come on, you’re in the great outdoors; if bugs bother you, maybe you should have exited the dual carriageway at said Travelodge. My point is, if you want the massive rewards that this site offers, you have to live a little. Nobody wins a race they did not enter!
Our pitch beside the sea.
The view from our tent door
We booked a sea view pitch (£48 for three nights) and, on arrival, were given a choice of two to check out. We gambled and went for the pitch right on the front. When I say right on the front, there is a literally just a fence (more than capable of stopping inquisitive critters) that separates you from the beach. However, there are also sheltered pitches available, located in the back fields in amongst the trees and bushes, for people not wanting to be as exposed during periods of bad weather. Booking ahead (using their online availability and booking system) during busy periods is essential. During our stay a few fellow campers had enquired about extending their holiday by an extra night or two (it really is that sort of place) but to no avail. The site was full!
The largely pebble Aberafon beach that we looked onto also has small patches of sand, particularly welcome if, like us, you have very young children. It is also perfect for exploring the many rock pools that form making it home to many crabs and other sea creatures. The beach also has a slipway for anyone wishing to take boats or kayaks to venture round this beautiful coastline, which certainly attracts more outdoor and adventurous families. Lastly, beach fires are permitted, with the onsite shop selling bags of wood and marshmallows, setting you up for a perfect evening sunset.
Beach fire, marshmallows and cuddles at sunset
The mountains located to the rear of the Aberafon site are also well worthy of exploration. Packed up with the toddler on my back, we spent an afternoon conquering them and trying to spot our now miniscule bell tent. There is no need to drive out in order to find a trail to hike, you simply walk straight out of the site and cross the road to pick up the first way-marked path up to Gyrn Goch. It’s a steep hike but has amazing views of the peninsula and Anglesey.
The view up to Gyrn Goch behind our tent
The view of the campsite from the top of Gyrn Goch. Can you spot our tent?
The facilities onsite are very good and clean which, when you bear in mind the location and type of adventurous people and families it attracts, is no mean feat. The shower rooms and toilets have everything from wetsuits, sea water and sand to an array of local bugs traipsing through them, so the owners do a brilliant job in their upkeep.
We had toilets, drinking water and washing up facilities located at the top of our field, which was really handy for our nearly 3 year old and his peanut sized bladder. The showers are located just a two minute walk away, adjacent to the babbling brook and resident family of ducks, and cost 20p for 3 minutes.
A friendlier set of owners you’d struggle to meet. As a teacher, who is notoriously bad with names, I was impressed that after one brief meeting the owner had managed to remember the names of our children and always made a point of asking them about their day and adventures. They were also a willing source of local knowledge giving me the low down on the various hiking routes available from the campsite. Nothing was too much trouble. A further nice touch was that on the Wednesday evening they had arranged for a wood-fired pizza company to come onto site and set up their oven in the top field. This certainly went down well with campers.
If your jaw ever tires of gawping at the wonderful scenery at Aberafon, there’s a great collection of days out all within a short drive. Caernarfon, and its famous castle, is only about 20 minutes away in one direction, while the seaside town of Porthmadog and the architecturally amazing Portmeirion are only about 20 minutes away in the other direction. If you crave even more adventure, you’re also on the doorstep of Snowdonia National Park. With its endless walking, hiking, climbing and paddling opportunities, and its picturesque towns and local legends, such as Beddgelert, you’d struggle to be better placed for exploring this particular part of north Wales.
All in all, if you’re an active, adventurous family that embraces the outdoors then Aberafon could just be your unicorn. It offers so much in such a small, non-commercialised package, while the views alone are worthy of adding it to your camping bucket list.
Wow, it looks absolutely amazing. I always stick to the south west coast but think I need to get a bit more adventurous! Glad you had great weather as well #dreamteam
It’s the same for us really, we tend to stick to areas of north Wales. We’ve promised ourselves an adventure up to Skye next year though. Thanks for reading.
Your photos look amazing! What a beautiful place x #DreamTeam
Thank you.
This looks stunning and reasonably priced too. I’ve been admiring your pictures on Facebook. The last time I went to Wales was when I was 14, Lee has never been before and we’d love to take the kids. This is something to look up for next year. Sarah #WhateverTheWeather
I’m sold!! We camped in Betws-y-coed over the summer which is just a few miles from here. but we said that we’d go for a more coastal area next time so this looks fab! Beautiful photos too. #WhateverTheWeather
My family live in mid-wales, I can’t believe there was such a beautiful holiday spot so close this whole time! #BloggerClubUK
There are some truly stunning places along the Llyn Peninsula. Thanks for reading.
That looks such a beautiful place, your photos are stunning too,
This really does look like the perfect place to camp. Thanks so much for sharing!
#whatevertheweather
If the weather is good it really is. Thanks for reading.
Such a lovely place for camping! I wish one day we can camp there cuz its just so perfect and that sunset is just gorgeous! #whatevertheweather
I hope you manage to get one day. Thanks for reading.
Bookmarking right now! We love camping and the nicer the site the better, this sounds ideal. We’ve stayed at 2 great places this year knoydart in Scotland (v v v basic site but next to the sea and beautiful) and next to Malham cove (not as beautiful but great campsite.) probably won’t camp again this year now but Wales may be an option next year! #bloggerclubuk
We’ve stayed at Knoydart house/lodge up in Scotland so I imagine it’s the same area and yes very beautiful. Yes unfortunately I’m cleaning and re-waterproofing our tent today and tomorrow in case this was our last camp of the year. Thanks for reading.
Wow! This looks stunning and your photos are amazing. I’m rather jealous of your bell tent too!
Ah thank you and thanks for reading too 😄
wow your view really is amazing! you are right re the bugs and all. it comes with camping lol! I remember going to caernafon when I was a tiny kid. feels a long time ago now ! #whatevertheweather
Yeah, you’ve definitely got to embrace mucking in. Thanks for reading. 😄
Wow! what a magnificent view and perfect camping site. Sounds like you you have a great time. We planned camping last month but didn’t push through due to the weather. Camping is really fun and haven’t tried it with kids yet, but will definitely give it a a go in the future weather permitting. #binkylinky
Yeah we love it and this site is stunning. Thanks for reading 😄
Wow what an amazing campsite and I love your photos! We haven’t been away with Mia yet alone camping however my partner is keen to go and I’m slowly coming round to the idea. With views like these, I’m not surprised people love it! 🙂
#binkylinky
Great review and stunning pictures! Looks like a great place to go camping and especially with so many water activities on your doorstep – my stepson would love this 😉 thanks for linking to #dreamteam great to have you!
You really do take some amazing photos and find some stunning places on your adventures! Thanks for linking up to the #BinkyLinky
Thank you and thanks for hosting.
It really does look like a perfect camping site with everything you need for a great holiday camping with the kids. The views really are stunning! We were at a very similar sounding campsite on Arran this week and despite the rather windy conditions we had a great time. We always prefer the coastal sites to play on the beach and to keep the midges away! Thanks for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂
This looks amazing a great place to camp stunning photos Thanks for linking to the #binkylinky come back next week please
Thanks for hosting, I’ll be back next week 👍🏼
Calling back in from #FamilyFun. I read this the first time on my phone, I’m on my laptop now and your photos are stunning! I suppose easy when you’ve got such a beautiful setting! Thanks for linking up to #FamilyFun – Hope you can join us next week!
Thanks so much and thanks for hosting.
I can’t say I’m very good at camping but those picture have really made me want to try, they are stunning and the scenery looks fab. I especially love that sunset photo. I have spent a lot of time in South Wales and never been to north wales. It is on the list of places we would like to visit though and this post has reignited that flame! Thanks so much for linking at #familyfun. Hope you can come back next week x
Thanks so much and thanks for hosting. Yes you should definitely pay he north a visit – beautiful region.
Wow what an incredible camping spot! Id love to visit for a day – but Id wimp out over night I think…
The weather looks gorgeous too – busting the myth that Wales can only do rain. what gorgeous memories you must have made, your photos are so beautiful.
big love, L
xxx
#familyfun
Wow I have never wanted to camp ever, but these views may be able to sway me they are incredible, #mondayescapes x
Beach fire + marshmallows = it doesn’t get better than that!
It certainly doesn’t! Thanks for dropping by 😁
This really does look lovely. We keep meaning to go to Wales camping so I’ll add it to our list. And the tent looks great as well. #AdventureCalling
Clare M recently posted…South West Coast Path Beer to Branscombe Walk
Yes, there’s so many great site in Wales. Thanks for dropping by.
wowwweee those views!! I love the sea views, and from a camp site too.. I can just imagine sat by a camp fire looking out onto the sea and that sounds perfect. we haven’t started camping yet, want to try it this year but need to just pluck up the courage and do it. we are a little far from Wales, in sheffield, but would definitely consider this for future holidays. you got some amazing photos too, your family are beautiful 🙂 #adventurecalling x
Thanks so much. Yes a site like this is well worth the journey. You’ll have to let me know where you plump for if you do go this year as I’m always on the lookout for new sites.
This campsite looks amazing. Definitely one for us to visit. Thank you for letting us know about it.
We’ve lost a tent (at shell island) to the wind, and you’re right, this looks like it could get windy. I’ll be digging out the big yellow plastic pegs when we visit 😀
Yes, we got very lucky with the weather but if a storm came in you’d know about it!
This campsite looks amazing. Definitely one for us to visit. Thank you for letting us know about it.
We’ve lost a tent (at shell island) to the wind, and you’re right, this looks like it could get windy. I’ll be digging out the big yellow plastic pegs when we visit 😀
#adventurecalling
Looks incredible. Never camped Wales but it’s definetly on the list now.
Yeah this definitely one of my favourite UK sites mate. Thanks for commenting.
I absolutely love it on the Llyn Peninsular – just returned from there myself actually! The campsite looks and sounds amazing, especially with pizza too. What more could you want? I’ll definitely consider it if we’re ever over on the Aberafon side. Thank you.
#adventurecalling
Sarah Irving | The Urban Wanderer recently posted…Mariage Frères Tea Museum | Alternative Paris
Lovely area of the UK isn’t it. Hope you had a good time on the peninsula.
What a stunning campsite… and your tent looks so dreamy, I’ve never camped in Wales but it’s on my bucket list now!!
Thanks Laura, yes it’s definitely one for your list.
This looks like a great spot. we love wales. and that picture of your youngest with the flower headband 😍😍 #adventurecalling
Maid in Dartmoor recently posted…The Little Zoo with a Big Heart
Yes a beautiful spot. She’s looks angelic there – it doesn’t reflect her usual self 😂😂
Oh Wow! It is so beautiful here. I love your camp fire place. I could do with one of those in my house too! Plus the camping site is so cheap. So worthwhile putting up the tent and all. Thank you for hosting. #adventurecalling
Su {Ethan & Evelyn} recently posted…#FabFridayPost #87 {09.06.17}
It really is lovely. Thanks for dropping by and joining us.
Wow, I want to stay on this campsite! #adventurecalling
I’ve been put off camping to some extent sadly having feared to go to sleep in fear I did not wake again being it was soo cold. I think that the points you raise though about keeping kids occupied is a good one. I would just add in a few geocaches too. #adventurecalling
Helena recently posted…Celebrate Fathers Day with Flywheel Festival
Yes, keeping them warm and occupied is the crucial bit. After that everything falls into place. I imagine you’d have a wealth of geocaches near campsite too. Thanks for dropping by.
That looks absolutely idyllic. If I could design my dream campsiye, I think it would be that one! Your photos are amazing, I can so see why people don’t want to leave. #AdventureCAlling
Lauren M recently posted…The Helpful Hiker does the Northamptonshire Round: 50 miles in 2 days (DAY 1)
Wow what a stunning place for a camping holiday. #adventurecalling
Those views really do look stunning! And I love the idea of a camp fire on the beach. #adventurecalling
Wow, I thought we’ve found the near perfect campsite just outside Clifden in Connemara, but this one trumps it – there are mountains on the doorstep. Stunning place!
#Adventurecalling
Beautiful isn’t it!
I know Brittany has already responded to you, but I just wanted to pop in, say hello, and thank you for stopping by!
Incredibly stunning views from the pictures. And the kids seem to love every bit of this. It sounds as if the pricing is just right. I would definitely love to visit this place.