Independent Campsite Reviews

Shell Island, recently listed by a national broadsheet (The Independent) as one of the top 50 campsites in the world. It's certainly the biggest camp site I know of. Even with its don't-camp-within-20-meters-of-anyonelse-without-asking rule, it must have room for over 500 units. The on-site facilities are hopelessly inadequate for half that number. There are no dishwashing facilities. Queuing for showers is inevitable after 08:30. There are very few level pitches within easy walking distance of the central facilities. The site's isolated peninsular status (it's not an island) induces a mild state of lawlessness amongst some of its visitors. Cars zoom around the litter-strewn dune system with children hanging out of the windows. The fragrant aroma of cannabis is never far away. The dreaded portaloos that are scattered inadequately around the site are "full" by Saturday evening and constitute a public health hazard by Sunday. The "20-metre" rule is widely flouted, pitch your tent on a level area, go for a walk, there may be someone pitched right next to you when you get back. The site can be located from miles around by its mountainous plume of BBQ/camp fire smoke that must rival the particulate emission of a small town.

So why then do hundreds of people flock there every weekend for six months of the year? Perhaps its just nostalgia - many campers have fond childhood memories of tumbling down the sand dunes on Shell Island. Perhaps it's that the sky is bigger. It sounds silly, but I swear it really is bigger. And the horizon is so vast and the views are breathtaking and the beach is wonderful. And the sun is brighter and the skylarks sing louder and longer then anywhere else. And on a warm, sunny day Shell Island doesn't have wind, it has soft, caressing zephyrs that roll over your skin like silk. It's a unique, magical, mesmerising place. Of course, the owner is well aware of this, which is why the portaloos can be left as fetid stinking heaps and people will still come back to the site in droves, just as I do. Go there and try it. It might make it into your top 50.

Shell island, Llanbedr we had the most amazing holiday here, so much to do, kayaking, swimming, collecting shells, sunbathing, we were totally relaxed, the sand hills are amazing, night life terrific, amenities fantastic, our kids loved it and once again we are going back this August, would not go any were else, one of the best holidays we have had, staff brilliant and helpful, shops fully stocked and adequate and launderette good, camp and gift shops stock all you need just amazing something for everyone, even back at tent of a night, you can just relax and everyone is friendly.